Evolution of IHSA Boys Basketball State Series Impacts Former Downstate Powers

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The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) boys basketball state series has undergone significant changes over the decades, impacting the fortunes of many former downstate basketball powerhouses. From the early days when all schools competed in district tournaments, to the introduction of classes and regionals, the evolution of the state series has reshaped the competitive landscape. Some legendary downstate programs that thrived in the district era, such as Galesburg, Centralia, and Quincy, have seen their dominance wane as the tournament structure has evolved, particularly with the shift to a multi-class system in 2008.

Why it matters

The changes to the IHSA boys basketball state series reflect broader shifts in Illinois high school sports, as smaller communities have struggled to maintain competitive programs in the face of demographic changes and school consolidations. The decline of traditional downstate powers highlights how the tournament structure can advantage or disadvantage certain regions and school sizes over time.

The details

Prior to 1936, all schools competed in district tournaments, with district champions and runners-up advancing to sectionals. This system favored large downstate schools surrounded by smaller communities. From 1920-1935, schools like Galesburg, Canton, Centralia, Mt. Vernon, and Quincy won a combined 115 of the 160 possible district/regional championships. In 1936, the IHSA revamped the state series, with small schools competing separately in districts. This opened the door for some smaller programs like Braidwood and Hebron to find success. The one-class system from 1942-1971 continued to benefit traditional downstate powers, before the shift to two classes in 1972 and four classes in 2008 eroded their dominance. Over the decades, the number of regional championships won by former powerhouses like Centralia, Freeport, Galesburg, Quincy, and Mt. Vernon has steadily declined as the tournament structure has evolved.

• The IHSA boys basketball state series was first held in 1908.
• In 1922, district tournament teams began advancing to sectionals.
• The IHSA revamped the state series in 1936, with small schools competing separately in districts.
• In 1942, the IHSA eliminated runners-up advancing in the state series.
• The IHSA went from 8-team sectionals to 4-team sectionals in 1943.
• The IHSA instituted super-sectionals in 1956, with only 8 teams advancing to state.
• The IHSA shifted to a two-class system in 1972.
• The IHSA moved to a four-class system in 2008.