In the midst of the Class A boys and girls basketball state championships, the NDHSAA Board of Directors announced a decision that sent a ripple effect across the state. At approximately 3 p.m., the NDHSAA declared a suspension of all winter postseason tournaments, fine arts contests, spring sports and activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NDHSAA made the decision in the wake of President Donald Trump’s National State of Emergency declaration.

The suspension’s length is currently unknown. Some local high school athletic directors have served unique roles across the state for many years, but all can agree on one matter — these are unprecedented times.

“Public safety is the No. 1 thing that is being stressed,” Minot High School athletic director Mitch Lunde said. “That is definitely understandable. You always hope for everybody’s safety and for everyone to be healthy.”

On Thursday evening, the District 11 No. 1-seeded Rugby boys basketball team faced off against District 12 No. 1-seeded Our Redeemer’s in the Region 6 Tournament championship game. Fans from both schools offered fervent support, and Rugby’s 61-33 victory gave the Panthers another Region 6 title.

“It was good to give those kids one last chance to compete,” ORCS athletic director Jake Stach said. “It is a tough decision that had to be made. In the end, I believe it is the right decision. It was almost inevitable. When things are getting canceled across the state, it’s a problem.”

Because the Class B Boys Basketball Tournament is suspended, the Panthers will not travel to Bismarck next week. While Friday’s news is certainly disappointing for the No. 3-ranked Panthers, Rugby athletic director Scott Grochow aimed to keep the situation in perspective.

“Things could always be worse,” Grochow said. “Let’s look at it that way. Nobody has experienced this. It is all new territory. You are put into a situation where you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. Whether you believe it or not, you don’t really have a whole lot of choice in what has to be done here.”

In its statement, the NDHSAA said its indefinite fine arts and spring sports suspensions include practices and game contests. For now, coaches, athletic directors and other relevant personnel will wait for additional updates.

“The state is taking a very proactive approach,” Bishop Ryan athletic director Roger Coleman said. “The safety of the families, communities and student-athletes is of the utmost importance. As far as the extent and reach of this in my three years (at Bishop Ryan) goes, nothing even comes close. We’re remaining calm and going from there.”

Going forward, balance becomes a key component. The athletic directors must play the waiting game as they create plans for the future.

“When we get going, we’ll get going stronger,” Lunde said. “It is a tough spot for everybody. There is a lot of pressure to make these tough calls. But we’ll put the full-court press on.”

The NDHSAA will release further information as it becomes available. According to the NDHSAA’s statement, refund process regarding the 2020 NDHSAA Class A Basketball State Tournament and the 2020 NDHSAA Class B Boys Basketball State Tournament will be communicated to patrons at a later time on www.ndhsaanow.com.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.