Amanda Knapp
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held annually in the spring in the United States. Organised by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), the tournament has gone through several format changes since its inception in 1908. The current format consists of four divisions or classes (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A), with teams assigned to a class based on student population, making adjustments for single-gender schools and non-traditional high schools. This paragraph introduces the topic of 'How many classes are in IHSA basketball?' by providing context on the tournament's history, structure, and organisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of classes | 4 (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A) |
| Basis of classification | Student population, with adjustments for single-gender schools and schools that are not four-year high schools |
| Tournament format | Single elimination |
| Timing | Held each spring |
| Historical format | Prior to 1972, there was only one tournament for all schools; in 1972, it was divided into two divisions (A and AA); in 2008, it transitioned to the current four-class system |
| Associated events | Three-point contest and slam dunk contest ("The Happening") added in 1992; "King of the Hill" contest among the four class champions to crown the overall champion |
| Notable incidents | The 2005 Class A state title resulted in the only forfeiture of a state boys basketball title in Illinois history |
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What You'll Learn
Tournament format and history
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held annually in the spring in the United States. The tournament is organised by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).
From 1908 to 1971, all high schools in Illinois competed in a single tournament. In 1972, the tournament was divided into two divisions based on school size: Class A and Class AA. This format remained until 2008, when the tournament was further divided into four separate divisions (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A), with schools assigned to a class based on student population, adjusted for single-gender schools and schools that are not four-year high schools. The IHSA Girls Basketball tournament is organised in the same way as the boys' tournament but begins two weeks earlier.
The tournament spent 77 years playing at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) before moving to Bradley University's Carver Arena in Peoria from 1996 to 2019. The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2020, the IHSA announced the tournament would return to UIUC's State Farm Center.
In 1992, the IHSA introduced a three-point contest and a slam dunk contest, collectively called "The Happening," coinciding with the boys' basketball state series. The state level of each contest is held on the Thursday evening before the respective class' state semifinals, with each class crowning a champion in each contest on the Saturday of their state championship game. After the Class 3A and 4A champions are determined, there is a final "King of the Hill" contest among the four class champions to crown the overall champion.
In 2019, the IHSA announced that the basketball state finals would be held on a single three-day weekend starting in 2021, with all four classes playing their title games on the same Saturday. This new format was well-received by basketball coaches and school administrators and was scheduled to be implemented for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons.
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Class divisions
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held annually in the spring in the United States. It is organised by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The tournament has undergone several format changes over the years, with the most recent change occurring in 2008, when the tournament was divided into four separate divisions: 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, with the larger schools falling into the latter categories.
Prior to 1972, the IHSA tournament was a single competition that included nearly all high schools in Illinois. In 1972, the tournament was divided into two divisions based on school size: Class A and Class AA. Each division crowned its own champion. This format remained in place until 2008, when the tournament was further divided into four separate divisions.
The current four-class system in the IHSA tournament is based on student population, with adjustments made for single-gender schools and schools that are not four-year high schools. Each class is composed of the four super-sectional winners, who are randomly assigned to play each other in the semifinal round. For example, in 2011, in the Class 2A Casey Sectional, there were four regionals: Flora, Monticello, St. Joseph, and Robinson. Three of these regionals consisted of five teams, and one had six.
After the Class 3A and 4A champions have been determined, there is a final "King of the Hill" contest among the four class champions to crown the overall champion. The IHSA Girls Basketball tournament is organised in the same way as the boys' tournament, except that it begins two weeks earlier.
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State tournament progression
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship, organised by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), has undergone several format changes over the years. From 1908 to 1971, it was a single tournament that included nearly all high schools in Illinois.
In 1972, the tournament was divided into two divisions, Class A and Class AA, based on school size, with each division producing its own champion. This two-class system featured 64 regionals, 16 sectionals, and 8 super-sectional games for each class. The winners of the super-sectional games advanced to the state tournament, where they were randomly assigned to play each other in quarterfinal games. The winners of the quarterfinals moved on to the semifinals, with the semifinal losers playing for third place, and the winners competing for the state championship.
In 2008, the tournament transitioned to a four-class system (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A), still based on student population with adjustments for single-gender schools and non-traditional high schools. Each class now consists of the winners of four super-sectional championships, who advance to the state tournament and are randomly drawn to face each other in the semifinal round.
The IHSA Girls Basketball tournament follows the same format as the boys' tournament but begins two weeks earlier. Additionally, the IHSA introduced "The Happening" in 1992, which includes a three-point contest and a slam dunk contest held in conjunction with the boys' basketball state series. The state-level contests take place on the Thursday evening before the respective class' state semifinals.
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Additional contests
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship, organised by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), introduced additional contests in 1992, collectively called "The Happening". These included a three-point contest and a slam dunk contest, coinciding with the boys' basketball state series. The state level of each contest is held on the Thursday evening before the respective class' state semifinals, with each class crowning a champion in each contest on the Saturday of their state championship game.
The three-point contest starts at the beginning of the regional tournaments. The slam dunk contest, however, has no preliminaries before the Thursday competition of the week of the state finals. Players are nominated by the coaches of their regional or sectional tournament, and those willing to participate advance automatically to the state preliminaries.
After the Class 3A and 4A champions are determined, a final "King of the Hill" contest is held among the four class champions to crown the overall winner.
In 2006-07, the IHSA celebrated 100 years of the IHSA State Tournament. A list of "100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament" was assembled, and several living members made appearances at select games across the state. They signed a "Ball of Fame", which was subsequently raffled off at the state tournament. Commemorative books and videos were also made available.
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Notable teams and players
The Illinois High School Boys Basketball Championship has a rich history dating back to 1908, when it began as a single tournament open to almost all high schools in the state. Over the years, the competition has evolved and expanded, now featuring four separate divisions (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A) determined by student population, with adjustments for single-gender schools and non-traditional high schools. This shift towards a more segmented format has created a platform for various notable teams and players to emerge and leave their mark on the tournament's legacy.
One of the most renowned teams in the tournament's history is the 2005 Class A state champions. Their triumph, however, was marred by controversy as it resulted in the only forfeiture of a state boys' basketball title in Illinois. While the specifics of the incident remain unclear, it stands as a unique occurrence in the tournament's annals.
The IHSA celebrated its centennial season in 2006-07, honouring the occasion by assembling a list of "100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament." This illustrious list included basketball luminaries such as Kenny Battle, Lou Boudreau, Jim Brewer, Quinn Buckner, and Landon "Sonny" Cox. Their contributions to the tournament, and perhaps beyond, were evidently significant enough to earn them a place among the greats.
The tournament also witnessed the emergence of standout players who went on to achieve remarkable feats. Notable names include Bruce Douglas, Dwight "Dike" Eddleman, LaPhonso Ellis, and Melvin Ely. Their impact on the tournament was undoubtedly significant, solidifying their legacy in Illinois high school basketball.
Furthermore, the competition has served as a springboard for players who went on to achieve success in their basketball careers. Athletes like Michael Finley, C.J. Kupec, Marcus Liberty, and Shaun Livingston graced the courts of the IHSA tournament before advancing to higher levels of competition. Their inclusion in the "100 Legends" list underscores their exceptional talent and the role the tournament played in fostering their skills.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four classes in the IHSA basketball tournament: 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, with 4A consisting of the larger schools.
In 2008, the tournament was divided into four separate divisions, with teams assigned to a class based on student population.
The classes are determined based on student population, with adjustments made for single-gender schools and schools that are not four-year high schools.
Yes, since 1992, the IHSA has included a three-point contest and a slam dunk contest, collectively called "The Happening."
