(Lincoln Hale after the 2019 2A state title game)

Linton-Stockton guard Lincoln Hale was released from his Indiana State letter of intent today. With the head coaching change, the 2021 prospect decided to explore his options.

Yesterday, Indiana Basketball Source mentioned that Hale was still deciding between sticking with his commitment to Indiana State or opening his recruitment. Wednesday, he decided that opening his recruitment was his best option. Prior to the coaching change, Hale was the lone in-state 2021 commitment for Indiana State. 

Hale was one of the first 2021 Indiana players to make a college decision. He committed to Indiana State at the start of 2020. Of course, the world changed just a few months later, but Hale was able to make his decision on his own timeline. 

Hale had a fantastic senior season. He averaged 27 points per game for the year, and finished his career with 2,213 points. That ranks him 24th in the state's history right ahead of Eric Gordon, Chris Thomas, and Grayson Flittner. Throughout his high school career, he proved that he could score off the dribble or from 25 feet out. 

Hale led Linton-Stockton to a 23-5 record. The Miners were a top ten 2A all season before falling to Southwestern (Hanover) by one point in the regional. Early in the season, Linton-Stockton beat the 2A south state final representative Parke Heritage, 65-56. 

*Story will be updated with his options*