Coronavirus put the season on hold. Will Timberview get a chance at another title?
In the past four years, Mansfield Timberview has become one of the best boys basketball teams, not only in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but in the entire state.
The Wolves won UIL Class 5A state titles in 2017 and 2019.
They’ve won nearly 85 percent of their games with a 123-22 record over the last four seasons, and they reached the state tournament again this year. They were seeking their third championship over that span.
But the tourney and the rest of the sports world are put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things in my lifetime, but nothing to this degree,” said coach Duane Gregory, who was set to play San Antonio Wagner in the 5A semifinals. “I’m stunned, but not surprised when you see everything happening in the sports world getting postponed and canceled.”
The UIL suspended the state tournament on Thursday after four games, just before Timberview and Wagner were set to tip off.
“Disappointed for the kids, our program and community, but I understand,” Gregory said. “They are being cautious with people’s health and I get that aspect of it. A lot has changed since we got on the bus Wednesday morning. It’s unprecedented.”
The Wolves were putting on their final touches at a local gym and got on the bus when Gregory got the call from the UIL.
“As soon as I got off the phone, I filled the kids in on what was going on,” Gregory said. “There were blank stares and nothing was said. They were as stunned as I was.”
Now the season is in limbo and it may not re-start.
The UIL suspended all competition until March 29.
“We are working around the clock to develop a contingency plan,” said UIL Deputy Director Dr. Jamey Harrison. “I will tell you, it is our goal, it is our hope, it is our intention to complete this tournament at some point in the future. It’s our intention to complete our other state championships, who has seasons not completed so far.”
Expect the student-athletes to train and work out on their own, barring any other setbacks.
The UIL suspension includes practices. Some teams may still practice after a week or two, but it’s up to the discretion of the school district.
“We were fortunate to go down to San Antonio during this unusual time, not knowing what’s going to happen,” Gregory said. “We continued to be focused on our game, but for us adults, in the back of our mind we thought there was a possibility we may not play.”
LaRue LaPoynor and Slidell won 1A semifinal games while Dallas Madison and San Antonio Cole won 3A games.
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The UIL broke its news during halftime of the Madison and Coldspring-Oakhurst contest.
“I had some thoughts that were going through my head, of course everybody did, just watching and seeing on TV everything that was happening, but I trust the powers that be at the UIL that they’ll do what’s in the best interest for the coaches, parents, kids and everyone else involved. I just trusted them to make the right decisions,” Madison coach Damien Mobley said.
Like Timberview, Madison and Slidell are looking to defending their state titles.
Slidell took precautions leading up to the game, but had no reservations about playing.
“It’s something we discussed and made sure the team felt comfortable,” Slidell coach Casey Pierce said. “Personally, we like to keep things simple. We can only control what we control. The way the climate is, we can’t control that. We can manage it the best we can, but Slidell was still coming to the state tournament. The kids and community felt the same way.”
Cole, which lost to Madison in last year’s semifinals, was looking for its first title since 1989 when the program featured NBA legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
“Obviously we want to play those guys,” said Cole coach Noe Cantu. “It’s unfortunate and hopefully something comes out of it, but safety is the most important thing right now.”
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM.
