This past Friday, Feb. 10, proved to be quite a chaotic night. It was the big Langley vs. McLean basketball game, which was more crowded then ever before.

Many students from both Langley and McLean arrived at McLean for the games as early as 4:30 Friday afternoon. However, not everyone arrived as early, which resulted in many not being allowed in.

The girls game began at 5:45. Everyone who arrived after the tip off was told to get in a line in order to be admitted. By 6:30, the line stretched from the gym doors all the way down the long McLean hallway. Many police officers stood by to terminate Langley-McLean scuffles as well as make sure everyone waited their fair turn in line.

Although the cops tried to regulate it, many people continued to cut the very competitive line. Many people pushed and shoved in order to reach the front. Luckily, at the beginning of the boy’s game, many middle school dancers and parents left the gym, which allowed for the admittance of many patiently waiting students. After waiting in line for nearly two hours, many fans were allowed in. Still, many others were left rejected.

Despite the disappointing loss for the Langley varsity boys, fans stayed positive throughout the game. After the “scoreboard” chants came from McLean, Langley fired back with a “first in the district!” chant.

The end of the game certainly did not mark the end of the already chaotic night. “From the minute the game was over…I knew it was going to get crazy. The McDonald’s was swarmed with kids and people were parking down the street just to get in on the action,” said junior Nisrene Tabbara.

Police accompanied the students in order to break up fights. After breaking up a heated argument, one officer screamed at everyone to leave while threatening students with his baton.

Students gawked as the police officer struck an innocent Langley student with his baton three times, according to junior Amy Garrigan. “From what I saw, it was just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said.

“It was so insane – I heard [the] kid on the phone with his mom telling her he was bleeding,” added junior Alaina Smith.

For all the students who were hoping for a memorable night, they certainly got one.

Additional reporting by Riley Cosgrove