Parents from Eastlake High on Tuesday tried to persuade San Diego Section officials to let the school's girls basketball team continue its quest for a second Division I championship in three seasons.
It didn't work, so now the parents may ask a San Diego Superior Court judge to intervene.
Otherwise, La Costa Canyon will receive a bye into Saturday's Division I final, section Assistant Commissioner Bill McLaughlin said.
Tuesday night's semifinal game between La Costa Canyon and Eastlake was canceled after the section determined that Eastlake had used an ineligible player this season. By rule, Eastlake must forfeit at least 13 games in which that player participated and be ousted from the playoffs.
If the parents go to court and a judge grants them a temporary restraining order, it's possible Eastlake could play La Costa Canyon in a semifinal sometime before Saturday's scheduled championship game.
McLaughlin said the section received a complaint about the player's eligibility on Feb. 9. In recent weeks, the section has used a private investigator to gather facts in the case.
Eastlake parents said the section has alleged that the player – a ninth-grader – was not eligible because her family does not live in Eastlake's attendance area and gave a false address in order for the girl to play at the school. Eastlake parents have disputed this.
Brent Schrotenboer: (619) 293-1368;
brent.schrotenboer@uniontrib.com
