Four years in the varsity starting lineup allowed Kyle Simpson to star for the Milan Indians and his reputation as a scorer and tenacious rebounder is evident in the school record books. He is second on the school’s all-time rebounding list and his 1,272 points remains third on the all-time scoring list. It is only the beginning of his accomplishments in an Indian uniform.

 

Simpson not only was an All-ORVC performer for all four years of varsity basketball but was also All-County his freshman, junior and senior seasons along with being named All-State by the Herald Times in 1993 and 1995. Following his high school career, Simpson went on to star at Indiana University Southeast and played four years for Hall of Fame coach Jim Morris. He played on the first Grenadier team to appear in the NAIA National Tournament, was a two-time All-Conference player and an NAIA All-South Region member in 1998 and 2000. He currently ranks ninth all-time at IU Southeast for career rebounds and is 25th on the program’s all-time scoring list.

 

Following graduation, Simpson transitioned from player to coach and served 18 years as an assistant coach at Bloomington South, led by Indiana’s all-time winningest coach JR Holmes. Holmes, Simpson and staff led South to 11 sectional titles, eight conference championships, five regional crowns and two semi-state championships which turned into state titles for the team in 2009 and 2011. The 2009 squad was highlighted by Indiana Mr. Basketball and future Indiana University great Jordan Hulls. Simpson then took over as varsity boys basketball coach at Southport High School and led for six seasons. Simpson’s tenure saw Southport win three conference titles, the 2015 Hall of Fame Classic and a sectional and regional title in 2016.