Kingfisher’s chance to see how it stacks up against some of the other best basketball teams in the state won’t be happening.

Tulsa Public Schools announced Tuesday morning it is canceling the 56th annual Tournament of Champions basketball tournament.

The invitation-only event was set to be played Dec. 28-30 in Tulsa.

“Due to the current increase in COVID-19 related cases in the state of Oklahoma, the Tulsa Public Schools has determine that it is not in the best interest for the health and safety of the participants and spectators to stage the tournament this year,” TPS Athletic Director Gil Cloud said in a press release.

“It’s just really disappointing for our guys,” said Kingfisher High School boys head coach Jared Reese.

“It’s an honor to get to play in an event like that and I wish those guys who didn’t get to experience it two years ago could have it this year.”

KHS took part in the 2018 event and placed third.

This year’s event was set to be played at the BOK Center after several year’s at Oral Roberts University’s Mabee Center.

“The BOK Center staff did an outstanding job in preparation for this event, however given where we are today in Tulsa with the virus, we decided to cancel the tournament this year,” Cloud said.

KHS, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, was one of eight boys teams invited to play this year. The tournament also features an eight-team girls bracket.

“It is unfortunate for the student-athletes and their families from the 16 schools that they will not be able to compete in this world class facility,” Cloud said. “We will begin to evaluate the teams for next year’s tournament and hopefully the 56th tournament will be scheduled once again at the BOK Center.”

The Jackets were set to play Class 4A’s thirdranked Tulsa Webster in the first round.

Other boys teams were Tulsa Memorial, Jenks, Putnam City North, Beggs, Minco and Garber.

The tournament’s cancellation means Kingfisher will fall under the allowed number of contests for the season.

KHS Athletic Director Jay Wood said Tuesday morning he immediately began searching for replacement games and may have found a suitable replacement over this weekend.

“I can’t say right now because it’s not official,” Wood said. “But if we are able to make it happen, it will still be a good tournament for our boys and a chance to fill those lost games.”

Said Reese: “If it happens and we are able to play this weekend, it will be really good for the team.”