28 minute read
COSMOKNIGHTS pg
from March 6, 2020
by The Gatepost
‘Honey Boy’ is anything but sweet
By Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor
By Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondent
“+oney Boy” is a 2019 drama film written by +ollywood sensation Shia /aBeouf, that follows the story of Otis, a child actor who has to deal with the struggles of growing up in the public eye all while being emotionally neglected by his father.
Otis, played by Noah -upe and /ucas +edges, is a character whose creation is greatly influenced by Shia /aBeouf’s own childhood experiences and how he developed PTSD as a result of his acting career. The movie, directed by Alma +ar’el, is structured in a way that provides the audience with the full story of Otis’ life. The film opens with an older version of the actor (+edges) in rehab, recollecting traumatic experiences from his past. Scenes including a younger Otis (-upe) living at a motel with his deadbeat father are cut between these moments in rehab. This is largely done to simulate what it may feel like to be triggered - as the older Otis thinks about his dad, scenes transition to emotionally scarring points in his life, as if the audience is experiencing PTSD alongside the protagonist. We are forced to relive all the uncomfortable interactions that made Otis the person he is today - a damaged man who struggles to find happiness due to his lack of a childhood.
In one scene, Otis is in rehabilitation and finds himself doing water exercises alongside other patients. The pool reminds Otis of a time in which his father threw his talent agent into the pool while cursing his family.
From a viewer’s perspective, -ames’ character feels completely unique in the cinematic world. /aBeouf masterfully plays his own neglectful father and it doesn’t feel like anything we’ve seen in a film before. There’s a level of tension added by this casting choice - /aBeouf playing his own neglectful father seems to add a personal layer behind his performance.
+owever, there are points in the film that show -ames to be a tolerable person. /aBeouf realizes his father isn’t perfect, and he constantly makes mistakes while raising Otis, but -ames is written in a way that will remind audiences of his human side.
/aBeouf makes sure to add in lighthearted moments between the two to show it isn’t all bad - Must most of the time.
The dialogue featured in arguments between Otis and -ames are pure night
mare fuel - things no father should ever say to their kid, and a kid not being able to convey what he truly wants or needs.
In one instance, -ames asks Otis, with a crack in his voice, “+ow do you think it feels to have my son paying me"” in which Otis firmly replies, “You wouldn’t be here if I didn’t pay you.”
-ames is well aware he’s a horrible father, and he even manipulates Otis into thinking his abuse is actually helping him become “tougher” for +ollywood. The way -ames explodes with anger at Otis is similar to the way Otis blows up at his therapist - the director is playing with the idea that children learn how to handle aggression from their parents.
The music in the film is interesting to say the least - the sound of pots and pans clattering echo over soft piano notes, almost giving the soundtrack a nostalgic, dreamlike mood.
This is also reflected in the cinematography, which features colorful lens flares and transitions featuring soft colors washing over the whole screen.
While the film doesn’t focus on them too much, there are some weak side characters in the form of a romantic interest living in the motel, and Otis’ roommate while in rehab. It felt as if it took away from the pacing a bit, but it’s mostly harmless.
“+oney Boy” isn’t an apology from /aBeouf - it’s not made to besmirch or forgive his father. Rather, it’s /aBeouf releasing and reflecting his experiences, both good and bad, as well as coming to accept who he and his father are.
ADMIT ONE
Grade: A
A gripping tale of neglect and trying to move on.
ADMIT ONE
‘Cosmoknights’ is truly out of this world
By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor By Robert Johnson Jr.
+ere on Robbie’s Comic Corner, I feel like I don’t give enough love to the concept of blurbs.
Ah, blurbs - the things you read on the back of a book, Must to get a sense of what, exactly, you’re about to get yourself into.
Usually, when it comes to the comics and graphic novels I feature in this column, I base my decision on the cover and the characters depicted on said cover.
While this graphic novel in particular roped me in with that alone, the blurb played a big role - “For this ragtag band of space gays, liberation means beating the patriarchy at its own game.”
I don’t think blurbs can get any better than that one right there, folks.
+annah Templer’s “Cosmoknights” is a graphic novel that not only nails the first date, but absolutely dominates with infectious charm. “Cosmoknights” follows the adventures of Pandora “Pan” /everett, a mechanic who works in her father’s body shop. She is on a quest to find her best friend, Tara.
