My grandson Dat is a graduating senior (I hope) and was studying for two finals, as were the rest of the departing seniors. So they were unable to watch Allentown Central Catholic (ACCHS) take on cross-town rival Allen. They missed a helluva' game. Allen is known for its tall and athletic players, while the Vikings combine fierce defense and an amazing ability to hit from downtown. But this year, Chad "X-Factor) Kratzer has added a new wrinkle, an ability to drive inside.
Allen jumped to an early lead, but thanks to aggressive defense, ACCHS soon turned things around and seemed to have the game in hand. Nick Filchner and Kratzer were both scoring at will, and Sammy Vaughan picked up right where his brother left off as the team's field general. But the Canaries made adjustments,and with just two minutes left in the second half, had a on-point lead and were tearing down the court with the ball.
But not for long. a Viking managed to knock the ball loose and both he and a Canary (I'm sorry but I never got his name) both dove right onto the macadam in a battle for possession. The Central appeared to have it when the Allen player swung his arm and appeared to punch the Central dude, though he was really going for the ball. By this time another Allen player dove onto the pile as well, and the Viking took a swing, too.
The refs were on top of this nearly immediately, although it may heave taken a second or two to separate the players.
Imagine that's your son on the ground and it looks as though he's getting pounded by two Allen players. What would you do?
As hard as it might be, the best thing to do is let the officials sort it out. That's why they're there. But the player's Dad, a former basketball standout who is himself about 18' tall, started yelling and ran onto the court. A Central player actually pushed him off. But it was too late. At this point, Allen and Central fans were upset and began yelling at each other. Fortunately, they were mostly old farts.
In case you are wondering, I declined to join in the festivities.
I was too busy laughing.
Both Allen and Central fans said some ugly things to each other, which I'm sure embarrassed both coaches. The Dad was really just concerned about his son's well being, and I'll give him credit for refusing to participate in some of the ugliness, which did not come from any of the parents on either team.
In any event, Central was hit with a foul and a double technical.
ACCHS Coach Dennis Csensits did the sensible thing and threw in the towel rather than witness what could have turned into a donnybrook. Both coaches made sure their players shook hands.
After the game, I watched as fighting Viking picked pieces of macadam out of his elbow. Then I saw his dad.
"You're 0-1," I said.
11 comments:
These basketball games can bring out the worst in some people. It seems by their nature fights and fan problems occur. Inner-city games are probably more violent than some others.
I played back in the early 1980's, the games are fiercely competitive and most of the time in a good way but at times we all did a little banging around.
Sounds like emotions got a bit hot, it was handled well by all. Well done!
The Banker
"These basketball games can bring out the worst in some people. It seems by their nature fights and fan problems occur. Inner-city games are probably more violent than some others."
Why? Are you suggesting something here? I have watched "inner-city games," both in Allentown and Philly, for ten years. I have never seen a fight. I think Allen is graceful and athletic, not really physical. CCHS and Dieuruff are both physical teams, but not violent. Bangor and Pottsville can be very physical, too, and they are not what I would call inner-city.
It could be that some of the pick-up games get nasty, where there are no coaches or refs. I do not watch them.
What happened last night could have escalated, but the refs and coaches did a good job of defusing it. Also, the parent who ran out onto the court should never have done so, but he was only concerned for his son. He at no time got physical with anyone. he should not have gone out there. I have watched games in which my grandson has been knocked around. Some of them have been televised, like a game with Emmaus where he was crushed onto the court face down. I thought he knocked out at first. But he got up. You have to trust the officials and coaches to handle it. They do. I've seen it happen tp other players, too, and the parents really have a rough time staying in their seats. But they do. The father made a mistake,and maybe he should stay away for a game or two. hard to do.
Can't keep playing the same old teams as during the HS season. This leads to this kind of crap and also will not improve your program for the next level. The local summer leagues and teams are nice , but one needs to play out of towner's to experience different styles of play. Only then will the EPC and District 11 breed Champions at the higher level.
They do mix it up but let’s face it, traveling 50 miles to play a summer game is just goofy. The teams in Philly don’t do that. During the season, most teams do take one or two trips to do exactly what you suggest.
‘One game ... is goofy.” Agreed.
How about two games?
My alma mater, Scranton Prep is scheduled to play Allen and Beca, at Moravian College in two early evening boy’s clashes on June 11.
This certainly will be a tough task for Prep. However, the experience gained by playing two such talented teams will prove invaluable to Prep this winter.
Scheduling a out of town doubleheader, here and there, is not a bad idea.
I agree and Scranton Prep produces teams to prove it. It is not practical on a regular basis, but most of the teams do it. I have to see if I can watch those games. Pretty sure I am free that night.
In the summer, family vacations and AAU often interfere.
Unfortunately there is considerable thuggery in basketball for some reason.
Another bigoted troll. I have never seen a fight. What happened Thursday is the worst, and that does not come close. But the word “thuggery” is used to cast aspersions on a predominately minority sport. You want to see thuggery? Watch a hockey game.
Most of the players and teams that participate in this inner-city summer league travel from their suburban neighborhoods to do so. Thanks for taking a stand against the trolls, Bernie.
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