Cosby, Fish, Nibbs named to All Hendrick's County Teams.

Senior Justin Cosby earned All Hendrick's County first team honors. J.D. paced the Bulldogs, averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He shot 45 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line. Austin Fish and Torrey Nibbs both earned All Hendrick's County second team honors. Fish averaged a team high 10.75 points per game, and Nibbs added 10.2 points per game and 4.5 rebounds for the Dogs.

Heros

In my first year of teaching I had the opportunity to coach AAU basketball with a wonderful Christian, successful player, and tremendous coach in his own right, John Martin. John helped Kent Benson achieve greatness at New Castle by passing him the basketball, knocking down the open shots, and running Cecil Tag's offenses so that Kent could score and New Castle could win. At 22 years of age, I got to coach with this well of knowledge.

Recently, John Martin's brother, Jim, passed away at 53 years of age. Jim Martin had a way with words. During his battle with cancer he recorded many thoughts, prayers, and comforts. This one below was published for his funeral and touched me dearly; I know it will touch your heart as well.

"I have always had a roof over my head, food on my table, and clothes on my back. There are many people in the world who cannot say this. So what kind of arrogant unbelief would cause me to think the God, who has provided all of this, would not provide for me in the future? If at any point, in His sovereign wisdom, should He decide to withhold from me and my life should come to an end, here is the greatest revelation of all: He has made provision for that also. Therein lies the miracle of HIS love and grace. So, what are we afraid of?" - Jim Martin 1956-2009

Julian Mavunga #4

As you walk into Millett Hall on the campus of Miami of Ohio you will notice that Julian Mavunga has quickly made a positive impact. First you see a giant blown up Red Hawk, and next to it a large panoramic picture of Julian palming two basketballs out to his side. I couldn't include it on the blog because my camera couldn't get all of his 7'2 inch reach in the viewing area. (However it is in the background of the second picture.) Next two this station is a vertical jump challenge. Kids, adults, and yes coaches too, put Julian's large size 17 shoes on, adorned themselves with his #4 look-a-like jersey and jumped as high as we can. I scaled as high as Julian did at Conseco Fieldhouse for his thunderous dunk, yeah right.

After not pulling any muscles, I made my way inside the arena and found my seat for his game. When the Lady RedHawks finished up their game I was able to make some small talk with the surrounding fans all the while living in a world of anonymnity. We discussed the local eateries, other athletic programs, and the new faces on the Men's Basketball team. To my delight a loyal fan commented: "There is this new post player named Mavunga, #4, he's fun to watch! He is going to be one of the best here by the time he is a senior. We really like watching him." "I can't wait to see him," I reply as my heart swells with pride.

The game begins. The ball is thrown up. And they're off. However, unfortunately for the RedHawks the other team is better tonight. But in the game when #4 is put in, the friendly fans behind me, and the fans across the arena, and the fans all around cheered loud and proud for our very own #32 now #4.

Let's talk about the #'s for a minute. Seems fitting that if you divide 32 by 4 you get 8 = the number of years Julian Mavunga will have played organized basketball when he graduates from Miami. Coincidence, I doubt it.

After the game Julian keeps his tradition of being the last one out of the locker room. Ha, I don't mind. Unlike Gino and his teammates of old, I'll wait, this time. We travel with his family to the 45th Street Grill where most everyone knows him. Again, par for the course. We talk school, girls, basketball, and he does his usual Coach Kendrick impersonations that makes everyone, even his saintly mother, cramp in their bellies as they enjoy a terrific laugh. It is obvious that Julian Mavunga is doing very well. I'm sincerely happy for him. I'm also seriously happy that he has a few more coaches to impersonate. Coach Coles, he's got you pegged.

Love ya big fella.

Coach Kendrick

Pike hits buzzer beater - beats Bulldogs.

