The fight at a Camden County basketball championship game Thursday night will cost both teams a chance to play in the upcoming state tournament.

The Camden school superintendent says Camden and Eastside high schools will not be allowed to play. He took both teams from contention following a brawl at Cherry Hill East High School.

The superintendent says that this will be a growing opportunity for students.

“This initiative is being taken to ensure that our scholar-athletes know that accountability for their actions is paramount not only in basketball but also in the larger game of life,” Superintendent Katrina McCombs wrote in a statement.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association applauded the decision.

"This decision, which follows an altercation involving both teams, is consistent with established NJSIAA rules that would have eliminated the two teams from tournament play. Moving forward, Lindenwold, which was set to face Camden and Clearview, scheduled to play Eastside, will both receive forfeit wins and advance to the next round,” a spokesperson wrote in a statement.

Camden High School had one of the best teams in the state and won’t be able to defend their state championship.