The Golden Throne Returns -- Jan. 28, 2022

Lewiston High School, DTEC 409, 3125 Cecil Andrus Way, Lewiston, Idaho, 83501

The Bengal’s Purr

Since 1927

Vol. 94, No. 4

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

GOLDEN

THRONE

RETURNS In this issue:

Golden Throne game predictions, page 8 Varsity player profiles, pages 10-11, 14-15 Bantam and Bengal spirit banners, centerfold pages

2

News

THE BENGAL’S PURR

LCSC Golden Throne Seating Chart

Crowd Courtesy Reminders

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-Chief

1. LCSC has a mask requirement while within the facility.

2. Don’t put or throw anything on the court.

3. Keep comments about the game positive.

4. Pick up any trash that may be left behind.

5. Observe the rules of the venue.

6. Be aware of your space and others’ space.

7. CHEER ON YOUR LHS & CHS TEAMS!

The above diagram portrays the Activity Center at Lewis-Clark State College, where the annual Golden Throne rivalry games take place between Clarkston and Lewiston high schools. The main entrance to the building is in the bottom left corner. Key and diagram courtesy of Bengal’s Purr archives. Floor plan courtesy of LCSC.

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

News 3

Golden Throne to raise money for local causes Lauren Martin Copyeditor

Every year at this time, the executive members of the LHS and CHS ASB groups come together to choose local charities to support. These causes will receive donations raised through Golden Throne activities.

Jackson Baldwin Foundation: Jackson’s Pay It Forward Foundation assists families with children suffering from severe illness or injury. Since 2006, they have donated more than $1.1 million to 224 families locally and in surrounding areas.

Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest: Since 2003, their mission has been to spread awareness of suicide prevention, to reduce the stigma of suicide and mental health struggles, and to reduce suicide deaths.

Twin County United Way: Among its many services, TCUW helps children succeed at school and enter the workforce. Partnering with programs in Asotin and Nez Perce counties, they support physical and mental health education and accessibility, and help ease household financial struggles.

Sobotta Family: They may be the first family of basketball in the valley. At least 15 members of the past three generations played high school basketball, with many playing in college. Donations will help continue this legacy while supporting them in trying medical times.

The legendary Pat Sobatta plays for the Lewis-Clark State Warriors. Photo courtesy of the Lewiston Tribune.

4

Sports

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Lewiston Varsity Girls Player Profiles Emily Collins #1

“Em”

Ahnika U’Ren #2

“Ahn”

Katy Wessels #10

Eve Riddle #11

Zoie Kessinger #12

“Nia-20”

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball? For 9 years For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing in front of everyone.

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) What does this team mean to you and why? This team is like my second family.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing in my first Golden Throne.

Position: Power Forward Grade: 11 (Junior) Who inspires you and why?

My mom and dad for always supporting me.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… The expirence of getting to play in the game.

Position: Power Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) What your favorite memory with this team?When Noelyn ripped the rear end of savanah’s underwear.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… A game with a good student section to keep the game pumped.

Position: Guard Grade: 11 (Junior) How long have you been playing basketball? Since the third grade

Jenika Ortiz #14

Asyia Salim #15

Karli Taylor #22

Reese DeGroot #23

Savanah Burke #24

“Jen”

Position: Post Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball?: For 9 years For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… beating Clarkston.

Position: Grade: 12 (Senior)

“Kar”

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) Who inspires you and why?: My dad for always pushing me and supporting me.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… beating Clarkston my senior year.

Grade: 9 (Freshman) How long have you been playing basketball?: Since 3rd grade.

Who inspires you and why?

My mom, she’s really strong, and bounces back from a lot.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… winning.

2022 Golden Throne Sponsors

“Sav”

Position: Small Forward Grade: 11 (Junior) How long have you been playing basketball? Since Kindergarten For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… winning.

Sports

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

5

Clarkston Varsity Girls Player Profiles Avah Griner #2

“A-G”

Kendall Wallace #3

“Ken Dawg”

Nani Woodbury #5

Position: Point Guard Grade: 10 (Sophomore) What does this team mean to you? Family, I get to see the every day and grow closer to each other.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the atmosphere.

Position: Wing Grade: 12 (Senior) Who inspires you and why?

Brady (my dad) because he’s a G. For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing against my old teammates.

