On Tuesday afternoon W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice announced that all school buildings statewide will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve promised and promised you over and over I would not put you a position that would be harmful and try to protect us in every way, especially our kids. The last thing I would do is put kids in harm’s way,” the governor stated.
Following the governor’s announcement, WVSSAC Executive Director Bernie Dolan released a statement on social media platforms announcing the state high school basketball tournaments have been canceled along with the entire spring sports season.
“This is an extremely difficult time for our students, coaches, schools and communities,” Dolan said. “West Virginians are a resilient group who will overcome this virus and all problems that come with it.”
The WVSSAC began the girls state basketball tournament last month, but they were unable to complete it due to the rapid spread of COVID-19.
There were 15 girls basketball teams and 32 boys basketball teams still eligible for postseason play when the postponement was made. In boys basketball the Class A and Class AAA state tournament schedule was already completed. However, in Class AA teams were scheduled to complete the regional finals the night of the postponement, those games didn’t take place.
Dolan also stated that guidance will be forthcoming to schools regarding the three-week summer workout window that teams can utilize anytime in the months of June or July.
