DOWAGIAC, Mich. (WOOD) — Police say they’ve recognized some individuals who threw issues at a referee after a highschool boys basketball match Wednesday however are in search of others.
It occurred round 9 p.m. following the district semifinal between Benton Harbor and Buchanan, which was hosted at Dowagiac Union Excessive Faculty.
The Dowagiac Police Division mentioned folks began throwing issues on the referee. Officers escorted him off the court docket to the locker room after which to his automobile.
Police mentioned they’ve already labored out the names of some Benton Harbor gamers and a coach who had been concerned. As of Friday, they had been nonetheless working to establish just a few extra individuals who had been within the crowd and launched a picture of them.
A photograph launched by Dowagiac police exhibits two folks officers try to establish after an assault on a referee after a basketball recreation on Feb. 26, 2025.
In a letter to the varsity group Thursday, Benton Harbor Space Faculties Superintendent Kelvin Butts mentioned that “most of the outrage and disorder came from the fans and audience, not our student-athletes,” however added that his faculty district was nonetheless investigating alongside MHSAA and the opposite districts concerned.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to a thorough and fair review of the events,” Butts wrote. “We appreciate your patience and support as we work through this process.”
MHSAA informed Information 8 Monday that it was investigating and had spoken to the referee and all three faculties. It hoped to have extra data to launch within the coming days.
Buchanan beat Benton Harbor 39-36 and superior to the district closing versus Edwardsburg Friday evening. That recreation was additionally at Dowagiac, and police mentioned officers can be there.
“Dowagiac Police would like to remind all students, student-athletes, coaches, and fans to display good sportsmanship, so tonight’s game can be enjoyed in a safe environment by all who attend,” Director of Public Security Steven Grinnewald wrote in a Friday launch.
