🏀 The WBIT is Coming to Indiana!

The Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) is bringing elite competition to Indiana! This 32-team, single-elimination battle features top programs fighting for postseason glory. After intense early-round matchups on campus sites, the tournament ends with a high-stakes championship showdown right here in Indiana.

With powerhouse teams, clutch performances, and everything on the line, the WBIT is must-watch basketball. Stay tuned for game schedules and ticket info—this is a tournament you won’t want to miss!

📜 This Week in Indiana History 📜

Crawfordsville Wins the First IHSAA Basketball Tournament (1911)

Keeping up with the theme of basketball (this IS Indiana after all), on This Week in Indiana History, we are celebrating the inaugural high school basketball tournament. In 1911, Crawfordsville High School became the first state basketball champion in Indiana history when they defeated Lebanon 24-17.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… very low-scoring game. And these are supposed to be the best two teams in the state? Well, the game was different back then… this was before the bottom of the hoops had an opening (that didn’t happen until the next year in 1912), and they could pretty much only advance the ball by passing, as dribbling wasn’t as big as it is now. On top of that, they had a jump ball in the center after EVERY BASKET since they had to stop play to get the ball down, so the game moved a lot slower. 

As the IHSAA tournament is currently in full swing with boys regionals on Saturday, it’s always good to celebrate the great history that high school basketball has in the state of Indiana. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again; “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball… but this is Indiana.”

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Weekend

St. Patrick’s Day is next Monday, March 17, meaning Hoosiers will be decked out in green to celebrate this weekend. Today at 5 p.m., the festivities begin with the greening of Indianapolis’ downtown canal at the Ohio Street canal basin. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Indy starts at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, and the weekend is full of fun at McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn, The Hangar and more. If you still need to make your St. Patty’s plans in the Circle City, check out VisitIndy.com. ☘️

Indianapolis Pizza Festival on the Menu for August

Who has the best pizza in Indiana? That’s the question Bishop Chatard High School and Purdue University graduate Tommy Barrett, host of “Starts with a Question” on TikTok and Instagram, is hoping to answer with the help of fellow Hoosiers in August. The festival — featuring 20 to 40 pizzerias from Indiana — will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, on Monument Circle. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon at eventbrite.com, and unlimited pizza samples are included with the $30 price of admission. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit. 🍕

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The Greatest Ticket in Racing Unveiled

Yes, we are counting — only 73 days remain until the 109th Running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Last Thursday, IMS revealed this year’s commemorative ticket which features Josef Newgarden and five others who have been back-to-back winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Will Newgarden become the first ever to drink the milk in victory lane and kiss the bricks for a third consecutive year? Only time will tell, and you better believe we’ll be there to see it. 🏎🏁

🏠 Find Your Place with J.C. Hart

J.C. Hart has been creating standout apartment communities across Indiana since 1976. They know home is more than just four walls—it’s about comfort, convenience, and feeling like you belong. Whether you’re after city energy or suburban charm, they’ve got a spot that fits your vibe.

With thoughtfully designed spaces and a team that truly cares, J.C. Hart makes renting feel like an upgrade. Because home should be somewhere you love to be.

 💎 Hidden Gems 💎

With the Indianapolis Pizza Festival ready to debut in August, we’ve got pies on the mind with this week’s hidden gems. 🍕

Miller Pizza Company

If you find yourself in the region, make your way to Miller Pizza Co. in Gary, Indiana. Notorious for serving the best pies in northwest Indiana, including Chicago-style deep dish, you can’t miss with anything on Miller’s menu. While pizza is king, its pastas, sandwiches and garlic knots will satisfy your hunger, too. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. 🤤

Battista’s Artisan Pizzeria

Another top-notch pizza joint in northwest Indiana is Battista’s Artisan Pizzeria located in Crown Point. It’s known for handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas, served up fresh in a cozy environment. While Battista’s is a hidden gem in its own right, the restaurant resides in the former Halls of Justice building where gangster John Dillinger was arraigned in 1934 — the day before he escaped from the old Lake County Jail next door. Good pizza with a slice of American history? Can’t top it.

What’s your Hidden Gem? Reply to this email to get it featured!

👏 1 Big wIN 👏

For a third straight year, a Purdue Boilermaker is bringing home Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Junior guard Braden Smith won the award after averaging 16.3 points per game, leading the Big Ten with 8.8 assists per game, and shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. His former teammate Zach Edey was the recipient of the award for both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Smith is a product of Westfield High School, where he was named Indiana Mr. Basketball following his senior season in 2022. Smith’s teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn, who led Silver Creek High School to two state championships and was highlighted in our recent small town breakdown of Sellersburg, was All-Big Ten First Team with Smith, too. 🏀

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🎧 Building American Dreams: Will Schuler’s Million-Dollar Story 🎧

🎙 This may be my favorite episode ever… and I am not exaggerating.

I got to interview Will Schuler, a young entrepreneur who is making waves in Indiana's excavation and utility contracting industry.

From starting his business in high school to achieving over $30 million in revenue by age 23, Will shares his journey, the values that drive him, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

We delve into his early inspirations, the challenges of managing a growing company, and his commitment to building American infrastructure and American dreams.

You’re going to learn about: 
- How Will’s relentless drive set him apart from his peers
- His journey to becoming the youngest member of YPO ever (minimum $15 million+ in revenue) 
- Tips for building high-performing teams

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

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