Big brawl erupts during high school basketball game

South Haven, Mich. – Authorities are investigating after a massive brawl broke out during a high school basketball game in Western Michigan.

Police say the fight started early in the varsity matchup between South Haven and Paw Paw. Players began shoving each other after a foul, clearing both benches.

Police say bystanders then flooded the court – either to join the fight, or try to break it up.

Officers from South Haven, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police and Covert Township were dispatched to quell the violence.

All told, an estimated 70 people were involved and the game was cancelled before the start of the second quarter.

No charges have been filed. But South Haven police said late Friday that they were interviewing witnesses and collecting video footage.