The Missouri State High School Activities Association has ordered the resumption of the Class 3 sectional girls basketball game between Highland High School and Principia High School after finding that proper procedures were not followed regarding a scoring error and on-site protest. The original game, played March 2 at Winfield High School, concluded with Principia winning 46-45, but a review determined a point discrepancy late in the third quarter was mishandled by officials and table personnel.
With 54 seconds remaining in the third, Highland raised concerns after its team scorebook showed a total one point higher than the official scoreboard. MSHSAA’s investigation found that table personnel initially believed they had mistakenly awarded three points instead of two and tried to correct the error during ongoing play, rather than stopping immediately. When officials reviewed the situation, they failed to consult both team scorebooks, as required by NFHS Basketball Rule 2.11.11 and postseason guidance, and the on-site protest procedure was not properly administered.
Under MSHSAA policy, the game will resume Wednesday at 6 pm at Hannibal High School with a new officiating crew. The contest will restart with 54 seconds left in the third quarter, Highland leading 34-29, and all game conditions will be replicated, while play after the interruption on March 2 will be removed from the record.