Loveall Barred From Westlake Game

Kevin Loveall of Newbury Park High, suspended last week for trying to punch a Westlake player after a Marmonte League basketball game, will not be allowed to compete in the Jan. 29 rematch between the schools, according to Newbury Park’s athletic director.

Loveall, a 6-foot-8 senior who averages 10.6 points and 11.2 rebounds a game, was suspended from school for three days last week and sat out Newbury Park’s 88-61 loss to Simi Valley on Wednesday. Newbury Park Coach Greg Ropes had feared that Loveall would not be allowed to play tonight in a home game against Camarillo, but Athletic Director Bill Manzer gave him clearance. Loveall had returned to the team Friday.

During Newbury Park’s 67-62 loss to Westlake on Jan. 8, Loveall was involved in a shoving match with Westlake’s Matt Weaver early in the fourth quarter that resulted in Loveall’s fifth personal foul and subsequent ejection. A videotape of the game shows Loveall pushing Weaver and swinging at the 6-3 senior as players were shaking hands after the game.

Westlake Coach Greg Hess said that Loveall should be allowed to play against his team.

“He learned his lesson, so let the kid back on the court,” Hess said. “Let him play against us and prove he’s a class act and give him a chance to beat us.”

Ropes said he is pleased that the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer can return to the lineup. Newbury Park will attempt to snap a six-game losing streak.

“He practiced Friday and had a real good practice,” Ropes said. “He’ll be ready to roll.”