Catawba County High School Basketball Game Ends in Forfeit After Referee Ejects Fans

School district reviewing incident where referee ordered dozens of fans to leave the game, leading to its cancellation.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A high school basketball game in Catawba County, North Carolina was called off after the referee ordered dozens of fans to leave the gymnasium, resulting in a forfeit for one of the teams. The school district is now reviewing the incident, which involved the referee issuing multiple technical fouls, even before the game started.

Why it matters

High school sports events can sometimes become heated, with emotions running high among players, coaches, and fans. This incident highlights the challenges referees face in maintaining order and sportsmanship, and the potential consequences when things escalate, including the premature end to a team's season.

The details

According to reports, the referee called multiple technical fouls during the game between Bunker Hill High School and Newton-Conover, including one as students were warming up. Moments after halftime, the referee ordered several sections of the Bunker Hill fan section to leave the gymnasium. When they did not comply, the referee called off the game entirely, resulting in a forfeit for Bunker Hill and the end of their season.

  • The incident occurred during a high school basketball game on February 20, 2026.
  • The referee ordered fans to leave the gymnasium shortly after halftime.

The players

Bunker Hill High School

A high school in Catawba County, North Carolina whose basketball team's season ended in a forfeit due to the referee's actions.

Newton-Conover

The opposing team in the high school basketball game that was called off.

Catawba County Schools

The school district that is reviewing the incident and may release more information.

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What they’re saying

“We must review this incident thoroughly to understand what happened and ensure our athletic events promote sportsmanship and a positive experience for all.”

— Catawba County Schools

What’s next

The school district says it is reviewing the matter in coordination with the appropriate athletic governing bodies and may release more information soon.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges referees face in maintaining order at high-intensity high school sporting events, and the need for all parties involved - players, coaches, fans, and officials - to prioritize sportsmanship and respect.