Meet the Dirtiest HS Hoops Player in America [Video]

But the events that took place during a recent high school game between Connell and Highland HS definitely puts a black eye on Washington scholastic hoops and can be called nothing besides disgusting, disgraceful, and having no place in the game.

To summarize, two rather large members of the Highland 1A state champion football team, who also play for the school’s basketball team committed a number of, what would undoubtedly be called, physical and potentially dangerous fouls on members of the opposing team on drives to the basket. On virtually every one of the six calls in question, the referees call nothing more than two shot holding calls, on what could arguably be seen as flagrant or intentional fouls, resulting in possible ejections.

On one particular vicious play(#5 on the video), the 6’3 and 280lb Cole Vanderbilt never left his feet and clearly clothes-lined the much smaller ball-handler on a layup attempt causing his neck to snap backwards before collapsing in a heap in front of the basket.

After an uncle of one of the Connell players sent a video tape showing the six potentially flagrant fouls to a number of fellow parents in the small community of Yakima, Washington, the video later wound up posted on youtube and has officially gone viral, getting more than than 33,000 hits to date.

As a former HS coach, my official stance is one of shock at the rather incompetent referees that would not only not call several of the offenses of the flagrant variety, but would allow the two players in question to continue to participate in the game, risking further injury to opposing players.

As one could imagine, after a media backlash in the local community, the school board, coach, and even relatives of the two players have officially been in spin mode since all of the negative publicity, with all in support of the players and referees actions.

Cornell Athletic Director Steve Frucci: “Everybody has the right to their opinion. Not everybody thinks about all the consequences about what their actions will be” “It goes to show what can happen in today’s day and age. Whoever can afford that technology(a camera) can do anything they want.”

David Pierce, 30 year veteran of Tri-Cities Sports Officials Association: “There were no problems and no fights. It’s getting painted as flagrant fouls or intentional fouls, but it doesn’t have anything to do with that,” Pierce said. “The guy took a camera and jaded it. He didn’t show the whole game. He only showed six plays.”

Cole Vanderbilt’s grandmother: “He’s a tough kid, but those that know him know he’s a teddy bear,” Garza said. “My 7-year-old son loves him and lights up when he’s around. But on (YouTube) he’s the world’s meanest, ugliest kid. It’s not fair, but I just want him to know his teammates and coaches are behind him.”

Teddy bear my butt! Also funny that the Athletic Director chooses to blame the person taking the footage rather than the lack of control from his coaches and players in containing the situation. Check out the video and you be the judge.

Dirtiest HS Player in the Country:

Source: Tri-City Herald