(3-1-25) Buchanan and Benton Harbor played in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2district semifinal on Wednesday night at host school Dowagiac. The Bucks would beat the Tigers 39-36 for the second time in eight days.

In a post-game interview Benton Harbor boys basketball coach Corey Sterling told The Herald-Palladium

“I usually don’t blame the refs, but this was the worst referee crew I’ve had in my total of 20 years of coaching here.”

The incident took place at the end of the contest.

The Dowagiac Police Department says that it has identified players and a coach from Benton Harbor that threw objects that hit a referee, he was knocked to the floor during that time.

WNDU -TV

Police officers already on scene escorted the referee to a locker room and later to his vehicle.

Dowagiac Police are looking for these two individuals that were in the crowd.

If you can help find these people, contact the Dowagiac Police Department at (269) 782-9743.

At the end of January Benton Harbor was voted out of the Lakeland Conference, Buchanan is also a member of that conference.

Below are statements released from both schools.

FOX 17 – High School referee pelted after playoff game in Southwest Michigan

Buchanan lost last night to Edwardsburg 45-35 MHSAA Division 2, District 47 championship game.

South Bend Tribune – Late surge secures Edwardsburg boys basketball MHSAA district title over Buchanan

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