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Davidson Today
By the People, for the People
Bloomington Natives Shine in March Madness
Local coaches and players make waves in NCAA and NIT tournaments
Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:03am
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With Indiana University's men's and women's basketball teams out of the NCAA Tournament, several Bloomington natives are still making an impact in the postseason. From coaches leading mid-major programs to players suiting up for top-tier teams, these local connections are making waves across Division I, II, and III basketball.
Why it matters
Bloomington has a rich basketball tradition, and these stories showcase the continued success of the city's players and coaches at the highest levels of college basketball. Their achievements reflect positively on the local community and the quality of basketball talent developed in the area.
The details
Beth Cunningham, a former Bloomington South and Notre Dame standout, has led Missouri State to the NCAA Tournament after guiding them to a conference tournament title. Mo Hirt, a North grad, has Denison in the Division III national semifinals for the first time in program history. Jonathan Holmes, the son of South coach JR Holmes, is an assistant at Miami, which earned a play-in game bid. Dusty May, an Eastern Greene and Indiana University alum, has Michigan as a No. 1 seed, while Sean May, a Bloomington North grad, is an assistant at his alma mater, North Carolina. JQ Roberts, a Bloomington North product, is playing in the NIT for Davidson after transferring from Vanderbilt. Chris Brand, a Bloomington native and South grad, is an assistant coach for the Azusa Pacific women's team, which made the Division II Tournament.
- The NCAA Tournament's first round tips off on March 18, 2026.
- The Division III national semifinals take place on March 21, 2026.
- The Division II Tournament's West Regional was played on March 13, 2026.
The players
Beth Cunningham
The former Bloomington South and Notre Dame standout is the head coach of the Missouri State women's basketball team, leading them to the NCAA Tournament.
Mo Hirt
A graduate of Bloomington North, Hirt is the head coach of the Denison women's basketball team, which has reached the Division III national semifinals for the first time in program history.
Jonathan Holmes
The son of Bloomington South boys basketball coach JR Holmes, Jonathan is an assistant coach for the Miami men's basketball team, which earned a play-in game bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Dusty May
An Eastern Greene and Indiana University alum, May is the head coach of the Michigan men's basketball team, which is a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Sean May
A Bloomington North graduate, Sean May is an assistant coach for the North Carolina men's basketball team, which is a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The NCAA Tournament's first round games will be played on March 18, 2026, with the Division III national semifinals following on March 21, 2026.
The takeaway
These Bloomington natives are making their mark on college basketball, showcasing the depth of talent and coaching expertise that the city has produced. Their success stories inspire the next generation of local players and coaches to strive for greatness on the national stage.
