IBCA All Star Games – June 10, 2023 – Pontiac High School

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce that our annual All-Star games will be held on Saturday, June 10th in the Pontiac Community High School Gym.  Admission is $5.  

1A-2A South Girls vs. 1A-2A North Girls 11 AM

1A-2A South Boys vs. 1A-2A North Boys 1 PM

3A-4A South Girls vs. 3A-4A North Girls 3PM

3A-4A South Boys vs. 3A-4A North Boys 5 PM

Girls - IBCA All Star Head Coaches
1A-2A South Maribeth Dura Canton
1A-2A North Eric Yerly Byron
3A-4A South Meechie Edwards Peoria
3A-4A North Cara Doyle St. Ignatius

On May 6, 2023 the IBCA hosted the annual Coach of the Year Luncheon.  Outstanding coaches from the 2022-2023 season were recognized for their excellent Junior High School, High School, and college seasons.  The 318 attendees enjoyed the stories of the season's accomplishments and were treated to comments from Brad Underwood, Head Men's Coach at the University of Illinois-Champaign.  The day continued with a social gathering on the CEFCU Arena Mezzanine.

We have concluded the fourth year of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Academic All- State Team Award. The lists below indicate the Top 3 in each Division for both girls’ and boys’ teams in the state of Illinois. To qualify, a school must have the entirety of its varsity basketball team roster meet the minimum standard of a cumulative, non-weighted 3.0 Grade Point Average, on a 4.0 scale, through the first semester of the current school year.

The award is a competition amongst schools within each of the seven (7) Illinois High School Association Legislative Districts. The basketball team with the highest G.P.A. in each Legislative District will be presented with a plaque at the State-Wide Coach’s Clinic in September. The second and third place teams will receive a certificate in the mail from the IBCA in recognition of the team accomplishment.

GIRLS TOP 3 (in order of finish):
DIV. 1: Chi. St. Ignatius; Chi. Resurrection
DIV. 2: Highland Park; Adlai Stevenson; Lake Zurich
DIV. 3: Herscher; Plainfield East; Braidwood-Reed Custer
DIV. 4: Port Byron Riverdale; Boylan Catholic; Morrison
DIV. 5: Cissna Park; Arcola; Newton
DIV. 6: Nokomis; Lewistown; Havana
DIV. 7: Nashville; DuQoin; Alton

BOYS TOP 3 (in order of finish):
DIV. 1: Chi. Walter Payton; Chi. St. Ignatius
DIV. 2: Belvidere North; Libertyville; Arl. Heights John Hersey
DIV. 3: Naperville North; Burbank St. Laurence; Lisle
DIV. 4: (Kewanee) Wethersfield
DIV. 5: Newton; Mt. Zion
DIV. 6: Quincy Notre Dame
DIV. 7: Columbia; Benton; Nashville

The following schools have met the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement but did not finish in the Top 3 of their Division:

GIRLS: Argo, Arlington Heights St. Viator, Bloomington CC, Carthage Illini West, Clifton Central, Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge, Elgin, Farmington, Geneseo, Grayslake Central, Heyworth, Kewanee Wethersfield, Limestone, Lombard Montini, Minonk Fieldcrest, Monmouth Roseville, (Niantic) Tri- City/Sangamon Valley, Pana, Regina Dominican, Richmond Burton, Stanford Olympia, Watseka

BOYS: Lake Villa (Lakes), Lombard Montini

On behalf of the IBCA, we extend a heart-felt congratulations to all the Academic All-State Award qualifying teams. Your efforts on the court, and more importantly in the classroom, are to be commended. We believe the Academic All-State Team Award is a proper recognition of the pursuits of educational success engrained in the schools and students of Illinois. We want all to know how much we value the efforts in the classroom above the efforts on the hardwood.

The IBCA will host its 51st Hall of Fame Induction on Saturday, May 6 at CEFCU Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.  The day will begin with a luncheon honoring the 2022-23 Coaches of the Year. These are the outstanding coaches from junior high school, high school, and college whose teams achieved at a high level under their leadership. For a list of the 2023 Coach of the Year Award winners please CLICK HERE.

