Reading program at Noble Crossing Elementary is slam dunk for Mad Ants

By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com

The Indiana Mad Ants are making themselves right at home … in the best possible way.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Noble Crossing Elementary School hosted Mad Ants Head Coach Tom Hankins and players Josiah-Jordan James and Ishmael Lane to celebrate readers by signing autographs and posing for photos.

Since 2023, the NBA G League team has been playing their games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which they share with their affiliate team, the Indiana Pacers. Having made their home in Fort Wayne from the time of their inception in 2007, the Mad Ants moved to be closer to the Pacers.

Indiana Mad Ants Team President Tim Bawmann said he has been looking for ways to get the team involved in the local community.

“I mentioned it to the Noblesville Schools superintendent, and one thing led to another,” Bawmann said.

Taryn Hassler, Noble Crossing media specialist, had been planning a book initiative related to biographies.

“It was perfect timing for both of us,” Bawmann said.

The reading challenge, which started in early January, saw 270 students participate in the program, with 1,108 books read. In fact, according to Bawmann, Noble Crossing students checked out more biographies in the last few weeks than in the entirety of last year.

“I talked to kids who read books on LeBron James and Steph Curry,” Bawmann said.

Having been involved in reading programs in Fort Wayne, the team recognizes that literacy is important across the board.

“We found there is a need to get reading levels up and get kids more interested in reading,” Bawmann said.

The Noble Crossing students could earn various prizes from the Mad Ants, depending on how many books they read, starting with a Mad Ants bookmark for all who registered and culminating in items like team T-shirts and mini-basketballs.

In addition, everyone who participated got a chance to win four tickets to the Mad Ants Saturday, Feb. 8 game against the Motor City Cruise. That night was also Marvel Super-Hero Night, and players wore special Wolverine-themed jerseys.

According to Bawmann, as a G League team, the Mad Ants have the opportunity to create a few themed jerseys a year. The Marvel jersey included the logo for the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation. Washed jerseys are available for auction to the top bidder through Tuesday evening at fans.winwithdash.com/team/madants. All proceeds will go to the NSEF.

“Noblesville Schools appreciates our strong partnership with the Mad Ants and all of our community partners who provide learning and development opportunities for our students and families,” said Marnie Cooke, Noblesville Schools executive director of marketing and communications.

The Mad Ants see this reading program as just the beginning of their involvement with Noblesville Schools.

“We’re digging in as fast as we can and helping in the community where we can,” Bawmann said.

Last year, the team hosted a complimentary basketball clinic at the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville. The Mad Ants have also been involved with fundraisers for the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank and Grace Community Care.

Having been in the industry with various teams for more than 30 years, Bawmann has a wealth of experience in community involvement.

“I get more joy out of giving back and supporting the community than ever before,” he said.

Bawmann particularly enjoys giving people experiences that they would otherwise never have, like inviting kids out and having them sit on the floor.

“Any way I can find people in need in communities and help put a smile on their faces feeds my soul,” he said.

The plan is that the Mad Ants will open their 2025-2026 season at The Arena at Innovation Mile, which is being built at 14157 CJ Way near Interstate 69 and is targeted to be completed this summer.

“It’s going to be a great venue and just the right size for us,” Bawmann said.