(2-20-23) The recent train derailment in East Palastine made headlines in two Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) girls basketball sectional games.

Bristol girl’s varsity basketball team forfeited their game last week against East Palestine High School in the Div. IV sectional opener when parents did not want to send their children to the area due to the toxic fumes that were released in the derailment.

Bristol had hoped to get the game moved to a neutral site, but the OHSAA said the game had to be played in East Palestine.

On Thursday afternoon OHSAA director of media relations Tim Stried said in a statement –

“Local, state and federal health officials have determined that East Palestine High School can safely open and host extra-curricular activities. Therefore, the girls basketball tournament game vs. Bristol High School will remain at East Palestine, as scheduled.”

Bristol Local Schools Superintendent Christopher Dray

“After considering the concerns of our families it has been decided that the game will not be played tonight and Bristol will unfortunately forfeit. The safety of our athletes, families, and the community comes first and foremost. We are currently discussing some positive ideas to provide some fun and closure for our team with the season ending. OHSAA will be in charge of refunding the balance of any tickets purchased so please reach out to them directly if you need a refund.”

The game, after is was decided it would not be moved, was ruled a no contest by the OHSAA.

That decision eliminated Bristol and that would allow East Palestine, the ninth seed, to advance and play Mineral Ridge this past Saturday in the sectional final where they lost.

Mineral Ridge girls advance with win over East Palestine
WKBN27 – You Tube Video

A second game was impacted and was not played due to the train derailment and the safety issue concerns with air quality by Beechwood City Schools.

Beachwood made the decision on Friday morning that it would not send its girls basketball team to Crestview , also in Columbiana County, on Saturday to play in the D.III sectional final.

The game was ruled a no contest and Crestview advanced to the district tournament and will play at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Lakeview High School.

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