IHSAA changes postseason hoops tournament
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The post season for Indiana boys and girls basketball tournaments is going to look a bit different this upcoming season. The executive committee of the Indiana High School Athletic Association voted 15-2 to make the regional round a single game and the semi-state round a two-game format.
The change goes into effect this winter. The previous format of a two-round regional and a single semi-state game had been in place since 2002.
The IHSAA says regional pairings will be drawn and announced at the same time as the traditional sectional pairings with two regional championship games being played at the same site and potentially from different classes.
“We really like the potential of a high-energy atmosphere at the semi-state level with a chance to advance to the state championship games, said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “This new format will double the number of teams who play a week longer in the tournament and should create a lot of excitement in those communities.”
Neidig says the change should be financially beneficial for communities that serve as host sites. IHSAA says Neidig conducted a survey of principals, athletic directors, boys and girls coaches and more than 70% of the 781 respondents voted in favor of the change.
In other action, the committee approved full membership for Dugger Union, Evansville Christian and Purdue Polytechnic to compete in IHSAA state tournaments beginning this fall. IHSAA also approved raising ticket prices at football and basketball sectional games.