North Buncombe/Polk issue joint statement following incident

WEAVERVILLE-North Buncombe High School and Polk County High School administrators have concluded their investigation into events that took place at a basketball game at North Buncombe on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

The joint statement says that three North Buncombe students have been disciplined and that both schools are disappointed in the inappropriate behavior displayed during the game and during the varsity men’s halftime.

The game was stopped at halftime with Polk County forfeiting the men’s varsity game after a fight allegedly occurred between a Polk County JV men’s player and a North Buncombe student.

There were also allegations from Polk County that racial slurs were being said to Polk varsity men’s players from North Buncombe students during the game.

“Administrators at North Buncombe High School and Polk County High School have worked together diligently to investigate reports of inappropriate behavior at the varsity men’s basketball game on Dec. 13,” said the statement from Dr. Samantha Sircey, North Buncombe Principal and Dr. Brandon Schweitzer, Polk County Principal. “We have received many questions from our parents and members of the community about a number of rumors that are circulating relative to what actually transpired at the game.

“North Buncombe administrators, the School Resource Officer (SRO), and Polk Co. administrators have concluded the investigation into the matter. Three North Buncombe students have been disciplined for inappropriate conduct during the varsity basketball game in the gym and in the concession area. NBHS and PCHS have high expectations for our students and fans, and we are disappointed by the inappropriate behavior displayed during this game and at halftime. This incident has been handled jointly by both school systems, and we look forward to moving ahead in a positive direction. Please contact your respective principal with further questions or concerns.”

Polk County and Landrum High School are also currently investigating an incident during the Polk County and Landrum basketball game held at Landrum on Friday, Dec. 15. An arrest was made of a Polk County student, with the incident occurring just following the varsity men’s game, where Landrum beat Polk 99-71.

Polk County cancelled all basketball games on Monday, Dec. 18 and cancelled varsity men’s play the rest of this week.