IHSA pulls plug on basketball season, ending title dreams for four metro-east teams
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Madison and Mater Dei are two wins shy of every high school basketball team’s goal at the beginning of the year.
Collinsville, one of the nation’s winningest programs, is on a downhill run toward its return to the big stage and 2019 Class 3A champions East St. Louis Flyers are on the same trajectory for a repeat.
But the journey to a state title ends for all of them before the games can even be played. The Illinois High School Association announced late Thursday that, due to ongoing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, it has canceled all remaining games of the winter sports season, including Friday’s 3A and 4A sectional finals and next Tuesday’s super-sectionals.
Madison and Mater Dei already are in Peoria at the time of the IHSA announcement, anticipating their state semifinal games at Carver Arena. They loaded the bus back to the metro-east.
The cancellation of the remaining winter season includes Scholastic Bowl, Drama & Group Interpretation, Music, Debate and Journalism competitions.
“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.”
Earlier on Thursday, the IHSA had announced that the games would go forward, but that it would attempt to minimize the risk by limiting participating schools to just 60 tickets each, then clear the gym after each game.
The decision to cancel the state series altogether was made after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker followed suit with leaders in other states in banning any events with crowds of 1,000 people or more.
“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,” Anderson said. “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 IHSA board also has had discussions about the coming spring seasons, which include baseball, softball, girls soccer, golf, swimming and other sports. No decision on the spring season has been made, according to an IHSA release.
Under third-year coach Maurice Baker, Madison finished a tough schedule with a 26-10 record. The Trojans were set to face Aurora Christian Friday at 11 a.m. with a trip to the state championship game on the line.
Baker could not be reached for comment late Thursday night. But assistant coach Phillip Gilbert said a meeting between IHSA officials and coaches was held.
“I guess it was about 7 p.m. when we got the news. The kids were heartbroken,’’ Gilbert said. “Our seniors especially. It was so very tough to see that because they worked so hard for this chance when nobody thought they could do it.’’
Mater Dei, 30-5, was schedule to play Chicago Orr in the state 2A semifinal at 5:30 p.m.
East St. Louis was to play Chatham Glenwood in Mount Vernon Friday for the 3A sectional title.
And Collinsville, which overtook both East St. Louis and defending 4A state champion Belleville West to win the Southwestern Conference with a 31-3 record, was slated to face Normal West for the Pekin Sectional championship, also on Friday.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 7:27 PM.
