It could mean the end of high school basketball careers for seniors.

Cheryl Myers

Just over an hour before the first semifinal game of the day at the girls' state basketball tournament was set to begin, the Minnesota State High School League announced that all basketball games, both girls and boys, have been canceled.

"Amid growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the remainder of the girls state basketball tournament and boys section/state basketball tournaments have been canceled. The safety of all concerned is paramount," the MSHSL's statement said.

The decision comes after Wisconsin's high school league did the same, along with numerous other states choosing to postpone or cancel tournaments.

All remaining MSHSL competitions were scheduled to be played with limited fans in attendance, including the girls' hoops semifinals and championship games Friday and Saturday, along with the 16 remaining boys' basketball section title games that were scheduled to tip off Friday night across the state.

Sixteen teams had already clinched a berth to the boys' state tournament, which was scheduled to be played next Wednesday-Saturday.

More information about spring sports and activities is expected to be released at some point Friday.