Rodney Walker

[RedWave Press @RedWavePress]

SHOCKING: A growing number of middle school athletes — mostly boys — are intentionally repeating 8th grade to delay their start in high school, giving themselves another full year to get bigger, stronger, and faster, which in turn dramatically boosts their chances at elite high school spots, college scholarships, and massive NIL deals potentially worth millions.

William La Jeunesse: “Of 8M high school students in sports only 7% will play in college.”

“On the other hand, the [likely] number one pick in this year’s NBA draft, [AJ Dybantsa], did 8th grade twice.”

CRAZY IDEA: How about we let more kids be kids!

[Shane Burkhart @CoachBurk22]

Another complete slap in the face from the Indiana all stars for the Evansville and surrounding areas. Lots of worthy kids down here, that win constantly and have the numbers to back it up. Time for a change!!! The disrespect is real.

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@Brian_Haenchen @KyleNeddenriep https://t.co/D4PuLvIxrT

[Ayden Crowley @aydencrowley4]

"At the end of the day, she's not from the right city and it makes it a little more difficult on her."

Central girls basketball HC David Alexander reacts to Maddy Shirley being left off the Indiana All-Star team.

More from Alexander tonight on @WEHTWTVWlocal @hometeamfriday

[CHSLadyBearsBB @CHSLadyBearsBB]

Maddy represents everything an All Star should be—in character, stats and success. This process is a flawed one but it doesn’t ruin what was one of the best careers Southern Indiana has ever seen. Proud of you 32. Don’t let politics tell you your worth!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

An Indiana All-Star basketball team without Maddy Shirley is baffling | Sokeland https://t.co/rq2813cty4 via @courierpress

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

What a miss! @MaddyShirley51 you did everything possible to be recognized on this team. There is a real problem with the selection process for you not to make it. Use it as fuel and continue to be great in all that you do! What a shame @indallstars - she averaged 24 and 13…..

[IndyStar HS Sports @indyhsscores]

Indiana All-Stars 2026: Here are your girls basketball top seniors to take on Kentucky https://t.co/X6SQV9efNa

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

Thank you for having me out last night @KourtMartin to the Dust Bowl. Great food, family, and fellowship centered around the game we all love! Honored to be recognized and see so many great former players! Evansville community come out and support this week!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

Two great guys right here - brought together by the game 🏀- and now down the hall from each other in the hospital. Congratulations EB and Sheide @rasheide_bell @CoachBurk22 #DadLife

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@CoachLowe68 @Neidig Thanks coach - pleasure to work with you, staff, and team last week. Best of luck!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

122 miles of travel, 3 counties of concession food, 2 different conferences of games, 4 changes of clothes, and 3 varsity football games refereed amidst the downpour of Hurricane Helene on a Saturday
#WeLiveForThis #IHSAA @Neidig

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

USA 3vs3 needs local 3vs3 legend @KourtMartin out there. We’ve lost more games in Paris than he has in his career now! #Goggles #BearPride

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@robbiefrank70 Congrats Coach!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@CoachHowington Congrats to you and your family, coach!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@KeithHicks35 Thank you

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@NDkendrick Coaches stipends hittin different on that side of town!

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@JoshHeltsley @BoilerPaulie I’d like to be on your short list as well - 2 tickets. Thank you

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@CHSLadyBearsBB @BuffaLouies I always knew it! Yessss Sir! #BoilerUp

[Central Boys Basketball @bears_central]

This group battled the rain and an early wake up to volunteer at Mickey’s Kingdom and do some deep cleaning for our community. Thank you @EWSUtility for having us and @theMitchFerg for providing breakfast/supplies/direction! The Bears had to have a little fun too…. #BearPride

[Rodney Walker @rwalkerball]

@jeremymrauch Best of luck going forward coach! Enjoyed getting to meet you through this great game we both love.