BREAKING: CCCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE LIMITED TO TEAMS AND EVENT STAFF ONLY

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. - With the health and well-being of its student-athletes at the forefront of decision-making and out of an abundance of caution for fans and others due to COVID-19 concerns, the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) announced Tuesday that its upcoming men's and women's basketball state championship tournaments at West Hills College Lemoore will be played with only teams and essential staff in attendance.

The CCCAA Championships will feature eight men's and eight women's teams and are comprised of 14 games over four days beginning on Thursday at Golden Eagle Arena and culminating with championship games on Sunday afternoon.

The decision was made after collaboration between West Hills College Lemoore, West Hills Community College District leadership, the CCCAA, the men's and women's basketball coaches' associations and upon information and recommendations from the Kings County Department of Public Health.

"It's a delicate balance between health and safety and allowing our student-athletes to participate in a championship event they have worked hard to reach," said Jennifer Cardone, CCCAA Interim Executive Director. "This is not an easy decision but a necessary one. While we will not be able to provide the kind of championship experience that everyone deserves, providing the opportunity to play for a state championship is still intact and a pinnacle reachable for 16 men's and women's basketball teams."

Kings County does not have any known cases of the coronavirus.

"The priority of West Hills and our member schools is the health and well-being of our student-athletes, campus communities, working and volunteer event personnel and all those who attend our intercollegiate athletic events and other campus events," said Stuart Van Horn, Chancellor, West Hills Community College District.

The only individuals permitted in the arena at Golden Eagle Arena at West Hills College Lemoore will be the participating teams and necessary game personnel.

"We truly regret having to make this decision and we understand how disappointing it is for the participating colleges, coaches, staff, spectators, and most importantly, the student athletes," said Kristin Clark, President, West Hills College Lemoore. "We share in the disappointment, but we look forward to hosting top student-athletes from around the state. We are committed to providing a high-quality event for the participating teams."

All games will be streamed live on the internet free of charge at www.cccaasports.org and www.socalcollegesports.com. Additionally, live stats, game photos and recaps will be available on the tournament central website at www.cccaasports.org.

About the CCCAA

The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) is the governing body providing oversight of intercollegiate athletics within the California Community College System. The single largest educational system in the world, with attendance in excess of 2.6 million students annually, the California Community College system serves one-third of all community college students in the United States. The CCCAA establishes the rules and regulations to administer the intercollegiate athletic activities of 24,000 student-athletes attending California's community colleges. To view the latest news, information, and updates of all 25 CCCAA-sanctioned sports visit www.cccaasports.org.