Putnam County Classic postponed out of respect for injured Cougar players

Some things are a whole lot bigger than basketball.

With this in mind, the athletic directors and boys' basketball coaches of Putnam County decided to indefinitely postpone Saturday's Putnam County Classic games. The decision came on the heels of a one-vehicle accident involving North Putnam players Cory Dean and Zach Hedrick Saturday afternoon.

"We thought with it being a county event, if one team couldn't play, then none of us should play. I think this was the right call, and each school wants what is best for North Putnam and the players," Greencastle Athletic Director Scott Knapp said.

Because the wreck involved North Putnam team members, calling off the North Putnam/South Putnam game was necessary. However, with Cloverdale and Greencastle matched in the championship game, its postponement was a matter of respect and sportsmanship.

Knapp said the decision was made "out of respect for the school and everyone involved with those young men."

As the AD of the tournament's host school, Knapp was first in contact with GHS Coach Troy Greenlee and Principal Jim Church in trying to reach a decision. From there, all county schools were contacted.

With all the coaches and ADs in agreement, the decision was made.

"(Cloverdale) Coach (Pat) Rady put it in the best words: 'It's just a basketball game and it can always be made up, but when someone's life might be in jeopardy, that's what's important.' We both felt the same in our hearts," Knapp said.

The four athletic directors will meet during the day Tuesday to decide on a makeup date. Although Knapp pointed to Dec. 21 as an open date for all four schools, the official decision will be made Tuesday.

Look in Wednesday's BannerGraphic for the official makeup date.