'I didn’t know I couldn’t play’: Legacy Middle School basketball team disqualified from playoffs for ineligible player

The Legacy Middle School boys basketball team wasn’t supposed to be playing for fun Wednesday evening.

They were supposed to be playing to win their first playoff game after an undefeated season. But that opportunity was dashed when their principal came to their practice Friday.

“She told us that we’re disqualified -- that we have to forfeit our games," said seventh-grader Julian Machado. "The coach starts crying, then everyone starts crying.”

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The team was disqualified because they were “in violation of one of the middle school rules by having an ineligible player,” the school district said.

A spokesperson cited the policy, which states, “Upon reaching the age of 15 years on or before September 1, the student shall be ineligible for further participation in interscholastic athletic competition.”

Isaac Farley, an eighth-grader, turned 15 a month before that deadline.

“I didn’t know at all that I couldn’t play,” he told Eyewitness News. “I wouldn’t have played. I would’ve watched from the side ... and (supported) them. I didn’t know.”

The policy also states it’s a school employee’s responsibility to make sure students are in compliance with all the rules.

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Parents said they’re disappointed by how it all played out, and that they had no time to appeal the decision with the district.

“At least apologize,” parent Eileen Vargas said. “Not only to the team, but to the parents that were there supporting their children every single game.”

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