Boys’ basketball: Villa Park could be barred from playoffs

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Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton has sent a letter to Villa Park Principal Ed Howard warning that the boys’ basketball team could be barred from playoff consideration if the school fails to impose appropriate punishment against Coach Kevin Reynolds for allegedly violating Southern Section rules.

The school and the Orange Unified School District suspended Reynolds for two games earlier this season, but the Southern Section believes that punishment was not enough.

Villa Park Athletic Director Tom Fox confirmed that the school has received the letter and is working with the district on a response.

Staunton said Thursday his recommendation is to ban the team from playoff consideration. Villa Park has a 4-10 record entering its Century League opener Friday against El Dorado.

The Times reported previously that three basketball players who either played or attempted to play as transfers for Villa Park used an Extended Stay America hotel in Orange as their “home” address. An Esperanza High student’s parent also alleged that Reynolds violated Southern Section undue influence rules by meeting privately with her and encouraging her to move her son to Villa Park.

-- Eric Sondheimer