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Antelope Valley basketball teams persevere despite school closure
Antelope Valley men’s basketball coach Jordan Mast expressed gratitude as the men’s and women’s basketball teams secured the funds needed to compete in the postseason. The school faced imminent closure due to financial mismanagement, leaving the athletes without a campus to return to after the tournaments.
The men’s team, seeded 6th, is set to face Huntington (Indiana), while the women’s team, seeded 13th, will compete against Southern Oregon. Mast, acknowledging the challenges the teams have faced, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the students’ academic and housing arrangements following the school’s closure.
Financial Struggles and Uncertain Future
Antelope Valley, a private school in California, initially informed Mast and other coaches of the cancellation of the teams’ seasons amid financial difficulties. However, a successful fundraising campaign enabled the teams to continue competing in the NAIA tournament. Despite the temporary respite, the athletes are faced with the task of finding accommodation and training facilities off-campus.
While other sports programs at the school were abruptly halted, basketball provided a sense of normalcy for the players amidst the turmoil. Mast emphasized the therapeutic nature of the sport, offering a brief escape from the challenges they confront outside the court.
As the tournament approaches, Mast remains uncertain about the teams’ future beyond the games. Nevertheless, he appreciates the opportunity to prolong their season, cherishing the time spent playing alongside their teammates. For Antelope Valley’s basketball teams, the upcoming tournaments symbolize more than athletic competition; they represent moments of solidarity and resilience amid adversity.
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