Save Big South 5A/6A Basketball Conference Tournament

Recent signers:
Annette Furr and 16 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Petition: Big South 5A/6A Boys and Girls Basketball Conference Tournament


The Goal: To request that the recently cancelled Boys Basketball Tournament be rescheduled rather than being permanently cancelled.


Why This Matters
The cancellation of the tournament has left student-athletes, families, and the community deeply disappointed. For many of these young men, this tournament represents the culmination of months of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
 • Senior Impact: For our seniors, these are the final games of their high school careers—moments they have worked toward for years that cannot be replaced.
 • Mental Well-being: Sports provide a vital outlet for students. Moving from "game on" to "cancelled" without a backup plan affects team morale and student engagement.
 • Community Spirit: This tournament brings our community together, supporting local school spirit and providing a positive environment for our youth.

Our Proposal
We understand that logistical challenges and weather delays that led to the cancellation. However, we believe a solution is possible. We are asking the administration to:
 1 Explore Alternative Dates: Look into weekend slots


 2 Consider Alternative Venues: If the original gym is unavailable, look into neutral sites or nearby facilities.
 3 Shorten the Format: If time is the issue, consider a "Super Saturday" condensed bracket rather than a multi-day event.


Closing
We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members, urge you to reconsider the cancellation. Let’s find a way to get these athletes back on the court and give them the finish they’ve earned.

682

Recent signers:
Annette Furr and 16 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Petition: Big South 5A/6A Boys and Girls Basketball Conference Tournament


The Goal: To request that the recently cancelled Boys Basketball Tournament be rescheduled rather than being permanently cancelled.


Why This Matters
The cancellation of the tournament has left student-athletes, families, and the community deeply disappointed. For many of these young men, this tournament represents the culmination of months of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
 • Senior Impact: For our seniors, these are the final games of their high school careers—moments they have worked toward for years that cannot be replaced.
 • Mental Well-being: Sports provide a vital outlet for students. Moving from "game on" to "cancelled" without a backup plan affects team morale and student engagement.
 • Community Spirit: This tournament brings our community together, supporting local school spirit and providing a positive environment for our youth.

Our Proposal
We understand that logistical challenges and weather delays that led to the cancellation. However, we believe a solution is possible. We are asking the administration to:
 1 Explore Alternative Dates: Look into weekend slots


 2 Consider Alternative Venues: If the original gym is unavailable, look into neutral sites or nearby facilities.
 3 Shorten the Format: If time is the issue, consider a "Super Saturday" condensed bracket rather than a multi-day event.


Closing
We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members, urge you to reconsider the cancellation. Let’s find a way to get these athletes back on the court and give them the finish they’ve earned.

The Decision Makers

Gaston County School Board
7 Members
Jeff Ramsey
Gaston County School Board - At Large
Lee Dedmon
Gaston County School Board - Gastonia Township
Dot Cherry
Gaston County School Board - At Large
Josh Crisp
Josh Crisp
Gaston County Board of Education Chairman (Dallas Township)
Dr. Morgen A. Houchard
Dr. Morgen A. Houchard
Superintendent, Gaston County Schools
Robbie Lovelace
Robbie Lovelace
Gaston County Board of Education Member (Cherryville Township)
Que Tucker
Que Tucker
North Carolina High School Athletic Association's Commissioner

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Petition created on February 4, 2026