Window Rock keeps state tourney hopes alive after AIA rescinds 2 of its 5 basketball forfeits

A day before the start of the heavily-attended 3A North Region basketball tournament in Chinle, Fort Defiance Window Rock got a huge win out of the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

It had two of its five basketball forfeits rescinded by the AIA's Executive Board after an appeal, putting the Fighting Scouts into the regional with restored hope with the No. 22 overall 3A rating.

They beat Tuba City 64-62 on Thursday in its first-round regional game.

Window Rock reported a violation to the AIA, after playing an ineligible player for five games. The player, who had transferred from Gallup, N.M., played five games in January for Window Rock.

The AIA ratings show only two forfeits, but AIA assistant executive director Joe Paddock said the third forfeit was a loss by Window Rock so that remains in the power ratings.

Why were two games and not all five forfeits rescinded?

"There were two forfeits rescinded based on the info provided by the school," Paddock said in a text message. The board considered the timeline and the events and decisions by the school to reach their decision.

"The school requested consideration of all five, but felt strongest about the first two games to be rescinded."

Window Rock might be the biggest revenue draw in Arizona, attracting thousands from the Navajo Nation to its basketball games, especially during the state tournament.

The 24-team 3A tournament begins Wednesday at the sites of the higher seeds.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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