TOWER HILL -- While schools might not be holding winter sports due to newer COVID-19 mitigations, basketball fans can still get their fix.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, the Eye of the Tiger Sports Complex in Tower Hill is launching their own basketball league.
Groups participating are from throughout the region, from Mt. Zion to Vandalia, from Taylorville to Teutopolis.
"All are very good teams," states Jim Dial, owner of the facility.
The teams are being called from the school they come from. However, the school districts have no participation in the league, according to Dial.
Not a stranger to threats from the state
Dial states that he has received threats from the State of Illinois regarding holding the league. Despite that, he is retaining the services of attorney Thomas DeVore of Sorento.
DeVore is known for his stance against Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on the pandemic. DeVore is also the lead attorney in many lawsuits challenging the authority of the executive branch.
DeVore would send a letter to the state, stating that this was a private organization. Additionally, he would state that Illinois has no jurisdiction on the matter.
Both Dial and DeVore have yet to hear a return response from the state.
Specifics on the Eye of the Tiger basketball league
"It was going to be eight teams involved, but two more are begging to get in," Dial says. "It will be held seven days a week, with JV and varsity teams participating."
The

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