It is a confusing time if you are a high school athlete or fan. This week the IHSA ignored guidelines from the IDPH and Governor’s office and told schools that the basketball season could start in about two weeks. Placing the decision to play on the shoulders of school districts and administrators.

But a new wrinkle is JB Pritzker saying yesterday (Thursday) that basketball is being moved to the spring.

The Governor’s office confirmed that he did not misspeak and is saying high school basketball will be played in the spring. The state’s largest school district, Chicago Public Schools, has committed to playing in the spring.

IHSA executive director Craig Anderson says basketball can be played safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says that's why the IHSA board of directors voted this week to defy the wishes of Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health and move forward with a season.

Anderson says some school districts may choose to opt out of playing this season. For those that elect to play, boys and girls basketball practices are scheduled to begin November 16, while the season opens November 30.