A high school basketball matchup in New Jersey between Camden and Camden Eastside ended prematurely on Thursday due to a wild brawl with fans spilling onto the court.
The matchup was the final of the Camden County Tournament. Camden, who was the top seed in the tournament, was up 30-17 in the second quarter when a member of their team appeared to throw a sucker punch at an opposing player coming to set a screen.
The opposing player then threw a punch back, and all chaos ensued with coaches, players on the bench, and fans all spilling onto the court in a truly wild scene.
Luckily the Camden County police were able to calm down the situation minutes after it began, but the game was never resumed.
The district released a statement following the brawl, saying that they will do “all the necessary steps for appropriate disciplinary action” for those involved.
“We are disappointed to learn that this evening’s Camden County Championship basketball game between Camden High School and Eastside High School has been suspended following an on-the-court altercation during the game,” the statement obtained by NJ Advanced Media reads. “This incident is not an indication of who we are. And, we expect our student-athletes to compete with sportsmanship. The District will take all the necessary steps for appropriate disciplinary action.”
This could have major ramifications for both teams involved. According to the New York Post, if either team has three coaches or players suspended, they may be disqualified for their state tournament.
Camden, led by Kentucky Wildcats commit and No. 1 ranked prospect in the class of 2023, D.J. Wagner, is the two-time defending Group 2 state champion in New Jersey.
[NJ.com YouTube page, New York Post; Photo Credit: NJ.com on YouTube]
