East Central Reporter

The tournament committee that runs the popular Effingham-Teutopolis Christmas Classic, an annual basketball tournament for Illinois high schools, announced last week its decision to cancel this year's event.

Cancelling a Christmas basketball tournament at the tail end of summer because of fears over COVID-19 is disappointing, but it is a decision made locally, state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) said.

"Unfortunately, we, the Effingham-Teutopolis Christmas Classic committee, have made the tough decision to cancel our tournament for this year," a Facebook statement announced. "In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State of Illinois and the Illinois High School Association, we felt that it was best not to host the tournament.

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"Our committee wanted to make this decision at an early date, so our participating teams could have time to reschedule," the statement continued. "Thank you to everyone for the support the last several years and we will see you all in 2021 for some fantastic basketball. Stay safe and healthy."

Bailey, who is running for an open Senate seat, said he understands that Effingham County has seen a sharp rise in the number of positive novel coronavirus cases in recent weeks.

"While I am aware of the concerns, I disagree with that decision," Bailey told the East Central Reporter. "However, this is a local decision and this is where these need to take place — locally — rather than imposed by state or national government."

To make the decision so far out from the tournament, scheduled the three days after Christmas, is where Bailey parts company with the organizers.

"That's probably the part where I would disagree," he said. "It seems early, but I respect their decision."

Bailey says he knows several families whose members have contracted the coronavirus, but all of them have recovered.

"We are learning to live with it and that is what I contended from the start we need to do," he said. "People are good at figuring things out, and let local governments decide what to do, what to do locally. If citizens do not like the decisions made, they can make them heard more clearly at a local level."

The holiday classic hosts teams from the Chicago area, Central Illinois and Southern Illinois, with games played at venues in both Teutopolis and Effingham. Tournament organizers did not immediately respond to questions from the East Central Reporter.