Illinois High School Basketball 2020-21 Season Start Tracker

Last updated: Monday, November 11 at 3:12 p.m.

November 11 updated schools: Beecher, Central (Clifton), Charleston, Donovan, Effingham, Gardner-South Wilmington, Grace Christian Academy, Grant Park, Illinois Lutheran), Lincoln, Mahomet-Seymour, Manteno, Mattoon, Monmouth-Roseville, Mt. Zion, St. Anne, Taylorville, Tri-Point, Uni High (Urbana), Urbana.

November 10 updated schools: Bloomington, Brown County, Chicago Christian, Georgetown Ridge Farm, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, Henry, Hoopeston, Mendota, Northridge Prep, Rantoul, Salt Fork.


The status of the 2020-21 basketball season in Illinois is uncertain at this point, despite the November 16 scheduled start date for practices set by the IHSA.

On October 27, governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health put the basketball season on hold and moved it from a medium- to high-risk sport. This came following an increase in COVID-19 cases in Illinois and surrounding states. They weren’t in communication with the IHSA until 15 minutes prior to the announcement. In response, the IHSA said that schools could, in fact, start their basketball seasons on schedule (and here are its new guidelines). Pritzker responded to that announcement by clarifying his previous statements, saying that basketball was moved to spring.

That has set up a period of scrambling by teams, athletic departments, school boards and other governing bodies around the state. Which governing body do they follow? What are the liabilities playing despite the governor’s orders?

Many schools are having board meetings in the near future to make these decisions after getting both the IDPH and IHSA guidelines. Until then, or perhaps even still afterwards, there will be uncertainty around a winter season. As of November 2, 62 percent of nearly 400 surveyed athletic directors said they were unsure if their school would play basketball this winter.

This Illinois winter 2020-21 high school basketball season tracker is intended to be a living document to help players, parents, coaches, athletic directors and others around the state stay up to date on who is playing and who isn’t. I will update as often as I can when new information comes my way (Tips: rudnik.jakub@gmail.com or on Twitter @jakubrudnik).

Due to the the speed of news and the difficulty of managing so much information from so many sources, I’ve provided citations and notes wherever possible.

Illinois Schools Planning to Play Winter Basketball

SchoolConferenceClassBoys/GirlsSource/Notes
Chicago ChristianMetro Suburban2ABothPer emailed statement from athletic director Mark Zylstra to Illinois-Basketball.com, Chicago Christian is proceeding with winter basketball for boys and girls.
Lena-WinslowNorthwest Upstate Illini1ABothApproved by school board, according to boys team Twitter account. (Twitter)
LewistonPrairieland1ABothJournal-Star story
Morton High SchoolMid-Illini3ABothPending school board vote on Nov. 17 (Steve Stein, Twitter)
Northridge PrepIndependent School League2ABoysFollowing IHSA guidelines, per message from AD and head coach Will Rey to Illinois-Basketball.com: practice starts Nov. 16, competition Nov. 30. “We are looking to schedule games in our region (Suburban Cook).”
Parkview ChristianNortheastern Athletic1ABothParkview AD Don Davidson: “Our conference has decided to follow the IHSA’s decision and not Pritzker’s illegal mandates.” (Joshua Welge, Kendall County Now)
Peoria Christian1ABothAthletic director announcement (Twitter)
SherrardThree Rivers Athletic2ABothSchool board approved 4-3 (James Taylor, Twitter)
Yorkville Christian1ABoth“Yorkville Christian confirms that they will be playing basketball in the winter, but not confirmed where yet.” (Joshua Welge, Kendall County Now)

