(Photo: Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader)
Kickapoo head basketball coach Mitch McHenry said the two worst parts about his job are cutting players after tryouts at the beginning of the season and then looking into his disappointed players' eyes after a loss to end the season.
On Monday, he had that season-ending talk with his team, only it didn't lose.
McHenry had to address his team following MSHSAA's decision to cancel the Class 4 and 5 state semifinals and championships in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has put the sports world on hold.
McHenry's Chiefs were state-bound for the first time since 2017 after beating defending-state-champion Rock Bridge in the state quarterfinals on Saturday night in front of a limited crowd at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.