OLSH game still on after COVID-19 scare

Constitution players all tested negative

HERSHEY, Pa. — For a while Thursday, there was a possibility the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School boys basketball team might win a state championship — without playing.

But OLSH’s opponent has cleared up a COVID-19 situation, and the game is on.

OLSH will play Constitution, as scheduled, at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Giant Center for the PIAA Class 2A championship. OLSH (23-0) is trying to become only the 15th team from the WPIAL or City League to win a state title with a perfect record.

For much of Thursday,

the status of the game was up in the air. On Thursday morning, PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi was alerted Constitution might not play the game because of COVID-19 concerns. Constitution beat Old Forge Tuesday night in the semifinals and Lombardi said he was told an Old Forge player tested positive for COVID-19 the next day.

Lombardi had a few conversations Thursday with the Philadelphia Health

Department, the Philadelphia School District and representatives of District 12 (Philadelphia Catholic and Public League). He was told Constitution might not play the game. Lombardi said if Constitution didn’t play, the game would not be postponed and Constitution would forfeit. Thus, OLSH would be state champions.

The PIAA announced earlier this winter any time a team does not play a PIAA tournament contest because of COVID- 19 concerns, the game will be forfeited. Lombardi said that would hold true even for the championship.

At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Lombardi said he had been told all Constitution players were taking rapid tests for COVID-19. At 6:40, Lombardi said he had been informed by a District 12 representative all Constitution players had tested negative for the virus and the game would be played.

Three years ago, Constitution, a Philadelphia Public League team, beat OLSH, 81-71, for the state title.