On Monday night, a girls basketball game between Canton McKinley and St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron was interrupted by a fight. The incident occurred when a scuffle between multiple players from each team under a basket happened after a foul was called on a McKinley player with 6:36 remaining in the third quarter. Host STVM led 35-15 at that time. Players initially pushed and shoved each other before a few punches were thrown. The fight even carried into the folded up bleacher seating by the baseline closest to STVM’s bench area, and one of the three referees was knocked off his feet and onto the court as he tried to de-escalate the altercation.

Aftermath and Referee's Report

Coaches and players rushed towards the fight to separate the entangled players, and about a dozen spectators also came onto the court as the referees blew their whistles to restore order. The game continued with STVM finishing with three players and McKinley finishing with five players. Despite the reduced number of players, STVM still outscored McKinley 32-17 during the remaining 14:36 of the game.

Player Suspensions

McKinley athletic director Joe Bogdan and STVM athletic director Kyle Sasala confirmed on Thursday to the Akron Beacon Journal that the referees filed a report to the Ohio High School Athletic Association regarding the game and the fight. Bogdan said three McKinley players were suspended for two games each for leaving the bench area, and two McKinley players were suspended for four games each for fighting. Sasala said two STVM players were suspended for four games each for fighting. Additionally, some STVM players were initially ejected but their ejections were rescinded upon referees reviewing the video and they were not suspended.

Coach's Response

Bogdan and Sasala were pleased with how McKinley coach Ryan Gracia and STVM coach Carley Whitney were able to get their respective teams to calm down and refocus. They have had conversations with the coaches and their staff. Sasala said it took some time to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone. They worked closely with the officials and came to an agreement to continue the game, which they did.

Player Performances

Sasala mentioned that the three STVM players who played the final 14:36 of the game against McKinley were Kendal Batchik, Melania Cornute, and Tatum Smith. Batchik scored 26 points, Cornute contributed 19 points, and Smith had 16 points. Mya Taylor paced McKinley with 18 points against STVM, and Ka’Myah Gisentaner scored seven points.

Lessons Learned

Both Bogdan and Sasala emphasized that it was a heat of the moment action that got the best of the players. They have reminded the young players on their teams about staying on the bench when things happen and not getting emotional. It was an unfortunate situation that everyone can learn and grow from.