Dowagiac Police Department / The two people in this photo are persons of interest that have not been identified by the Dowagiac Police Department

DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- On Friday, the Dowagiac Police Department announced they are actively investigating several assaults that occurred after a District Semifinal Boys High School Basketball game between Buchanan and Benton Harbor at Dowagiac High School on Wednesday.

"Dowagiac Police have identified players and a coach from Benton Harbor that threw objects that hit the MHSAA referee," police said.

"Dowagiac Police Officers escorted the MHSAA referee off of the basketball court and into the locker room, and from the locker room to his vehicle. This incident is still actively being investigated; officers are still attempting to identify other individuals that engaged in assaulting the MHSAA referee."

Buchanan won the game and will take on Edwardsburg Friday at Dowagiac for the District championship. 

"Dowagiac Union Schools is hosting the final District Championship game tonight (2/28/25) for Buchannan vs Edwardsburg," police said. "The Dowagiac Police Department will have officers present at the game this evening. Dowagiac Police would like to remind all students, student-athletes, coaches, and fans to display good sportsmanship, so tonight’s game can be enjoyed in a safe environment by all who attend."