Pontiac forced to forfeit game because of Ineligable Player.

Written Wednesday March 8th at 9:50 PM

The Pontiac Phoenix were forced to forfeit their chance to advance to the district tournament on Wednesday afternoon because of an ineligible player that was discovered after the Oxford game.

The forfeit by the Phoenix means that Waterford Kettering (1-19) will play Clarkston for the district title on Friday at Orion.

Pontiac beat Oxford 56-39 on Monday. The Wildcats were credited for the win but under MHSAA rules they can not advance and replace the Phoenix whom were suppose to play the Captains on Wednesday night.

Pontiac used an ineligible player DeShawn Jackson. Jackson was a transfer from Ortonville Brandon and even committed to play College Basketball at St. Clair Community College this season. The Blackhawks won a district title last season led by Jackson, he even participated in a letter of intent ceremony celebrating Jackson's commitment to St. Clair Community College.

Jackson had six points against Oxford in their district match-up on Monday.

Earlier this season the Phoenix had another player ruled ineligible in David Wilson. Wilson played the first three games this season before being ruled ineligible for the season.

Pontiac went through a coaching change as Joel Schroeder took over for Ben Kelso last season. Kelso led the Phoenix to an White crown last season.

Pontiac finishes the season at 3-17 overall.

Thoughts.

I'm baffled and up at arms by this. How could Pontiac not know that Jackson played four years at Ortonville Brandon??? They didn't even bother to look at his transcript.

This is udder humiliation for Pontiac, their reputation takes a huge hit because of this.

This cost Oxford a trip deep into the playoffs.

It wouldn't surprise me that the MHSAA could hand out punishments against Pontiac. This is the second time that the Phoenix used an ineligible player. Something must be done here so this never happens again.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for this developing story.