By JEREMY SELLEW
[email protected]
In an effort to remain compliant with the most recent declaration by the Allegheny County Health Department, officers of the Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League announced Thursday that the league will resume play beginning Monday with no spectators in attendance at the league’s home at Marx’s Court Time Sports Center in Elizabeth Township.
The decision was necessary to comply with the order Health Department director Dr. Debra Bogen announced Wednesday.
Included with the order, events and gatherings indoors with more than 25 people are prohibited for two weeks effective today.
The league made the announcement on its website at mvisbl.com.
“The Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League and Marx’s Court Time is going to play its scheduled games for the next two weeks without any spectators due to the new guidelines set forth by Allegheny County,” the statement reads. “Only coaches, players, referees, and support staff will be admitted.”
No fans of any kind will be admitted for this “Two Week Order” period. All players must turn in the league’s “Participation Waiver Form” to be permitted to play.
The league is also asking any player that has been to a predetermined “hot zone” or vacationing out of state to self quarantine for seven days once they have returned home.
Those hot zones include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
Players will be asked to have masks, which should be worn when they are not competing.
The games will continue to be posted on the MVI Live YouTube page for subscribers. It’s free to subscribe with the click of a button on the page.
Other options are also being explored to make the games accessible.
“We feel this is the best way to continue with the league safely and still complete the entire season,” league founder and Campy’s Pizza coach Naz Victoria said. “We’re looking forward to having large crowds return in two weeks.”
The league resumes with a Girls Division tripleheader Monday with Monessen Florist taking on Cedarbrook at 7 p.m. followed by AMD Industries and Edward Jones at 8 p.m.
The 9 p.m. nightcap features Lee Supply taking on Dax Thomas State Farm.
Boys Division play continues Tuesday with a marquis matchup in the opener.
BeeGraphix takes on Farmers Insurance at 7 p.m. followed by Campy’s Pizza and Elite Physical Therapy at 8.
At 9 p.m., Howard Hanna Wilson Baum will face Union Cleaners.
“We’re really excited to get the girls back in the gym and competing. While we want to continue the momentum the league has already built, we want to do it in the safest way possible,” Girls division co-commissioner Chad Carroto said. “After a lengthy discussion with Marx’s Court Time and others in the league, we feel this is the best option.”
Players and staff will continue to be screened as they enter the building and social distancing will be maintained as best as possible once inside.
“After pushing things back a week, we’re excited to get back on the court,” Victoria said. “We thank everyone for understanding the circumstances and will continue to update everyone from the league’s website.”