A Springfield school board member believes race was a factor in a basketball contest between Jacksonville and Lanphier high schools on Friday.
JHS won 58-56 on a buzzer-beater. According to the Springfield Journal-Register, board member Judy Johnson pointed out most of the Crimson players are white, as were the three Illinois High School Association referees, and Lanphier’s roster is made up of mostly black players.
Lanphier had received technical fouls earlier in the game for what the newspaper described as normal celebration after Lanphier scored in a close game.
Springfield Superintendent Jennifer Gill reportedly said officials issued the technical due to perceived taunting, but she claimed the Lanphier player was indicating defensive strategy to a teammate.
Multiple reports indicate Lanphier has filed a formal complaint with the IHSA over the matter.