Rockford Jefferson coach, 5 players suspended by IHSA

The Illinois High School Association announced today head coach Todd Brannan and five players from the Rockford Jefferson boys basketball team will be suspended for the team's Class 4A regional final tonight against Huntley at Belvidere North High School.

The sanctions come as a result of an altercation between players from Jefferson and Rockford East that occurred at the conclusion of the regional semifinal game between the two schools on Tuesday, which Jefferson won 51-49 on a last-second shot.

"This type of conduct is unacceptable and won't be tolerated," said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. "We appreciate the cooperation we have received from both schools and their support in sending the message that individuals who fight will lose the opportunity to represent their schools in IHSA events."

The IHSA did not release the names of the five suspended players, but according to published reports online this afternoon from the Rockford Register Star, three of those players are M.L. Moore, Chaz Johnson and Montel Brown. Moore scored 23 points in the Tuesday win and Johnson hit the game-winning shot.

Sanctions for Rockford East will be announced in the near future, the IHSA said.