St. John’s basketball: Women’s team pauses after positive COVID-19 test

There has been a pause within one of the St. John’s basketball programs.

As teams return from its holiday break, college basketball coaches around the country are nervous about its next results of COVID-19 tests, which just hit the St. John’s basketball program on Monday morning.

The school announced that its women’s program will enter a pause following a test within its Tier 1 staff.

“Unfortunately we have positive test results within the program. I want to emphasize how committed and strong our student-athletes continue to be in handling COVID-19 protocols, including in this current situation,” head coach Joe Tartamella said in a statement.

The Lady Johnnies (3-5, 0-3 Big East) are coming off a victory against St. Bonaventure before its Christmas break, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

St. John’s has been dealing with injury issues this season related to its two Preseason All-Big East selections in senior Qadashah Hoppie and sophomore Leilani Correra.

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The positive test is the first known positive COVID-19 test within the St. John’s basketball program, men’s or women’s, since the teams arrived on campus in the summer to begin offseason workouts.

St. John’s basketball schedule has been affected due to the positive test.

Given the positive test, the Red Storm’s upcoming game against Xavier (January 6) has been postponed but no other adjustments have been made to the schedule going forward.

For the time being, St. John’s is next scheduled to take the floor on Saturday, January 9 against Butler in Queens and the Johnnies are slated to go back on the road for a matchup with DePaul on Wednesday, January 13.

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“In full appreciation, let me be clear that our entire staff of health professionals across the University and athletics department have been terrific. They have reacted to these positive test results with a planned response and are in ultimate care of those involved,” Director of Athletics Mike Cragg said.

The positive tests within the women’s program has no impact on the men’s basketball team or upcoming schedule.