OBCA announces UCO will host its All-State games

The Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association announced Wednesday the annual All- State boys basketball games will be held, July 25, at the University of Central Oklahoma's Hamilton Field House.

The large-school matchup is set for 3 p.m followed by the small-school game at 4:30 p.m.

“What we're trying to do now is figure out what is the best way to allow fans into Hamilton Field House and the safe way to do that,” UCO assistant athletic director Chris Brannick said.

The announcement comes a month after the Oklahoma Coaches Association' s decision to cancel the annual coaches clinic and All-State games due to the inability to house players for the weekly event during the coronavirus pandemic.

Brannick said the UCO athletic department is assuming the only people attending the games will be coaches and close family of the players but notes the event will be open to anybody who wants to attend.

“It's not typically an event where a casual spectator goes, but we're preparing for everybody that would come, whoever t hat may be, ” he said. “We want to just make an opportunity where they'll get to come and see that game.”

UCO reopened its facilities to its athletes on June 1 but have not had the financial capabilities to test anyone for COVID- 1 9 . However, the university has screened players and coaches with a temperature check and questionnaire before allowing them to enter the building.

Without the ability to test fans, UCO is preparing to rope off sections of the gym to keep fans apart, Brannick said, and will most likely require spectators to wear masks while inside the field house, but there is not an official plan yet.