Unfortunately, Tara is up for marriage because she is a princess, and is taken out of Pan’s life, but Pan does her darndest to stop that from happening, only to get arrested.
Fast forward five years and the fun really begins to take off - literally.
On top of Pan’s mission to find Tara, readers are given a front row seat to the *reendale *ames - a 40-man battle royale that decides the fate of the princess on display.
These sequences, which play out similar to an “American *ladiators”-like Maunt across an arena, is where the artistry of Templer truly shines. The action is fast and fluid, and the hits - when characters do get hit - carry a lot of impact.
These battles are mostly seen through the lens of two frequent Cosmoknights, Cassar “Bull” *ail and “+arrier,” as they eliminate fellow Cosmoknights left and right. +owever, a player by the name of “-aws” acts as a thorn in Bull’s side, whose attack in the early parts of the graphic novel puts Bull in critical condition.
That’s where Pan and her family come in. The two, previously armored, male-identified individuals - according to the commentators of the *reendale *ames - stumble through the doors of Pan’s home, and are revealed to the reader as female-identified stars of the Moust. *osh, I’m always a sucker for cool, armored people being buff ladies underneath who also happen to be wives. That’s why Darling Charming from “(ver After +igh” was always one of my favorite characters.
All that gushing aside, Pan quickly befriends “Bull” and “+arrier” - referred to as Cass and Bee, outside of the Mousts - and begins to discover more about them and the *ames. Their mission is to “free” the princesses who are up for marriage in those Mousting events. What makes “Cosmoknights” so special is not Must the stylistic violence compared to that of “Anarchy Reigns” or the political backstory of the games themselves, it’s the artistic flourish and gripping storytelling Templer puts into it.
(very page is beautifully drawn, with mesmerizing gradients and bright colors. Templer’s use of double-page spreads is brilliant - using them to convey the vastness of space and moments of intensity where everything is Must blowing up around the characters.
Speaking of characters, everyone in “Cosmoknights,” even the bad guy, “-aws,” is likable. Cass is my favorite character, by far - she’s strong and she knows it, but underneath that hulking exterior is an emotional, caring individual. Templer does a wonderful Mob at giving these characters personality.
In spite of the hefty offering that “Cosmoknights” gives readers already, that’s only the first book and more of it is coming. I cannot wait to see where Templer brings this series next with Top Shelf Productions.
By Jared Graf Asst. Arts & Features Editor
“Shake the Snow *lobe” is the latest and most daring release yet from doit-all rap artist Russ.
Debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, Russ lets fans and haters alike know his consistency is something they’re going to have to get used to.
The hype for Russ’ 14th studio album began to build in October 2019 following the release of the album’s single “Best on (arth” featuring rap’s princess - and Medford native - Bia. The song features a bed-squeaking and eerie production that sounds like a sped-up sample of the classic hip-hop hit “I *ot 5 On It.”
A week after the song’s release, Rihanna - yes, the Rihanna - posted a video of her defiantly strutting in a tropical paradise, while the song played in the background to her almost 80 million Instagram followers.
“Thank you #bia and #russ for my new fav song BestOn(arth,” the megastar captioned the video. This maMor cosign caused “Best on (arth” to catapult up the iTunes charts, becoming Russ’ highest charting single to date and increasing the demand for “Shake the Snow *lobe.”
Now, the wait is over and Russ has delivered a beautifully polished product with a little something for everyone.
Choosing to start the album on a lighter note, “Need a Minute” is a relaxed bop with an infectious melody that finds Russ reminiscing on his achievements and how far he’s come. “I used to count change Now it’s 8-figure deals and I spent about a million on the wheels,” he brags on the hook.
“All to You” is a more solemn ballad where Russ speaks to a significant other. “This ain’t punishment, this is a suitable test Nah, this ain’t punishment, this is a beautiful mess,” Russ croons with conviction over an airy guitar loop. .iana /ed« lends her smooth vocals on the chorus and verse, making for one of the album’s most emotional and captivating features.
Although “Shake the Snow *lobe” has its fair share of pop undertones - i.e. “Can’t *o On” and “Nighttime (Interlude)” - Rick Ross and Benny the Butcher stop by and challenge Russ to match their tightly-woven bars and gritty flows.
