STEVE HANLON: What it takes to get to the top

In 1977 Lisa Sanchez walked into East Chicago Washington as a semi-lost ninth-grader. The 5-foot-1 youngster had never before dribbled or shot a basketball.

High school all-stars get a quarter pounding in McLegends

HARVEY | Tim Zasada looked at the rosters and knew it was a little slanted. The 1990 Hammond grad's premonition proved true Saturday afternoon at Thornton High School.

STEVE HANLON: 'Stepping down' on the critics

For all you knuckle-draggers crawling out of your caves, here is a sentence for you. And for all you Nike-wearing troglodytes, this applies to you, too.

STEVE HANLON: Patton's heart is a winner

VALPARAISO | It wasn't a ho-hum kind of injury. The kind where a bag of ice and a few minutes on the bench is the healer.

STEVE HANLON: Saturday night's all right for fight'n

PORTAGE | Mike Megyese spoke directly with some passion on Jan. 25, a few minutes after his Michigan City Wolves had snapped Merrillville's 39-game regular season winning streak with a 60-57 win.

STEVE HANLON: The rumor is true, Poston is the real deal

CEDAR LAKE | There have been a lot of rumors about Hanover Central guard Blayr Poston this winter. I wish I had a dime for every question or email I've gotten about her injury and missed games.

STEVE HANLON: No red eyes needed in this one

MUNSTER | It isn't just how you finish. Hardly. Winners come in many shapes and sizes. And they are not always on the “right” side of the scoreboard.

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris, left, drives past Portage sophomore Kaitlin Doud

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris, left, drives past Portage sophomore Kaitlin Doud on Wednesday.

Portage's Kaitlin Doud puts up a shot

Portage's Kaitlin Doud puts up a shot against Merrillville on Wednesday night.

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris puts up a shot

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris puts up a shot during Wednesday nights girls sectional game at Portage.

Merrillville sophomore Victoria Gaines, left, drives past Portage senior Nicki Monahan

Merrillville sophomore Victoria Gaines, left, drives past Portage senior Nicki Monahan on Wednesday.

Portage forward Alexis Johnson, left, drives against Merrillville

Portage forward Alexis Johnson, left, drives against Merrillville on Wednesday.

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris

Merrillville's Dariyan Morris, left, drives past Portage sophomore Kaitlin Doud during the sectional opener. Morris scored 16 points in the game.

Valparaiso's Andi Sarkisian, Hobart's Daley Law

Valparaiso's Andi Sarkisian, left, drives past Hobart's Daley Law during Wednesday's game at the Portage Sectional.

Valparaiso's Grace Withrow attempts to drive past Hobart's Cailin Trezak

Valparaiso's Grace Withrow tries to drive past Hobart's Cailin Trezak on Wednesday.

Hobart's Kara Cooke is fouled as she puts up a shot during Wednesday's game.

Hobart's Kara Cooke drives against Valparaiso

Hobart's Kara Cooke drives against Valparaiso on Wednesday night.

Players from both Valparaiso and Hobart battle for possession of the basketball.

STEVE HANLON: A Super Family night on Day 1

NEW CHICAGO | This week the stories and photographs will all be about Indiana's girls, the young ladies competing in the IHSAA's 38th annual girls basketball state championships.

Lake Central's Bell helps Lake Central continue late-season surge

ST. JOHN | The first practice after Lake Central’s only loss of 2013, a defeat at the hands of Merrillville, Indians coach Marc Urban lectured his starting senior power forward.