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According to various sources, a brawl broke out during Thursday’s game between Camden and Camden Eastside in the championship game of the Camden County Tournament in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
The game was ended with 4:24 remaining in the second quarter and Camden led 30-17. Camden was the top seed. The court was filled with spectators, players, and coaches, but Camden County police were able to restore order within minutes.
Katrina McCombs, superintendent of the Camden City School District, and Maalik Waayns, coach of the Camden football team, refused to comment on the altercation.
But, the district issued a statement that was obtained by NJ. Advance Media.
The statement said, “We are disappointed to learn that tonight’s Camden County Championship basketball game between Camden High School and Eastside High School has been suspended due to an on-court altercation.” “The safety and well-being of our students and fans is our highest priority. Thankfully, there were no significant injuries.
“This incident does not define who we are…. Moreover, we expect our student-athletes to demonstrate sportsmanship during competition. The District will implement all disciplinary measures deemed necessary.”
A video shot from Cherry Hill’s live feed and acquired by NJ Advance Media reveals that a Camden player assaulted a Camden Eastside player to start the altercation. A game official observed the play and raised his arm to signal a foul. Fans, players, and coaches packed the court at that time.
The footage appears to show that Camden’s bench emptied onto the court, but it is unclear whether Camden Eastside players reacted in a similar manner.
Cornelius Robinson of the Camden Panthers punched Eastside’s Titus Bacon while he attempted to set a screen, as reported by the Courier Post. As Bacon responded, the officials whistled a foul, but several Camden players, who were on a 12-0 run, were unhappy and chased after the Tigers, resulting in players, coaches, and spectators entering the floor.
Mark Phillips, athletic director at Camden Eastside, stated, “The video demonstrates that our team did not leave the bench.” “We’ll see how the rest of it plays out”
Avent, who described the occurrence as regrettable, expressed the same sentiment.
With the New Jersey state tournament slated to begin on Monday, the incident might result in severe penalties, including an exclusion from the competition. Camden, whose standout player D.J. Wagner is ranked by ESPN as the best prospect in the Class of 2023, is the defending Group 2 state champion; Camden Eastside is the defending Group 3 state champion.
According to NJSIAA standards, teams who have already been seeded can still be disqualified.
“Any varsity team with three or more player or coach suspensions prior to the commencement of the tournament will not be permitted to compete in the state tournament. If a disqualification limit is reached prior to the beginning of the event for a seeded team, that team forfeits its right to compete.”
According to Jeff Cohen, assignor for IAABO 34, a report will be filed and delivered to the NJSIAA as soon as possible. He awaited information from the three officials assigned to the championship game.
“This has no bearing on me or the officials. Cohen stated, “We sent a report to the NJSIAA, and it is now in their hands.”
Avent stated that he was unaware of any hostility between the teams before the game.
Avent stated, “Both teams are competitive, as are children.” They were competing and a horrible accident occurred.
The inaugural year of the county tournament.
“I have no idea what to say. I am simply relieved that everyone is safe. Michael Beirao, the athletic director for the Cherry Hill school system, told NJ Advance Media that the opening minutes of the basketball game were “extremely impressive.” “Emotions run high, and it was an emotional reaction to a tremendously intense rivalry, a good game. There were two great teams, two great coaching staffs, and a large number of great players on the field. It’s regrettable.”
»Melee stops New Jersey high school basketball game«