Dougherty boys basketball team under investigation

ALBANY — The Dougherty High School boys basketball team is awaiting possible punishment from the Georgia High School Association for playing an ineligible player this season.

According to a Dougherty County School System official, the player’s family allegedly used a false address to gain admission to Dougherty High School.

The school system discovered the allegation and immediately notified the Georgia High School Association, Dougherty Athletic Director Harley Calhoun and the school coaches. The player was a starter and played in numerous games. He was immediately removed from the team as the DCSS conducted an internal investigation.

The player’s parents were notified of the finding and admitted to wrongdoing, according to the DCSS.

DCSS spokesperson J.D. Sumner said they are confident the Dougherty coaches and athletic director had no knowledge of the player’s eligibility issue.

“We are trying to be proactive about the situation,” Sumner said. “Once we were made aware of the ineligible player, we contacted the coaches, athletic director, parents and GHSA to let them know we took this matter seriously.”

The DCSS is currently awaiting word from the GHSA on a possible punishment. Attempts to reach GHSA Director of Media Relations Steve Figueroa were unsuccessful.