Methacton and Pope John Paul II high schools have had to press pause on their historic boys’ basketball runs amid the growing coronavirus threat, writes Owen McCue for the PA Prep Live.

Both schools are members of PIAA, which suspended its winter championships last week for at least two weeks to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Both local schools are now wondering when and if they will be able to finish some of the best seasons in the history of both programs.

“I’ve been praying every day that it doesn’t end the way it did,” said PJP senior Drew McKeon.

Before the tournament was postponed, both schools secured their place in the PIAA quarterfinals. Both teams were hoping to progress to the semifinals, but the scheduled games never took place.

“I think our guys are all pretty much on the same page, kind of understanding the situation and really just kind of the message coming out everywhere that safety for students, staff and community members is the No. 1 focus, said Methacton coach Jeff Derstine.

Read more about the pause at the PA Prep Live by clicking here.