Racist incident mars game at tourney
East Central player is victim at Marble Falls
As East Central’s Asia Prudhomme lined up for a free throws during the Hornets’ game against host Marble Falls during the Hill Country Classic tournament Friday afternoon, at least one fan could be heard mimicking a monkey.
Prudhomme, who is Black, sank both free throws.
“This is sad, heartbreaking and uncalled for,” Prudhomme wrote on her Twitter account on Sunday. “Can’t even play basketball without ignorance and racism in the stands. This really broke my heart, my teammates and my coaches.”
In a statement sent to the Express-news on Monday morning, Marble Falls principal Damon Adams said administrators are reviewing video footage and will interview those who were in attendance.
“Marble Falls High School takes these allegations seriously and will hold students accountable for any behaviors that violate our expectations,” Adams said in the statement.
East Central ISD athletic director Suzette Arriola said she reached out to Marble Falls ISD administrators on Sunday.
“They assured me they will take every step necessary to resolve this,” Arriola told the Ex
press-news on Monday morning.
The incident overshadowed a strong tournament for Prudhomme. She reached the 1,000point career mark in a 5449 victory against Azle on Thursday. Prudhomme averaged 21.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in five tournament games. East Central lost to Marble Falls 58-50.
East Central coach Vanessa Villarreal wrote on Twitter the incident did not dampen her team’s experience at the tournament. “This situation was hard,” Villarreal wrote. “Speaking to my girls about this was hard. Our weekend was not ruined by this. Our kids grew & I wish I could show what our girls did on the bus once we discussed it. Our girls are amazing people who love each other so much! I love them for that!”
Arriola said she was meeting with Prudhomme and her family on Monday.
“Asia is handling this like a champion,” Arriola said. “It was hurtful, but she is surrounding herself with her team that loves her.”
Arriola also issued a statement on Sunday night via Twitter.
“We want our community to know that ECISD stands behind its players,” Arriola said. “Diversity is one of our key core values. Our coaches and administrators believes ‘all means all.’ We are sorry our players had to endure this from spectators, and we are working quickly with their administrators and coaching staff to resolve this situation.”
Marble Falls canceled its Saturday games, according to a tweet from the school’s girls basketball account.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Lady Mustangs will not be playing a game on Saturday during our tournament,” the tweet reads.
It was not clear if the incident had anything to do with this decision.
“As campus principal, I regret that any player or guest in attendance at our tournament experienced anything from our student body that made them feel uncomfortable or devalued,” Adams said in the statement. “I am saddened that the behaviors of a very small number of students could tarnish the impression that others have of the incredible group of kids who make up our student body.”
Adams said federal laws prevent him from sharing details of the investigation and possible disciplinary action.
“Still, I hope that by sharing this information about the emphasis that our district places on how we treat others, I can offer some assurance that we will take all steps necessary to hold student accountable and continue to foster a caring and inclusive culture at Marble Falls High School.”