[The_Rookie]

The boys' basketball playoff game Friday night between host Providence High and New Roads was halted with 2:09 remaining in the fourth quarter when a fight between players escalated with fans and coaches pouring on to the court and becoming involved in the fracas.

In what had been a physical game throughout, the referees had problems controlling the rough play.

However, things got out of control late in the fourth when Providence's Jonathan Ly committed a hard foul on New Roads' Keylan Jandoo-Baker. Both players began to throw punches and teammates from both sides became involved. As the players were continuing to scuffle, fans from both sides, beginning with the New Roads contingent, left their seats and also became involved in the fight. Some fans grabbed players, while the officials were left powerless to deal with the situation.

Coach Ernest Baskerville believes the situation escalated as a direct result of the officials losing control of the game, as well as the opposition's fans becoming involved.

"I'm really disappointed with how their crowd and their coaches acted," he said. "But there was really no control by the refs for the entire game. I'll be very disappointed if there are any kinds of sanctions handed down to either team. It wasn't the players' fault. Kids are going to be kids. But when adults get involved, that's another story."

Lessons to be learned???