On “*uess What,” Rick Ross feeds off Russ’ energy and ignorant hook. “*uess what" I Must made a porno in the booth *uess what" They be taking photos when I move,” Russ declares on the Boi-1da production. Another braggadocios anthem, only this one feels necessary.
But the highlight of the proMect comes 10 tracks in with “I Thought You *ot Me” - which finds Benny the Butcher stepping out of his comfort zone on yet another laid-back production, courtesy of Russ himself.
Fans of The Butcher know it’s not often he slows it down and puts his aggressive lyricism on hold, but he did Must that for Russ - and it sounds incredible.
“I Thought You *ot Me” finds the duo rapping in a more conversational tone as they address a lover’s betrayal on the head-nodding, speaker-rattling beat. Benny spits a passionate verse, his gritty tone not wavering even for a second.
Both “*uess What” and “I Thought You *ot Me” are unconventional beats for their respective guests, but Ross and Benny hold their own and provide an impressive performance.
Other tracks worth checking out are “Shots” and “Momma.” On the fiery verses of the latter, Russ details the lavish lifestyle his mother is fortunate enough to live.
With 14 studio albums and enough versatility to create a new subgenre of rap, it’s hard to believe Russ is only 27 years old. The rapper-singer-producer-engineer has always been one to operate on his own terms - making his crazy work ethic and output something to be applauded.
The only change to Russ’ steadfast formula this time around is his inclusion of other acclaimed producers, such as Boi-1da and llmind. On previous offerings, Russ takes pride in producing all - if not most of the album’s songs. Seeing him form a working relationship with Boi-1da, who produced four tracks, is unusual but necessary.
Although “Shake the Snow *lobe” does rely on some big name hit makers, Russ’ ability to write, produce, and mix songs himself shouldn’t be dismissed and needs to be credited more often.
+ow many rap artists nowadays genuinely have such an affection for music they create (most of) their own songs from scratch in their living room with no industry help" Russ shows no signs of slowing on ‘Shake the Snow Globe’
CONNECT WITH JARED GRAF jgraf@student.framingham.edu MENU Grade: ARuss nds a way to shake things up 14 albums deep.
By James Barraford Staff Writer
“The Wicker Man” - streaming now on Netflix - made its debut in 197 and has remained a cult classic ever since. While some aspects of the film have not aged well, the story carries you away to its shocking finale.
(dward Woodward stars as Sgt. Neil +owie. +e is investigating the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan Morrison.
+owie slowly discovers that the citizens of Summerisle are deeply entrenched in Celtic Paganism. +owie ends up suspecting the girl is to be sacrificed for the Mayday Celebration. If you are a fan of the horror genre and have never seen it, I highly recommend it. “The Wicker Man” is a slow burn that brings you further and further down the rabbit hole.
The film co-stars prolific actor Christopher /ee as the charming but mysterious /ord Summerisle. Britt (cklund plays the role of Willow Mac- *regor, the housekeeper’s daughter.
Woodward does a successful Mob as the repressed investigator who is mortified at what he sees as moral degradation throughout the village.
Christopher /ee as a performer grounds the film. The character of Summerisle knows much and says little. +e is charming and tolerant, yet unsettling. +is attitude toward the locals is disturbing.
Britt (cklund’s performance is satisfactory. She is beautiful, assertive, and manipulative. The only issue is that the Swedish actress was dubbed to sound Scottish.
The dubbed voice does not always align with her lips. While the performance may have in fact been wonderful, the spotty dubbing can take you out of the moment.
The cinematography captures the earthy beauty of Scotland. The lapping waves of the ocean, rocky shores, and lush green pastures conceal a darkness that +owie desperately tries to reveal.
There are moments where the camerawork is sloppy. While they are few and far between, the camera abruptly Merks at moments.
This is the upside of older films. *reat storytelling can help you overlook most technical imperfections.
The soundtrack is a bit dated. The Celtic music, which could have been used to great effect, seems more like pop music infused with Celtic influences. When the soundtrack takes on a more traditional tone, it manages to infuse a sense of the celebratory and macabre.
The film’s strong point is in Anthony Shaffer’s screenplay. It becomes something more than Must a mystery and acts as commentary on the conflict between Paganism and Christianity.