In sectional action at Pike versus the Red Devils Kurtis Runyon poured in a career high 16 points on eight for eleven shooting, grabbed 8 rebounds and two steals. Austin Fish knocked down two 26 foot three pointers in the final minutes, and Jacob Stevens scored six of his eleven in the fourth quarter. After being down 14, these heroics were only enough to tie the game at 48-48 with 10 seconds to go. Pike went on to score on the final possession to defeat the defending state champions 48-50. The Bulldogs out-rebounded the Red Devils by 19 and shot 50% for the second half but couldn't overcome the turnover margin. Senior Jacob Stevens scored eleven points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished an assist, and swatted a shot. Austin Fish scored nine points, two rebounds, and dished two assists. J.D. Cosby scored six points to go along with three assists. Torrey Nibbs dropped in four points, pulled down five rebounds, and passed for five assists. Jacob Eldridge scored a two points and grabbed four rebounds. Against the 11 toughest schedule in the state the Bulldogs finished the season with a 11-9 record, a third place finish in the Hoosier Crossroad Conference and a 7-1 home record thanks to the Dog Pound and many, many loyal fans! Thank you so very much for your support. J.D. Cosby, Austin Fish, Jacob Stevens - the program and the fans will certainly miss you - thank you seniors for your dedication to Brownsburg.

#10 J.D. Cosby - Senior Bio

Justin Dale Cosby aka JD is the son of David and Teresa Cosby. He has a brother, Josh, and a sister, Misty. He has lettered three years in basketball and is one of the senior captains. He received the basketball hustle award in 2007-2008; he is a member of the BHS Athletic Ambassadors and was crowned Mr. Bulldog 2008. JD was also a member of the cross-country team for three years and served as captain one year. He received a freshmen-sophomore mileage champion award in 2006-2007. He was also a member of the track team for one year and has been on the honor roll as well. JD was one of the senior candidates for the Homecoming King and has helped at Wheeler Missions for two years with his basketball teammates.

His college plans are undecided, yet he plans to major in Elementary P.E. and Health Education and be a personal trainer when he isn't in the classroom. JD would like to give special thanks to the fans, his friends, team members, his mom and dad, brother, sister and the Berry’s for all their love and support. A big thank you to Coach Kendrick and his staff for all the hard work that they have put into making us not just better ball players but people.

The fondest memory of High School would have to be winning the 4A State Championship last year. It was a dream come true, and it will never be forgotten. JD's favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Lakers featuring Kobe Bryant. His favorite meal this year was the breakfast by the senior moms and dads.
JD’s advice for young athletes is to commit to the Bulldog Program and give it all you have. It’s full of fun memories and goes by fast!

Jeff Holstein to perform in Indianapolis this Sunday!

Jeff Holstein, the good looking musician on the right, class of 2005, and graduating senior at Bellmont University, will be performing on Sunday at 1:00 at the Lazy Daze Coffee House. Not only can you go sample some music, but you can also watch him perform just a few miles away! Jeff was awesome last night at Birdy's. Go to his YouTube Video and get a glimpse. See you at the Lazy Daze Coffee House.

#24 Austin Fish 6'1 Senior Bio

Austin's parents are Kevin and Laurie Fish. Austin has lettered in Varsity Basketball for 3 years and also in Varsity Soccer for 3 years. One of his favorite memories was when he traveled to Brazil to play soccer. Austin participates in the Athletic Ambassador program and represented Brownsburg at several IHSAA leadership conferences.

Austin is waiting until the basketball season is over to make his final decision about where he is going to college. Austin plans to study telecommunications or sports journalism. Austin's dream is to do play by play for basketball.

Austin would like to thank his parents, grandparents and entire family for supporting him and attending games. Austin would also like to recognize, Jerry Hinds, his first travel basketball coach who got him excited about basketball. Special thanks go to Sarah, Dean, Demetrius, Kyle, Justin, and Stevie the rest of the spring break crew and all the fans, including neighbors that have supported the Bulldogs throughout the years. He wants to thank his former teammates Gordon, Julian, Bubba, Mitch, Blake, and Gino for making memories that will last a lifetime. Finally he wants to thank the coaches, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Neese, Danny Thompson, the managers, cheerleaders and all his teammates especially JD and Jake.

Austin's fondest memory of High School Basketball is winning the 4 A State Championship. He will always remember standing on the stage recieving the medal, the best fans in the state, the police escorts and the entire town attending pep sessions.

Austin's advice for all those future bulldogs out there is to work hard and follow your dreams.