Illinois Schools Not Planning to Play or Delaying Winter Basketball

SchoolConferenceClassBoys/GirlsSource/Notes
All 104 CPS SchoolsChicago PublicVariousBothSeason postponed (Sun-Times)
Addison TrailWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
AndrewSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Argenta-OreanaLincoln-Prairie1ABothBOE voted not play on Nov. 9. (Colin Likas, Twitter)
AuburnNIC-102ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Aurora CentralMetro Suburban2ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
BeecherRiver Valley2ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
BelvidereNIC-103ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Belvidere NorthNIC-103ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Bloomington Central CatholicIllini Prairie2ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (Pantagraph)
BloomingtonBig Twelve3ABothAD Tony Bauman said, “there was too much risk associated with the lack of insurance to provide any kind of coverage.” (Jim Benson, The Pantagraph)
BolingbrookSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Bradley-BourbonnaisSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Carmel CatholicEast Suburban Catholic3ABothOpts out of season as presently constructed. (Jon Kerr, Twitter)
Central (Clifton)Sangamon Valley2ABothSchool will only hold non-contact workouts on Nov. 16. (Twitter, News release)
Champaign-St. Thomas MoreIllini Prairie1ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (PJ Star)
CharlestonApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
Danville-Schlarman AcademyVermillion Valley1ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (PJ Star)
DonovanRiver Valley1ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Downers Grove NorthWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Downers Grove SouthWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Eisenhower (Decatur)Central State Eight3ABothNo extracurriculars while virtual learning, currently through Jan. 4. (Herald-Review)
Eisenhower (Blue Island)South Suburban4ABothStart date delayed for District 218 schools. More information expected Nov. 9.
EffinghamApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
Elgin St. EdwardMetro Suburban2ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
FarmingtonPrairieland2ABothSchool board votes 7-0 to start practice on November 16 but no competition. (Jim Mattson, Twitter)
FreeportNIC-103aBothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Freeport AquinNorthwest Upstate Illini1ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
GalesburgWestern Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
Gardner-South WilmingtonRiver Valley1ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
GeneseoWestern Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
Georgetown Ridge FarmVermillion Valley2ABothTeams will start workouts on Nov. 16 but not play games, says AD Kevin Thomas. (Colin Likas, Twitter)
Gibson City-Melvin-SibleyHeart of Illinois2ABothSuperintendent Jeremy Darnell announced the school will follow IDPH and not play winter sports.
Glenbard WestWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Grace Christian AcademyRiver ValleyRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Grant ParkRiver Valley1ARiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Guilford (Rockford)NIC-104ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Harlem (Machesney Park)NIC-104ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
HenryTri-County1ABothMoving forward with practice but not games. Final decision to come on Nov. 18. (Kevin Chlum, Twitter)
Hinsdale CentralWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Hinsdeale SouthWest Suburban3ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Homewood-FlossmoorSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
HononegahNIC-104ABothEmail to parents 11/5 said it will follow IDPH guidelines (Josh Flickinger, Beloit Daily News)
HoopestonVermillion Valley2ABothSchool will comply with IDPH guidelines: training, no contact. (District Facebook announcement)
HuntleyFox Valley4ABothBOE advised on 11/5 to not play winter season (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
Illinois LutheranRiver Valley1ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Jefferson (Rockford)NIC-104ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
Joliet CentralSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
Joliet WestSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
KanelandInterstate Eight3ABothKaneland superintendent Todd Leden “that we follow the IDPH guidance and not have basketball as designed or implemented based on the IHSA guidelines.” (Jake Bartelson, Twitter)
Lanphier (Springfield)Central State Eight3ABoth“District 186 siding with the state.” (Derek Parris, Twitter). BOE proposes delayed and shortened season schedule: Jan. 5 – Feb. 6 regular season, Feb 8-13 postseason. 10-to-15-game schedules. (Alessandra Pontbriand, Twitter thread).
LeydenWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
LibertyvilleNorth Suburban4ABothDistrict 128 has opted out of the winter season (Jon Kerr)
Lincoln-Way CentralSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Lincoln-Way EastSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Lincoln-Way WestSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
LincolnApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
LockportSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
LyonsWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
MacArthur (Decatur)Central State Eight3ABothNo extracurriculars while virtual learning, currently through Jan. 4. (Herald-Review)
Mahomet-SeymourApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
Maine EastCentral Suburban League4ABothPer Daily Herald Preps Twitter account.
Maine SouthCentral Suburban League4ABothPer Daily Herald Preps Twitter account.
Maine WestCentral Suburban League4ABothPer Daily Herald Preps Twitter account.
