The Big Sandy Pioneers are ready to take to the court, and after an almost month-long delay, they are eager to host the Fort Benton Longhorns at home on January 2nd.
The Montana High School Association postponed the start of the basketball season in hopes of a reduction of Covid-19 cases before the season began. While it does not appear that case numbers are trending downward, the season is still slated to begin. With almost four weeks carved out of the typical regular season, the Pioneers will be playing a 14-game conference-only schedule in a span of a little over six weeks. Eliminating the non-conference games traditionally played at the preseason tournament and two games originally scheduled vs. DGS ensures that our teams will be able to adequately rest between games. The 9C athletic directors adopted a schedule this year that sees each team playing one game at home and one game on the road each week. Additionally, almost all games are played on Fridays and Saturdays, eliminating mid-week travel.
Each 9C team has adopted their own fan regulations, based upon gymnasium capacity and recommendations from each school’s respective county health departments. In an effort to keep our fans and players safe this season, Big Sandy High School will be limiting home fan attendance to four fans per player. Visiting teams will be limited to two fans per player, with the exception of senior athletes, who will be allowed four fans.
There are 32 high school basketball players this season, plus cheerleaders and pep band musicians. While the fan policy may limit some attendance, we are hopeful that most Pioneers fans will be able to cheer on their teams when they play at home.
Athletes will submit their fan lists at the beginning of each week. Any unused slots will be returned to the office and will be available for general admission. Fans can contact the high school beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday mornings to inquire about unused tickets.
