According to Maxpreps.com, A national rule mandating a shot clock in boys and girls high school basketball will have to wait for another vote. The National Federation of State High School Associations, or the NFHS, announced that it voted against a proposal to implement a shot clock in every state starting in 2020-21. As it is now, only nine states, including California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington, use a 30- or 35-second shot clock. A vote count was not provided by the NFHS. One of the reasons against a shot clock historically is monetary, both in the cost of equipment and an official to track the timer each game. Slowing the game and failing to keep up with college and professional rules have been sharp criticisms of states for not implementing a shot clock. But statistically, a lack thereof hasn’t necessarily cut down scoring. Of the top 20 boys scoring teams in the country during the 2019-20 season, only two teams, both from California, played with a shot clock. Of the top 20 girls scoring teams, 18 of the 20 also came from states without a shot clock.
The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Banquet that was rescheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 5:00pm at Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University has been postponed. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2021 during the annual IHSFCA Clinic at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. All tickets for the 2020 banquet will still be honored at the 2021 banquet. Ticket cost is $30 for Adults and $15 for Children 12 and under. The IHSFCA sincerely regrets having to make this decision, but under current Restore Illinois regulations feels that the reschedule date gives the best opportunity to make this an appropriate and well-deserved honor for our inductees.
ESPN’s ten-part docuseries about Michael Jordan and the 90’s Bulls is in the books after the final two episodes aired last night. Episode nine featured the Bulls’ 1997 title win over the Utah Jazz and their seven game battle with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1998. It also discussed the murder of Steve Kerr’s father in Beirut in 1984, Jordan’s friendship with security guard Gus Lett, and MJ’s iconic “flu game” in the 1997 finals. Episode ten focused mainly on the Bulls beating the Jazz for their sixth championship in 1998. It ended with the team’s celebration in Grant Park and the beginning of the break up of the Bulls’ dynasty.
The Bears are mourning the loss of former chairman Michael McCaskey. McCaskey died Saturday at the age of 76 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He became the president and CEO of the Bears in 1983 following the death of his grandfather George S. Halas, who founded the franchise and co-founded the NFL. McCaskey held the position until 1999 when he became the team’s chairman until 2011. Under his leadership, Chicago had eight playoff seasons, claimed six NFC Central Division titles and were crowned Super Bowl 20 champions. McCaskey was voted NFL Executive of the Year after the 1985 Super Bowl championship.
