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Basketball Day in Indiana to bring high school, college, NBA matchups Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS Ind. (WISH) — A one-of-a-kind event is set for Saturday around Indiana.

It’s the first ever Basketball Day in Indiana, and there are a number of activities planned. Fans can celebrate the state’s unmatched passion for the sport of basketball.

Three high school marquee matchups as well as Butler and the Pacers all play in televised games. Organizers says it’s a great collection of high school, college and professional basketball games to showcase the sport which is synonymous with Indiana.

Starting at 10 a.m., a marquee matchup in girls’ basketball, Carmel vs. Center Grove, is happening at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That game is followed by a boys’ basketball matchup of Lapel vs. New Castle starting at noon at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse.

Both of those games are free to attend.

At 2 p.m., North Central and its star senior, Kris Wilkes, will face defending 4A state champion New Albany, led by junior Romeo Langford, at Southport High School. Then 16th ranked Butler takes on 22nd ranked Cincinnati at Hinkle fieldhouse starting at 4:30 p.m.

Wrapping up the day, the Portland Trail Blazers come to town to play Paul George and the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7 p.m.

“Well its intense, it’s well-played, passionate people love the sport travel great lengths to watch kids play and watch their favorite teams play,” said Indiana High School Athletic Association commissioner Bobby Cox. “Not unlike a lot of states but it has a little more special meaning in Indiana.”