Photo by Rod Miles
Will Heeimbrodt drives to the hoop against San Marin. Players in Marin County are required to wear masks even during games, although it can be difficult to keep them in place amid the action.
By Derek Wilson
Marinscope
The game remains the same, even if players have to wear masks while running up and down the court.
It’s certainly an unusual sight for high school basketball players to wear masks during games, but that is the concession players in Marin County have had to make in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s basketball and the guys are playing just like they would if they didn’t have the experience of COVID,” said Bret Tovani, boys basketball head coach at Archie Williams High School, formerly Sir Francis Drake. “The only difference is they have to play with a mask on. It can’t be fun, but they’re happy to do so if it means they have the opportunity to play.”
The status of the 2020-21 high school basketball season was in doubt for months as the county battled to control COVID infection rates. Teams were still waiting in March, and players started making their brackets for NCAA March Madness. It was around then that a lawsuit challenged the State’s decision to postpone the high school basketball season, since colleges were allowed to play. The State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the high school players, helping to ease the way for the start of the season. Still, Marin County had to prove that it could lower infection rates to a level where it was safe for indoor sports.
The team practiced outside during the winter. When they were allowed inside their gym, players had to bring and use their own basketballs, with no physical contact — just another challenge on the way to the start of the season.
The Marin County Athletic League arranged an abbreviated schedule, with a maximum of 14 games, including eight league games, between May 18 and June 3, with no postseason.
“I’m just so happy that the seniors get a season. I’m excited they got the opportunity,” Tovani said. “I am sad that they don’t get the kind of season they deserve, with a full slate of games and playoffs. And for those who wanted to play beyond high school, it has been difficult because college coaches have been unable to see them.”
The Pirates of San Anselmo have four seniors on the roster, including newcomer Finn McHiugh. Casey Borgonova, an All-MCAL second team pick last season, takes the lead for the Pirates again this year, backed by hard working Colby Alonzo, Nick Mahl, Nick Hedeman and Jackson Arroyo.
The Pirates took a serious blow recently when junior Will Heimbrodt injured his ankle against San Marin, but the team still has a deep and talented group of players. Juniors Jack Wuthnow, Kyle Ford and Charles Preston are hustling to fill the gaps.
Freshman Owen Bugas wasn’t sure when or if he would play his first season of basketball, but “he is a kid who just loves basketball,” according to Tovani. “He was not to be denied. He was not to be deterred at all. He’s one of those kids who makes things happen.”
With players like that, and after the shared challenges of the past year, the team might come out stronger by the start of the next season.
“We have a bunch of kids who are new to the varsity level and they’re making great strides,” Tovani said. “I hope that helps us in the future.”
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