Violent Brawl Halts Pennsylvania High School Basketball Game

News Summary

A high school basketball playoff game in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, erupted into chaos as a brawl broke out between players and fans, leading to multiple charges filed against individuals involved. The game, featuring Uniontown and Meadville, was brought to a halt with just minutes remaining, prompting law enforcement intervention. In the aftermath, Meadville’s team was disqualified from the playoffs due to violations, while calls for sportsmanship and respect in high school sports have intensified following the incident.

Charges Filed After Violent Brawl Halts Pennsylvania High School Basketball Playoff Game

The city of Uniontown was rocked by chaos during a recent high school basketball playoff game that turned into a scene straight out of a wrestling match. On March 7, 2025, the showdown between Uniontown and Meadville in the 2025 PIAA 5A Basketball tournament quickly escalated into a violent brawl that left many stunned.

The Turning Point of the Game

With only 3:12 remaining in the game and Meadville leading by a score of 63-55, tensions flared, igniting a fierce altercation not just on the court, but in the stands as well. Video footage captured the mayhem, showing players and fans exchanging punches, a situation that would soon call for law enforcement intervention. Fortunately, Meadville City Police were able to bring the situation under control quite swiftly, and there were no serious injuries reported from the chaos.

Legal Actions Taken

As a result of the uproar, seven individuals have been charged with various offenses. Among those charged are three minors, aged 16, with two being from Meadville and one from Uniontown. They are all facing charges of disorderly conduct. Meanwhile, Reginald Grooms, 44, from Uniontown has found himself in deeper trouble with charges of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

Another individual, a notorious figure in the community, was also involved in the ruckus. An 18-year-old from Uniontown is facing charges of disorderly conduct as well. Additionally, Malik Wilson, 25, and Joseph Chabot, 37, both from Meadville, have also been charged for their part in the incident.

The Aftermath for Meadville’s Team

In the fallout of the fracas, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) responded swiftly, announcing the disqualification of Meadville’s basketball team from the playoffs due to violations of PIAA bylaws, despite their victory in the game. The game was officially ruled as a double forfeiture, now meaning neither Meadville nor Uniontown will advance in the tournament.

Consequently, Hershey High School, which was originally set to face the winner in the next round, has been given a free pass to the quarterfinals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the significant fallout from the aggressive behavior shown by both the teams and their supporters.

The Scene of Chaos