ESPN RISE

When it comes to great state debates, Indiana versus Kentucky in basketball is about as great as it gets.

The two neighboring states, both known for their intense passion for prep hoops, go up against each other every summer in the annual Indiana vs. Kentucky all-star games.

Last summer, in the 68th edition of the event, Kentucky won both girls games, while the boys games were split. There are two games each because one doubleheader is held in Indiana and another is in Kentucky.

Both of those states just displayed their support for high school basketball in this week's ESPN RISE Great State Debate.

In voting that closed Wednesday night, Kentucky and Indiana were the two states that garnered the most votes in a matchup against four other states and will now be advancing into a bracket with six other states.

Kentucky received 36.5 percent of the ESPN SportsNation poll, with Indiana in second place at 33.2 percent. The four states that fell short and are now eliminated in the Great State Debate for boys basketball are North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Texas.

It was surprising that Texas, which received so much voting support during the football version of the Great State Debate, was actually last among the six states that were in this week's survey with 12.8 percent.

By finishing first, Kentucky gains the No. 7 seed in the bracket and in two weeks will go head-to-head in the Great State Debate against Illinois.

Supporters of Indiana, the No. 8 seed, will have to ramp up their passion once again next week -- the Hoosier State will be going up against No. 1 seed New York.

Mark Tennis is the deputy sports editor for ESPNRISE.com