MSHSAA Announces Resumption of Class 3 Sectional Girls Basketball Game Between Highland vs. Principia
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has completed its review of the Class 3 Sectional girls basketball game played March 2, 2026, between Highland High School and Principia High School at Winfield High School.
The contest concluded with Principia winning 46-45. However, following a formal review of events that occurred late in the third quarter, MSHSAA has determined that proper procedures were not followed in addressing a potential correctable scoring error and subsequent on-site protest.
With 54 seconds remaining in the third quarter, play was interrupted due to concerns raised by Highland regarding a discrepancy between the scoreboard and the team scorebook. Highland’s scorebook reflected a team total one point higher than the official scorebook and scoreboard.
MSHSAA’s investigation determined that earlier in the quarter, table personnel believed they had mistakenly awarded Highland three points instead of two on a made basket. Rather than stopping play to consult with officials immediately, table personnel attempted to address what they believed to be an error during subsequent action. This resulted in a point not being properly added following a later Highland basket.
When concerns were brought to the officials’ attention, the referee and crew reviewed the halftime score and the official scorebook entries for the third quarter. However, the team scorebooks were not consulted at the scorer’s table as required by NFHS Basketball Rule 2.11.11 and reinforced in a February 23 postseason points-of-emphasis communication sent by MSHSAA to all postseason basketball officials.
The Executive Director has determined that the proper procedure for evaluating a correctable scoring error was not followed. Specifically:
- The visiting team’s scorebook was not consulted as required.
- The Highland head coach’s request to utilize both team scorebooks was denied.
- The on-site protest procedure outlined in the NFHS Rules Book and MSHSAA Handbook was not properly administered.
As a result, the procedural error constituted a misapplication of rule and denied Highland the protest process afforded under MSHSAA policy.
Video evidence confirms a scoring error occurred. However, because the proper protest procedure was not followed at the time of interruption, the point cannot simply be added to the final score after the game’s conclusion.
To remedy the situation within the authority of MSHSAA policy, the game will resume from the point of interruption.
Game Resumption Details:
Time Remaining: 54 seconds in the 3rd quarter
Corrected Score: Highland 34, Principia 29
Location: Hannibal High School
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Officials: A new crew of officials will be assigned
All game conditions — including score, fouls, possession arrow and other relevant factors — will be replicated to the extent possible. All play that occurred after the point of interruption on March 2 will be stricken from the record.
Each school will have the opportunity to review MSHSAA’s determination regarding the game conditions at the moment of interruption. Any disputes will be considered, with the MSHSAA office rendering the final decision.
No tickets will be required to attend the resumed game, and there will be no charge for anyone wishing to watch the resumed game on MSHSAA TV.
The winner of the resumed contest will advance to the Class 3 quarterfinal scheduled for Friday, March 6.
MSHSAA remains committed to ensuring that contests are administered in accordance with NFHS rules and Association policies. When procedural errors occur, the Association’s responsibility is to correct them appropriately and in a manner that protects the integrity of interscholastic competition, whenever possible.