Cypress basketball coach was hoping for a better update in Friday’s report

Cypress High basketball players go through conditioning drills last week. (Photo courtesy Cypress basketball)

Cypress High boys basketball players were hoping for better news this week when the California Department of Public Health officials announced revised guidelines for a number of sports.

The green light was given for a number of outdoor sports to start up provided the county reaches the threshold average for coronavirus cases.

However, the Cypress players and other basketball players around the county found out that the road to having a basketball season remained a tough one as the sport of indoor basketball remained in the minimal yellow tier. There have been discussions of having basketball played on outdoor courts since it would be allowed in the orange tier.

“It was great news for the fall athletes that may get a chance to participate this season,” said Cypress Coach Derek Mitchell. “It’s been a long time coming. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to receive any news that would change our outlook on having a season.

“I have spoken to a few coaches about playing outside, and nobody has been able to come with a solution as to how we would accomplish it. I am hopeful that we will be able to return, but being in the yellow tier is a great hardship to overcome.”

Cypress has had tremendous success over the last five years, winning four Empire League titles and three in a row, including the 2020 crown. The team has won 28 league games in a row.

The players are hoping to be able to get a chance to continue that success.

“Our boys were able to return last week and you could feel the excitement and anticipation of having a season,” Mitchell said. “We will have had to cancel our opening game vs. Mission Viejo in the Edison Showcase, but nothing else yet.”

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