The sites for the 2023 June Scholastic Events have been announced by the IHSA and IBCA. CLICK HERE to view the approved live events across the country.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2022-23 Coach of the Year Award Winners! Congratulations to everyone who earned an award this past season. Our IBCA Coach of the Year Award Luncheon is at Illinois State's Redbird Arena on Saturday, May 6th. We look forward to honoring everyone for their great accomplishments!

The following was sent by the IHSA regarding voting for the 2023 Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois Awards:

To borrow from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, "Oh, What a Night!" would be the best way to describe our "Museum Madness" Event held on Friday night, March 24. Close to 100 people attended Museum Madness at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park.  Lou Malnati's donated the salad and pizza, to go along with the beverages that were provided.

The Basketball Museum of Illinois honored the Father of the IBCA, Chuck Rolinski, the 1952 Hebron State Championship Team and the 1963 Loyola National Championship Team with new historical wall displays. Phil and Paul Judson were the stars of the night and spoke to the audience about their experiences in winning the 1952 State Title. Dan Roan, IBCA Hall of Famer was our guest M.C. and shared stories covering the Chicago Bulls, his days at Illinois State University and his career with WCIA (Champaign) and WGN. Dan along with our guests were impressed with the Wintrust Sports Complex and the progress of our museum.

We also had basketball trivia competition, silent auctions, raffles, Pop-A-Shot Basketball, memorabilia displays and a lot of socializing. To celebrate the Hebron Team from 1952 we had a Limited-Edition Hebron T-Shirt.  There are a few shirts left, but not many if you are interested (you can inquire by sending an email to firchau@sbcglobal.net).

Oh What A Night, March 24, 2023!

The 20th annual IHSA Wheelchair State Tournament was held on Saturday, March 11 at the ARC on the campus of the University of Illinois. 5 teams played a round robin format with the Synergy Jr. Bulls the repeat champions. Congratulations to Coach Curtis Lease and his Jr. Bulls!

Other teams competing were the GLASA G –Cats, coached by Josh Fabian; the LWSRA Hawks, coached by Keith Wallace;  the Chicago Skyhawks, coached by Pierre Nealon; and  the Peoria Wildcats, coached by Mike Van Cleve.  A great day of competitive basketball!

A special shout-out to the game day officials: Ryan Juguan, Gary Nesvacil, Richard Kolar and Robert Quinones. Thank you, gentlemen!

A huge THANK YOU! to IHSA Assistant Executive Director, Tracie Henry, who coordinates this great event for the IHSA.

On Friday and Saturday, March 10 & 11, the IHSA and the Special Olympics of Illinois co-sponsored the annual High School Unified State Basketball Tournament at the ARC on the campus of the University of Illinois. 8 teams from throughout Illinois competed with the co-op team of Southside Occupational Academy Hub/De La Salle HS crowned the 2023 State Champions. The team was coached by former De La Salle boys varsity coach and IBCA Hall of Famer, Tom White. Congrats to all teams who competed!

What is Unified Basketball?

A Unified Basketball team is made up of 3 Special Olympics athletes and 2 Unified Partners on the court at one time. The maximum roster for a team is 15 which includes Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners. Regular High School basketball rules are observed.

A special thank you to the Special Olympics of Illinois, the IHSA,  coaches, parents,  volunteers, and officials for their time and efforts. Check out the digital program on the IHSA website.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is excited to announce our annual Boys All-State Teams! Congratulations to everyone who earned their distinction as an IBCA All-State player!

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is excited to announce our annual Girls All-State Teams! Congratulations to everyone who earned their distinction as an IBCA All-State player!

On Saturday, February 11, before a packed house anticipating the rubber match between Twin-City rivals Normal University High and Bloomington Central Catholic, the IBCA presented a 1500 School Victory plaque to current Pioneer Coach Andrew McDowell and the last 5 U-High Head Coaches and long-time Assistant Coaches dating back to 1980. At that time, Coach Bob Morris took over the program from the late IBCA Hall of Famer Bob Metcalf who coached from 1961 – 1980, and was represented by daughter Sara Metcalf Kinney – who also is an IBCA Hall of Fame Coach, Class of 2013.  Over 60 years of basketball excellence!

