Imani Christian says ‘unique quirk’ in enrollment process may have violated PIAA transfer rules

By: Chris Harlan
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 12:14 PM

A “unique quirk” in the enrollment process for Imani Christian students may have led to a violation of PIAA transfer rules, said the school, which is the subject of a WPIAL investigation.

The WPIAL board on Monday voted to launch an investigation into “possible recruiting violations and administrative and institutional oversight issues” at the private school in East Hills. WPIAL executive director Scott Seltzer said the investigation was sparked by information learned in a previous eligibility hearing for an Imani basketball player.

In a statement, Imani Christian pushed back against the allegations as “overblown.”

“We are aware of no facts or information that would support the allegations that there are systemic problems or general administrative issues with the Imani athletic department, and we look forward to cooperatively working with WPIAL in that regard,” the school said.

The WPIAL ruled Imani Christian basketball player Kieshaun Demus ineligible following a hearing Sept. 30, saying his transfer was athletically motivated. Seltzer said the WPIAL board heard allegations that Demus had played in a summer league with the Imani players and coach prior to enrolling at the school.

Demus, a sophomore, transferred from North Hills.

“Due to a unique quirk in the Imani enrollment process — new students are not finally enrolled until they participate in a summer Enrichment Academy in July even though all other aspects of the enrollment process are completed in May or June — a technical violation of PIAA rules may have occurred,” the school said. “Imani is in the process of implementing new procedures to ensure that even a potential violation does not occur in the future … .”

Seltzer said on Monday he would conduct the investigation and provide information for the WPIAL board to decide whether further action was warranted. The board could schedule a hearing at that time.

Imani Christian has one of the top basketball programs in the WPIAL. The Saints have won consecutive WPIAL and PIAA Class A titles. The team has voluntarily moved to 6A starting next season.

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: Imani Christian