What should have been remembered as a senior-night celebration instead ended in chaos Friday night at Maricopa High School, where a last-second three-pointer gave way to postgame shoving, frightened families and a police response outside the gym.

Maricopa had just secured a 72-55 victory on a last-second basket by senior Victor Lopez when students, parents and teammates poured onto the court in celebration, briefly clearing both benches.

An announcement asking spectators to clear the court reduced the crowd by roughly half. Moments later, however, attention shifted to an apparent disturbance near the stands and off the court, out of view of the NFHS Network broadcast.

Audio from the broadcast captured an announcer urging calm as tensions escalated.

“God please, please, please, this is high school sports,” the announcer said. “Everyone calm down; calm down, separate.”

Video from the broadcast showed shoving among individuals near the court, though it was unclear who instigated the altercation or exactly who was involved.

Maricopa police confirmed officers responded Friday evening after receiving a report of a fight following the game.

“When officers arrived, there was no active physical altercation; however, large groups had gathered in front of the gym and in the parking lot,” Maricopa Police Department spokesperson Monica Williams told InMaricopa today. “Officers worked to disperse the crowd and directed individuals to leave the area. The crowd eventually dispersed without further incident.”

Williams said security video from inside the gym has been reviewed, but investigators have not yet determined who initiated the altercation or identified everyone involved.

“There were no injuries reported, and no arrests have been made at this time,” she said. “MPD’s investigation is ongoing.”

Police encouraged anyone with information to contact the department’s non-emergency line at 520-568-3673. Callers may remain anonymous.

Despite the lack of reported injuries or arrests, parents described a heavy police presence outside the gym as students and families exited the building. One Maricopa Meadows resident said seven patrol vehicles were visible behind their backyard fence, while residents in Alterra reported hearing continuous sirens and commotion for roughly 20 minutes before 9 p.m.

“A 1-year-old child even go lost in the melee,” said Acacia Crossings resident Robert McAlister.

In a statement, Maricopa Unified School District Director of Communications Mishell Terry said officials are aware of the incident and continue to review what occurred.

“A physical altercation took place after the game, and the MPD responded to assist,” Terry said. “Student and spectator safety is a top priority, and we appreciate the quick response of law enforcement and event staff.”

The district said it is still gathering information and, because the matter remains under active review, is unable to provide additional details.

Casa Grande Union Superintendent Jeff Lavender told PinalCentral he is asking spectators who recorded video of the incident to email it to him for review.

“We’re glad all the players are safe,” Lavender said. “When they rushed the court, it was total chaos and our kids were put in very unsafe situations. I know our kids didn’t handle it well either after it got started.”

Friday’s game marked the second meeting this season between Maricopa and Casa Grande Union. The teams previously met Jan. 22 in Casa Grande, where Maricopa won 83-76. That game featured heightened emotions but did not escalate into physical altercations.

The commotion starts just before the two-minute mark: