1. The girls varsity basketball game against Shawe has been cancelled due to Shawe postponing their evening events.
2. The swim meet at Switzerland County is still on for this evening.
I've had a little over 24 hours to let Saturday night sink in and I continue to be reminded of how special our community is. We were able to come together in our historic Tyson Auditorium to share memories, relive childhoods, and do what we do best... Cheer on our Raiders!
Just a few highlights from the evening:
-We honored eight coaching legends of South Ripley basketball and brought out players from every decade from the 1950's to the 2000's.
-Thanked the Cornett Family who has worked tirelessly to keep Tyson Auditorium alive and beautiful!
- We payed homage to the traditions that helped shaped the "Bleacher Creatures" from previous generations with an electric student section. Our students were unbelievable!
-Our cheerleaders wore throw back uniforms from the previous decades, performed stunts that rivaled the 70's, and even through out hundreds of souvenirs to our fans (one which almost cost us a technical foul :) ).
-Santa and his elves even made an appearance!
-Partnered with Mainstreet Versailles to create a Holiday event that brought the town together
-Watched the Raiders pickup a big win over North Decatur 70-56
-Created the best basketball environment in the entire state of Indiana on that evening!
Most importantly, we witnessed that SRHS is more than just academics—it’s a place where shared experiences shape who we are, and a simple basketball game brought our entire community together in a powerful, unforgettable way.
Thank you for everyone who helped to make this a reality. Go Big Green!
SOUTH RIPLEY BASKETBALL RETURNS TO HISTORIC TYSON AUDITORIUM FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2008
Versailles, Ind. — For the first time in 17 years, the sounds of South Ripley basketball will echo once again inside the storied walls of Tyson Auditorium. On Saturday, December 6, the Raiders will host North Decatur in a special varsity/JV boys matchup that brings one of Indiana’s most iconic high school basketball venues back to life.
Tyson Auditorium—completed in 1950 as part of the larger Tyson School complex—served for decades as the beating heart of Versailles basketball tradition. From packed sectional tournaments to generations of local players taking the floor under its signature arched ceiling, the building stands as a monument to small-town Hoosier hoops. Though South Ripley moved its home games to the high school gym in 2008, Tyson’s legacy has remained deeply rooted in the community.
The return game is part celebration, part homecoming.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to bring our players and fans back to Tyson,” said South Ripley High School Principal Derik Hutton. “The history, the atmosphere, the memories—this gym represents so much to our community. We are excited for our students to experience it firsthand.”
In anticipation of high interest, presale tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, December 2 at the South Ripley High School office for $6 each. Season ticket holders and South Ripley students will receive a complimentary ticket at the door and will not be charged for admission to this special event.
Coaches and players alike have expressed excitement about competing in such a unique environment. Many of the Raiders taking the court were not yet born the last time South Ripley suited up at Tyson, making this an opportunity to connect generations of fans and athletes.
The game also highlights the community’s ongoing pride in preserving local history. Tyson Auditorium has undergone maintenance and careful preservation over the years, ensuring that its distinct character—wooden bleachers, original floor, and unmatched acoustics—remains intact for events just like this one.
"Mr. Jeff Cornett and his wife Aimee have done an amazing job restoring the facility by adding new scoreboards, refinishing the floor, and improving the PA system. Our community is so thankful that our children get the opportunity to experience Tyson and it is because of the efforts like these two working to preserve the history. " - Derik Hutton.
Tipoff at Tyson Auditorium marks more than the start of a basketball game—it marks the revival of a cherished chapter in South Ripley’s story. On December 6, the Raiders return not just to a gym, but to a legacy.
For longtime fans and first-time visitors alike, it promises to be a night to remember. JV tipoff is at 6:00pm with a short ceremony honoring previous head coaches during the Tyson Auditorium era, followed by the Varsity game.
