Illinois High School Basketball Teams Disqualified After Fight During Playoff Game

Photo Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune

An Illinois high school basketball playoff game between Farragut Career Academy and North Lawndale High School turned ugly in the final minute this past Friday. The fight resulted in both schools being disqualified, advancing DePaul College Prep High School into the Class 3A state semifinals, according to the Chicago Tribune website.

According to the NBC Sports Chicago website, Farragut was leading 54-50 with 40 seconds remaining when a Farragut player was undercut on a dunk, which started the fight between the teams.

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) executive director Craig Anderson released a statement, explaining his decision to disqualify the teams. “The conclusion of tonight’s IHSA Class 3A Boys Basketball Sectional Final at North Lawndale High School in Chicago between North Lawndale High School and Farragut Career Academy was marred by a fourth quarter fight involving players and fans from both schools. The game was postponed while the gym was cleared of all spectators, and the teams were sent to their respective locker rooms.”

Anderson continued in the statement, “After speaking to game management and the game officials, the IHSA ruled the contest a double-forfeit and it was never concluded. No team will advance to Tuesday’s Super-Sectional game, and DePaul College Prep will advance to the Class 3A State Final field. These are never easy decisions to make, but we believe it is the correct one. It is vital that we continue to send the message that incidents like this at high school contests will not be tolerated. They are unacceptable in society, no less a high school sporting event.”

According to the Chicago Sun-Times website, the IHSA has told coaches and players of both teams to not post or discuss the incident on any social media.

To watch the video of the incident posted on the NBC Sports website, click here.