+owie is horrified to discover a group of people having sex outside the inn he is staying at. The more he bears witness to, the more frantic he becomes trying to control the situation.
Mac*regor, in a scene that has not aged well, begins to sing in what looks more like an odd attempt at a music video than a siren luring her prey, disrobes and begins to dance completely naked. She bangs on the wall tempting the frustrated - and engaged - +owie.
Perhaps it worked better at the time - it may have been titillating and mysterious. Now it Must looks like some crazy Swedish lady beating her fist on a wall naked and breaking the fourth wall.
The scene following is more effective. We see a frank conversation between Mac*regor and +owie showing how different their views on sexuality are. /ater, +owie is disturbed to hear a schoolteacher explaining that the Maypole was originally a symbol of phallic worship.
+owie becomes more hostile to the locals. The townspeople gently suggest that he best leave before the Mayday Celebration. They are close to the (arth, and those who do not ‘The Wicker Man’ stands tall
understand, will only be offended.
This tension between sexual inhibition and exhibition is what makes this film a classic. The clash between civilized repression and bodily impulse haunts history and always will. (very minute of this film is strange and entertaining, especially the last 10 minutes.
For anyone who has been curious about what lurks beneath the surface of society, this modern folk tale will take you there Ȫ safely.
ADMIT ONE
Grade: B+
A classic that will get under your skin.
ADMIT ONE
CONNECT WITH JAMES BARRAFORD jbarraford@student.framingham.edu
Joe Kennedy III Continued from page 1
+e stands determined, in hopes of defeating Sen. (d Markey, a longtime politician who has been in Congress for over 0 years and elected to the Senate seat held by -ohn .erry.
-oe spoke of his political motivation saying, “This country was founded on a pretty simple idea - that every single person here counts, regardless of who you are.
“If you believe that this country is a great country with extraordinary people in it, then you have an opportunity to contribute to try to make the country a better, stronger, fairer place.”
From discussing universal mental health care to civil rights, this belief shines through in every crack of his campaign and presence.
“You want to be in a place that welcomes people of different backgrounds and ethnicities and religions and know that if you structure a society in a strong and fair way, that each one of them can make a contribution to make our country a stronger place. I think we have some work to do to get there,” he continued.
-oe began as merely a bystander while Framingham City Councilor Adam Steiner introduced him, but he fit right into the crowd of his supporters, leaving a sense of impartiality for ordinary community members.
The feelings of inclusion continued as -oe walked into a standing ovation before stopping to say hello to a familiar face in the audience. A young girl, who had originally met -oe during his initial run for Congress, embraced him with a hug and acknowledged their meaningful encounters. Inclusion is a key component between his staff as well. -acquetta Van =andt, director of community outreach, said, “-oe is a good man who is dedicated to bringing the voiceless to the table. That is so important to me as a woman of color and someone who has a senior role on his campaign.
“-oe was energetic. +e believed in the things that I believed in, specifically cutting down on systemic racism and battling for better health care. I am a big proponent of elder care, so we talked about those things. That’s why I got on board,” she continued.
Brian Phillips -r., press secretary, agrees as well. +e said, “In all my years of politics, I’ve never been in a leadership position aside from -oe. Ȫ I believe that his idea of what diversity and inclusion means is really important to me.” “You want to go out there to folks who usually feel marginalized, who feel left out. They’re part of Massachusetts. +e could sit back, relax, and do paid advertising like anybody could or he can choose to come out here,” Brian said on how the campaign has been focusing on inclusion.
Additionally, -oe had the ability to keep the audience laughing before his brimming Town +all even began.
While talking about meeting campaign followers and the locals, -oe said, “We will go to more Dunkin’ Donuts than you’ve ever been to in your life,” resulting in an eruption of laughter and understanding.
-okes aside, .ennedy was able to get deep into conversation, allowing for his engaged audience to ask questions on policies and his senate hopes. -oe said, “No matter what anybody tells you, this is about people.” This belief was the foundation of his Framingham Town +all, and also those around him.
“You go out and you make yourself as available as you can and you listen, you take questions, you learn from people that have different opinions and different backgrounds and experiences.
“By the way, that’s a great thing. I think that’s a strength of our country. I don’t want to be in a country that thinks the same way or has the same experience,” -oe added.
