All Pennsylvania high school winter sports, including Prep sports, have been postponed until Jan. 4 as of now. Once Jan. 4 hits, all the sports teams have to have four practices before returning back to competitive play against other schools. Some teams got at least one game in before Governor Wolf’s guidelines started. 

Cathedral Prep Athletic Director Bill Flanagan commented on the winter sports having the possibility of shorter season than usual.

“If we are permitted to return to play on January 4, our return will consist of multiple practices (at least four) and then a lot of games in a short amount of time,” he said. “But without fully knowing if we are actually returning right after the new year, the question turns to whether PIAA will extend the winter season. At this point, it is too early to tell.” 

The Cathedral Prep basketball team got to take on their in-town rivals from McDowell. The teams faced off against each other on Dec. 11, the day before high school sports were shutdown. The rivals played a very competitive game with the Ramblers coming out on top with the 59-50 victory. 

The Ramblers were led by senior big man Liam Galla with 20 points and 17 rebounds.

“It really felt good to be back on the court,” Liam said. “We were one of the teams that was fortunate enough to play, and it was even better that it was against our rival. It was a great game for us and a great way to head into the delay and hopefully the start of the season.”

Another senior guard, Malachi Milsap, helped the Ramblers with 5 points and getting the win. Malachi reflected on trying to stay focused over the delay in the basketball season.

“Coach is encouraging us to do conditioning, and we are watching film that coach sends us to watch over this break, so we remember what we have to do when we get back,” he said.

High schools sports will be back again soon. The season may be shorter, but given the situation and what everyone is dealing with in the pandemic right now, just having any games is a blessing for anyone.