A conference game between the Radford boys basketball team and Gardner-Webb was briefly postponed Wednesday night after a young fan stormed the court and had to be escorted off by a Highlander.
With Redford leading by three with a minute left in the second half, a young fan rushed onto the court and began running around as players and coaches looked on in confusion.
Redford Highlanders head coach Darius Nichols directs his team during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Dec. 22, 2024 at Colonial Life Arena. (Jeff Black/Imagn Images)
"We still have a kid on the floor," the game broadcaster said in shock. "The sixth one is right here on the floor. I don't know whose child that is. Do we have parents?"
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The young fan continued to run around until Radford linebacker True Harris, a redshirt senior, intervened, picked the child up and handed him to a staff member near the court .
The disruption didn't derail the Highlanders, who won the game 79-75 to improve to 3-1. Great South Conference Tied for first place in the standings with High Point and UNC Asheville.
The Big South released a statement after the game about the "minor" disruption, adding that the children had been safely reunited with their parents.
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"With just one minute left in last night's thrilling Gardner-Webb-Redford basketball game, a young 'fan' stormed the court, an unprecedented and truly emotional moment," the statement said. ”
"The fan, estimated to be around three feet tall and not yet qualified for kindergarten, showed impressive agility while dodging staff and confusing players. Thanks to the Radford players (and apparently aspiring nannies) )’s quick thinking, the situation was safely resolved when the child was removed from the court.”
Redford Highlanders defender Truth Harris (4) drives past South Carolina Gamecocks defender Morris Ugusuk (4) in the second half on Dec. 22, 2024. 15 years old). (Jeff Black/Imagn Images)
Radford head coach Darius Nichols joked after the game that he begged officials not to penalize the team for the young fan's excitement.
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“That’s a big part of the game,” he said with a laugh. "When the kid ran onto the field, I just told the referee, 'Please don't give it to me. technical for this. '"
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