Tie Games

Van Buren-Swayzee

Swayzee Fights To Tie With Van Buren Aces, 35-35

     Nov 30, 1951, Van Buren, IND.- The Swayzee-Van Buren game ended in a 35-35 tie tonight after fans from both schools threatened to errupt into a riot following the end of regulation play.

     Van Buren principal Earl Bryant and Swayzee principal Estil Ginnn decided against letting the game continue into overtime play in order to prevent a possible fracas among fans attending the contest. 

     The tie contest marked the first time in many years that an Indiana high school game has ended in a tie.  Both schools were placed on probation until January, 1953

     The game was close all the way and exitement ran high among the fans.  But, when Swayzee guard Max Perry crashed into the wall at the end of the playing floor in attempt to  score the winning basket, it was simply the spark that ignited the highly volatile crowd.  Fans from both schools spilled from the bleachers, shouting insults at each other and at the referees. Swayzee fans chared that Perry was guilty of a charging foul.

  Actually Perry's own shot was cleanly blocked and his own momentum carried him into the wall.

     Van Buren's tight zone defense and scrappy play held the Speed Kings in check throughout the contest.

     Early in the game, Van Buren took a 22-15 lead before the half ended.  It was not until midway through the third quarter that the Speedkings were able to take the lead, 30-28.

From the IHSAA 1952 Yearbook

November 30, 1951

     In a basketball game between Van Buren and Swayzee, played at Van Buren on November 30, 1951, the score stood at 35-all at   the end of the regular playing time. On the last play of the game, a Swayzee player drove under the basket for a shot, fell into the wall, and was injured.  Although the referee later informed the IHSAA that no foul was committed on this player, the Swayzee fans strongly indicated their disapproval at no foul being called.  One Swayzee fan was reported to have himself particularly obnoxious.  Due to the tenseness of the fans, Principal Estil Ginn of Swayzee and Principal Earl Bryant of Van Buren and the two coaches conferred.  It was decided to end the game at that point, without going into an overtime period.

     Decision-The Board of Control unanimously reached the following decisions that:

1. Under the circumstances, the game score stand Van Buren 35, Swayzee 35.

2. The decision not to finish the game was a definite violation of the Official Basketball Rules as adopted by the IHSAA Athletic Council.

3. This action apparently was taken by the school officials because of fear that trouble might develop among the fans.  This is also an indication that the school officials did not have complete control of the situation.

     The Principal of each school is directed to warn the fans of his school that any further interference on their part at future athletic events between the two schools may result in suspension from IHSAA membership.