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Between time covering games or experience as fans or former students, our crew has seen a lot of basketball in a lot of gyms in the Midstate.
Naturally, some favorites start rise after time spent in some of the gyms.
We decided to take a look at some of our favorites from those experiences. Whether it be atmosphere, court design, seating or other reasons, we each wittled down our lists to three.
Here’s how Cam, Chris, Isaac, Joe and Scott ranked their favorites.
Cam
Trousdale County: Bias or not I LOVE this gym. The double-decker stands or the wall mounted goals. The gym throws you back to the 70s and 80s and one can sit and the history lingers throughout the
Father Ryan: Father Ryan’s gym is easily one of the nicest setups in the Midstate. It gives off small college vibes while also giving off a big game aura every time you step foot inside of it.
Pope John Paul II: JPII doesn’t have the monster capacity that some of the other private schools have but that’s exactly why I like it. It’s personal, the crowd is right on top of you and it doesn’t hurt that the Knights are a tough team to beat there.
Chris
Macon County: I’m probably biased here as I’ve seen more games in Nera White Gymnasium than any other. But it’s tough – as a visiting team, you head right into the Macon student section in the first half, and you hear the pep band playing throughout the game – something you won’t hear in many gyms. They’ve had some leaner years since the Tigerettes won their state title in 2021, but in those peak years, most visitors didn’t leave Lafayette with wins.
MBA: Definitely the most impressive facility I’ve set foot in, and there’s no bad seat in the house. Entering from up top and walking down to the court is different, and it really sets the stage nicely. Better than some college arenas.
Ensworth: A lot like MBA in that there’s not a bad seat in the gym, but the fact that there’s no end seating drops the Tigers to third. Still a neat venue, though.
Isaac
Hume Fogg: Every time I’m in this gym, it feels like I’m in a medieval castle. The location on broadway is super unique and the student section is always rocking.
Macon County: I’m always partial to the small town old feel, no matter what sport it is. The Tigers have a great small gym with a student section behind the net, and a huge mural of a tiger face on the wall.
Pope John Paul II: All of JP2’s athletic facilities are top notch, and the gym is no exception. The student section always brings the energy, and the design of the gym is one of the best around.
Joe
Hume-Fogg: Inside this castle on Broadway is a gym that has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s small but that typically lends to a great atmosphere for whoever the Blue Knights are squaring off against. Nicknamed “The Dungeon”, it has that sort of old-school feel but also a nice mix of new-school touches.
MBA: To me, MBA feels somewhat like the big gyms I grew up going to back home in Indiana. While not quite as big as those gyms, I love the way the seats surround the court making it feel like a smaller version of a college gym. It also has some of the coolest light structures I’ve seen in a high school gym.
Overton: The Bobcats have a great gym but what really stands out to me is their court. Over 80% of the court is this dark hardwood you won’t find anywhere else around. However, outside of the lane, the key is a much lighter shade giving the court a cool two-tone look.
Scott
MBA: The basketball facility at Montgomery Bell is as nice or nicer than some D-1 college facilities. From the exceptional lighting to the on-top-of-the-action seating, it is a special place to watch a game and the student section is just a show to themselves.
Greenbrier: Other schools are similar, but there is something special about Greenbrier. For one, the locker rooms are located right behind the bench area meaning no fans behind the bench. The opposite side has a smaller, more intimate courtside feel. Most of the fans are seated above the action where they are provided a full court view.
Liberty Creek: You get a different feeling as you exit the large foyer and enter through the glass double doors into the gym. Almost like entering from one world to the next. The floor is gorgeous in dueling shades of pine and oak with a stunning wolf at midcourt that shines against the red and blue seats. Grab a seat and listen to one of the best PA announcers in the 615 area code.
