- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Canton Today
By the People, for the People
Massillon and Canton McKinley Rivalry Heats Up on Basketball Court
Heated exchanges lead to skipped handshake line after Massillon victory over Canton McKinley
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A boys high school basketball game between longtime rivals Massillon and Canton McKinley turned heated on Friday, February 13, 2026, with Massillon emerging victorious but the two teams forgoing the traditional postgame handshake line due to the intensity of the exchanges on the court.
Why it matters
High school sports rivalries can sometimes boil over, leading to unsportsmanlike conduct and raising concerns about the role of competition and sportsmanship in youth athletics. This incident highlights the need for schools, coaches, and players to promote a positive culture around high school sports.
The details
According to the video footage, the game between Massillon and Canton McKinley was a close and hard-fought contest, with tensions rising as the final minutes ticked away. After Massillon secured the win, the customary handshake line was skipped as players and coaches from both teams engaged in heated exchanges, eschewing the typical display of good sportsmanship.
- The game took place on Friday, February 13, 2026.
The players
Massillon
The boys high school basketball team from Massillon, Ohio.
Canton McKinley
The boys high school basketball team from Canton, Ohio, and longtime rivals of Massillon.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder that high school sports, while competitive, should be an opportunity for young athletes to learn valuable lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for their opponents. Schools and coaches must work to foster a positive culture that prioritizes these values alongside athletic achievement.
