On Thursday night, a highly anticipated basketball game between Portland and Deering high schools at the Expo Center took an unexpected turn when two separate incidents of unrest led to the early termination of the match. Despite Portland securing a 60-41 lead with less than 90 seconds remaining, the evening concluded prematurely due to disturbances involving non-local visitors. The events prompted immediate police intervention, ensuring no injuries or arrests occurred. Superintendent Ryan Scallon emphasized that these disruptions were initiated by outsiders, not affiliated with either school, tarnishing what should have been a celebration of athletic spirit.

Game Halted Midway Through Third Quarter

The first disturbance unfolded approximately halfway through the third quarter when a visitor from out of town instigated a confrontation with a Portland student. This incident caused a temporary halt in the game as players retreated to their locker rooms while law enforcement addressed the situation. Coach Joseph Russo recounted hearing commotion in the stands before witnessing several individuals engaging in pushing and shoving near the aisle. The referees promptly blew the whistle, leading to a 20-minute pause during which the players remained in the locker room.

Scallon elaborated on the origins of the conflict, noting it began with a physical altercation between students not associated with either Portland or Deering. He expressed disappointment over how such actions disrupted the event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere for all participants. Although the initial fight was swiftly managed, it set a tense tone for the remainder of the evening, ultimately contributing to the decision to end the game early.

Second Incident Leads to Premature Game Conclusion

With just over a minute left on the clock, another dispute erupted in the stands, this time involving parents who had been part of the earlier altercation. The rapid response of the police and referees' decisive action resulted in the official cancellation of the game. Russo mentioned hearing loud arguments behind him before authorities intervened once more. Both teams and fans maintained composure throughout the chaos, showcasing admirable restraint under challenging circumstances.

Following the incidents, Scallon pledged to collaborate with city officials and the Portland Police Department to review security protocols surrounding future events at the Expo. He stressed the necessity of conducting an internal investigation to ensure safety measures are robust enough to prevent similar disruptions. Despite the rivalry between Portland and Deering, Scallon affirmed that he had never encountered such disturbances during previous games, highlighting the unusual nature of these events. The superintendent vowed to implement any necessary changes to safeguard the integrity of high school sports competitions moving forward.