Since the 1910-11 season, the Pioneers have captured 32 district or regional titles, 14 sectional crowns, and made 9 trips to the state tournament resulting in two 3rd place trophies, three 2nd place finishes, and the 1995 Class A State Championship. University High School currently has 1672 all-time victories. Without any doubt, Normal University High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Central Illinois but in the state.

IBCA Hall of Fame Coaches include: Bob Metcalf – Class of 1980; Burt O’Connor – Class of 1980; Cal Hubbard – Class of 2003.

Hall of Fame Players are: Jim Crews – Class of 1985 and on the girls’ side, Yen Quach – Class of 2016.

Friend of Basketball Glen Leary was selected in 1992.

At this time, the IBCA congratulates all Pioneer players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

On Friday, February 10, at half-time of a South Seven Conference match-up with Marion High School, IBCA Board of Director Steve Allen and former Teutopolis Coach and Hall of Famer Ken Crawford, presented a 2000 School Victory plaque to Mt. Vernon Superintendent Melanie Andrews. The Rams are just the fifth Illinois High School Boys basketball program to have surpassed the 2000 victory plateau, on Friday, January 20 vs. Carbondale High School.

 Since the 1905-1906 season, the Rams have captured an unmatched 59 district or regional titles, 17 sectional crowns, and made 11 trips to the state tournament resulting in one 4th place finish, one 3rd place trophy, and four state championships: 1920, 1948, 1949, and 1954. This accomplishment establishes Mt. Vernon as one of the elite and historical teams in Illinois basketball history.

Players who have been selected into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Coleman Carrodine, Max Hooper, and Walt Moore in 1973; Kirk Walt, Jr. in 1974; Al Avant in 1976; Terry Gamber in 1982; Edward King in 1984; John Riley in 1986; Nate Hawthorne in 1992; Kurt Williams in 2006; and Danny Hester in 2019.

John Rackaway of the Mt. Vernon Register was inducted in the Media Category in 1973 and Roger Irvin was selected as a Friend of Basketball in 2007.

Notable Coaches who have graced the sidelines for the Rams include: Howard Ross – 194 victories (1922-1936); Stan Changnon – 230 victories and 2 state titles, (1944-1952); Harold Hutchins – 108 wins and 1 state title, (1953-1957); Lee Emery – 179 victories  (1986-1995); and all-time wins leader Doug Creel - 348 (1996-2006 & 2014-2020)

At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Tim Holloway and all Mt. Vernon Ram players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

On Friday, February 7, at Springfield High School’s Duey Gymnasium, before a Central State Conference match-up with the Crimsons from Jacksonville High School, the IBCA presented Hall of Fame and former Senator Coach Clark Barnes with a 1500 School Victory Plaque. Brian Barnes – Coach’s son, former standout player and current assistant coach at SHS, Julian Gorens, and Coach Barnes are pictured with the Senator’s student body.

During the 2021-22 season, Springfield High School reached the 1500 school victory milestone. Since the 1910-11 season, the Senators have captured an 38 district or regional titles, 22 sectional crowns, and made 16 trips to the state tournament resulting in one 4th place finish, one 3rd place trophy, three 2nd place finishes, and three state championships in 1917, 1935, and 1959. Springfield High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Central Illinois but in the state.

SHS coaches who have been inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Mark Peterman – Class of 1973; Ray Page – Class of 1973; Clark Barnes – Class of 2006; and Girls Coach Dave Urish – Class of 2008.

Hall of Fame Players include: Dave Robisch – Class of 1973; Herb Scheffler – Class of1977; Tom Cole – Class of 1978; Stan London – Class of 1983; Bob Trumpy – Class of 1983; Randy Rice – Class of 2014. Girls’ players selected are: Lynn Callahan – Class of 2004; Shatonia Levy – Class of 2012; and Georgia & Genny Muller – Class of 2020.

Two very important Friends of Basketball were inducted in 2012: Libby Fox & Darlene Rockford.

