ROCKFORD (WREX) � The Illinois High School Association says it will cancel remaining boys state basketball championship games along with all other winter sports amid COVID-19 concerns.
The announcement came Thursday evening after the association reversed course from when it said it would limit fan sections for the state games.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding that we have received from everyone involved in this process over the past 72 hours,� said IHSA Executive Director 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 Goreville Blackcats left for Peoria . They were scheduled to play Roanoke at 1 p.m. Friday in the boy's 1A semifinals.
Anderson added, “I also want to commend the coaches and administrators from the Class 1A and Class 2A boys basketball state finalists who traveled to Peoria today. While obviously disappointed, they conducted themselves with the utmost class as we charted this unprecedented situation together.�
IHSA says it is still waiting to determine what it will do for spring sports.