With this mindset, -oe is on track to continue reaching Massachusetts residents as well as his campaign supporters.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, .ennedy has been able to reach a larger audience, as well as host the first Spanish-speaking Town +all, enabling the voiceless to be heard and a higher level of inclusion.
With the beliefs that everyone is equal, and everyone deserves a voice, -oe will continue his campaign until the election in September. As -acquetta said, “Vote for -oe”
Joe Kennedy III, representative of the 4th congressional district of Massachusetts.
A lengthy legacy comes to a close
By Caroline Lanni Staff Writer
After getting back from -apan in the fall of 1988, Derrick Te Paske received a book, “Introduction to Media Studies,” that changed his life.
While in -apan, Te Paske and his mentor -eff Baker from Framingham State University worked on the film, “MISSION OF M(RCY.” This was an hour documentary about Charles Stevenson which drove Te Paske into the media industry.
Te Paske, a professor of communication arts, is now 74 and will retire this spring from the Mob he has done for 1 years. Te Paske is also the chair of the Communication Arts Department.
+e moved from Iowa to New (ngland in the late 190s. Te Paske said he graduated and walked across the stage at *rinnell College in Iowa to receive his diploma in 198 with a bachelor’s degree in (nglish.
Between 198 and 199, Te Paske got his master’s degree in education from Boston College. After this, he knew he wanted to pursue teaching.
At the time, Baker was chair of the Communication Arts Department and Te Paske eventually ended up becoming Baker’s apprentice.
After Baker and Te Paske wrapped up their film in -apan together, he said Baker turned to him and said, “/et me know on Monday if you wanna teach.” Then, the small-town boy met the big city - “I fell in love with Boston,” said Te Paske.
Three weeks later, he walked into Whittemore /ibrary room 221 ready and eager to teach his first photography class at FSU.
While also teaching, he got his Ph.D. in 1994 and soon after became chair of the Communication Arts Department. +e has served as chairman for 19 years, he said.
+e once aspired to be a biologist, then a photographer, and ultimately became a communication arts professor.
As time went on, he immersed himself into the role of department chairman by getting to know his students, which is the department’s main goal. Semester after semester, frantic students went to Te Paske’s office, not only to ask for help, but to be guided to the solution for their future.
Students lined up outside of his office with their override forms ready. “The best part of being a chair is doing the retail stuff, helping students when they are Mammed up,” he said.
Professor of Communication Arts Christopher Bowen said, “I would love to emulate that, to see how he thinks of students, and how we’re all here to help the students the best we can.”
Over his career, Te Paske has taught Senior Seminar, Creative Process, Photography, MediaSocietySelf, and Media Criticism.
Te Paske said he will miss his career because he has done it for so long, “It goes by like that.”
Bowen said he realized he won’t have a valuable senior leader available to assist him anymore after the spring semester is over, “+im being the chair is a great resource,” said Bowen.
The Communication Arts Department will look for similar structural ways of doing things especially when Te Paske leaves, due to losing such a “good resourceful member” of this department, said Bowen.
+e said, “+e’s very creative, and it’s really great to have that outside professional existence.”
“It’s the question everyone asks,” said Te Paske - “What will you do when you retire"”
*rinning from ear-to-ear, he said he will “very happily fill my days and make art.”
Te Paske said he escapes into his basement - his artistic world. +e enMoys working on sculpture art and photography. +e even owned a gallery for four years. Te Paske is currently a member of the American Association of Woodturners and the New (ngland Sculptors Association. +is work has been shown in many New York galleries.
-unior Michaela Cronin said, “Professor Te Paske brings in his art to show the class and it shows how passionate he is about art.”
Te Paske said, that in his Creative Process class, many students have said, before taking this course they didn’t think they were creative, but now they know they are.
“+e is invested and funny, as he cares about the class he is teaching,” said Cronin.
Te Paske said he is saddened to leave FSU, but believes it is time.
As the leaves change colors next fall, he will ask himself, “Why am I not heading to campus"”
“I’ve gotten so used to what I do. It will be a new change for sure,” he said. /ooking around his office, visitors will see a plaque for the Faculty of the Year Award from 1997-1998.
Te Paske’s lengthy teaching career at the University lasted 1 years, five months, and a few days.
