A state high school basketball playoff game in Illinois had a rare result: a double-disqualification. That was the result after a fight between both players and fans broke out in the game's waning moments.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Class 3A sectional between Farragut and North Lawndale on Friday broke out in the game’s final minute. At the time, Farragut had a 6-point lead when a player went up for a dunk and was undercut and sent tumbling to the floor. That set off the brawl.
In a statement following the incident, Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson said:
"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. 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."
