ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Governor Cuomo says high-risk sports like basketball, hockey, and football can resume in the state, and Monroe County health officials support the new guidance.

It’s Keith Warren Jr.’s senior year at McQuaid Jesuit High School, where he plays basketball. His final season was supposed to begin at the end of November, but was put on hold due to COVID-19.

“As an athlete, it’s tough. Because we’re putting in a lot of work, and we expect to play games to showcase our talent,” Warren Jr. said.

Now a little more than two months later, New York State says the season can finally begin February 1, along with other “high risk” sports like cheerleading, football and hockey as long as county health departments agree.

“It’s a relief because all that work we put in at the offseason, we get to showcase that in a game. And maybe we get some looks for colleges,” Warren Jr. said.

His father Keith Warren is as equally excited for his son, being his final year of high school.

“They’ve been sitting around for too long, and now they have the opportunity to go out there and get at it, and I know he’s been waiting,” Warren Sr. said.

And he believes the season can resume safely.

“If every kid that’s playing takes the responsibility to make sure they’re staying healthy and whatnot, this could be a season we get through with no problems,” Warren Sr. said.

And after losing a couple of strong players, Keith says there’s a lot to prove this year.

“Everybody kind of pictures us as the underdogs, so we just want to come out and play,” Warren Jr. said.