At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Joby Crum, and all Senator players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

SAVE THE DATE!! The IBCA Annual Coach of the Year Luncheon and 51st Hall of Fame Banquet will be held at CEFCU Arena on the campus of Illinois State University on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  Between the luncheon and banquet there will be a social for all who are attending.  More information on tickets will be coming to our web page by mid-February.

The IBCA will be selecting our All-State Teams during the State Finals this March in Normal and Champaign. Our IBCA All-State District Representatives will be sending head coaches an email to allow you to nominate a player(s) from your team. Girls All-State nominations are due by Thursday, February 23rd and Boys All-State nominations are due by Sunday, March 5th. 

On Friday, January 20, before a packed house for an important National Trail Conference showdown with the Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg Hatchets, St. Anthony High School accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Former Bulldog Coaches Mike Wilson, Ron Niebrugge, Chris Kusnerick, Les Stevens, and current Coach Cody Rincker accepted the plaque on behalf of all St. Anthony coaches, fans, and players – many of whom were introduced before the presentation.

Since the 1931-32 season, the Bulldogs have captured an unmatched 25 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 5 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 4th place finish in 1978, and the Class 1A State Championship in 2017. Without any doubt, Effingham St. Anthony High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Southern Illinois, but in the state.

Former Bulldog players who have been selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Mike Wente – Class of 2004 and Kyle Wente – Class of 2012.

Friends of Basketball Hall of Famers in the Hall of Fame are: Bill Farney – Class of 2004 and Joe Griesbaum – Class of 2007.

A special thank you to Principal Greg Fearday and Athletic Director Kevin Palmer for a great evening of Southern Illinois High School basketball!

At Darrell Anders Gymnasium, preceding a January 14 non-conference tilt between DuQuoin and Trico High Schools, three former Indian coaches were on hand to accept a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Hall of Fame Coaches Mike Crews – Class of 2004; Wendell Wheeler – Class of 2022; and Roger Craft - Class of 2013 were on hand to receive the plaque on behalf of all former and current Indian coaches, players, teams, and fans.

Since the 1910-11 season, the Indians have captured an impressive 31 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 3 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 3rd place finish in 1916. DuQuoin High School currently stands at 1545 total victories and counting. Other Indian Coaches who were selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Lowell “Pops” Dale - Class of 1974 and William Theobald - Class of 1980. Former players inducted into the Hall of Fame are: Galen Davis, Class of 1984, Monte Kuhnert, Class of 1994, and Alan Crews, Class of 1996.

A special thank you to Athletic Director Derek Beard and current Indian Coach Jason James for a great evening of Southern Illinois High School basketball!

In January of 2019, Cara Doyle (St. Ignatius), Teri Rodgers (New Trier), Kristi Faulkner (Glenbard West), Ashley Luke Clanton (Mother McAuley/Norcross), and Corry Irvin (Whitney Young/U of I) began their Grow the Game  event and set out to make a positive impact on Illinois high school basketball.

IBCA Hall of Famers Bob Reczek and Jerry Blum were recently notified by Special Olympics International that they have been selected as two of only fourteen men and women from across the United States to work 5v5 basketball in June at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany!

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has named their annual Organization of the Year recipients for the 2023 year. Since 2018, the IBCA has recognized long standing organizations that have served the basketball community through the tireless efforts of their volunteers and individual workers. The three: The Winchester Invitational Tournament, the Cahokia Conference, and the Tri-County Conference will be honored at the 51st annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our annual special awards winners for the 2023 year. These highly respected individuals will be honored at the 51st annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, May 6, 2022, at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.

On December 1, Galesburg High School hosted a huge crowd at John Theil Gymnasium for a key conference match-up with Western Big Six rival Geneseo. A great turnout of former and present Silver Streak girls players were on hand to help accept a 1000 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Galesburg is just the 5th girls program in Illinois to have surpassed the 1000 victory milestone, having done so the previous week on Nov. 26 vs. Peoria Manual.

Since the 1974-75 season, the Streaks have captured 32 regional titles and have made 9 state tournament appearances which has produced one 4th place, two 3rd places, three 2nd places, and back-to-back Class A StateChampionships  in 1992 & 1993. Along with numerous conference championships as well as holiday tournament titles, Galesburg High School can be included as one of the premier girls basketball programs in the state.

