Ypsilanti Lincoln’s defense of the Division 1 boys basketball state title has been put on hold and Elgin Bates is OK with the decision.
The father of the nation’s top prep basketball prospect Emoni Bates said he understands the disappointment athletes might have but agreed with the decision made by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to suspend winter postseason tournaments due to the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The MHSAA announced early Thursday morning that only parents, guardians and essential school personnel would be allowed to attend postseason tournaments this weekend.
But after a bevy of professional and college sports entities began cancelling play and tournaments due to the outbreak, the MHSAA made the decision to follow suit sideline teams indefinitely.
With safety the top priority, Bates said it was the right decision to make.
“At the end of the day, we don’t want to put anybody at risk,” Elgin Bates said. “For us, the kids are our future and we want to make sure their safety is in good hands. We don’t want to risk them due to anything.
“The kids’ safety comes first. Basketball seasons, they come, and they go, but as long as you’re in good health and you’re still here, there’s always another opportunity to get back out here and contend for another shot at a state run.”
Emoni and the Railsplitters were coming off a convincing win over rival Ypsilanti in the district semifinals Wednesday night and were a day away from the highly-anticipated rematch with Ann Arbor Huron for the district crown prior to the MHSAA’s decision.
The 6-foot-9 sophomore superstar has garnered nationwide attention and has drawn thousands to see him and Lincoln compete all season and Friday’s final was expected to have the same atmosphere.
“While it’s frustrating, our first goal always has to be the safety and security of our kids, families, and community,” Lincoln athletic director Chris Westfall said. “I think the MHSAA is being smart to put things on hold to have time to be able to make great decisions. We all want to play, but first and foremost that means a safe playing field ... or for us in this case, court. Sports mean the world to us, but we all know there are more important things.”
It’s unclear whether this year’s postseason will return later, Bates’ focus was more set on making sure the safety of the athletes and everyone involved takes precedent.
“The kids’ safety is what’s most important,” Elgin Bates said. “Is it unfortunate, yes, but we have to be optimistic. We will see how things play out.”
For more coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage and its impact across Michigan, visit mlive.com/coronavirus.
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