MantenoIllinois Central Eight2ABothManteno Athletics statement that it will not start the season on Nov. 16.
Manual (Peoria)Big Twelve3ABoth5-1 vote by Peoria Public Schools board to suspend participation in season. (Dave Eminian, Twitter)
Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock)East Suburban Catholic2ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
Marquette AcademyTri-County1ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria decision (MyWebTimes)
MattoonApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
MendotaBig Northern2ABothSchool has suspended its basketball season until there is agreement between IHSA and IDPH. (Kevin Chlum, Twitter)
MinookaSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
MolineWestern Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
Monmouth-RosevilleThree Rivers Athletic2ABoth“Basketball is on hold.” (Justice Keene, Twitter)
Morton (Berwyn-Cicero)West Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Mt. ZionApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
Oak Park-River ForestWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
O’FallonSouthwestern4ABothSchool will not move forward with basketball seasons until governor/IDPH/IHSA come to agreement. (Athletic director statement, via Jacob Richison)
Oswego EastSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
OswegoSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
Ottawa TownshipInterstate Eight3ABothSeason on “indefinite hold” according to news release. (Twitter)
Peoria HighBig Twelve3ABoth5-1 vote by Peoria Public Schools board to suspend participation in season. (Dave Eminian, Twitter)
Peoria Notre DameBig Twelve3ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (PJ Star)
Peru-St. Bede AcademyThree Rivers Athletic1ABothSchool announcement BCR News) follows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (PJ Star)
Plainfield CentralSouthwest Prairie4ABothDistrict “will not allow students to participate in basketball.” (News release, H/T Michael O’Brien)
Plainfield EastSouthwest Prairie4ABothDistrict “will not allow students to participate in basketball.” (News release, H/T Michael O’Brien)
Plainfield NorthSouthwest Prairie4ABothDistrict “will not allow students to participate in basketball.” (News release, H/T Michael O’Brien)
Plainfield SouthSouthwest Prairie4ABothDistrict “will not allow students to participate in basketball.” (News release, H/T Michael O’Brien)
Proviso EastWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Proviso WestWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
Putnam County (Granville)Tri-County1ABothSchool unlikely to go against IDPH ruling (Kevin Hieronymus, Shaw Media)
QuincyWestern Big 64ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
RantoulIllini Prairie3ABoth (Colin Likas, News Gazette)
Richards (Oak Lawn)South Suburban3ABothStart date delayed for District 218 schools. More information expected Nov. 9.
RichwoodsBig Twelve3ABoth5-1 vote by Peoria Public Schools board to suspend participation in season. (Dave Eminian, Twitter)
RobinsonLittle Illini2ABothPress release from superintendent Josh Quick. (Todd Aaron Golden, Twitter)
Rock Island-AllemanWestern Big 62ABothFollows Catholic Diocese of Peoria letter (PJ Star)
Rock IslandWestern Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
Rockford Boylan CatholicNorthern Illinois3ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
Rockford EastNIC-104ABothNIC-10 conference and Rockford Public Schools joint announcement (RPS news release)
RomeovilleSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
Salt ForkVermillion Valley1ABothSalt fork is opting out after advice form its insurance carrier and district attorney. (Bret Beherns, WCIA News)
SandburgSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
Shepard (Palos Heights)South Suburban4ABothStart date delayed for District 218 schools. More information expected Nov. 9.
Southeast (Springfield)Central State Eight3ABoth“District 186 siding with the state.” (Derek Parris, Twitter). BOE proposes delayed and shortened season schedule: Jan. 5 – Feb. 6 regular season, Feb 8-13 postseason. 10-to-15-game schedules. (Alessandra Pontbriand, Twitter thread).
SpringfieldCentral State Eight3ABoth“District 186 siding with the state.” (Derek Parris, Twitter). BOE proposes delayed and shortened season schedule: Jan. 5 – Feb. 6 regular season, Feb 8-13 postseason. 10-to-15-game schedules. (Alessandra Pontbriand, Twitter thread).
StaggSouthwest Suburban4ABoth(Michael O’Brien, Sun-Times)
St. AnneRiver Valley1ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Sterling Newman Central CatholicThree Rivers Athletic2ABothDiocese of Rockford opted not to play winter basketball. (Joe Stevenson, Northwest Herald)
SterlingWestern Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
TaylorvilleApollo3ABothApollo Conference will follow IDPH guidelines and delay the start of the season (Bret Beherns, WCIA)
Tri-PointRiver Valley1ABothRiver Valley is moving back its basketball season, hoping for January. (Mason Schweizer, Twitter)
Uni High (Urbana)East Central Illinois1ABothPractice only starting Nov. 16. (Colin Likas, Twitter)
United Township (East Moline)Western Big 63ABothDecision by conference superintendents. (Quincy superintendent Roy Webb, Facebook)
UrbanaBig Twelve3ABothBOE voted against winter basketball. (Jen Lask, Twitter)
Vernon HillsCentral Suburban League3ABothDistrict 128 has opted out of the winter season (Jon Kerr)
West AuroraSouthwest Prairie4ABothThe entire Southwest Prairie is aligning with the governor and IDPH. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
WillowbrookWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)
YorkvilleSouthwest Prairie4ABothSchool board voted not to play, according to Lucas Robinson. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
YorkWest Suburban4ABothWest Suburban Conference to follow IDPH guidelines, awaiting further IHSA instruction. Skill practices, no contents. (Hinsdale Central Athletics, Twitter)

