The state's recent mandate requiring high school basketball players to wear COVID-19 masks during practices and games is a good thing in more ways than one, says Adam Girtman, head boys varsity basketball coach at Stewartville High School. "I think trying to do as much as you can to help slow the spread of this virus, while still allowing the players to play the sport they love, is a smart move," Girtman said in an email. "It is different from past years, but it is starting to become routine for us, and I think the players are adapting well to wearing masks while they play." Masks do not hinder a player's ability to perform skills or actions on the basketball court, Girtman said. "And with its potentiality to help slow the spread (of COVID-19) for the Stewartville community, I think it's a positive step," he said... For more on this story pick up your copy of the Jan. 26 Stewartville STAR.