Coronavirus In Colorado: High School Basketball Players React To Tournament Cancellation Halfway Through Games

DENVER (CBS4)- After beating Highlands Ranch in the semifinals, the Cherry Creek Bruins left the coliseum ready to play for a second straight state title. Little did they know, they had just played their final game.

"Just disbelief," head coach Clint Evans said. "I feel like it wasn't a bad decision, but I still just feel helpless."

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"It's been a roller coaster of emotions. When I first found out, I didn't believe it. It still feels surreal. It doesn't feel like that's how it's going to end," Cherry Creek senior Carly Thompson said.

CHSAA's decision to cancel the tournament mid-way through has left players with mixed emotions.

As of Monday morning, there are 131 cases of coronavirus in Colorado. Gov. Jared Polis banned all large gatherings of people in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Going into it, it would have been nice to know it was our last game. But there was no way to know that. So I'm just grateful we got play at least some of the tournament," Thompson said.

"Every team in the state, this is what they work for. So to be one game short, it just feels like something was taken from you," senior Cali Clark said.

It's not an easy thing to do in times like this, but these girls have rallied together to find a lot of good in a terrible situation.

"I don't want to look back and regret it, or think we threw away the season just because we couldn't play one more game," Jana Van Gytenbeek, the Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year, said.

"It's been an amazing year, and I want to be thankful for that," Van Gytenbeek said.

Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.