A high school basketball game on Long Island erupted into chaos minutes after it started.
West Babylon High School was hosting Bellport High School Thursday evening when, just minutes into the game, video showed two players on the court start shoving each other. A fight ensued shortly after.
“I was just there to support senior night,” said West Babylon senior Colin Hovanec. “Then a fight broke out and it was just crazy. It was unfortunate you know, the last game.”
It was a bench-clearing brawl with players and fans involved in the melee, some throwing punches while others tried breaking it up. Much of the chaos was captured on cellphone video.
Some people left the gym screaming while others fought. The disturbing scene resulted in the high school matchup ending a matter of minutes after it started.
Suffolk County police said they were not asked to respond to the school. In a statement, West Babylon’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly said “the situation was addressed promptly, and we can confirm that no one was injured…the safety and well-being of our students, staff and spectators remain our top priority. We will continue to ensure a safe environment at all school-sponsored activities.”
Antonio Santana, the Superintendent of South Country School District and Bellport High School said “the conduct displayed does not reflect the values, expectations or standards we hold for our students.”
Santana made the decision to end the varsity basketball season early and not allowing the team to play their final game which was scheduled for Friday.
“It’s sad it’s definitely a sad ending but it’s not right,” said Andrew Bothe, West Babylon High School senior. “I think it’s one of their last games but doesn’t give them the right to fight you know.”