Illinois Schools Starting Practice on Nov. 16 but Not Committed to a Winter Season

SchoolConferenceClassBoys/GirlsSource/Notes
Coal CityIllinois Central Eight2ABothObtained email from principal Christopher Spencer, no-contact practice will begin on time. The school will follow guidance from IDPH and ISBE for moving on to competition.
KankakeeSouthland Athletic3ABothPer Kankakee source, teams will begin practices/tryouts on time and evaluate as they receive more info from governing bodies.
New TrierCentral Suburban League4ABothObtained athletic department email says it will “begin non-contact practice/tryouts on November 16th per current Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.”
WashingtonMid-Illini3ABothSchool says it will begin practices on schedule and wait “for more guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education.” (Dave Eminian, Journal-Star)

Additional Notes

  • Nov. 7: IC Catholic is awaiting the decision of the Diocese of Joliet. (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
  • Nov. 7: Kaneland will announce a decision on Tuesday (11/10) or Wednesday (11/11). (Joshua Welge, Twitter)
  • Nov. 6: Oswego East boys basketball Twitter account said tryouts are scheduled for Nov. 16th. (Twitter)
  • Nov. 6: Woodland superintendent reportedly “doesn’t ‘have any sense from our board’ WHS will go against current guidelines to field a team.” (J.T. Pedelty, Twitter)
  • Nov. 6: West Aurora boys head coach Brian Johnson tweets that practice will begin on Nov. 16th, all levels. (Twitter)
  • Nov. 6: Big Northern Conference elects not to play conference season. Local schools and districts will make their own decisions. (Press Release via Oregon Hawks Twitter).
  • Oregon will make a decision about basketball at its Nov. 16 BOE meeting. (Oregon Hawks Twitter)
  • Nov. 5: East Suburban Catholic athletic directors set Tuesday, Nov. 10 as the deadline for a decision. (Jon Kerr, Kerr Report)
  • Nov. 5: No uniform decision has been made for the North Suburban, Central Suburban League and Mid-Suburban Leagues. (Jon Kerr, Kerr Report)
  • Nov. 4: A Beardstown committee recommends its board of education votes on a hybrid plan where the season would only start with a varsity team. The vote will take place before Nov. 16. Previous reports said that the plan had been approved.
  • Nov. 4: Chicago Public Schools will decide individually whether or not to play basketball this year (Michael O’Brien, Twitter).
  • Nov. 4: Mundelein “has support from admins to play.” (Jon Kerr, Twitter)
  • Nov. 4: Metamora “will probably play,” but no official announcement made. (Justice Keene, Twitter). Metamora board of education has a scheduled meeting for Nov. 17, hasn’t ruled out special meeting. (Alex Staab, Twitter)
  • Nov. 4: Stevenson says “There is still ongoing uncertainty for when girls and boys basketball will begin and we are in ongoing conversations with IHSA and the Governor’s Office for the next steps.” (Twitter)
  • Nov. 3: St. Bede (Peru) athletic director Nick McLaughlin said the school does not have to adhere to the Diocese of Peoria’s policy’s, which would mean not playing winter sports, the school does “try to align to [its] standards.” (MyWebTimes)
  • Nov. 2: Lincoln-Way East has meeting on Nov. 4 to discuss season. Athletic director Mark Vander Kooi expects to stay aligned with IHSA, but not certain. (Michael O’Brien, Twitter)
  • Nov. 2: “High school AD/basketball coach in the Alton area tells me that insurance providers are ‘not giving schools in the south a green light to play basketball.'” (Michael O’Brien, Twitter)
  • Nov. 2: Majority of Chicago Catholic League schools “are hoping to play but are waiting to hear from their board of directors.” (Michael O’Brien, Twitter)
  • Nov. 2: One unnamed South Seven school said it isn’t going to play, while another said it was all in, according to Carbondale athletic director Mark Albertini. (Bucky Dent, The Southern)

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