The Highlands girls basketball team faced low roster numbers throughout the first month of this season.
With just five players available for a majority of the games, thoughts turned to how the remainder of the schedule might play out.
Last weekend, in agreement between athletic director Katie Jo Stobert and coach Nia Thomas, it was determined that it would be in the best interest of the program to discontinue the rest of the season.
WPIAL executive director Vince Sortino said the Golden Rams’ remaining section games are considered forfeits.
“With only five available players, it’s extremely difficult to safely finish a full basketball season,” Stobert said.
“At the start of the season, there were around 13 girls who inconsistently attended open gyms. However, once the official season began, only seven players ultimately committed and were issued jerseys.”
At the time of the decision, Stobert confirmed only six players remained on the roster. One of those players, she said, suffered an ACL injury in a game in mid-December.
“Injuries and illnesses directly contributed to the limited number of available players,” Stobert said.
A number of games had been postponed over the past couple of weeks.
Highlands last played Jan. 8 against Freeport, and only five players — sophomores Lailah Jones, Brooke Walker, Lanyah Suber and Jasmine Owen; and freshman Joela Chapel — suited up in the loss to the Yellowjackets.
The Golden Rams concluded with an 0-13 record. They had played five section games. The remaining seven section games are expected to go down as forfeit wins on those respective team’s record. Knoch on Thursday confirmed to the Trib that the Knights’ games with Highlands will be forfeit victories.
In a game against Burrell on Dec. 11, five players were available and one fouled out with three minutes left, leaving the Golden Rams to finish the game with just four players on the court.
The Valley girls basketball team had similar numbers issues with only four players available as games were set to begin in late November.
As a result, the Vikings were forced to scrap their entire season.
Because Valley didn’t play any games, the home-and-home series were eliminated from the other section team’s schedules.
Highlands and all other WPIAL girls basketball teams will be realigned later in the school year for the next two-year cycle.
“At this point, we are unsure what, if any, impact this situation may have on playoff eligibility for the next two years,” Stobert said.
Stobert said she is confident the program will be able to build a viable team and play a full schedule of games next season.
“With time, consistency and discipline, we believe they have the ability to continue to grow, develop and be successful in the seasons ahead,” Stobert said.
Stobert said the remaining girls showed a lot of character and determination in wanting to represent their school with their teammates.
“We are incredibly proud of all the girls for sticking with the season, despite how challenging it was,” she said.
“We were forced into this decision due to injuries and illness, so it’s really encouraging that no one quit or gave up. It’s definitely disappointing, but it’s tough to play an entire basketball season with only five players dressing, and their commitment really speaks to their character and dedication to representing their school and teammates in a positive way.”