Game goes on for Trojans, without Malik Ramsey

By CHRIS HARLAN

For the MV Independent

California’s Malik Ramsey, one of the top scorers in the WPIAL, won’t take part in the basketball playoffs.

He’s healthy. He’s academically eligible. He’s a huge part of why the Trojans finished third in Section 2-2A and claimed a playoff spot. But the 6–4 junior transferred from Laurel Highlands in the fall, so Ramsey is ineligible for the postseason under a strict new PIAA rule created last summer.

The 25-point scorer finished his season with a 30-point effort in Monday’s regular-season finale.

“That was his last game,” California coach Aaron Balla said. “I pointed it out in the locker room and let everybody know. I said, ‘I want you guys to carry on what Malik has done. But I want you to thank him for what he’s done and the sacrifices he’s made.’ I thanked him personally. The other coaches thanked him. And we gave him a big hug.”

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