Even after Gov. Bill Lee’s call to extend school closures in Tennessee through April 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the TSSAA is holding out hope its state tournaments for girls’ and boys’ basketball as well as the spring sports season can still be played.
TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said Tuesday’s announcement from the governor’s office will not affect the plan for playing prep sports.
Childress urged all member schools – public and private – to continue adhering to the governor’s recommendation in the interest of the health and safety of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.
“This suspension should include games, scrimmages, practices and organized workouts or conditioning,” Childress said in a released statement. “We are continually monitoring developments related to this public health concern. It is still the hope and goal that we will be able to resume the girls’ state basketball tournament and hold the boys’ state basketball tournament.
“It is also the goal that our member schools will be able to resume their spring sports seasons, although it will be with a limited time frame and schedule, culminating with the postseason and ultimately Spring Fling.