On Friday, February 7, the rivalry basketball game between Orem and Timpview got heated to the point of a fight.
Earlier in the season, on January 17, Timpview lost to Orem. So, tension was running high before the game had even started.
The game, that took place at Orem, began rigid, but normally. After the first quarter, Orem was in the lead with a score of 21-19. Junior Dean Rueckert (#1) made two 3-pointers and held up Timpview’s score. By halftime, Orem was still in a slim lead, with 29-27. Later in the game, with just a few minutes left, Orem led with a score of 47-40.
With just 11 seconds left in the game, a fight broke out on the court. During a rebound, players started attacking each other. Referees and coaches began swarming the players to get them to stop, but the action caused lots of commotion and there were players and coaches alike on the ground. It appeared as if Timpview player, Will Openshaw (#2) was knocked to the ground first, deeming Orem responsible for the initial start of the fight. While people ran to the commotion, players were seen dragging each other from the brawl and police officers joined the chaos.
According to The Utah High School Activities Association sportsmanship policy, if a coach or player is ejected due to violent behavior, the individual can be suspended for at least two games, along with additional penalties from the school. Additionally, if violent behavior occurs, one or both teams may forfeit the contest as well. However, on Friday, the officials decided on a foul to each team’s bench without ejections or penalties for players. This decision allowed the game to continue without any significant consequences for the players who were involved in the brawl.
Despite the fight and all of the chaos that was instilled throughout it, Orem won 55-50. This marked Timpview’s second loss to Orem this basketball season.
On the fight, an anonymous student said, “I was lowkey rooting for Timpview during the fight. I’m so glad it happened, it was so entertaining. Seeing all of them grown, adult men jumping into the fight was so funny.” Some of the Timpview pupils enjoyed the fight but were sad to see Timpview lose again.
