Muskegon Heights will play its last scheduled basketball game of the season at home this week, with one big change.
Shelby High School was originally set to play the Tigers, but canceled amid safety concerns from parents.
In February, a Grand Rapids man shot several people in the Muskegon Heights parking lot following a home basketball game.
Shelby Superintendent Dan Bauer said parents were threatening to keep their kids home from school if the game went forward as planned.
Bauer said he offered to cover all costs to move the game to Shelby but was unable to get in touch with Muskegon Heights officials, due to the school's winter break.
Muskegon Heights will instead face off against Kalamazoo Lakeside Charter this Wednesday, in what's been dubbed the "unity game."
In a statement, Muskegon Heights Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross called the game an opportunity for the community to "move forward and heal."
"This is our school, our community, and we are so proud that our students will be playing in front of their friends, families, and fans," Zachery-Ross said. "Of course, that would not be possible without Kalamazoo Lakeside Charter, and I would like to thank their school, parents and students for their support."
Zachery-Ross said there will be a strong police presence at the school before, during and after the game.
