First Illinois High School Girls Basketball State Tournament Held in 1977

The inaugural event was a runaway success as fans flocked to the games and media provided in-depth coverage.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fifty seasons ago, the first Illinois High School Association girls basketball tournament was held at Illinois State University's Horton Field House. The tournament was a runaway success, with fans flocking to the games and media providing a surprising level of in-depth coverage. The reception was a contrast to critics who had long scoffed at girls' sports as inferior and inconsequential.

Why it matters

The first IHSA girls basketball state tournament marked a significant milestone for women's sports in Illinois, as high school players finally had their own statewide championship event after years of waiting. The tournament's popularity and media attention helped legitimize and raise the profile of girls' athletics in the state.

The details

The tournament featured teams of various sizes from around Illinois, including undefeated squads from Sterling and Chicago Fenger. Joliet West, led by superstar freshman Cathy Boswell, was expected to bring five fan buses for their quarterfinal game. In the much-anticipated quarterfinal matchup, Centralia defeated Joliet West 56-47, with Boswell fouling out late in the third quarter. Sterling then rallied from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime and defeat Fenger 43-38. In the other quarterfinals, Washington and Palatine Fremd also advanced.

  • The first IHSA girls basketball state tournament was held on April 1-2, 1977.
  • The tournament would move the next year before settling at Illinois State University in Normal in 1992, where it remains.

The players

Cathy Boswell

A superstar freshman on the Joliet West team who later went on to score 2,005 career points at Illinois State University and play on the 1984 USA women's basketball team that won Olympic gold.

Sue Strong

The head coach of the Sterling team, which won the first-ever Illinois girls' basketball state title.

Ann Murray

The head coach of the Centralia team, known as the 'Orphan Annies', who said her team 'won't be as nervous' playing in front of the large crowds expected at the tournament.

Jane Grebner

The senior point guard for the Washington team, who went on to win 764 games in 31 years as the head softball coach at Williamsville.

Glenda Simmering

The Washington player who scored 12 third-quarter points in her team's 55-38 quarterfinal win over Mattoon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole town is really excited. They're planning a big welcome for us on Sunday, no matter how we do up there. The mayor is going to be there and everything.”

— Ann Murray, Centralia head coach

“We are terrific. I don't mean to be conceited or anything, but we really are terrific, all twelve girls.”

— Sue Strong, Sterling head coach

What’s next

The following year, Joliet West won the state championship behind Cathy Boswell's 26 points in the title game.

The takeaway

The first IHSA girls basketball state tournament in 1977 marked a significant milestone for women's sports in Illinois, as high school players finally had their own statewide championship event. The tournament's popularity and media attention helped legitimize and raise the profile of girls' athletics in the state, paving the way for future growth and success.