The high school basketball game between Bunker Hill and Newton-Conover in North Carolina came to an early end shortly after halftime. A referee who ejected every single fan from the gym is under review.
It appeared as though he could not handle criticism.
Bunker Hill was not able to complete its final game of the high school basketball season as a result of the bizarre power trip. Even if the Bears were not going to win, the seniors did not get to finish what they started.
Bunker Hill had to forfeit to Newton-Conover.
Newton-Conover High School is located in Newton, North Carolina, approximately 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. It enrolls less than 800 students in Grades 9-12. Bunker Hill High School is located just 13 miles to the east. It enrolls less than 900 students in Grades 9-12.
Both schools compete in Division 4A. The former traveled to the latter earlier this week.
Neither high school basketball program is very good this season. Newton-Conover finished at .500. Bunker Hill finished at 3-21.
However, the Bears were not able to complete their final game of the year. They were forced to forfeit. The Red Devils were granted with a 10-point win despite the incomplete result.
A North Carolina high school basketball referee is under review.
A video from right after halftime shows an official with a horrible haircut order several sections of the Bunker Hill crowd to leave the gymnasium. He called for every single fan on that side to be ejected.
His decision was met with immediate backlash by parents in the stands on Senior Night.
And then the referee decided to end the game just moments later. He cited unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to boots on the ground, the ref called multiple technical fouls during the first half. That also includes a technical foul during warmups. Parents are furious. They do not want the official to be allowed back on the court.
“It is just really unfair because last night should’ve been about them especially the seniors and even though we cannot get that game back I just want to make sure other teams don’t experience that sort of unfairness,” Kim Parson told WSOC-TV. “I actually told [my son to pray about it. To try not to let it get to him. At the end of his story, it’s just part of it.”
District officials released the following statement:
“Catawba County Schools is aware of concerns raised regarding alleged unsportsmanlike behavior. The game included multiple technical fouls; however, no physical altercation occurred.”
Sheriff deputies who were assigned to the game say there were no arrests or criminal violations. No physical altercation occurred. It is currently unclear as to how the referee came to his decision and why.