Only two coaches have graced the hardcourt for the Silver Streaks: Teri Hoehn (1973-1978) and Evan Massey, who is responsible for 971 of those victories. Coach Massey currently ranks 4th in all-time Illinois High School – girls & boys. He was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 2000. Silver Streak players who have been selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Tiffany Sibley – Class of 2012; Molly Watson-Fordyce – Class of 2016; Sarah Larson – Class of 2018; and Megan Pacheco – Class of 2019.

At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Evan Massey and all Silver Streak players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

On Friday, December 2, before a Southwestern Conference tilt with Edwardsville, a great contingent of former Redbirds accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Accepting the plaque was Principal Mike Behm, current Redbird Coach Dylan Dudley, and former coaches Mike Brey and Eric Smith.

Since the 1904-05 season, the Redbirds have captured 23 regional titles, 4 sectional crowns and made 3 trips to the state tournament. Along with many holiday tournaments and Southwestern Conference titles, the Redbirds can be considered an elite program in Southern Illinois. Alton now stands at 1505 wins.

At the Robert Frank Sports Complex, before a Monday, December 5 non-conference match-up between host Bloomington and Prairie Central High Schools, BHS Principal Tim Moore and Head Varsity Boys Coach Spencer Johnson accept a 1500 victory plaque from the IBCA.

Since the 1908-09 season, the Purple Raiders have captured an unprecedented 33 regional titles, 4 sectional crowns, and made 8 trips to the state tournament resulting in two 3rd place trophies, one 2nd place finish, and two state championships – in 1910 and again in 1916. The Purple Raiders currently sit with 1580 all-time victories.

Players from Bloomington High School inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Bob Spahn – Class of 1979 – who later served as varsity basketball coach at BHS; Pete Elliott - Class of 1983; Bob Bender – Class of 1985; Eric Bridges - Class of 2007; Joe Galvin – Class of 2017; and Lady Raider Latoya Doage – Class of 2021.

IBCA Hall of Fame Coach Loren Wallace was inducted in 1989.

At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Spencer Johnson and all Purple Raider players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

On Friday, December 9, before a South Central Conference game with rival Hillsboro High School, varsity boys Coach Adam Metzger accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA.

Since the 1911-12 season, the Panthers have captured an unmatched 24 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 5 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 2nd place finish in 2001 and the 1988 Class A State Championship. Winning the magic 1500 last season, the Panthers currently are at 1507 victories and counting.

The 1988 Class A State Champs were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in1999.

Vergil Fletcher of Collinsville High School Fame, coached at Pana from 1942-43 thru 1944-1945 and was inducted into as a Hall of Fame Coach in 1973.

At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Adam Metzger and all Panther players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is excited to announce our 2023 Hall of Fame Class! Congratulations to all of our nominees. The IBCA Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on Saturday, May 6th in Bloomington, IL. More information will be shared in the near future. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has a limited number of 50th Anniversary booklets that contain great historical information and past photos commemorating our state’s great basketball history.

A sample of information contained in this 100 page historical document:

Hall of Fame Inductees; DePaul University Coach Doug Bruno bio; Top 30 Influential Women; Top 30 Influential Men; Mr. Basketball of Illinois photos; Ms. Basketball of Illinois photos; All-Time High School Coaching Boys and Girls Coaching Records; Hall of Fame Coaches photos; History of SIJHSAA and IESA; Legendary Coaches photos; All Star Coaches - Boys Teams; All Star Coaches - Girls Teams; Organizations of the Years 2018-2022; High School Basketball Mascots; High School All Time Boys & Girls Scoring lists; All Time Collegiate Women Coaching Wins; All Time Collegiate Men Coaching Wins; IBCA All-Time Girls School Victories; All-Time Boys School Victories.

A great collection of Illinois basketball history that all players, coaches and fans should read. It may be a great “stocking stuffer” for Christmas!

If you would like to purchase the IBCA 50th Historical Booklet, please CLICK HERE to fill out and send in an order form.

