Newport Christian Disciplined : Basketball Team Loses Second-Place Finish in Small Schools Division

Newport Christian High School has been stripped of its second-place finish in the Southern Section Small Schools’ basketball championships, according to section commissioner Stan Thomas.

The Southern Section Executive Committee ruled at its April 12 meeting that the Conquerors had violated section rules by holding its semifinal game against Ribet Christian at the West Newport Beach Community Center.

“It was just a situation where they didn’t understand the rules,” Thomas said. They thought that gymnasium was appropriate. But they practiced and played there games there all season.”

Under Southern Section rules, all semifinal games must be played at neutral sites. Newport Christian uses the community center for its home games.

The Conquerors (21-3) defeated Ribet, 72-60, then lost to Bel-Air Prep, 64-58, in the title game.

The second-place spot will remain vacant. Newport Christian retains its title as Academy League champions.