State basketball in June? One of the proposals put forth by SDHSAA

PIERRE, S.D. (GoWatertown.net) — The SDHSAA Board of Directors met in a special session on Friday, March 27th.

On the agenda was the consideration of holding the basketball state tournaments and the shortened sports timelines due to the COVID19 pandemic for spring boys tennis, boys and girls track and field, and boys class B and all classes of girls golf.

Multiple proposals were brought before the board based on the idea if schools were to resume session on May 4th. No actions were decided upon.

Some of the proposals included:

Boys Tennis
A one week regular season and a state tournament consisting of championship round play. A and AA State Tournaments could be held in Rapid City on Saturday May 23rd at two different sites or the AA tournament on May 22nd and the A on May 23rd. If rain is in the forecast the event would either be cancelled or moved to June 5-7th.

Track and Field
A regional meet would be held that would act as a state qualifier. State Track and Field Championships would continue to be held on May 29th and 30th.

All Class of Girls and Class B Boys Golf
Similar to track and field, a regional meet would be held that would act as a state qualifier. State Tournaments would be held June 1-2nd.

Girls and Boys State Basketball Tournaments
Basketball would begin practice on June 3rd. The tournaments would be held June 15-20th. Many options were discussed as to locations including holding the tournaments all in one city at multiple venues or having multiple cities hosting the games. Graduated seniors would be allowed to compete in the tournaments as long as they have not begun collegiate athletic activities.

The SDHSAA Board of Directors felt a wait and see approach should be taken due to the unknown surrounding the COVID19 pandemic. The board will reconvene in April to reconsider any proposals and decide how best to move forward.

 

(Brent Nathaniel, Watertown Radio Sports)