BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has pulled the plug on the remaining winter State Series events, including the Boys Basketball state tournaments, due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. This also will include Scholastic Bowl, Drama & Group Interpretation, Debate and journalism.
This morning, after consulting with the Illinois Department of Public Health as well as the Peoria City/County Health Department, the IHSA announced a plan to allow the remainder of the winter seasons to continue with limited attendance. The boys basketball tournaments were going to be played with each school allowed 60 spectators. The eight 1A and 2A semifinal teams, including the Goreville Blackcats, all traveled to Peoria and practiced at Carver Arena. The IHSA held a teleconference at 2:15 simply to recap the day and take questions about the plan moving forward.
That changed this evening as the call was made prior the Hinsdale South/Benet 3A sectional game, which was postponed last night due to a “potential student health emergency” at Hinsdale South, the sectional host.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding that we have received from everyone involved in this process over the past 72 hours,” said Craig Anderson. “We have stressed the fluidity of this situation and have been transparent about the possibility that a suspension or cancellation could occur. While we had support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Peoria City/County Health Department to continue our events with limited spectators, it has become untenable to continue the events among our member schools. Multiple schools who are participating or hosting these sports and activities have been forced to withdraw from those roles, clarifying the need for the IHSA to take definitive action. The Board considered suspending the events, but after deliberate discussion, did not believe that was a realistic option within the timeline. We feel for everyone who has been impacted, but must put the health and safety of all involved ahead of these events.”
The move comes a day after the NBA suspended its season, with the NHL and Major League Baseball following suit today. The NCAA announced that not only had canceled the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, but all spring championships as well.
The IHSA has not made any decisions related to spring sports tournaments at this time.
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