Hillcrest, Oakhaven girls basketball programs banned from 2024 TSSAA playoffs after fight

Hillcrest and Oakhaven girls basketball teams were hammered with punishments from the TSSAA following a fight that occurred during their game on Jan. 30.

According to letters to the schools from the TSSAA, which were obtained by The Commercial Appeal, both schools were placed on restrictive probation for the rest of the school year, which bans them from the playoffs. Both were fined $2,500 and both are on probation through the 2024-25 school year.

Both schools have requested a special-called Board of Control meeting for 1 p.m., Monday to appeal TSSAA executive director Mark Reeves' ruling. That meeting will be held virtually.

At issue, was a fight that broke out with 1:42 left in the third quarter. Players from both benches entered the court as well as fans, the letters stated. The game was suspended at that point.

The breakdown of the fines included: $1,000 for restrictive probation, $500 for each school year on probation and $250 for players leaving the bench and $250 for fans entering the court.

GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS:Memphis-area rankings: Bartlett girls remain No. 1 team in poll

MR. AND MISS BASKETBALL:Meet the Tennessee Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists for 2024 TSSAA award

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @wynstonw__.