A number of schools around the Danville area have decided not to play high school basketball this winter, following guidelines released by the Illinois Department of Public Health instead of the IHSA.
The latest is La Salette Academy in Olivet, which announced Thursday afternoon that it has canceled its season. La Salette is not a full-time member of the IHSA but schedules IHSA teams as part of its annual schedule.
Athletic Director John Spezia says La Salette is looking forward for the 2021-22 season and its pursuit of become a full member of the IHSA.
Six Vermilion Valley Conference Schools (BHRA, Chrisman, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, Hoopeston Area, Salt Fork and Schlarman) have also decided not to play due to guidance from the state.
Only 12 schools in the entire state say they still want to play this winter. The IHSA’s board of directors have sent an invitation to the Governor’s office requesting they meet to discuss plans for high school sports.
The Illinois Department of Public Health last month listed basketball as a high-risk sport, meaning games can’t be played, but the IHSA defied the state a day later and opened up the possibility of still allowing winter basketball.
