No refs, no games: Basketball doubleheader at Bellarmine on Friday canceled

The first two games of Bellarmine’s annual DJ Frandsen boys basketball tournament were called off Friday night when the referees did not show.

The two-day tournament, named in honor of a former Bellarmine student who died nearly two decades ago from cancer, was to start with a game between Bellarmine and Leigh, followed by another between Sacred Heart Prep and St. Francis.

Bellarmine and Leigh warmed up for their 6 p.m. tip-off, but the game could not start without officials.

At about 6:15, Bellarmine announced that the games were canceled.

“We put in an official request,” Bellarmine coach Alex Sarrett said. “Our lower level got filled. There was miscommunication on the varsity game. We gave a call back to the JV refs to see if they could return, but they were headed to another game.”

The teams will return to the gym Saturday, with St. Francis and Leigh playing at 6 p.m., followed by Bellarmine and Sacred Heart Prep at 7:30.

With the tournament matchups predetermined, the cancellation did not affect Saturday’s schedule.

Still, it was disappointing.

“My first year hosting the tournament, it was unfortunate,” said Sarrett, who took over from longtime coach Patrick Schneider this season. “We’re hoping to reschedule the game with Leigh. We had a great warmup and were ready to go. Hopefully, we can get something going tomorrow.”