The make-up high school basketball game between Lorain and Toledo Rogers in Ohio came to an early end during the third quarter when a questionable foul call led to a brawl. One student was arrested.
It is unclear as to whether the result will count or if the game is going to be ruled as a no contest.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association will come to a decision after it completes its investigation into the high school basketball fight. Suspensions are likely.
Lorain and Toledo Rogers are not equal.
These two high school basketball programs are on very different trajectories. However, they also compete in different leagues, which creates a major discrepancy in terms of talent.
Lorain High School is located on the northernmost coast of Ohio, approximately 30 miles west of downtown Cleveland. The 150-year-old public school enrolls ~2,000 students in Grades 9-12.
Robert S. Rogers High School is located in west Toledo. It has been part of the Toledo Public School district since 1964 with a total enrollment of ~730 students in Grades 9-12.
The non-conference game between the Rams and Titans was originally scheduled for the end of January. A historic winter storm led to its postponement. School was closed due to cold.
The make-up contest took place on Saturday. Lorain, which competes in the first division of OHSAA competition, entered at a measly 3-17. Rogers, which competes in the third division, entered at 15-5.
They played only three quarters!
An Ohio high school basketball brawl led to one arrest.
The visiting Rams trailed the Titans by a score of 51-36 when a foul call led to a stoppage in play with 42 seconds remaining in the third period. The foul was called on Rogers.
Coaches and players did not like the call. They complained to the official, who decided to assess a technical foul. And then it very quickly devolved into chaos.
Both teams started yelling at each other — on the court — right in front of the visiting bench. It did not turn physical until one of the players shoved an opponent in the face. Benches cleared. A melee ensued.
Punches started flying. It took multiple coaches, staffers and local police officers to break it up.
An 18-year-old senior at Lorain High School left the bleachers during the fight. According to local police, he “entered the court and interjected himself into the altercation,” which “disrupted the efforts of law enforcement and safety personnel to manage the situation.”
The student was arrested as a result of his actions. He was taken to jail on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and assault. Investigators are also working with school officials to identify any other individuals who may have been involved. More people could face charges depending on the findings of the investigation.
“The Lorain Police Department would like to emphasize the importance of maintaining safety and decorum at public events. While we understand the passion that high school sporting events often bring, entering the competition area during a game, especially during a confrontation, puts the public, staff, and players at an increased risk of harm. Such actions will not be tolerated.”
Lorain City Schools released a statement to disavow violence. Toledo Public Schools promised disciplinary action in response to the investigation. The OHSAA will announce any suspensions in the coming days.