Manchester boys basketball forced to forfeit five victories

The Manchester High School boys basketball team has forfeited five games due to an academically ineligible player. The forfeits have dropped Manchester’s overall record from 20-0 to 15-5.

Manchester played an ineligible player in the team’s victories over Brookstone on Jan. 9, Central-Talbotton on Jan. 12, Macon County on Jan. 13, Webster County on Jan. 15 and Crawford County on Jan. 16. Manchester self-reported the infraction to the GHSA, which led to the forfeits.

“A situation arose concerning one of the players being ineligible for five games,” Manchester head coach Anzy Hardman said. “Of course, we corrected that and got his eligibility reinstated through credit recovery. Everything’s back where it needs to be. We took the punishment, and we’re going to move forward.

“We teach our kids character and to do the right thing. That’s what it’s about. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it’s painful, but we’re going to move forward with it.”

Manchester principal Henry Acree declined to comment on the situation. The GHSA did not issue a statement on the matter, instead confirming the forfeits and the reason why.

This story was originally published January 30, 2018 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Manchester boys basketball forced to forfeit five victories."