CHURCHILL (KDKA) — A Woodland Hills basketball player who punched a Peters Township player during a WPIAL playoff game last weekend at California University of Pennsylvania has publicly apologized.

Shakim Alonzo, a senior, hit Peters center Gabe Pritz on the left side of his head, tearing ear cartilage that required 11 stitches.

Peters Township went on to win the game. Alonzo, an honor roll student, called his actions inexcusable.

“I failed to represent my team and my school in an appropriate manner and I am very sorry for the negative publicity that I brought to the team and the Woodland Hills community,” he said in a written statement.

• Web Extra: Statements From Woodland Hills’ Athletic Director & Shakim Alonzo (PDF)

Woodland Hills players alleged that racial slurs were made by Peters players on the floor and Alonzo alluded to that in his apology.

“Unfortunately, the events during the game led to poor decision-making on my part,” he said.

Earlier this week, a spokeswoman for the Peters Township School District said neither their coaches nor officials said they heard any slurs made during the game, but admitted that something was said in the locker room and that it was being addressed.

Meantime, Woodland Hills Athletic Director George Novak said the school investigated and interviewed the people involved in the incident.

“We have followed the policies and procedures as stated in the Woodland Hills Code of Conduct rules book,” he said. “Proper disciplinary action has been taken.”

Citing state law, he did not specify the punishment.

Official reports from both schools will be reviewed next week, with the WPIAL Executive Board Meeting taking up the matter Thursday.

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