Alahondra Perez #12

Erika Pickett #14

Ryann Combs #15

“Perez”

“Pick”

Position: Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) What does this team mean to you and why? These are my boys <3 For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the energy.

Maggie Ogden #11

Position: Point Guard Grade: 9 (Freshman)

Position: Utility Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball? For 13 years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing my old gator teammates.

“Nani”

Position: Post Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball? Since seventh grade.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… finally getting to play in front of our fans in such and exciting atmosphere.

Position: Shooting Guard Grade: 10 (Sophomore) How long have you been playing basketball? Since second grade.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing in front of everyone.

Lexi Villavicencio #10

“Bubba”

Position: Post Grade: 9 (Freshman) Who inspires you and why?

My grandma Connie becasue she is always so supportive and will always do anything to get to my games. <3 For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the energy.

“Mags”

Eloise Teasley #20

Alyssa Whittle #23

“Wheezy”

Position: Wing/Post Grade: 10 (Sophomore) What is your favorite memory about this team? When half the team got COVID. For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… being together as a team and a community.

Position: Wing Grade: 12 (Senior)

Taryn Demers #24

#GT2022

Position: Shooting Guard Grade: 11 (Junior) How long have you been playing basketball? For 5 years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… dunking.

“T”

6

Sports

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Lewiston Varsity Boys Player Profiles Chanse Eke #1

Jace McKarcher #5

Carson Way #15

“Paul”

“Curlyhead”

“Cway”

Position: Point Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball? For as long as I can remember.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… Going out with a bang!

Braydon Forsman #24

“Brando”

Position: All Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball? For as long as I can remember.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to…

Winning

Position: Point Guard/ Shooting Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) What does this team mean to you? This team means the world to me because it’s my favorite game with my favorite people.

Michael Wren #30

Position: Shooting Guard Grade: 11 (Junior) How long have you been playing basketball? For 10 years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… batttling with the team and pulling out the dub.

Karson Mader #44 “Gader”

Position: Small Forward Grade: 11 (Junior) How long have you been playing basketball? For 10 years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… sitting on the bench and kicking Clarkston’s butt.

Cruz Hepburn #21

“Horsey Hep”

Position: Point Guard Grade: 11 (Junior) What your favorite memory with this team? All of the bus rides.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… The big crowds.

Austin Lawrence #32

“AL”

“Aidenhotts”

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) Who inspires you? My parents and coaches. They push me to work hard.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… A big win and the environment.

Position: Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) What your favorite memory with this team? The bus rides after a win.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… Eating that chicken.

James White #33

Drew Hottinger #34

“James Brown”

Position: Guard Grade: 11 (Junior) What does this team mean to you: They mean everything to me. They got my back. We are family.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to…

Keeping the throne.

Aiden Hottinger #23

Position: Center Grade: 11 (Junior) Who inspires you and why?

My dad inspires me because I strive to be just like him (or better).

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… Kicking Clarkston’s butt.

“Druski”

Position: Center Grade: 10 (Sophmore) What your favorite memory with this team? Camping and Mader’s accident.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… Eating some good ol’ chicken.

Connect with The Bengal’s Purr Twitter: @thebengalspurr Instagram: @thebengalspurr_ Facebook.com/BengalsPurr Issuu.com/bengalspurr

Sports

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

7

Clarkston Varsity Boys Player Profiles Xavier Santana #0

“Zay Zay”

Tuff TallBull#1

“Tuff”

Position: Point Guard Grade: 10 (Sophomore) How long have you been playing basketball?: 11 years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the environment.

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) What does this team mean to you?: Means the whole world. WE FAMILY! For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… just having fun and playing some ball.

Robby Reagan #13

Dawson Blunt #30

“Robby”

Position: Guard/Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball?: Since third grade For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… finally getting to play again.

“Papa”

Position: Point Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) What does this team mean to you?: They’re family.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the crowd.

Cymen Boardman #5

“Sniper”

Carter Steinwand #10

“QBI”

Position: Side Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) Who inspires you?: Coaches who push us to be the best For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… winning.

Position: Forward Grade: 10 (Senior) What’s your favorite memory with the team?: Charter bus ride.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the big crowd.

Conrad Dudley #33

Austin Steinewand #34

“Con Man”

Position: Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) Who inspires you? My mom, i’ve watched her work hard my whole life.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing with the energy of the big crowd.

“Ausgod”

Position: Forward Grade: 12 (Senior) What’s your favorite memeory with the team?: The charter bus.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing in front of a big crowd.

2022 Golden Throne Sponsors

Mason Vantine #12

“Mase”

Position: Guard Grade: 12 (Senior) How long have you been playing basketball?: 13 years For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… playing in front of a lot of people.

Ian Moore #40

“Groot”

Position: Forward Grade: 10 (Sophomore) How long have you been playing basketball?: Five years.

For Golden Throne, I’m looking forward to… the crowd.

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

Sports 8

How are CHS, LHS teams faring? Athletic director Area sports writer breaks it down shares hopes for Golden Throne

By Josh Tatko Sports Editor

What is your background as a sports reporter?

I started off at The Bengal’s Purr because I was a less than average sports competitor, and so I decided that if I wanted a career in sports that I had to become a good writer. Mrs. Egland was a great mentor to me, and she helped me master my craft. For my senior project, I got to be mentored by Theo Lawson from the Spokesman Review. Right out of high school, they were able to give me a part-time job over here (at the Tribune). I worked here for two years. After that, I took a break, and then the sports reporter position came open here. I didn’t get the full position, but Donn Walden offered me a part-time position. I’ve been lucky to have that opportunity.

What does Golden Throne mean to the valley?

Oh, it’s huge, not only for the community but for those kids. They’re gonna talk about it for a long time because there’s a select few kids out there that are going to go on to college sports. The majority are going to stay in the valley and go on to work with those other kids. And they’re gonna say, “Remember when I scored that game-winning shot against you?”’ because they’re working at CCI together. It’s big in the community because of the fundraising [ . . . ] and it gives the kids memories to share for a long time.

Lewiston Boys Overview I think right now, they only have one loss on the record, and it’s against Lapwai. Lapwai is having, in the area, probably the best season. [For] Lewiston early on in the season, I think the biggest knock on them… I think they were letting teams hang around.

They’re putting together marginal victories and putting things together. They’re winning games based on defense. They don’t let other teams score. They’re giving up less than 60 points per game.

Clarkston Boys Overview Clarkston boys have got Xavier Santana, who, for my money, is one of those kids that is more fun to watch as a sports reporter in the area. He’s a difference-maker. I think that’s the biggest matchup to watch for is him and Jace McCarcher and see how well Jace can defend Xavier. They lost by 20-30 points against Lapwai. They came back and got third at the Avista tournament. (We) previewed the tournament and didn’t give them any shot, but they limited their possession and were able to win that game. They’ve got a lot of heart, and usually, you use that term to describe bad teams, but with Clarkston, it’s not a bad thing. It has a lot to do with the coach, Justin Jones. You can see he has a culture, and his players really embrace that.

Lewiston Girls Overview I think as of the last couple of weeks, they’re getting better at not being so one-dimensional, but they really are Katy Wessels. They need to have production from other girls. Jennika Ortiz has progressed the last few teams I’ve seen them play. Katy Wessels has had

some of her worst games against Moscow and Post Falls recently. If they can keep it to where Katy Wessels is still scoring 15-20 points and two other girls scoring double digits, they’d be good, but they need to get their whole team going to produce.

Clarkston Girls Overview They’ve been semi-underwhelming this year. I personally had higher hopes for them to produce more on the floor. They placed seventh at the Avista tournament. They do have a lot of talented players like Eloise Teasley, Erica Pickett. They’ve got a lot of talent, but I think they’re struggling to put it together. And that’s why I think it’ll be an interesting game. A team where they’re struggling to put it together and one that is really relying on the back of one girl. It’s gonna be fun to watch how Clarkston can put it together and if Lewiston can get some more high scorers.

Who do you think will win the girls game?

If you get all the girls to contribute on the Clarkston side, you’ve got a long game for Lewiston. Erika Pickett and Katy Wessels are a good matchup. Everybody in the gym is gonna wanna watch. And then there’s Ahnika U’ren. Through the season, she developed really well, and she’s going up against Kendal l Wallace, who has that “dynasty” to her. She’s shooting well, but in the Avista tournament, she was kind of cold. I think that’ll be the low-scoring game.

Who do you think will win the boys game?

I haven’t looked at the past couple Golden Thrones, but from when I was in high school to the year after [2017 to 2018], I think this is probably going to be one of the best Golden Throne matchups for boys and girls in a long time. Lewiston boys are 11-1 on paper, but they have a chance to lose any game that they’re in. The first six wins they were winning by an average of six points. They aren’t winning by a whole lot of points, and you’ve got Clarkston who, when they score, they score in bunches. They’ve got Xavier Santana and Dawson Blunt, both defensive pieces, who don’t score well, but they do well at what they do. I would not be surprised if this was an overtime game. I do think Lewiston squeezes it out. It’ll be close, though.

Trevan Pixley

By Declan Cattrysse Entertainment Editor

Bengal’s Purr: Who do you think is going to win?

Coach Corey Williams: I always think Bengals. I’m always confident.

Purr: Would you say your teams are prepared for the Golden Throne this year?

Williams: I would say yes, but I’d also say, you know, year in, and year out, it’s almost impossible to compete, to prepare for the Throne. It’s hard to simulate that kind of atmosphere in a practice.

We didn’t have [Golden Throne] last year [in the pandemic]. It’s an experience.

So I think our coaches know what to expect, but it’s hard to simulate for Corey Williams players.

Purr: Are you personally excited for the Golden Throne this year?

Williams: Absolutely. [I am] every year, especially coming off of last year where we weren’t able to have it. I think people are excited for it.

Purr: How involved are you as the athletic director withthe school’s teams?

Williams: I don’t get involved in the coaching aspect.

Mine is more of the making sure we have the venue, making sure the schedules are right, making sure that we have the available health so we can run events whether it be games, tournaments. And that’s more my responsibility.

Purr: How has this year compared to last year for school athletics?

Williams: Last year we had all the changes in limiting fans, and now we have fans in seats. We’re here, so it’s been great.

Purr: Do you think CHS having an athletics program last year will hinder them at the Golden Throne?

Williams: I don’t think so. I think they’ll be just as excited.

I don’t think it will serve as a hindrance.

Purr: Has the new high school been beneficial your athletics program?

Williams: Absolutely. More space, more floors, more facility. I’m looking forward to getting phase two going with the outdoor sports. Once we have that, [it] will be second to none. Perfect.

Thanks to

Inland Cellular &

P1FCU

major sponsors of Golden Throne 2022, long-time advertisers with The Bengal’s Purr.

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

Man on the Street

Features 17

by Jasmine Schmidt

What is your favorite activity leading up to the Golden Throne?

Maia Cuddy

Parker Hays

LHS Junior

CHS Junior

“My favorite activity is the spirit days.”

“Watching the reveal video for the spirit week themes.”

Brenna Beardsley

Dustin Beck

LHS Freshman

CHS Junior

“I really like spirit days.”

“My favorite part is spirit week.”

Who do you think will win the Golden Throne this year and why?

Allison Howlett CHS Senior

“CHS will win because after going so long without having any big events we are so excited and have lots of school spirit.”

Luke Mastroberardino LHS Junior

“We will win Golden Throne because we have way better spirit and a better basketball team so it will be easier to cheer when we are winning.”

Ben Bonin

Scout Alford

CHS Senior

LHS Sophomore “LHS because we have a sick monster theme and some pretty killer school spirit, and because we have awesome cheerleaders.”

“Clarkston will win because of the theme and dedication and thought that went into the theme.”

What is your favorite part of the Golden Throne game?

Ryan Carper

LHS Sophomore “Dressing up and cheering very loudly.”

Eliza Leavitt CHS Senior

“Cheering and seeing all of the spirit and competition between the schools.

I love the interaction and fun.”

GOOD LUCK TEAMS!

From Your Slam Dunk Realtor!

Rachel Sheppard

Jonah Brotnov

LHS Junior

CHS Senior

“Watching the basketball teams talent perform.”

“My favorite part of the Golden Throne game is the extreme school spirit and friendly competition between schools.”

Joyce Keefer 208-305-7401 GO BENGALS

18

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

Entertainment

Sing 2 proves sequels can actually be good No Way > KEY CHARACTERS

Miss Crawley drives a rental car to meet Calloway at his house in Sing 2. Photo courtesy of media-amazon.com.

By Declan Cattrysse Entertainment Editor Sing 2 was released Dec. 22 by Illumination, the creators of Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets.

As the animated sequel to 2016’s Sing, the new movie features the original cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Seth McFarlane and Reese Witherspoon.

Joining the cast in the sequel are singers Bono and Halsey as well as actor Bobby Cannavale.

Sing 2 has an average two-hour runtime and was directed by Garth Jennings. With a budget of $85 million, the movie has raked in almost $635 million at the box office.

The movie itself is pretty enjoyable; while it is a children’s movie, it isn’t entirely child-oriented. Its perfect blend of action and comedy makes it a great film to see with or without family.

Sing 2 portrays the crew from the original movie after a few years of making a name for themselves at the local theater. A scout visits them to see the show but tells them they aren’t good enough to make it in the big leagues. Buster Moon (McConaughey) objects to this. They make the trip to Redshore City, ignoring the scout, to meet an actual show producer and audition for him.

The producer Jimmy Crystal (Cannavale), isn’t impressed by their show but quickly changes his mind when Gunter (Nick Kroll) tells him about an idea -- a space musical with legendary, reclusive rockstar Clay Calloway (Bono). Crystal hires them to produce the space musical, and the journey begins.

Buster learns it will be tough to get Clay to

be in the musical, as he hasn’t left his house in almost 15 years after the death of his wife.

Crystal finds out that Buster doesn’t have the connection to Calloway that he initially stated he did, which angers him and makes him nearly throw Buster to his death. Ash (Johanssen) convinces Calloway to join them using one of his songs, making their way back to Redshore.

Buster barely makes it back to tell his friends that they need to leave, but Clay tells them that running away isn’t that great, so they decide to hold the show behind Crystal’s back while Crystal is on the hunt for Buster and his friends. They put on their performance, and Crystal gets arrested for throwing Buster off the catwalk, leaving him to fall to the stage and probably die. The crew goes back home and gets the opportunity to run their show at several more theaters.

While the movie might seem cheesy, it is a heartwarming and funny film -- a first choice for movie night. Sing 2 deserves a 5/5.

Buster Moon, Protagonist Buster is a koala and the owner of the New Moon Theater. He is a theatrical show producer, who leads his friends to Redshore City. He is voiced

by Matthew McConaughey.

Ash, Protagonist Ash is a porcupine, and she plays the guitar and sings.

She is a big fan of Clay Calloway and is the one who actually convinces him to join the show. She is voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

Clay Calloway, Protagonist Clay is a lion. He is a wildly famous musician who has been a recluse for 15 years since his wife passed away.

Everyone wants to see him play in the show. Clay is voiced by singer and musician Bono.

Porsche Crystal, Protagonist Porsche is a wolf and the daughter of Jimmy Crystal.

She is bad at acting and isn’t friends with the group in the beginning but she becomes part of the show in the end. She is voiced by singer Halsey.

Jimmy Crystal, Antagonist Jimmy is a wolf and the father of Porsche. He is a producer who is the owner of Crystal Entertainment.

He is an evil and ruthless businessman.

He is voiced by Bobby Cannavale.

Gunter, Protagonist Gunter is a pig and is the character responcible for getting Crystal’s attention. He tells him his idea for a musical and Jimmy loves it. He is voiced by Nick Kroll.

Connect with The Bengal’s Purr Twitter: @thebengalspurr Instagram: @thebengalspurr_ Facebook.com/BengalsPurr

Issuu.com/bengalspurr

Entertainment

Home swings into theaters, leaves its mark Sydney Ball Entertainment Assistant

Spoilers Ahead!

On Dec. 17, Spider-Man: No Way Home was released exclusively in theaters. The highly anticipatMontage of the Spider-Men. Image courtesy of hdqwalls.com. ed film, directed by Jon Watts, completes the Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy, starring Tom Holland The most exciting part of this film is the return of acas Spider-Man himself. tors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as Peter ParkThe movie takes place right as Spider-Man: Far er/Spider-Man. Using Strange’s sling ring, Ned opens From Home ends. When Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) multiple portals that allow these other Spider-Men to exposes Spider-Man’s identity as Peter Parker, Pecome to this universe. They end up accompanying this ter’s life becomes pure chaos. He is targeted by the universe’s Spider-Man to help with the return of the media and is blamed for Mysterio’s death. Peter villains that they once defeated themselves. Seeing turns to fellow Avenger, Doctor Strange (Benedict all three Spider-Men work together makes this movie Cumberbatch), for help. Doctor Strange has the iconic. ability to use magic to perform spells that can alter Spider-Man: No Way Home is basically a perfect movie the universe. Because of this, he can execute a spell with its fast-paced plot, emotion-provoking moments, that will cause everyone to forget that Peter Parker and extraordinary characters. Because of this, it deis Spider-Man. serves a 5/5.

While the spell is being formed, some complications arise so that the people closest to Peter -MJ (Zendaya), Ned (Jacob Batalon) and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) -- will still remember that he is Spider-Man. Once the spell is cast, villains from other Spider-Man universes suddenly appear in this universe. Peter and his companions must work together to heal the villains and return them to their own world.

This movie proves that Marvel movies continue to get better and better. From the CGI animation to fascinating storylines, Marvel knows how to produce a great film. This movie will exceed expectations for many Marvel fans.

19

20 Entertainment THE BENGAL’S PURR Tick, Tick...BOOM! blows audience away with quality storytelling

by Madeline Gibson Entertainment Assisstant Tick, Tick… BOOM!, released in late 2021, is a Netflix biopic based on the life of Jonathan Larson, the late Broadway composer. It tells of his journey of writing his first play, Superbia, which is inspired by the George Orwell book Nineteen Eighty-Four. The musical illuminates Larson, an aspiring composer who struggles with his career. It’s a classic story of a “starving artist” working to keep his relationships together, keep his bills paid, and wondering if he’s making the right decisions in his career. In Tick, Tick, Larson is also struggling to finish writing a song for the turning point of his play. And although he finishes the play and presents it to his workshop, Superbia never goes through production. Larson struggles to move on from the rejection of his play that he worked on for eight years.

He feels he is running out of time; he’s 30, and he hasn’t made it big as he hoped.

Larson tragically died at the age of 35 on Jan. 25, 1996, from an aortic aneurysm. Larson died the day before his play Rent premiered at the New York Theater workshop. This performance blew away producers and the audience and grew to success quickly. The pop-rock musical changed the course of musical theatre and how people viewed it. In it, Larson explored poverty, homophobia, and multiculturalism that he had faced in his life while living in New York. He wrote about what he knew, inspiring the next generations, composers, and artists.

As wide as his portfolio is, lead actor Andrew Garfield had his worries about getting recast for this movie. He had been on Broadway before but had never been in a musical. He couldn’t even sing.

But he desperately wanted to impress the movie’s director, Lin Manuel Miranda. To play Larson, Garfield endured intense singing and voice lessons for a year in preparation for this film.

Because of Garfield’s previous years on Broadway, he can easily convey emotion without overthe-top facial expressions.

“There’s my own personal work, which is about interpreting and finding the essence of the character and finding those parts in myself, finding where we meet and finding where I had to stretch a bit more,” Garfield said regarding his performance in Tick, Tick… BOOM in an interview with New York Theatre Guide. He can show how his characters feel with his body language, and he can adapt his personality with method acting and following Larson’s schedule to “become” the character.

Jonathan Larson, played by Andrew Garfield, sings his rock monologe during a scene of Tick, Tick... BOOM! Photo courtesy of American Magazine.

Garfield is truly dedicated to his craft, doing physical research to play Larson correctly. He talked to Larson’s family members and studied the way Larson lived. And his hard work paid off. His performance embodies a struggling artist with an outgoing and eccentric personality. He catches the eye in every scene he is in with his uncanny resemblance to the late composer’s personality, voice and appearance.

Every detail in this movie was planned out by the directors and Larson’s sister, one of the executive producers. And that is the true beauty of it. The directors took the time to design Larson’s apartment set to match the original. The audience can feel like they know Larson personally with explicit attention to detail. They can connect to him and his struggles and sympathize with him. This film shows how Larson tries and fails -- and tries again -- to become something big. He fears he is running out of time and hasn’t accomplished anything significant, which makes him relatable and can make the film more engaging.

Larson has inspired many upcoming composers and playwriters, such as the movie’s director, Lin Manuel Miranda. Miranda is one of the most pro-

lific playwrights in the 21st century, with his most famous works being Hamilton and In The Heights.

Without Larson’s previous hard work and dedication, there would probably be no changes in the way Broadway functions today, nor the talent of Lin Manuel Miranda.

Larson took his previous rejections as fuel to create his significant and successful works. He has changed many lives, and this biopic honors him fully. With all things considered, this movie deserves a 5/5.

