The Orion girls will play in regionals, the Illinois High School Association board decided on Monday morning, Feb. 8, in Bloomington.
"Orion can play," wrote Matt Troha, assistant executive director, in an e-mail sent from the meeting. "The board approved a recommendation to allow the Orion's girls basketball team an exception to By-law 5.183. A violation of school athletic policy has left the varsity team with four players. The school would like to participate in the IHSA State Series by adding freshmen and junior varsity players to its varsity roster. The freshmen and sophomores have already played in four tournaments this year, which would not make them eligible to participate in the State Series without the tournament exception."
The Chargers will take on the state-ranked Ridgewood Spartans during regional semifinals at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in Woodhull.