Girls’ basketball: South East is banned from playoffs by City Section

City Section Commissioner John Aguirre has banned the South East girls’ basketball team from the playoffs next season and placed the program on two years’ probation for violation of CIF rules involving undue influence.

Aguirre said Marquez High alleged that South East had tried to recruit one of its players. South East did an investigation and found no evidence. Later, the parent of the player alleged to have been recruited filed a complaint. South East investigated and self-reported violations.

“It was as blatant as it gets,” Aguirre said regarding the recruitment of the player.

South East has imposed a four-game suspension for next season on Coach Rascheed Tapscott, who also received counseling and had to take a sportsmanship class, according to Athletic Director David Coria.

South East had 10 days to appeal the playoff ban but apparently did not know about the deadline, so it remains to be seen if the school will be allowed to file an appeal.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com