Highland basketball coaches give thumbs up on IHSA state tourney site announcements
On Monday, the Illinois High School Association announced the venue for the IHSA state finals as known as the original “March Madness” would move stating next season (2020-21) from the Peoria Civic Center to a familiar place for many Illinois prep hoops fans — the State Farm Center at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana,
“We see this as the passing of the torch from Peoria to Champaign-Urbana,” IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said. “It is bittersweet because there is such a passion for basketball within these communities, and both have done so much to elevate the state final experience as hosts. The timing simply felt right to make a change for the tournament as the format shifts in 2021.”
Landing the IHSA boys state basketball tournament was a huge coup for the University of Illinois.
“We are thrilled with today’s news that the Illinois high school boys basketball state finals will return home to the campus of the University of Illinois,” Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman said. “We are humbled by their confidence in our community, which I know will come together to provide the players, families, and fans of the state’s best teams a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Locally, the reaction to IHSA boys tournament move was very positive from Highland boys basketball coach Derryl Cunningham.
“I think the change will be good (for the tournament),” Cunningham said. “I though it was good in Peoria, too.”
Cunningham has ties to playing in Champaign
Cunningham, a former college coach who prepares to begin his second season with the Bulldogs this winter, has a personal connection to the state tournament in Champaign from his playing days in the late 80’s for Chicago area power St. Joseph’s High School.
“My personal memories, I remember playing in Champaign as a high school player. Our team, St. Joseph’s, went downstate (in 1987) and I just remember the excitement of going to Champaign with the University of Illinois right there and it being a Big Ten team. I think every kid in the state of Illinois would want to play on an Illinois floor,“ said Cunningham.
Cunningham’s 1987 St. Joseph’s team finished third in the state tournament that season after losing to Chicago King and future Illini star Marcus Liberty in the semifinals. Cunningham believes the move comes at a good time and that fans and players will embrace and enjoy it.
“Just to sit there as a fan and be there in a Big Ten arena for all the different schools, the administrators. I just remember on our bus ride to Champaign just how excited our whole team was and the whole weekend we were just very excited,” Cunningham said.
Timing makes sense, Highland girls coach notes
Highland girls basketball coach Clint Hamilton said he felt the timing was good for the boys tournament to change venues.
“I think it couldn’t be a better time for them to move it if you look at the U of I and how the men’s program is trending up. They are starting to get a couple of local recruits and be really competitive in the Big Ten and I think with the renovations to the State Farm Center the past couple of years, the venue should be in tip-top shape and should be great for the atmosphere (there),” Hamilton said.
The boys tournament will be held in Champaign for 2021, 2022, and 2023. It was in Peoria from 1996 through 2020 and was previously in Champaign from 1919-1995.
The state tournament will switch next season from a format of being played over two weekends to a new format which will involve all four classes being played over a three day period. Four state championships will culminate the tournament weekend on Saturday.
Girls state tournament staying put
On the girls side, the IHSA girls basketball state finals will stay at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal the next three seasons.
“We are excited to continue to serve as the host for the IHSA girls state basketball championships,” said Illinois State Athletic Director Larry Lyons.
Hamilton said he is pleased the IHSA girls state tournament is remaining at Redbird Arena.
“I think that ISU is a great spot (for the girls tournament),” Hamilton said. “It’s a great community and the venue is really nice and we went up there for a game this year and it seemed like they filld up the lower half of the gym on both sides, so I was happy that it’s staying there.”
Redbird Arena has hosted the ISHA girls state basketball finals since 1992.