The Unforgettable Journey of Amanda Glazebrook and the 1990-91 Sullivan High State Championship Team

Amanda Glazebrook’s basketball journey is one for the history books. Amanda set records on the court as the point guard for Sullivan High School’s undefeated, nationally-ranked state championship team. She cemented her legacy with a coaching career that brought similar glory to her alma mater. Her experiences during the unforgettable 1990-91 season showcase the heart, determination, and community spirit that fueled Sullivan’s success.

The Road to Glory

Amanda vividly recalls the 1990-91 season, beginning with an unblemished 27-0 record heading into the Arcola Regional. Sullivan’s dominance was on full display as they defeated Atwood Hammond by an incredible 53 points in the opening game. The regional championship against Arcola, a familiar rival since junior high, drew a packed gym as Sullivan emerged victorious again.

“We were 27-0 entering the Arcola Regional and ranked #1 in the state,” Amanda shared. “In the regional championship, we played Arcola. We had been battling each other since junior high. It was another packed gym, and we came out on top.”

From there, the team advanced to the Argenta-Oreana Sectional, where they faced Monticello in a less-than-perfect game but still managed a commanding 24-point win. The sectional title game against Tolono Unity, delayed by an ice storm, was one of Sullivan’s finest performances of the year.

“We played our best game of the year and were up 52-17 at the half,” Amanda said. “We ended up winning 90-36.”

Breaking Through to State

The super-sectional game against #4-ranked Olney was pivotal for the team. Having fallen short in previous years, the stakes were higher than ever. Fans filled every corner of the gym at Warrensburg-Latham High School, with extra bleachers and standing-room-only crowds adding to the electric atmosphere. Sullivan triumphed 60-47, earning their long-awaited trip to the state tournament.

“This was it for us! We had failed the previous two times to get to state. This time, we were victorious,” Amanda recalled.

As the team returned home, the celebration began. Escorted by police and fire trucks, they were greeted by a town bursting with pride. Preparations for the state tournament brought media attention, community support, and celebratory send-offs, including a luxurious van ride to Champaign.

“There was no school in Sullivan that Friday, so everyone could see us play,” Amanda said. “This was a lot better than riding the school bus!”

The Final Four

Sullivan’s quarter-final matchup against Georgetown Ridge Farm was a nail-biter. Their opponent became only the third team all season to come within 10 points of them. But the team’s resilience shone through and secured their spot in the Final Four.

Next up was Elgin St. Edward in the semi-finals, where Sullivan found their rhythm and dominated with a 68-52 victory. With the championship game on the horizon, the team’s strategy was clear: they would rely on their full-court blitz trap to outpace and outplay Seneca, a formidable opponent with three tall and talented players.

“Our strategy was simple. We were going to use our blitz trap full-court press and run them out of the gym,” Amanda explained.

A Championship Night to Remember

Standing in the tunnel at the Assembly Hall before the title game, Amanda and her teammates felt ready.

“I remember standing in the tunnel before the state championship game. We were loose and ready to play,” Amanda shared.

By the end of the first quarter, Sullivan led 24-11, extending their dominance to 43-23 by halftime. Their relentless energy and teamwork set five state records and secured a convincing 65-48 victory.

“We were STATE CHAMPIONS! WHAT A THRILL to have our medal and trophy ceremony in front of our fans who had supported us all season,” Amanda exclaimed.

The Celebration Continues

The celebrations continued in Sullivan the next day with a parade around the town square, complete with fire trucks and a police escort. Fans filled the school gym to greet the team, which proudly displayed its medals and the state championship trophy.

“It was cold, but we didn’t care! Everyone was there to celebrate with us,” Amanda recalled.

The festivities culminated in a school assembly, where Amanda and her teammates received their championship rings and posed for a commemorative team photo. An invitation to be honored by the state legislature and a #14 ranking in the final USA Today national poll added the finishing touches to an unforgettable season.

Amanda’s Legacy

Amanda Glazebrook‘s accomplishments didn’t end with her playing days. After a stellar collegiate career at Illinois State University, she returned to Sullivan High School to coach and led the girls’ team to a sectional title.

Her journey, from setting records as a player to inspiring the next generation as a coach, is a testament to her passion for the game and her dedication to her community. Sullivan High’s 1990-91 championship season, led by Amanda’s skill and leadership, remains a shining moment in Illinois high school basketball history, and her story continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.