Police investigating harassing texts sent to basketball team

MANCHESTER, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police are investigating a high school basketball rivalry after two teams allegedly trash talked through text messages prior to the start of a semifinal tournament game last week.

The accused team, St. Mary's High School in Lynn, won the state basketball championship on Monday afternoon.

Police say Manchester-Essex Regional High School boys varsity basketball players received a series of harassing text messages prior to tipoff against St. Mary's. The text messages are now being investigated.

“If it’s true it just sounds like some bad sportsmanship,” said one woman.

A number of cell phones were involved. Police are still trying to trace all of the phone numbers.

Manchester police did not want to comment on camera, but indicate the messages were not threatening, but more vulgar.

“I’m surprised and shocked that this would happen,” said Pat Plummer. “Hopefully they will find out who is behind it…Some kind of punishment. It’s another form of bullying.”

Manchester-Essex lost last week's game to St. Mary's. A complaint was filed with the Interscholastic Athletic Association, which overseas high school sports in Massachusetts.

Police have indicated if any more text messages are sent charges could follow.

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