BREAKING NEWS: UIL suspends 2020 Boys Basketball State Tournament effective immediately

HOUSTON - The University Interscholastic League has officially pulled the plug on the 2020 Boys Basketball State Tournament.

On Thursday afternoon, in the middle of the Class 3A state semifinal, the UIL announced the decision to suspend the remainder of the tournament until further notice due to rising concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus). Per the UIL, the 3A State Semifinals will be played.

The UIL said in a press release that fans who purchased tickets for the postponed games will be issued full refunds at point of sale or from the school they purchased their tickets from. Fans who purchased All Tournament tickets will be issued a full refund.

"After much consultation with government and health officials, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the remainder of the UIL State Basketball Tournament," said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt in a statement. "Our number one priority remains the well-being of our student-athletes and spectators and we are taking every possible precaution to keep them safe."

The Houston-area sent four teams to the UIL State Tournament including Stafford, Dickinson, Jack Yates and Fort Bend Hightower. Dickinson made the state tourney for the first time since 1955.

"It's very unfortunate and hate it but I understand the UIL erring on the side of caution," Fort Bend Hightower coach Stephen Woods told VYPE on Twitter.

As this is a fluid situation, the UIL will continue to follow the direction of local officials to monitor this situation and will make additional announcements as needed. Please continue to check the UIL website and social media accounts for further updates.

VYPE will continue to update this story as we get more information.