The following is a note from the Illinois High School Association regarding their partnership with Max Preps and procedures for reporting game results throughout the season:

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to host several satellite clinics each year for coaches! Admission to each clinic is free with your IBCA membership. If you aren't a member yet, please make sure you sign up along with your staff on our membership page by CLICKING HERE. 

Do you know that Dorothy Gaters coached her teams to 10 State Championships and Doug Bruno has had 26 DePaul University teams invited to the NCAA Tournament?

The following information was sent to us by the IHSA regarding using a shot clock for the 2022-23 boys and girls basketball seasons:

The Basketball Museum of Illinois presents our Title IX 50th Anniversary Celebration!

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association will host our annual State-Wide Clinic on September 18th-19th at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. We have a tremendous group of guest speakers already confirmed for our clinic and will be announcing more in the coming weeks!

The National Association of Basketball Coaches and National High School Basketball Coaches Association are pleased to collaborate on an upcoming webinar: Making the Jump. What opportunities exist for high school coaches to pursue jobs at the college level? What makes being a high school coach uniquely rewarding? Hear from a panel of coaches with experience at both the high school and college levels:

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) met for our annual meeting at the IHSA offices in Bloomington, IL on Tuesday, August 2nd. Members of our IHSA/IBCA Committee who were present included Jim Tracy (Burbank St. Laurence), Mike Bailey (Chicago St. Patrick), Ron Winemiller (Benton), Deb Coffman (Bloomington Central Catholic), Matt Monroe (Chicago St. Ignatius), and Jeff Parsons (Fulton). The committee met with IHSA Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson to discuss many important issues and updates impacting the game of basketball in our state. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the IHSA and are looking forward to a great year!

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

Executive Director Jim Tracy (Burbank St. Laurence) and Associate Executive Director Ron Winemiller (Benton) recently traveled to Indianapolis to represent the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association at the National High School Basketball Coaches Association State Executive Directors Meetings in Indianapolis from July 12-14.

A variety of topics were discussed and many ideas were shared by members of the 30+ states represented.  It is always a privilege to be a part of talks that focus on ways to better serve and represent the outstanding coaches of Illinois!

A very nice crowd of Hall of Famers and basketball fans were treated to a very special event at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington on Saturday, July 9. Each attendee received a gift bag containing a 50th Anniversary Historical booklet, a Chuck Rolinski commemorative coin, and a refrigerator magnet from the Basketball Museum of Illinois along with other cool items.

Great food was served courtesy of the Stanford Olympia High School FFA.

Executive Director and Hall of Fame Coach Jim Tracy expressed his gratitude to the original IBCA Board of Directors – 3 of whom were in attendance: Lee Cabutti of Champaign Central, Dave Shannahan of Belleville West, and Steve Goers of Rockford Boylan. Jim’s speech also centered on our “Founding Father” Chuck Rolinski.

On behalf of the IBCA, Chuck’s daughter Toni Marie Rolinski Wundke and Jim Tracy accepted a Senate Proclamation celebrating the IBCA’s 50th Anniversary from Basketball Museum of Illinois Chairman Bruce Firchau.

The 2022 Ron and Rich Herrin Award recipient, Hall of Fame Coach Carol Plodzien was the key-note speaker. Carol replicated her HOF Banquet speech illustrating the struggles and victories of Title IX which was also celebrated during the event.

But the best part of the day was a great collection of memorabilia from our museum as well as borrowed items from throughout the state. Trophies, photos, jerseys, game balls, lettermen jackets, mascots – including ISU’s Reggie Redbird in person – and other historical items filled the Expo Center.

Many old friendships were renewed and many new ones began.  CLICK HERE to view and download pictures from the event. Everyone had a great day celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association!

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association was proud to host our annual All-Star Games this past Saturday, June 11th, at Pontiac Township High School. Congratulations to all of the players, coaches, and officials who were selected to participate. Thank you to the city of Pontiac and Pontiac Township High School for hosting. 

