Northampton’s Morgan Sterner realizes it will be just another adjustment in today’s world.

Catasauqua’s Derek Troxell knows it will be a challenge.

Both local basketball standouts will soon be dealing with the prospects of wearing a mask while participating in games this winter. It will be a controversy with varying degrees of acceptance and

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health recently ruled that all winter sport athletes must wear face coverings “while actively engaged in workouts and during competition.”

Exceptions to the order provides “if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition, or a disability.”

Coaches, officials, spectators and school personnel who attend the events are also required to wear masks.

“We all have become used to the uncertainty and all the constant adjustments,” said Sterner, who has the opportunity to break the 1,000-point career barrier this season. “While wearing a mask will be different, I think each team and player would rather have that over not being able to play at all.

“Especially with our team because we are all anxious to get back to the gym and start working. If wearing a mask allows us to play, then I know I will be fine with doing it.”

Head NHS girls’ basketball coach Jeff Jacksits has seen the transition in workouts.

“The girls have been playing with them, and there hasn’t been an issue,” he said. “The games may be a different issue. But we’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Troxell sees a mask altering the game.

“Playing with a mask is really difficult and it is not fun,” he said. “It’s not the same type of play when we are wearing one. But if it helps us to play some games, then we will have to deal with it.”

Head CHS boys’ basketball coach Eric Snyder has a similar feeling.

“I know these guys will adjust to it, but they have some problems,” said Snyder. “Some of them who played soccer and are in shape needed to pull their masks down to catch their breath.

“I just don’t know how it will work, or if it will work. Think about how someone can call out a play or if they can hear me. They also will need to wear a couple of masks in a game. I hope it does for the kids.”

Catasauqua head wrestling coach Joe Russo also recognizes the possible obstacles.

“Wearing a mask will be hard,” he stated. “If a wrestler’s mask falls off, the bout has to stop and sanitation likely will have to take place. There is a lot of discussion on how a match can take place and even more than one mat out there. It will be a challenge.

“Our guys want to wrestle, but I don’t know how this will be done.”

Head CHS girls’ basketball coach Mark Seremula plans to move forward.

“We will follow the guidelines we have to,” he said. “We have stayed with the rules and we plan to continue.”

Northampton junior Issac Harris and his teammates plan to move forward within the structure.

“My teammates and I are looking forward to the upcoming season, and we will do whatever it takes to make sure everyone is safe and healthy,” said Harris. “Athletes are constantly faced with challenges, so we will find a way to make it work.

“As long as we are on the court, nothing else matters.”

Northampton head boys’ basketball coach Coy Stampone will make some alterations, but he has the same bottom line as his team.

“We will try to incorporate longer rest period for athletes,” said Stampone. “We will allow our players to go outside for fresh air if needed and we will encourage them to bring extra face coverings to switch during practice.

“The team can handle these obstacles and be successful. The face mask is now part of our plan and program. They are anxious to play. I think if I would tell them that they had to wear a mask, shield, and gloves, they would say ‘what time is practice?’”