| Illinois Elementary School Association Kicks Off Exciting Girls Basketball Championship Series
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The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) is excited to announce the commencement of two thrilling weeks dedicated to crowning eight girls basketball champions, beginning this Saturday with the highly anticipated 7th grade state series.
The competition will feature seventh-grade teams competing across four classes: Class 1A, Class 2A, Class 3A, and Class 4A. The State Final Tournaments will kick off on December 7 and conclude on December 12, with games hosted at four designated sites throughout the state.
This year marks the 18th annual celebration of IESA's four-class girls basketball program, showcasing the growth and talent of young female athletes across Illinois. The IESA is proud to provide a platform for these student-athletes to demonstrate their skills and determination.
“We are excited to see the passion and talent these young athletes will bring to the court,” said Chris Frasco, IESA Basketball Administrator. “This tournament not only recognizes their hard work and dedication but also fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship among schools.”
Fans are encouraged to attend the games to support their teams and celebrate the achievements of all participating athletes. Digital tickets can be purchased online through GoFan for $8.00 per attendee per day. Fans attending the games on Saturday will receive a wristband for entry, valid only at the designated state final site. Fans can access the IESA GoFan page at the following link: https://www.iesa.org/gofan/ For those unable to use GoFan, cash tickets will be available on-site for $10.00. Children younger than kindergarten are admitted free throughout the tournament.
Tournament Locations:
- Class 1A: Assumption Central A & M Middle School
- Class 2A: Riverton High School
- Class 3A: Auburn High School
- Class 4A: Morton Junior High School
Tournament Schedule:
- Quarterfinals: Saturday, December 7
- First game starts at 10:00 a.m.
- Semifinals: Saturday afternoon, December 7
- First game begins at 5:00 p.m.
- Championship: Thursday, December 12
- Third Place Game: 6:00 p.m.
- Championship Game: 7:30 p.m.
Updates regarding game status, including any changes due to weather conditions, will be promptly posted on the IESA website at www.iesa.org. Results will also be available following each game.
This year, the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) proudly celebrates the 45th anniversary of its girls basketball state series, a significant milestone for a sport that has evolved since its inception in 1979. With participation continuing to grow, the IESA adapted in 2006 to expand the series from two classes to four, establishing opportunities for even more young athletes across the state.
Complete pairings for each state final, along with the tournament information in the FanZone, can be found by visiting www.iesa.org.
Join us in celebrating the legacy of girls basketball and the athletes who continue to inspire their communities!
Here are the matchups for this weekend:
Class 1A @ Assumption Central A & M Middle School
Saturday, December 7
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Normal Epiphany (26-1) vs Morton Blessed Sacrament (22-2)
Game 2 11:30 a.m. Cissna Park (21-1) vs La Harpe (22-3)
Game 3 1:00 p.m. Liberty (19-5) vs Oakland Lake Crest (15-4)
Game 4 2:30 p.m. Carrollton St. John (16-5) vs Ottawa Wallace (23-2)
Game 5 5:00 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 6:30 p.m. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Thursday, December 12
Game 7 6:00 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 7:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 2023 7th Grade State Finals: All new teams to the tournament
Class 2A @ Riverton High School
Saturday, December 7
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Sidell Salt Fork (17-4) vs Spring Valley Kennedy (25-1)
Game 2 11:30 a.m. Bourbonnais St. George (15-3) vs Springfield Christian (19-1)
Game 3 1:00 p.m. Bloomington Corpus Christi (16-4) vs Mason City Illini Central (16-6)
Game 4 2:30 p.m. Mt. Sterling Brown Co. (24-0) vs Effingham St. Anthony (20-3)
Game 5 5:00 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 6:30 p.m. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Thursday, December 12
Game 7 6:00 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 7:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 2023 7th Grade State Finals: All new teams to the tournament
Class 3A @ Auburn High School
Saturday, December 7
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Germantown Hills (20-3) vs Channahon (14-10)
Game 2 11:30 a.m. Westville JHS (20-0) vs South Holland McKinley (11-3)
Game 3 1:00 p.m. Downs Tri-Valley () vs Staunton (21-0)
Game 4 2:30 p.m. Springfield Lincoln (18-0) vs Teutopolis (24-1)
Game 5 5:00 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 6:30 p.m. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Thursday, December 12
Game 7 6:00 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 7:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 2023 7th Grade State Finals: Teutopolis (’23 Champion)
Class 4A @ Morton Junior High School
Saturday, December 7
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Arlington Heights South (13-0) vs Homewood Hart (16-6)
Game 2 11:30 a.m. Mt. Zion (25-2) vs Normal Kingsley (27-0)
Game 3 1:00 p.m. St. Jacob Triad (22-1) vs Frankfort Summit Hill (20-5)
Game 4 2:30 p.m. Minooka (18-5) vs Mokena (20-1)
Game 5 5:00 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 6:30 p.m. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Thursday, December 12
Game 7 6:00 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 7:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 2022 7th Grade State Finals: Arlington Heights South (’23 First Round), Normal Kingsley (’23 Champion).
For further information, press inquiries, or to schedule interviews, please contact Chris Frasco at the IESA office at 309-829-0114 or chris@iesa.org.
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