Since the fall of 1971, the IBCA has supported Illinois Basketball at three levels: Jr. High, High School, and College. We annually honor Coaches of the Year, select girls and boys All-State teams, choose All-Academic teams, host All-Star games, honor Organizations of the Year, and select Hall of Fame coaches, players, officials, media, friends, and championship teams.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to hold our annual All-Star Games this June in Pontiac. Former IBCA All-Star participants include the Miami Heat NBA Finals MVP Dwayne Wade (Oak Lawn –Richards), the Golden State Warriors Andre Iguodala (Springfield Lanphier) and Shaun Livingston (Peoria Central), the Toronto Raptors  Fred Van Vleet (Rockford – Auburn) and the Portland Trailblazers Evan Turner (Westchester – St. Joseph). 

Retired High School Basketball Coach Lori Blade of Edwardsville High School will be inducted in the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame with ceremonies held at the 2022 National Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. The annual convention will be held week of June 18-23.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2022 Coach of the Year Award Winners .They will be recognized at our annual Coach of the Year Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 30th at Illinois State University's Redbird Arena. Congratulations to everyone who earned a Coach of the Year Award for the 2021-22 season!

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association recently completed our third year of recognizing our All-State Academic Team Achievement Awards for varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from across the state.

The 2021-2022 season saw a record number of total submissions from our member schools with outstanding accomplishments from all student-athletes during the basketball season.  In order to qualify, the full roster of a varsity team must successfully maintain a cumulative, unweighted GPA above a 3.0 average through the first semester of the current basketball season.

All schools are eligible to participate and the IBCA is very proud to support our students in their primary high school endeavor, while also recognizing the rigors of being a student-athlete in the sport of basketball.

Congratulations to all teams for their participation and success!

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

IBCA All-Star Games – June 11, 2022 – Pontiac High School

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce that our annual All-Star games will be held on Saturday, June 11^th in the Pontiac Community High School Gym.  Admission is $5.   

The sites for the 2022 June Scholastic Events have been announced by the IHSA and IBCA. Each event is pending final approval by the NFHS and certification by the NCAA as live events.

Perhaps when you attended either of the high school state tournaments, you encountered the IBCA’s 50th Anniversary Memorabilia Displays. We hosted a great many people who enjoyed the past histories that we presented and also the visual memorabilia. Thanks to some of our most notable coaches who helped work the demonstrations, many stories were shared with our patrons. Thanks to all who helped make the display possible! A HUGE thank you to the IHSA, Redbird Arena, and the Champaign County Tourist Bureau for all of their help.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association would like to congratulate all of the girls and boys teams that advanced to the State Finals this year! We would like to extend a special congratulations to the teams that won State Championships, including: Brimfield (Girls 1A), Quincy Notre Dame (Girls 2A), Carmel (Girls 3A), Stevenson (Girls 4A), Yorkville Christian (Boys 1A), Nashville (Boys 2A), Sacred Heart-Griffin (Boys 3A), and Glenbard West (Boys 4A). 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2022 Boys All-State Teams! Congratulations on a great season! Please click the links below to see who was honored.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2022 Girls All-State Teams! Congratulations on a great season! Please click the links below to see who was honored.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

Coaches: As you may have already noticed, each week the IBCA presents two of our “60 Most Influential in Illinois Basketball” segments on local radio stations, via Twitter @ibcacoaches and on our website: www.ibcaillinois.org

Check out the IBCA exhibits of our histories along with some great memorabilia during both of the high school state tournaments. Our displays will be on the concourse of Redbird Arena and at the State Farm Center.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

The IBCA will be selecting our All-State Teams during the State Finals this March in Normal and Champaign. Our IBCA All-State District Representatives will be sending head coaches an email to allow you to nominate a player(s) from your team.

Congratulations to long-time boys Varsity Coach Bob Anderson on his 700th career victory on January 21st. Bob, an IBCA Hall of Fame Coach Class of 2005, began his career at Williamsfield High School before their co-op with ROWVA.

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th. 

To help the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association celebrate its 50th Anniversary, we asked coaches and media throughout out Illinois to select the 30 most influential people in Illinois Basketball for the past 50 years. Since it is also the 50th Anniversary for Title IX it is equally important to recognize the most influential for the Women’s side. Thus, there would be a total of 60 people recognized.

