A state association has again voted down a request by a Jewish Orthodox school in Houston to move the start of its scheduled boys' basketball playoff game this weekend so the team wouldn't violate its Sabbath.
The Beren Academy advanced to the 2A semifinals of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial School's boys' basketball tournament, but its next game was slated for 9 p.m. on Friday.
The Beren students, bound by their religion, recognize the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown on Saturday. The school appealed to TAPPS to change its game time, but the TAPPS board unanimously voted down the appeal, citing a bylaw.
The story gained national attention, and the TAPPS board met again on Wednesday. The second vote was also voted down unanimously to keep this weekend's schedule intact.
With Beren Academy being forced to forfeit, the Dallas Covenant Stars will face Kerrville's Our Lady of the Hills. Beren beat Kerrville 69-42 last week, temporarily knocking them out of the playoffs.
