Skyline defeated Kettle Run during the high school basketball regional quarterfinal game in the state of Virginia. Its student section is once again subject to criticism for its behavior.
This has become a recurring issue.
There is a strict code of conduct for high school basketball that does not seem to be enforced. Students should not be allowed on the floor.
High school basketball fans are not allowed on the floor.
Skyline High School is located in the town of Front Royal, Virginia. It enrolls approximately 900 students in Grades 9-12, split pretty much down the middle with gender. More than 70% of the student population is White. That demographic breakdown reflects in the crowd.
The Hawks are known for their rowdy student section, which is currently at the center of controversy.
Skyline hosted Kettle Run to close out the regular season on Friday. Jamie Hinkle, a parent who was rooting for the visiting Cougars, does not understand how the student section is allowed to act how it did.
She posted multiple photo from the game that show the student section standing on the hardwood.
They at one point spilled onto the court beyond the painted boundary lines.
Hinkle does not understand how that is allowed. Per VHSL and NFHS rules, students must remain in the designated spectator sections. They can not stand directly on our court-side during play. Exceptions are made for cheerleaders.
“Reminder: a code of conduct only works if someone enforces it,” Hinkle wrote. “Concerns about Skyline High School Basketball aren’t new – so why is the same chaos tolerated, and while we are here why is the student section allowed on the court? What role does the VHSL play here?”
To make matters worse, Kettle Run received a technical foul for taunting. Its coach was later ejected from the game. Skyline did not receive any kind of reprimand for the blatant rules violation by the student section.
Skyline High School has history.
According to Hinkle, behavior has been an issue at Skyline for a few years. And it extends beyond the student section! She wrote the following email in 2024:
Hinkle also made note of the increased presence of law enforcement during the game. She says it is not normal for high school basketball in Virginia.
They also stood between fans and the players during the postgame handshake line.
The Hawks ultimately defeated the Cougars by a final score of 77-64. They will continue to host throughout the regional tournament.
This is now something to watch. It will be interesting to see whether Hinkle’s complaint results in change. Skyline should be held to the code of conduct.