Running up the score

[Dolphster]

I imagine some high school students would be offended.  I think the biggest factor is the attitude and behavior of the dominant team. He didn’t allow trash talking or belittling of opposing players.  I imagine if the kids were taunting saying things like “we can beat you even with one hand” it would be offensive.  But rather his players knew that it was stupid that a school with over 2000 students was matched up a school of less than 100 and treated the opposing team with respect.  As he would tell his kids pre-game, “it takes character and courage to step out on the court every game knowing you have almost no chance of winning.  Stepping out on the court knowing you will win is easy.  Treat them with the respect they deserve”

Agreed. 

[Downunder Dolphan]

Unless it's the most social of (even amateur) games, here in Australia running up the score is seen as normal - as a result of a tie at the end of the season, usually the first key tiebreaker to whether you make the finals/playoffs or any home field advantage is score percentage.

So running up a score here is not usually seen as personal, just smart... although sometimes I admit, it is mainly personal.