(3-5-25) Maryland boys high school basketball is the latest victim of ineligible players, forfeits and brawls.

The Prince George’s County (Maryland) Public Schools (PGCPS) office started looking into the boys basketball program at Wise in late January, after officials “received anonymous notification” that “several players” on the Wise roster did not meet residency requirements. Investigators would find that players either didn’t live in the Wise district or hadn’t filed the proper paperwork to prove they belonged. Because of what the county deemed “participation of ineligible players based on non-verification of residency,” every Wise win, (18 of them) was officially changed to a 2-0 forfeit loss. The Pumas were given an “0-20 season record.“

Before the forfeits the Pumas finished the regular season 18-4 overall and were 13-2 in the Prince George 4A.

At the time the Pumas forfeited all of their wins…Wise Coach Louis Wilson was informed that he had been suspended for the remainder of the season, with an appeal pending.

“The fact that I, as the head coach, has been deemed ineligible to coach my team the rest of the season is really puzzling to me.”

Wise High School men’s basketball forfeits entire season, accused of residency violation

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Below are statements from the PGCPS and the parents—

OFFICIAL Prince George’s County Public Schools STATEMENT:

The Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School boys basketball team will forfeit the entire season due to a violation of the PGCPS and Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) rules and regulations. The school’s athletic department is collaborating with other schools to adjust the upcoming game schedule accordingly.

We recognize the impact this decision may have on our players, families, and community. However, maintaining the integrity of our program is our top priority, and we fully accept responsibility for this oversight. We are dedicated to ensuring that all future participation complies with PGCPS and MPSSAA regulations.

We are taking immediate steps to address this issue and strengthen our processes to prevent similar situations in the future.

Statement from the parents :  

“The Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School varsity boys’ basketball team had been unfairly removed from the county championship game and had their regular season erased following arbitrary sanctions imposed by Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). Despite complete and timely compliance with all document requests and requirements, PGCPS decided to enforce penalties that stripped the team of its basketball record, standing, and rightful opportunity to compete in the county championship game.” It went on to say, ” As a result of having outdated forms which could have easily been updated, 3 students were declared ineligible: One student is a county-approved transfer athlete in his senior season. Another student-athlete a junior who had been participating for 3 years. The last one a freshman, whose parent owns a rental property elsewhere in the county.” 

Wise was scheduled to play Largo in the Prince George County Championship game…but Wise was not allowed to play in the title game. Largo would play Laurel and they would secure a 95-72 win.

NOTE: In another CRAZY twist..Those sudden changes came after Largo’s previous two games were deemed a no contest and a forfeit after a brawl in its Feb. 18 game against Fairmont Heights. Largo Coach Rodney Ward was suspended for two games, meaning that he did not coach in Wednesday’s final.

February 18, 2025- Largo 47, Fairmont Heights 31 (*GAME SUSPENDED WITH 1:12 LEFT IN 2ND Q*)

StepYourGameUpBBall

Despite the forfeits Wise was still allowed to play in the Maryland State Boys Basketball tournament.

Wise was ranked as the #1 seed in the tournament, but lost that status after PGCPS forfeited all of their regular season games

In the regional basketball playoffs, Eleanor Roosevelt would beat Wise 74-62 to put an end to their troubled season.

Puma players were still allowed to be named to the All- Prince George 4A team this past week—