Gilpin and Hughesexcel at All-Star Classic

South Ripley incoming junior Eli Gilpin and Batesville incoming senior James Hughes received plenty of praise after their performances at the Indiana All-Star Classic. Each player notched a double-double with Gilpin being named MVP of his specific All-Star Game contest.

Two guys who perhaps will spend all winter long vying for the title of best player in the coverage area both made it known they should be among tops in the state as well this past weekend as South Ripley’s Eli Gilpin and Batesville’s James Hughes competed at the Indiana All-Star Basketball Classic.

The 18th annual event was held last Friday at Anderson University and featured the Top 65 boys basketball underclassmen from this past season.

Gilpin, an incoming junior, starred as part of the series and for his efforts was named the Most Valuable Player of his team’s contest. He led Team White with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds and was three assists shy of a triple-double after dishing out seven assists. He shot 7-of-13 from the field as part of his crew’s 91-69 victory.

Hughes, an incoming senior, was also a Team White member in a separate game and helped his squad to a 98-87 victory over Team Red. The day finished with Hughes recording a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds and fellow teammate and EIAC nemesis Scout Gray of South Dearborn added 16 points. Bishop Chatard’s Ari Sahm earned MVP honors for Team White, leading all scorers with 32 points.

Team White was coached by South Dearborn head coach Brad Moorhead.

The Indiana All-Star Classic was co-founded by Excel Sports owner Steven Stremming and former Indiana University All-American Kent Benson. College coaches were on-hand to watch each of the games.