We are inviting radio stations in Illinois to participate in recognizing our “Top 30” by highlighting their biography in a 60 second spot on your station. We like to feature one from the Women’s and Men’s side each week beginning the week of January 20.  The biographical script will be prepared for you and would be emailed to you. It will state; Week 1, Week 2, etc. and we will release to you four weeks at a time in alphabetical order.

Jim Taylor from Aledo and Mike Moyer from Quincy have volunteered to read the script and format it into a MP3 and we can email it to you. The other option is to have your own personnel prepare to read the script on the air.

We like to thank you for considering this fun and enlightening project.  As you already know; when it comes to basketball in Illinois, few states if any can match the passion our people have for our teams, players and coaches.

Each year, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association honors boys basketball programs that have achieved 1,500 victories and girls basketball programs that have reached 1,000 victories throughout their entire programs' history.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has named their annual Organization of the Year recipients for the 2022 year. The three: The Vermilion County Basketball Tournament, the Chicago Catholic League, and the Athletic Officials Association will be honored at the 50^th annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.

An information flyer was sent out in the spring of 1971 by Sherril Hank’s of Quincy High School in regards to the possible formation of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2022 Hall of Fame class!

Oak Park Fenwick made a great hire in 1992, when the Friars selected Dave Power as their first and only Girls Varsity Basketball Coach. 29 years, 677 wins, and two state championships later, Coach Power achieved what only two other Illinois High School Coaches have accomplished: win 1000 games. Only recently retired Chicago Marshall Coach Dorothy Gaters (1153) and the late Gene Pingatore of Westchester St. Joseph (1035) have more. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has named their annual special awards winners for the 2022 year. These highly respected individuals and coaches will be honored at the 50^th annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.

The following is from Bucky Dent of the Southern Illinoisan:

Since the fall of 1971, the IBCA has supported Illinois Basketball at three levels: Jr. High, High School, and College. We annually honor Coaches of the Year, select girls and boys All-State teams, choose All-Academic teams, host All-Star games, honor Organizations of the Year, and select Hall of Fame coaches, players, officials, media, friends, and championship teams. 

The IBCA continues to update many historical documents which include a list of Boys and Girls All-time Varsity Basketball victories. At this time, Centralia High School not only leads our state with 2296 all-time wins, but leads the nation as well. Illinois can boast three of the top six nationally, with a fourth, Pinckneyville High School soon to crack the 2000 victory list. The other two are Collinsville (2152) and Quincy (2059).

Quincy Media, Inc. was a family-owned media company that originated in Quincy, Illinois dating back to 1835. The company originated in newspapers with the Bounty Land Register and moved into radio in 1947 and television in 1953. The corporation, Quincy Newspaper, Inc. was formed in Quincy in 1926 as a publishing company with the consolidation of the Quincy Herald – formerly the Bounty Land Register – and the Quincy Whig-Journal descendant of the Quincy Whig founded in 1938.

The Herald was purchased in 1891 by three men including Charles L. Miller who brought in his brother-in-law Aaron Burr Oakley and his nephew Ray M. Oakley – the first two generations of the Oakleys in the newspaper business. Along with co-owners Lindsay Family, the Whig and Quincy Journal were consolidated in 1920.

In 1947, WQDI, first commercial FM radio station was started by QNI and with the purchase of the Quincy Broadcasting Company, QWDI was renamed WGEM-FM along with sister station WGEM – AM the following year.

Quincy Broadcasting produced the area’s first television broadcast in 1953 with the launch of WGEM-TV, the area’s NBC affiliate.

Beginning in the 1970’s QNI began major expansions into television by acquiring stations in Indiana, Minnesota, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois.

In 2016, the company changed its name to Quincy Media. In 2021, President and CEO, Ralph Oakley and Pete Oakley announced the sale of Quincy Media, Inc. to Gray Television.

Throughout the years, the Oakley Family served 16 markets throughout the Midwest including TV stationsin Quincy, Rockford, Peoria/Bloomington, and Carbondale/Marion/Harrisburg. The Quincy Herald Whig newspaper and WGEM AM-FM in Quincy. They were committed to local news, sports, and community involvement. They have been the main coverage for high school, college, and other local sports and produced and networked the IHSA state football and basketball tournaments statewide.