Mar 10, 2025 By Rob Burchianti 3 min read

There are no winners here.

That was the PIAA’s ruling Monday afternoon after its investigation into the skirmish that broke out near the end of the Uniontown at Meadville Class 5A first-round boys basketball game Friday night.

Meadville led the Red Raiders 63-55 with 3:12 left in the fourth quarter when the game was stopped by officials after fighting in the stands was followed by a melee on the court involving players and fans.

Security was needed to help restore order and video of the incident was replayed on some national media outlets.

The PIAA, which received a report from both schools Monday morning, ruled the game as a forfeit for both teams. Officials originally awarded the victory to Meadville but the Bulldogs found out Monday they will not be moving on in the tournament.

The winner of the game was supposed to play Hershey in the second round Tuesday night at a site and time to be determined. Hershey will now advance straight into the PIAA quarterfinals.

The PIAA in its release censured both schools and ruled them to be removed from the 2025-26 interdistrict basketball tournament unless a list of five provisions are met.

Included in the provisions:

n Both schools must submit a plan of action detailing how they will prevent future situations such as what happened Friday night from occurring.

n All players for the following school year must complete the NFHS sportsmanship module and all coaches must complete the NFHS sportsmanship and teaching and modeling behavior modules.

n Identified spectators who are known to school administration are banned (due to their actions at Friday night’s game) from all school sponsored activities until June 15, 2026.

n Both schools are reprimanded for “not addressing the unsportsmanlike behavior of their spectators,” which is a violation of PIAA bylaws.

If the PIAA agrees that all provisions are met, the basketball teams will then be allowed to participate next season.

Uniontown won its 52nd section championship during the regular season and advanced to the PIAA tournament for the third straight season. The Red Raiders ended their season with a 22-5 record.

The Uniontown Area School District released a statement via athletic director Harry Kaufman that read: “We are disappointed that our season ended the way it did. We thank everyone that has shown their support. We look forward to continued success from our boys basketball program.”

Uniontown head coach Rob Kezmarsky had no comment on the ruling.

District 10 champion Meadville’s record reverts from 17-8 to 16-9 with the forfeit loss.