High School Girls' Basketball Games End In Brawls

Two high school girls' basketball games have made national headlines this month after they ended in bench-clearing brawls. On Feb. 9, a game between American History and Roselle in Newark, New Jersey, was canceled after a fight broke out between players and fans, and on Feb. 13 several players were ejected after a melee during a game in Farmville, North Carolina.

Per NJ.com,one official called the American History-Roselle fight "one of the worst things witnessed on the court." The brawl started in the second quarter when an American History player allegedly punched a Roselle player who fouled her, and a chaotic scene involving other players and spectators ensued. Police and paramedics were called, and the game was called off.

At least six Roselle players were taken to the hospital for various injuries, including a concussion and head trauma. American History's season has been suspended, and the team will remain on probation next year. A Roselle parent told NJ.com that the team is "traumatized" and considering forfeiting the rest of the season because the girls are "too afraid to play."

The Newark police department is investigating the incident.

In North Carolina, four players have been charged for their role in a brawl during a game between Farmville Central and North Pitt, according to Reflector.com. With 3:44 remaining in the game, a Farmville Central player shoved a North Pitt player, sparking a fight between multiple players and several fans who ran onto the court. A spectator captured cell phone footage of the ugly incident.

Five players were ejected, and the game did not continue. Farmville Central was disqualified from the playoffs and fined $1,000 for having players come off the bench.