November’s Perry vs. Basha varsity basketball game was packed with action both on and off the court; the energy being multiplied by the intense rivalry which has developed between the schools.
With just seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter Junior Jake Mortensen scored a three pointer, tying Basha and bringing the game into overtime. Eventually falling behind however, the Pumas would lose to Basha 76-72.
As the final buzzer sounded it quickly became clear that neither student section was ready to call it a game. Even after the players had exited the main gym the trash talk and shouting continued. Security decided to let both schools out separately, letting Basha come down from the bleachers first. While some students headed for the doors, others unexpectedly charged up to the front of Perry’s bleachers harassing the students at the front. Some students tried to leave the area while others retaliated.
Senior Reggie Blader knew immediately that this was a serious situation, recalling “I got white eyed and knew this was not going to be good, at all.” Before long the students began shoving back and forth even as security was trying to separate them. During all of this Blader stated that “I was trying to stop them from fighting. I was pulling our guys away, and trying to get in the middle of it.” Luckily security was able to finally separate the students from both schools and get everyone moving out the doors. The confrontations however carried over into the parking lot where a few small fights erupted before being swiftly broken up by security.
Thankfully amidst all of the commotion no one was seriously hurt. Principal Dan Serrano has confirmed however that actions to punish several students have been taken, explaining that “There were some students disciplined for behavior in the parking lot from both sides.”
Now that Everything has been said and done. the fault for all of the fighting cannot really be entirely placed on either side. Serrano made a comment saying “I don’t think the behavior was very good, however with the rivalry, a game thats so close, and the number of students who were there, that’s not uncommon. I’ve seen that before.”
As the Basketball season carries on January’s Perry vs. Basha rematch to be held at Perry this time grows nearer everyday. The hype for this game and the excitement will most certainly be at an all time high; many are eager to see what will happen. Serrano has made the reassuring statement however that “We will be prepared.” chuckling as he said “We’ve already talked about.”
