Gov. J.B. Pritzker has banned high school basketball for the winter.
The governor made the announcement at a press conference today.
Prep basketball teams across the state were set to begin practicing Nov. 16 with the season opener set for Nov. 30.
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"The IBCA is very disappointed to learn of today’s decision by the governor and IDPH regarding the movement of basketball in Illinois to the High Risk category, thus postponing the season for our student-athletes and coaches," the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association said in a statement.
Pritzker characterized basketball as being “put on hold.” The wrestling season has also been effectively cancelled.
Parents and critics alike have been consistent in their calls for Pritzker to reopen sports for children.
When the governor cancelled the football season earlier this year parents protested across the state.
East St. Louis High School coach Darren Sunkett led a protest in Springfield, calling Pritzker a “human virus” responsible for the loss of the football season.
The IHSA director said the football season should have been able to played safely without a problem. However, Pritzker has wrestled control of the prep sports schedule away from the IHSA via executive order.
See the full statement from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association below.
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