The Carver-Votek boys basketball Class 2A state quarterfinal game at Queen's Anne's on Friday night was called off after an altercation in the third quarter.
At the time of the incident, Carver was leading 47-15 with 6 minutes, 57 seconds left in the quarter and had won the game. The Bears will advance to play Middletown in the semifinal round next week, but the date, time and location have not yet been determined.
After the referee's report was released Saturday morning, all players who left the Carver bench were declared suspended and ineligible for the next game, per Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association rules. Queen Anne's bench players were also mentioned.
“At this point, the only players who can play are the five guys on the floor,” Carver coach Alvin Parker said, adding that the team is protesting the decision. The Bears can call up junior varsity players.
Video of the incident shows a Queen Anne's player shoving a Bears player from behind as he heads toward the basket. A foul was called as Carver landed hard on the floor, and a Bears teammate approached the Queen Anne's player, who was called for a foul. The two faced each other before parting ways.
very soon, video shows Players and others in the crowd, along with referees, security and coaches, took to the floor to try to restore order.
The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, which was on standby, said in a statement Friday that it is actively investigating the incident and reviewing surveillance video. No arrests have been made.
The office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday morning. The MPSSAA also did not immediately respond to an email requesting information about the ruling.
Parker said the team is moving forward with Saturday's 1 p.m. practice as the Bears (19-5) continue their efforts to bring home the program's first state title.
“For us and our season, we believe in the 50th Law of Power and that's a big part of our season and that's what we talk about. 50th Law of Power says that when there is chaos and confusion, it all matters and if you can calm down and recognize the root cause, you can use it to your advantage,” Parker said.
“That's where we are. There's chaos and confusion, but the opportunities are still lying around, so we have to try to focus on them right now. We can't change what's already happened. But we still have a chance. Even if we make the final four, it's a blessing to be in this position.”
The Bears were in the midst of a breakout season, defeating then-Class 3A state champion City in the regular season and then defeating Class 2A state champion Newtown to win the North Region II title.
On Friday, the Bears got 27 points from star Dorian Sands and 21 steals on pressure defense before play stopped early in the third quarter. Parker noted that all players maintain a 2.5 GPA, which is required to play on the team.
“We can't control what other people think and feel. And we know that we're in a school that's portrayed as the worst place in Baltimore City,” he said. said. “There's a lot going on in our community, and that's why we're doing what we're doing. Our school has taken a lot of steps in the right direction, but people are I don't know that because I don't actually go and see it.”
This story may be updated.
