| 2026 IESA Boys Baseball State Finals Begin This Friday at EastSide Centre in East Peoria
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Competition in the 71st annual Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Boys Baseball State Final Tournaments is set to take place this weekend, October 2-3, at the EastSide Centre in East Peoria. This year marks the 20th edition of the IESA's three-class state baseball series, highlighting the talents of young athletes across Illinois.
The tournament features eight teams competing across three classes: 1A, 2A, and 3A. Game times differ slightly by class, providing an exciting weekend of baseball for fans and participants alike.
Game Schedule
Class 1A:
Quarterfinals (Friday): 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Semifinals (Saturday): 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Third-Place Game: Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Championship Game: Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Class 2A and 3A:
Quarterfinals (Friday): 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Semifinals (Saturday): 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon.
Third-Place Game: Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Championship Game: Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
In the event that weather affects the playing schedule, fans can find up-to-date information on the IESA website.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through GoFan, with digital ticket prices set at $8.00 for each day. For those unable to use GoFan, cash tickets will be available on-site for $10.00. Admission is free for children younger than kindergarten.
Complete pairings for each state final, along with the FanZone, are available on the IESA website. Fans can click on the Boys Baseball link at the top of the IESA homepage for more details. Scores will be updated after each game.
The IESA first sanctioned boys baseball in 1955. The format has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a single class to the current three classes of 1A, 2A, and 3A, which were established in 2006.
Join us this weekend to celebrate the achievements of these young athletes and enjoy thrilling baseball action!
Here is a look at the pairings for the 2026 Baseball State Final Tournaments:
Class 1A @ EastSide Centre, East Peoria, IL
Friday, October 2
Game 1 9:30 a.m. Lincoln Chester-East Lincoln (15-1-1) vs. Peoria Limestone Walters (12-4-0)
Game 2 11:30 a.m. Bloomington Corpus Christi (17-4-1) vs. Liberty (19-1-0)
Game 3 2:00 p.m. Pawnee (15-2-0) vs. Dieterich (16-3-1)
Game 4 4:00 p.m. Mazon-Verona-Kinsman (11-3-0) vs. Champaign St. Matthew (12-2-0)
Saturday, October 3
Game 5 9:30 a.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 11:30 a.m. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Game 7 2:00 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 4:00 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 1A 2025 State Finals: Bloomington Corpus Christi, Liberty, Peoria Limestone Walters (4th Place)
Class 2A @ EastSide Centre, East Peoria, IL
Friday, October 2
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Tuscola East Prairie (12-3-0) vs. Downs Tri-Valley (14-3-0)
Game 2 12 noon Dwight (17-0-0) vs. Avon Abingdon Avon (12-0-1)
Game 3 2:30 p.m. Peru Parkside (11-2-0) vs. Effingham St. Anthony (14-3-0)
Game 4 4:30 p.m. Auburn JHS at Divernon (12-5-0) vs. Bluffs (14-2-0)
Saturday, October 3
Game 5 10:00 a.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 12 noon Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Game 7 2:30 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 4:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 2A 2025 State Finals: Peru Parkside (Runner-Up), Effingham St. Anthony (1A Champion)
Class 3A @ EastSide Centre, East Peoria, IL
Friday, October 2
Game 1 10:00 a.m. Vandalia (18-1-0) vs. Frankfort Hickory Creek (13-2-0)
Game 2 12:00 noon Mahomet-Seymour (12-1-0) vs. Minooka (20-3-0)
Game 3 2:30 p.m. Mascoutah (13-4-0) vs. Mokena (17-3-0)
Game 4 4:30 p.m. Morton JHS (11-4-0) vs. Chatham Glenwood (16-4-0)
Saturday, October 3
Game 5 10:00 a.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6 12 noon Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Game 7 2:30 p.m. Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6 (Third Place)
Game 8 4:30 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (Championship)
**Returning from the 3A 2025 State Finals: Morton JHS, Chatham Glenwood, Mokena (Runner-Up)
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