Sierra Canyon, CA HSBB Title Games Canceled Because of Coronavirus

Featured ColumnistMarch 12, 2020

Sierra Canyon's Bronny James #0 in action against Dominican during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Saturday, January 18, 2020, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

The California Interscholastic Federation announced Thursday it's canceled the remaining state championship basketball games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement included a statement from CIF executive director Ron Nocetti about the decision:

"We want to recognize the hard work and commitment our student-athletes have made to reach the State Basketball Championships. The impact of COVID-19 created many unexpected challenges during this year’s tournament season, and we want to thank everyone involved for their flexibility, patience, and commitment in providing our student-athletes a great experience despite this unique situation."

Sierra Canyon School, which features a star-studded roster led by Ziaire Williams, B.J. Boston Jr., Bronny James and Zaire Wade, was among the teams scheduled to compete in title games.

B/R Hoops @brhoops
The CIF has canceled all remaining California State Basketball Championship games, per statement from @CIFState. Sierra Canyon will not play this Saturday as previously scheduled. https://t.co/UReCkfSGxr

The Trailblazers defeated Etiwanda High School in the semifinals Tuesday with a buzzer-beater by Williams to reach the final with a 30-4 record.

SportsCenter @SportsCenter
Ziaire Williams with the game-winner at the buzzer to send Sierra Canyon to the State Championship game! 😱 (via @Tarek_Fattal) https://t.co/xbGDjndroA

The championship game was scheduled to take place Saturday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

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In all, 12 matchups (six boys and six girls) were scheduled to take place between Friday and Saturday for California's state titles.