Archive for March 23, 2012
Official Press Release
WABA introduces Indy’s Finest, city’s first women’s franchise
Newly formed team hosting tournament Saturday against Chicago, Columbus rivals
INDIANAPOLIS – Indy’s Finest, the city’s first Women’s American Basketball Association team, officially kicks off its season with a three-game tournament this Saturday at Whiteland High School. The tournament will include the Finest, the Chicago Steam and the Columbus (Ohio) Hidden Gems.
The Finest features former players from a number of prominent Indiana schools, including Butler University’s Azjah Bass and Alyssa Pittman; IUPUI’s Jessica Huffman, Gretchen Gaskin and Julia Whitted; Manchester College’s Kelley Meiklejohn; Valparaiso University’s Lauren Kenney; Ball State University’s Tyronda Benning; and Marian University’s Megan Egenolf.
“We’ve recruited a great group of women players who’ve been practicing and playing hard for the past couple months,” said team owner Tim Hicks, an Indianapolis native who founded VIP Management and Talent Agency and has promoted a number of professional and semi-professional athletes.
“We’re ready to show these teams from other cities that Indiana is the home of basketball and to give our fans a fun, fast-paced women’s basketball experience,” Hicks said.
The Finest are coached by Denise McClanahan, known to the players as, “Coach Mac,” a former varsity high school basketball coach with 23 years of experience. McClanahan coached at Southport High School and Franklin Central High School; she also has coached numerous statewide AAU teams for her own association, Lady Mac, and her current club, Indiana Elite. Her teams have played in many state title games and captured four AAU state championships, numerous Top 16 National Championship finishes and one National Championship in 2002.
“I am excited to be a part of this new adventure,” McClanahan said. “I am blessed to coach 13 wonderful and talented young athletes on the first WABA Indy’s Finest Team, and I am glad these young female players are getting a chance to play in front of the their families and friends instead of having to traveling overseas to continue playing basketball at a competitive level.”
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
WHO:
Indy’s Finest, the city’s newly formed WABA team
Columbus (Ohio) Hidden Gems
Chicago Steam
WHAT:
Three-game women’s basketball tournament
WHERE:
Whiteland High School
300 Main Street, Whiteland IN 46184
WHEN:
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Doors open at 9 a.m.
GAME SCHEDULE:
10 a.m.
Indy’s Finest
Chicago Steam
11:30 a.m.
Indy’s Finest
Hidden Gems
1 p.m.
Hidden Gems
Chicago Steam
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR
$10 per adult
$5 per student (with ID)
Children under 6 admitted free of charge
More info: www.indyfine.com
