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.

"I'm excited and happy they made the decision, especially for the older girls, Kelly Hutton and Brittany Scott, to be able to play in the regional," Orion coach John McBride said.

He said he would tell his team that he had good news and bad news for them.

"The good news is, we're playing Ridgewood," he said. "The bad news is, we're playing Ridgewood."

IHSA officials told OHS the girls should keep practicing.

They have been, McBride said. The Chargers will practice this afternoon, and they'll have to get a lot done because Tuesday may be a snow day with no practice.

"Ridgewood is very good, and they will be well-prepared," the coach said.