The Illinois High School Association is moving quickly to get boys and girls basketball and bowling underway, but Salem High School Principal John Boles says there are still unanswered questions.
He notes both sports will be allowed to begin games after seven practices but is unclear when that practice count begins. The IHSA in its e-mail to member schools indicated games could begin in some regions as early as today. While a March 13th season end date has been set for basketball and bowling with no state series, there is no indication if there will be any postseason play and how many games or meets can be held. However, regions that are not yet in Phase 4, including the Metro East Region that includes Clinton and Washington Counties and most of the Cahokia Conference Schools are not yet cleared to play.
Boles reports there will be a conference call of Athletic Directors on Thursday and the Cahokia Conference will meet later in the day to further develop plans.
The IHSA today also set the start of football practice on March 3rd with the first game on March 19th and the last game on April 24th. Girls volleyball will have practices begin March 8th with the last game on April 24th. Boys Soccer practices are allowed after March 1st, with the last games on April 17th. There will be no state series for football, volleyball, or soccer.
Baseball, Softball, Boys Tennis, and Track and Field will all be allowed to practice beginning April 5th and will be concluded on June 19th. The IHSA hopes to maximize opportunities for spring sports because they lost their entire season last year and they have not ruled out the idea of playing a full state tournament in the traditional spring sports if possible.
