The Illinois Get Down Basketball Tournament is a two-day high school basketball showcase hosted at Carbondale Community High School (CCHS). The event is organized by CCHS Hall of Fame alumnus Dan Cross and brings teams from across the United States to compete against one another. Caleb Belcher also played a major role in helping make the event possible.
According to Belcher, hosting an event like this takes months to prepare for.
“This isn’t thrown together in a few days,” Belcher said. “Preparation started as early as the summer. You have to get the teams and plan their travel first. Then you have to hire workers and officials. Hospitality room, DJ, broadcasting, and social media are other big aspects of an event like this. It takes a lot of people working hard toward a common goal of creating a great event that the athletes, coaches, and fans enjoy.”
Held during the December holiday season, the Illinois Get Down has become one of the most respected basketball events in the state, drawing elite programs from Illinois as well as basketball-rich regions in the South and Midwest. Hosted at CCHS, the tournament is often referred to as the Carbondale Holiday Showcase – Illinois Get Down. While the name reflects a modern rebranding, the event itself has a long-standing history.
Unlike a traditional bracket-style tournament, the Illinois Get Down is structured as a showcase, focusing on high-level matchups designed to highlight talent and competitiveness. Games are played over two days, giving fans the opportunity to watch multiple exciting contests. The level of play often attracts college recruiters and scouts, making the tournament an important exposure opportunity for student-athletes hoping to compete at the next level.
In addition to the action on the court, the Illinois Get Down has a positive impact on the Carbondale and Southern Illinois community. The arrival of teams, families, and fans during the holiday season provides a boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, while reinforcing Carbondale’s reputation as a hub for high school athletics.
As the tournament continues to grow in national recognition, the Illinois Get Down remains committed to promoting excellence, opportunity, and community engagement through the game of basketball.
