After reading this article, I was left with the feeling that the writer didn't even see the game. I think he heard about it, asked a few questions and made a lot of assumptions. I think he is blinded by the outrage he thinks occurred.
I did see the response from someone telling a different side of the story which, even if it's no more factual than the original, seems more likely to be closer to the truth.
I have seen it before, where kids who lose in colossal fashion, move on as if it were just another game. I doubt their self-esteem was seriously damaged. They probably remember more of the events surrounding the tournament than this game.