WPIAL takes away scrimmage from Vincentian boys basketball for using ineligible player

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | 4:57 PM

The Vincentian Academy boys basketball team will have one fewer scrimmage next season, the WPIAL board decided, as punishment for using an ineligible player.

Vincentian transfer Ethan Embleton took part in a preseason scrimmage after the WPIAL ruled him ineligible, WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley said. The PIAA later overturned the WPIAL’s decision and ruled Embleton eligible, but Embleton wasn’t allowed to play while awaiting appeal.

As a result, the PIAA already suspended Embleton and coach Tim Tyree Jr. for the first two games of the regular season, O’Malley said. The WPIAL board voted Monday to add additional discipline.

The WPIAL removed one of Vincentian’s two scrimmages for the 2019-20 season, and also censured the administration and the boys basketball coaching staff.

Vincentian could appeal the WPIAL’s decision. Principal Rita Canton and athletic director Ron Moncrief couldn’t be reached.

Embleton, a 6-foot-5 junior, transferred from Montour to Vincentian last spring. He was Montour’s top scorer last season.

The WPIAL had found Embleton’s transfer was athletically motivated during an eligibility hearing Sept. 19. A PIAA appeals panel overturned that decision Dec. 5.

Embleton is eligible for both the regular season and postseason.

Chris Harlan is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at charlan@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CHarlan_Trib.

Tags: Vincentian Academy