Akron police 3

Three teenage girls, all Akron high school students, face riot and assault charges following a Thursday night basketball game brawl, police said.

(File photo)

AKRON, Ohio -- Three Akron high school students have been identified as the instigators of a brawl that broke out at the end of a championship basketball game.

Two 17-year-old North High School basketball players and a 15-year-old Kenmore High School student were face charges in the Thursday night fight that began after the final buzzer sounded at the City Series championship game, Akron police Capt. Daniel Zampelli said.

One of the 17-year-old girls started the fight, Zampelli said. She faces one charge of felony assault after she hit the Kenmore High School girl's basketball coach. She also faces two counts of assault and riot.

The other 17-year-old girl and the Kenmore High School student are both charged with riot, Zampelli said. The 15-year-old girl will also likely face discipline from the school district.

The brawl broke out after Kenmore High School beat North High School, 64-52, in the girl's City Series championship.

Police used pepper spray to disperse those fighting, which included coaches, players and spectators, Akron Public Schools spokesman Mark Williamson said.