The other shoe dropped Monday as the AHSAA officially handed down its sanctions against Demopolis for its role an altercation that took place during Friday’s regional contest against Chilton County.

In that affair, Demopolis guard Megan Smith was ejected from the game after having been punched in the back of the head by Chilton County’s Sierra Hines. Smith and Hines were ejected.

‘Megan faced a one-game suspension, which she’s already served,” DHS athletic director Tom Causey said. Smith’s obligation was filled Saturday when she sat during the team’s contest against Sumter County.

Demopolis also lost three players in Ciera Howard, Kiera Carter and Shadijiah Moore, who left the bench area during the incident.

“It’s a four-game suspension for the girls who came off the bench,” Causey said. “They have taken the STAR Take 2 (sportsmanship) test, which produces a $100 to $300 fine.”

The trio sat out the Sumter County game and will miss DHS’ remaining contests against Linden, John Essex and Francis Marion. Howard, Carter and Moore left the bench area in a reactionary moment, but returned almost as quickly, never getting involved in the fray.

“It’s a natural thing to want to protect your teammates,” Causey said. “Our girls got back on the bench just as quick as they got off it. Credit our coaches and players for quick thinking there.”

All four players will be in uniform and eligible to return to play come the squad’s area tournament date.