Despite some postponements, it was still a big night of boys basketball Wednesday in OC

Santa Ana Coach Fareed ElMasry looks on as the Saints takes on Calvary Chapel Wednesday. (Photo OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).

CIF will now allow postponed games to be made up on Sundays.

Although a number of postponements had to be made in high school basketball due to COVID and health and safety protocol this week throughout the county, there were games Wednesday.

In Santa Ana, a sign at the front of the Santa Ana High gymnasium noted that face coverings were required (a state rule) and most fans seem to cooperate in the Orange Coast League opener which Calvary Chapel won.

A security guard at the entrance seemed to be enforcing the requirement.

It was an excellent turnout for a Wednesday night as Santa Ana and Calvary Chapel fans supported their teams.

Santa Ana Coach Fareed ElMasry said he’s hopeful there will be less disruptions to schedules in the future. Santa Ana is scheduled to play its second league game Friday night against Saddleback and Saddleback Athletic Director Rob Thompson said Thursday his team is cleared to play the game at Santa Ana.

Estancia and Costa Mesa had to postpone their games this week, so there still could be an uncertain future for the league.

“Game by game, hopefully there are no more delays with COVID,” ElMasry said. “We just want to play our season and get back on track with Saddleback.

“We have testing every Tuesday and we didn’t get any positive tests, so we’re pretty lucky on that. I don’t anticipate a problem. I’m hoping at worst, it’s a reschedule than a shutdown.

“Hopefully the holiday spike is going to conk out.”

Calvary Chapel Coach Jon Hughes said he also hopes there will be minimal interruptions in the future. His team is 12-7 overall and the favorite to repeat as league champion.

Three Calvary Chapel players, including one starter, missed Wednesday’s game, Hughes said.

“With testing, these kids are going to (test) positive every week, we’re just trying to get through, just like all the other coaches,” he said. “I think we will get through it.”

It looked like a fairly normal schedule for many teams in South Orange County on Wednesday night.

So for now, it looks like coaches will plan day by day as the season continues and they look to make up games. CIF state officials this week waived the rule which prohibited games played on Sunday, allowing for more flexibility and make-up games on Sundays.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com