Wenatchee Bighorns to resume incomplete game, begin playoffs despite coaching change

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Bighorns (10-9) are set to resume their incomplete game against the Salem Capitals (12-10) on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Royal Brougham Pavilion at Seattle Pacific University. The winner will face the Seattle Super Hawks (16-8) in a play-in game at 7 p.m. the same day.

The Bighorns and Capitals are vying for the third and final playoff spot in the TBL Pacific Northwest League. The game, originally played on April 28, was suspended in the third quarter due to a medical emergency involving Salem TMO Jason Conrad. With 5:26 remaining in the third quarter, Salem leads 76-66.

"It was the right thing to do," said Bighorns owner Shawn Cooprider about the decision to resume the game. "We can't preach that we stand in solidarity with events bigger than basketball and then have our actions say something else."

However, the decision led to the resignation of head coach JP Davis and his staff due to irreconcilable differences with the organization. The Bighorns will compete in the playoffs without a head coach.

"It is very disappointing," Cooprider said. "I stand by my decision and am proud of my players no matter the outcome."

The Bighorns have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games to secure a postseason berth. The Vancouver Volcanoes (16-4) won the division, with the Seattle Super Hawks claiming runner-up.