The nationally ranked Camden High Panthers and Camden Eastside Tigers were set to face off in the inaugural Camden County Tournament championship game at East. 

With about 4 minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the 2nd quarter, Camden Eastside’s Titus Bacon went to set a screen on Camden’s Cornelius Robinson. Bacon was immediately punched by Robinson which caused players from both sides to go after each other. The fight, which involved players and fans, was broken up by Cherry Hill Police along with Cherry Hill East security and Camden County Police. Both teams were told to go to their respective locker rooms and the game was canceled a few minutes later. 

Additional Cherry Hill police arrived soon after to help clear the gym, which was filled with over 1,000 people. The police have immediately started to investigate the situation. 

“I don’t really know what to say, I’m just glad everybody’s safe,” said Mike Beirao, the athletic director of East. “That was a really good start to a basketball game. Unfortunately you know the emotions get high, it’s an emotional response to an incredibly big rivalry, good game, two wonderful teams, two great coaching staffs, lots of great players out there. It’s unfortunate.”

The incident has major implications for Camden and their state championship hopes. Multiple players from Camden’s bench ran onto the court during the fight which could result in an individual suspension for each player. According to NJSIAA rules, if a team has 3 or more players suspended during the season, they are disqualified from the state tournament. 

If this is the end of Camden’s season, it would also be the end of DJ Wagner’s high school career, whose first loss also occurred at Cherry Hill East in a neutral site game three years ago. Wagner, who is the No.2 ranked player  in the country according to ESPN, is committed to play at Kentucky next season along with his teammate Aaron Bradshaw. In the video footage, Wagner was seen attempting to throw a punch at a Camden Eastside player, which could have implications for him in the near future.