Hillcrest had the most heart breaking loss. They were up 14 with 4 minutes to go but lost. Looking at their scores on the season, they were not experienced with many close games. This was only the 9th time they were in a game settled by 20 or fewer points. With the loss, they dropped to 5-4 in these games. On the other hand, they were 22-0 in the plus 20 point games.
Galesburg's Gary Giger made it to state as an official. He worked the first game which was Vernon Hills vs. Springfield. It is certainly an honor to be picked to work at State. Gary did not appear to be nervous, he made the first 7 calls of the game. As I write, I don't know which Saturday game he will be assigned.
Former Galesburg principal, Bill Scheffler was there to support son, Brad. Brad is the coach of the Springfield team. It is always good to catch up with Bill, he was certainly one of the better principals I have gotten to work for. And his son and his team are certainly a class act.
GHS grad Allison Schwartz made it to State as trainer for Bartlett. And unfortunately, she had to make an appearance on the floor to take care of an injured player.
For Friday games, coach John Maniatis set state record for most interaction with his fans. The Hillcrest fans sat right behind their bench. John left a huddle to go over to plead with them to yell louder. On a great play, he ran out of the box, clear down past the baseline to urge them to get up and yell more.
The top "box exemption rule" went to Jason Nichols, the Montini coach. He was 8-10 feet out of the box chewing the ref out for a call. It will be interesting to see if that crew doesn't get assigned a third place game.
How tough is Springfield? Not only did Springfield have 4 freshmen and sophomores in the regular rotation, but their best freshmen was sitting out with an ACL injury. Yes, they will be back tough next year.
Not only is the general attendance down, not many high school coaches still attend. The hospitality room used to be wall to wall with 200 coaches over the weekend. At its peak this weekend, there were only 17 coaches in the room, and the 17 represented a total of 7 schools. Not much networking going on anymore.
This coming week, the Peoria Journal Star will have story after story on the state tourney. The Pantagraph just doesn't have the same interest in promoting the girls State Tourney. Friday's paper had short capsules of the four games on page three of sports. Saturdays paper had "box score" reports on the four games on page 5. The total for the four games was about 5 column inches.
Girls State Basketball Tournament Notes: Celebrating Excellence on the Court
The Girls State Basketball Tournament is a pinnacle event in high school sports, where talented young athletes from across a state come together to compete at the highest level of the game. It's a showcase of skill, teamwork, and dedication that captivates fans and provides unforgettable moments. In this article, we will delve into Girls State Basketball Tournament Notes, including its history, significance, memorable moments, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide an in-depth understanding of this celebrated event.
A Glimpse into the History
The Girls State Basketball Tournament is a tradition deeply embedded in the history of high school sports. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1900s when girls' basketball was emerging as a popular sport in schools. Over the years, it evolved into a highly competitive and organized event. Here's a brief history:
1. Early Beginnings:
Girls' basketball in schools was initially seen as an alternative to traditional sports, often played with modified rules.
2. Organized Competition:
As interest in girls' basketball grew, organized competitions and regional tournaments started to take shape.
3. Statewide Tournament:
Eventually, statewide Girls State Basketball Tournaments were established, bringing together the best teams to compete for the state championship.
The Significance of the Girls State Basketball Tournament
The Girls State Basketball Tournament holds immense significance in the world of high school sports for several reasons:
1. Showcasing Talent:
It provides a platform for exceptionally talented young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
2. School Pride:
The tournament fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among schools, students, and communities.
3. Scholarships and Opportunities:
Exceptional performances at the tournament can lead to scholarships and college basketball opportunities for student-athletes.
4. Inspiring Future Generations:
The tournament inspires aspiring young athletes to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
Memorable Moments
The Girls State Basketball Tournament has witnessed countless memorable moments that have left a lasting impact on fans and participants alike:
1. Cinderella Stories:
Underdog teams defying the odds and making deep runs in the tournament.
2. Buzzer Beaters:
Game-winning shots at the buzzer that have left spectators in awe.
3. Historic Performances:
Record-breaking individual and team performances that will be etched in history.
4. Sportsmanship:
Heartwarming displays of sportsmanship and teamwork that remind us of the values of the game.
5. Overtime Thrillers:
Games that go into overtime, adding extra drama and excitement to the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are teams selected for the Girls State Basketball Tournament?
Teams typically qualify for the tournament by performing well in their respective regional and sectional competitions.
Are there different divisions in the Girls State Basketball Tournament based on school size?
Some states may have multiple divisions based on school size, while others have a single championship bracket.
Do colleges and universities scout the Girls State Basketball Tournament for potential recruits?
Yes, college scouts and recruiters often attend the tournament to identify talented prospects.
Are there scholarships available for student-athletes who excel at the tournament?
Yes, exceptional performances at the tournament can lead to scholarships and opportunities to play college basketball.
How does the tournament contribute to the development of young athletes?
The tournament provides a high-pressure, competitive environment that helps young athletes develop skills, character, and the ability to perform under pressure.
The Girls State Basketball Tournament is more than just a sporting event; it's a celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and the dreams and aspirations of young athletes. Over the years, it has become a cherished tradition that unites communities and inspires generations. The memorable moments etched in its history serve as a testament to the passion and dedication of those who participate. As the tournament continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly create new memories and inspire countless young athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the court.
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