New Albany’s Donnie Hale has long been recognized as the cream of the crop in Southern Indiana’s Class of 2010. But his decision this past AAU season to tour the country with Spiece Indy Heat, a 17 and under travel team often touted as one of the nation’s best, has elevated his stature to another level.

The 6-foot-8 star boasts scholarship offers from Purdue and Xavier, and is garnering solid interest from other locals, including Kentucky, Indiana and Louisville.

“Playing up for (Spiece) over the summer allowed me to play competition that I wouldn’t of had a chance to otherwise,” Hale said. “That has made me a stronger and tougher player.”

Hale, who has taken unofficial campus visits to Indiana, Purdue, Louisville and Xavier, hopes to further examine all suitors and work this year towards a decision.

“I am interested in all the colleges,” Hale added. “Although I’m undecided now, I hope to have a decision by the end of my junior year.”