22 News

Hot Shots creates Golden Throne themed drinks

THE BENGAL’S PURR

By Aydann Long Digital Media Manager For years. the local Hot Shots coffee chain has made a Golden Throne themed cup or drink cooler every January. With the pandemic, the 2021 Golden Throne was a live-streamed broadcast for students to watch in their classrooms. Some students believed it to be boring and hard to watch with all of the wi-fi cuts and glitches.

With the new variant of COVID-19 spreading throughout the northern Idaho region faster than the first variant, the Hot Shots owners (Cody and

Hailey Holscher) were afraid that one of the basketball teams would get sick and the Throne would be cancelled. They worried it would be a waste of money if there were no game this year.

But with the upcoming 2022 Golden Throne proceeding as planned, Hot Shots is offering its Golden Throne drink accessory. Hot Shots is also offering different drinks with LHS and CHS themes.

The Bengal Blast is a combination of blue raz, watermelon and pink lotus flavors. The Bantam Blast is a blend of raspberry, peach and red lotus flavors.

These drinks are available all year.

Local agencies report COVID-19 numbers

By Hannah Shoffitt News Editor As of Jan 26, six students and one staff member have COVID-19 at LHS and are quarantined. According to the Superintendent, Lance Hansen, a total of 20 students and 10 staff members are infected in the Lewiston School District at this time.

Since the beginning of the school year, 134 students have returned from quarantine, as well as 23 staff members at LHS. The district total for COVID cases since the school year began is 411 students and 132 staff.

According to covidactnow.org, Nez Perce County has an average of 39.2% positive test rate. The vulnerability level is measured as very low.

As of Jan 26, 12 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized with five in the ICU. There have been reports that the Idaho State Department of Health has been underreporting testing data due to the massive influx and are therefore inaccurate.

Clarkston School District did not provide information regarding the number of cases within their schools.

According to covidactnow.org, Asotin County has an average of 137 new cases per 100,000 people every day. The vulnerability level is measured as low. 40.2% of population is fully vaccinated, with 46.7% receiving at least one dose.

The infection rate is about 1.18. This means that everyone with COVID in Asotin County is infecting roughly one other person.

As of Jan 26, three COVID-19 patients in Asotin County are hospitalized with one in the ICU. The Washington State Department of Health has paused reporting testing data in order to keep up with different demands and increase their capacity. They are expected to resume by Feb 28.

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 ack

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Variety 23

Spot the differences

By Chayton Brewer-Burgin, Features Editor These two photos are the same, the only difference is the colors of the objects.

The photo to the left is the original copy. There are eight differences. Try spotting them!

ABOVE, LEFT: In 2019 members of Lewiston High School student leadership volunteered at the Idaho State Veterans Home. They were featured in the 2019 Golden Throne edition of The Bengal’s Purr. Image courtesy of The Bengal’s Purr archives.

The Bengal’s Purr Lewiston High School 3125 Cecil Andrus Way Lewiston, ID 83501

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Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Golden Throne scavenger hunt Find them, post them for a chance to win a gift card

By Cecelia Thomas Website Manager

Meet the Staff Editor-in-chief-- Rylie Reagan Managing Editor-- Chayton Brewer-Burgin Website Manager-- Cece Thomas News Editor, Opinion Editor-- Hannah Shoffitt Features Editor-- Chayton Brewer-Burgin Entertainment Editor-- Declan Cattrysse Sports Editor-- Josh Tatko Photography Manager-- Matthew Dugdale Business Manager-- Ariana Flaig Copyeditors-- Lauren Martin, Rylie Reagan, Jasmine Schmidt, Hannah Shoffitt, Josh Tatko

Digital Media Manager-- Aydann Long Historian--Seyi Arogundade News Assistants--Sydney Ball, Danica Keane Features Assistants-- Seyi Arogundade, Madeline Gibson, Jasmine Schmidt Sports Assistant-- Josie Sager Staff Reporters-- Jordis Aiken, Scout Alford, Kaitlyn Fowler, Sophia Gill, Kendra Kelley, Paxtyn Latta Adviser-- Charity Thompson Egland

Your job is to find and take pictures of the five following items at the 2022 Golden Throne Games. Once you’ve captured a photo of everything, message The Bengal’s Purr on Instagram with your photos (@lhsbengalspurr).

Photos from the LHS or CHS side are accepted. The first three people to submit all photos will win a $10 Happy Day gift card from The Bengal’s Purr.

Find the following: • School mascot • Score board • Basketball • Basketball hoop • Basketball player