Class A, C state tournaments moved

As has become par for the course during the coronavirus pandemic, sporting events can change in a hurry. And that continues to be the case as the Montana High School Association announced on Friday that both the combined Class A and combined Class C state basketball tournaments have been moved from their originally scheduled sites.

In the case of Class A, and the Havre Blue Ponies, the state tournament was slated for the Butte Civic Center March 10-12. However, the tournament has now been moved to Great Falls, and ahead to the week of March 3-6.

"The Class A Combined State Basketball Tournament was originally schedule for Butte at the Civic Center. Butte-Silver Bow Health Department will only allow two tickets per spectator. The Class A conference looked at the option of holding the tournament a week earlier, March 3-6, in Great Falls at Montana Expopark. They voted 18-2 to hold the tournament the week earlier in Great Falls. The State Class A Combined Tournament will be held at Montana Expopark, March 3-6," the MHSA press release said.

Of course, those dates will now conflict with the Class A state wrestling tournament, which is to be held in Miles City and the Class A state swim meet, which will be held in Polson the same weekend. However, the need to allow more spectators was the main decision, and the Four Seasons Arena will allow 500 spectators per team at the state tournament in Great Falls. That is also what will be allowed at the Eastern A Divisional in Billings in two weeks.

There are caveats to that, however. If both Havre High teams qualify for state, spectators will have to buy a ticket for each program in order to see both teams play. Fans of each team will also only be allowed to be in the arena for its own team's games. There will be a one-hour break in between each game.

The Class C state tourney was originally scheduled for Montana State University in Bozeman, but has now been moved to Billings, but unlike Class A, will still be played March 10-13. The tournament will coincide with the Class B state tournament, which is also held in Billings. Billings is also allowing 500 spectators per team.

"The Class C Combined State Basketball Tournament was originally awarded to MSU Bozeman. MSU informed us that they cannot host this year because of COVID concerns. After reviewing several options, the MHSA Board has placed the Class C Combined State Basketball Tournament in Billings at Lockwood High School, March 10-13. The Class B and Class C state tournaments will be in Billings during that time, however, Visit Billings has stated there are plenty of accommodations available for tournament participants and attendees," the MHSA press release stated.

The MHSA also addressed the use of masks in the press release now that new Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has officially lifted the statewide mask mandate in place since July. Prior to today, all coaches and substitutes were required to wear masks at all times.

"Schools will follow the local health requirements (home and if visiting) and any school policy (home and if visiting) on COVID requirements (masks, fan limits, etc.), this includes regular and post season play. With the lifting of the requirement, coaches and substitutes would have to be masked if required by local school or local health department policy. Otherwise, if there are no health department or school restrictions, the MHSA encourages personal responsibility and encourages coaches, substitutes and fans to mask and social distance," the MHSA stated.

Havre High Activities Director Brian Kessler said Friday that he will have all Blue Pony coaches and student-athletes continue to follow the current masking protocols that have been in place prior to Friday's announcement.