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Smithpeters, Vols still going dancing - for now

This probably isn't what they had in mind when they coined the phrase "March Madness."

Now, "March Sadness" probably makes more sense,

The pandemic known as the Corona virus or COVID-19 has - for the most part - stopped sports dead in its track.

Except for the John A. Logan men's basketball team, who (as of right now) are still a part of the field that will compete at the NJCAA Tournament in Hutchison, Kansas.

It was just Monday that the Vols (28-5), members of the coaching staff, school administrators and fans watched the Selection Show, where JALC received a first-round bye and was set to play the winner of a Shelton State and Tallahasee Wednesday.

Now, the decision has been made by the NJCAA to suspend the tournament until Monday, April 20th.

The news came right at the end of JALC's practice on Thursday around 1:15 p.m.

""I am disappointed that our players won't get to play on Wednesday, but I understand why the decision to postpone was made," Logan coach Kyle Smithpeters said. "We just have to develop a plan that will have us ready to play in April."

Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO expressed his sentiments regarding the situation.

"Due to the concerns surrounding the safety and security of our student-athletes and those involved with Division I and Division II NJCAA championships, we are postponing the tournaments and maintaining a fluid mentality to see these tournaments take place with a tentative start date. We have two main objectives in this situation - first and foremost is to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, college personnel, and fans. Second is to make sure our student-athletes receive the national championship experience that they have worked so hard for."

The Vols were going into the National Tournament for the second time under Smithpeters and had won 11 straight, including 24 of its last 25 games.

JALC qualified for the national tournament by winning the Region 24 tournament, knocking off Vincennes in the title game.  In addition to Eric Boone being named to the all-tournament team, Freshman Sydney Curry was also on the all-tourney team along with Jay Scrubb who was selected as the Region 24 Player of the Year.

Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois Local Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.