When Furtah Prep received news less than a week before its boys’ basketball team was set to begin tournament play that the team would be suspended due to an unexplained rules’ violation, the school gave Krevolin & Horst partner Joyce Gist Lewis a call. Acting quickly, Joyce and associate Barclay Hendrix investigated and determined that the team was being punished without having done anything wrong and without having received notice and a fair opportunity to dispute the allegation against it. Joyce and Barclay petitioned the Upson County Superior Court for an emergency temporary restraining order and injunction to prevent Georgia Independent School Association from imposing the suspension, which the Court granted. The Court held a full evidentiary hearing the next business day and again entered a preliminary injunction order in Furtah Prep’s favor. When GISA filed an emergency motion to stay imposition of that order, the Georgia Court of Appeals declined GISA’s motion. Thanks to Joyce and Barclay’s quick and thorough work, the team of thirteen—which includes nine seniors—is able to participate in the tournament for which it had been preparing all season. The team started off with a resounding win in the first round and is looking forward to its next game. Go Falcons!
