Story byThe Times-Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)Bill OBoyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Sun, January 25, 2026 at 2:17 AM UTC·4 min readJan. 24—WILKES-BARRE — My favorite scenes in the movie "Hoosiers" are when the team is gathered in the locker room. Those scenes could have been filmed in the old Plymouth Gaylord Armory, where the Shawnee Indians played their home games. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe similarities are remarkable. And the teams are similar as well — a group of kids who are fundamentally sound, play tough defense, and are coached by icons. That was the way it was back then — good teams, great coaches, bandbox gymnasiums, big crowds, and excitement every game. Basketball was a way of life in Smalltown, USA. Rivalries were everywhere, and buzzer-beater finishes were common. From the time we could dribble a basketball, we were on the playgrounds looking for a game.
