With its reigning state champion girls' varsity basketball team on a 10-day COVID pause, Williamsville South High School in New York was bracing for an unceremonious end to the title defense.
According to The Buffalo News, that all changed when varsity coach Kristin Dolan found a creative way to keep the season alive by sending its junior varsity team into Tuesday's Section VI Class A-2 quarterfinals. Dolan, who can't have any contact with either team, said the Billies will use the JV players and their coaching staff against visiting West Seneca East. Should the JV team defeat West Seneca East's varsity team, the South varsity would be past its 10-day pause and available for Thursday’s semifinal round game.
“It’s going to be a mountain to climb, but our JV girls will give it their best,” said Dolan, whose varsity girls had won seven straight games. “I can’t be in the gym coaching them these next few days, but I’m already breaking down game film and seeing what we can do to help put these girls in the best possible position.”