“Once a Beacon of Talent, Why the Tatelines State Tournament Now Struggles to Captivate Fans”

The recent high school basketball tournament in Illinois has wrapped up, and honestly, it felt more like a gentle sigh than the thunderous cheers we’d expect from such a storied event. Remember when this tournament used to electrify Champaign-Urbana and the wider downstate region? It’s hard not to fondly recall the days when Huff Gym showcased its magic—lights blinking like fireflies until only one shone brightly in victory. Those were the glory days when our top talents transformed the IHSA stage into a bustling hub for college scouts.

Back in the ’80s, East St. Louis Lincoln dominated, snatching four state titles, and Peoria was the place where many future Illini stars were born. But now, here we are—five years since this tournament returned from its long hiatus in Peoria, which had become stale after 24 years. Yet, what we’re witnessing today isn’t the vibrant spectacle it once was. Revenue is sagging, ticket sales are on a downward spiral, and, to make matters worse, our most promising players are skipping town for prep schools, seeking brighter lights and bigger opportunities elsewhere.

Then there’s the growing concern over the four-class system that was introduced back in 2008. What was intended to level the playing field seems to have inadvertently tilted it, allowing private schools to dominate the competition and, as a result, siphoning off fans and support. The emergence of this new landscape raises an important question: what went wrong? As we navigate this decline, it’s essential to explore the multiple facets contributing to this predicament and ponder where Illinois high school basketball is headed. If you’re curious to dive deeper into the state of our beloved basketball legacy, just click here: LEARN MORE.

Five of eight finalists were private, and five from Chicago or nearby. That’s not good for attendance. And if Catholic schools, as an example, are losing enrollment — some in Joliet and elsewhere have closed — that doesn’t prevent them from attracting (recruiting?) the small number of athletes for a basketball team.For different reasons, and mostly related to mid-season TV, Sports Media Watch reports that NBA games on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are down 25 percent.

The state’s top players turned the IHSA event into a recruiting mecca for college coaches.Whereas the 1A class (300 students or less) was implemented as an opportunity for small public schools, we find private schools dominating to a sometimes embarrassing level.

Private interests

But the NCAA tournament isn’t likely to produce the Cinderellas like Fairleigh Dickinson and St. Mary’s in the future because the Power Four programs and the Big East will purchase their star performers away from them.Fans seemingly have grown weary of excessive three-point shooting, half-hearted defense and predictable results. Another factor is young fans leaving traditional cable for streaming services.A time used to exist when this event took Champaign-Urbana and downstate Illinois by storm. Some of us remember the charm of Huff Gym’s map of Illinois with the 16 lights blinking … until only one remained.So Gus Phan hangs on, complaining incessantly about the new college system but nevertheless dedicated to the university producing his team. You can feel an entire nation holding its breath for the upcoming Final Four.

What’s gone wrong?

East St. Louis Lincoln captured four titles in the 1980s and Peoria became a favorite Illini hunting ground for talent with Manual beginning its four-year title run in Champaign and finishing it in the 1997, the second year of the move to the Civic Center in downtown Peoria.Ticket revenue has been dropping for years going on decades. The state’s great players, who attracted fans and a stream of college coaches, are leaving early for prep schools elsewhere.Point is, there are multiple reasons why “she ain’t what she used to be.”

Glass slipper

The state’s high school basketball tournament came and went here earlier this month and, despite strong supportive efforts locally, it resembled more of a whisper than a roar.At the same time, college basketball charges ahead despite the public’s general disdain for the pay-for-play rules and the massive roster changes brought through the transfer portal. Arenas for the five major basketball conferences are packed throughout the season, for the most part.For all the enthusiasm that accompanied the return here from Peoria five years ago — it had lost support and grown stale after 24 years there — we now realize that, for all the wondrous tradition and history associated with Huff and the Assembly Hall, “she ain’t what she used to be.”But the Illinois preps are seemingly headed in a different direction, and there’s undeniable slippage with the pros.

And the four-class system, expanding from two in 2008, doesn’t help. Chicago Hope Academy defeated Lanark Eastland 71-38 in the 1A final this year. In the other finals, Chicago Dyett defeated Belleville Althoff in 2A, DePaul College Prep defeated Brother Rice in 3A, and Benet Academy defeated Gurnee Warren in 4A.