The on-court brawl that broke out during last week’s varsity boys basketball game between Half Hollow Hills West and Comsewogue High School is now viewable publicly, as police continue investigating the melee.
The fight started with just 44 seconds remaining Thursday night’s matchup at HHH West High School, when two players began got tangled up near the basket and started wrestling with each other. It quickly escalated with officials trying in vain to break up the fight while other players, security personnel and adult spectators converged on the chaotic scene.
After Greater Long Island’s reporting on the brawl, News 12 Long Island obtained licensed access to the NFHS Network game footage and has posted video showing the altercation.
Suffolk County Police confirmed to Greater Long Island this weekend that they are investigating the incident and that one adult was criminally charged in connection with what occurred.
The video shows players from both teams pushing and shoving and exchanging blows, while coaches, officials and spectators attempt to intervene. At one point, an adult spectator can be seen running toward the scrum and striking a visiting Comsewogue player from behind.
Half Hollow Hills Central School District officials confirmed Monday that they are cooperating with law enforcement but declined to answer a series of follow-up questions submitted by Greater Long Island, including whether any players involved in the fight have been disciplined, whether those players have continued to participate in games and whether the adult who was charged is allowed to attend district athletic events.
Comsewogue School District officials said over the weekend that they are conducting their own internal investigation and noted that a parent from Half Hollow Hills West was seen physically assaulting one of their players during the incident. The district said disciplinary action would be taken once their review of the matter is complete.
Prior coverage
Top: Main photo (GLI stock pick via Unsplash). Inset image (NFHS Network video still).
