January in Springfield means it is time for the City Basketball Tournament. The City Tournament kicks off Wednesday, January 22nd at the Bank of Springfield Center with two girls games followed by two boys games on Thursday, January 23rd. Friday and Saturday feature four games each day with all the city schools boys and girls teams playing. The games are truly a unique experience with not only action on the hardwood, but schools vying for the coveted spirit award with nightly themed student sections. In addition to the athletes playing basketball, the cheerleaders, and the themed student sections, city high school students perform in poms, drum lines, band, and choir. When the weather is cold outside it is a fun indoor family activity.
The Boys City Tournament began in 1949 and has been held every year since with the exception of 2021 when it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The first Girls City Basketball Tournament was held in 1973, a single-day, three team tournament won by Lanphier. The Girls City Tournament has been held consistently every year since 1976, with the exception of 2021.
The game of basketball is an American invention. Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts claims to be the birthplace of basketball. During the winter of 1891-1892, 31-year old grad student James Naismith was challenged by the head of the physical education department with developing an indoor game that was interesting, easy to learn, and easy to play in the winter by artificial light. Naismith borrowed aspects of many games of the time, including passing from rugby, the ball from soccer, and the concept of a goal from lacrosse. Naismith established thirteen rules for the new game. Naismith then asked a janitor for boxes to use as goals, but the janitor came back with two peach baskets instead. Naismith nailed the baskets to the lower rail of the gym balcony, one at each end, at the height of ten feet. Basketball was born.
At the time, Springfield College was known as the International YMCA Training School, and YMCAs and colleges became instrumental in the growth of basketball. In 1904, the Olympics were held in St. Louis, and basketball was included as a demonstration event. In the 1936 Olympics, basketball became a medal event. The first NCAA men’s basketball tournament was held in 1939 at Northwestern University and included eight teams. The University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University in the championship game.
For more information on the 2025 Springfield City Basketball Tournament, visit www.sps186.org.