+e said, “You need to prepare to be lucky.” CONNECT WITH CAROLINE LANNI clanni@student.framingham.edu
47. +unter seen at night 48. Singer whose alter ego is Super C 49. Turn quickly one way 50. .ody Brown’s “family” show 5. Turn quickly the other way 57. /ike some mushrooms 58. Destroy, in remodeling slang 59. Serpent’s tail" 0. Statues’ trunks 1. Sudoku component 2. Talent for music . Seven, to Simone de Beauvoir 4. “Como BBB"”
ACROSS 1. Dazzles 5. Fish such as koi 9. Circumference segment 12. (arly word for many 1. Seuss character with a platter, to the narrator 15. Color of Rudolph’s nose 1. ;, Y or = line 17. +elfer of “Battlestar *alactica” 18. Duke’s athletic org. 19. Steve Douglas’ “family” show 21. (we’s sound 22. Small kind of USB port 2. *reets enthusiastically 25. Napoleon Solo’s “family” show 0. Small kind of Oreo 1. (schew a breeder, say 2. +osp. section . Buys, like a script . Peanut butter candy shape 9. Prado’s country 40. “One more thing ...” 41. -im Anderson’s “family” show
DOWN 1. (ve’s partner 2. /ike fake fruit . It contains Copy 4. -apanese dish with thinly sliced fi sh 5. Words on some envelopes . Nice friends" 7. Puerto BBB 8. Aspirin target 9. /ike the numerals 1, 2 and 10. Manufacturer’s nightmare 11. It holds liner notes 1. Rear of a boat 14. D-’s mixes 20. Color TV pioneer 24. +ardworking insect 25. Texter’s “Don’t wanna hear it” 2. -uice box brand 27. Wilson of “The Offi ce” 28. Mileage meter prefi x 29. Column next to Sun., maybe . Mathematical collection that isn’t closed 4. Birdie plus one 5. BBBTok (app with short videos) . Meat-cutting tools 7. BBB -ohn S. McCain 8. .itty, in poker 9. +BO competitor, for short 40. Reduce the word count of" 41. Bear who says “Wocka Wocka” 42. “Thank U, Next” singer *rande 4. Pooh’s striped pal 44. Southwestern wildcat 45. Installs, as circuitry 4. One has sharp teeth 51. They’re exchanged at weddings 52. What to call a king 5. Vowelless abbr. in a recipe 54. Send forth 55. Crush, e.g.
Puzzle solutions are now exclusively online.
SPORTS
NCAA Bound: Women’s Basketball Books a Ticket to the Big Stage
By Liam Gambon Sports Editor
Four months ago, the Framingham State women’s basketball team opened their season with a 91-41 victory. Now, they are MASCAC Champions. After winning 21 games, including 14 straight, and going undefeated in their conference, the Rams took on Worcester State in the MASCAC Championship game at home.
The Athletic Center’s gym was stuffed from wall-to-wall with fans. So many that people struggled to find a place to sit and had to settle for the floor.
“The gym was absolutely packed, and the environment was something I have never been a part of prior to Saturday. We have had such a huge group of supporters this year and that really showed on Saturday,” senior captain Mary Kate O’Day said. “You don’t usually see a gym that full for a women’s basketball game, so for that many people to come and support us made it so amazing.”
Even the Rams’ bench got involved as they would hop in an imaginary rowboat on the floor and row away after a teammate nailed a three.
The game was back and forth through two quarters, and anyone’s to win.
That was until O’Day got her hands on the ball and dropped 16 points on Worcester’s head for the remaining two quarters.
This led to a 66-51 championship victory for Framingham. “I was in shock and couldn’t believe that we actually won. At the same time, I was so unbelievably excited and ecstatic,” O’Day said. “I really just could not believe we did it. I could barely contain my excitement and I couldn’t help but smile while I was watching the clock countdown from 10 seconds.”
O’Day was named Tournament MVP afterwards by recording 48 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and four steals through the two games the team played.
“Saturday was one of the best days of my life. Winning the championship is something that we have all been working so hard for all season long. As for winning the MVP, it was pretty cool, but it does not even compare to winning the championship,” O’Day said. “Winning it my senior year makes it that much more special. Knowing that Saturday could have been the last time I ever put on a basketball uniform made myself and the two other seniors want to win it that much more, and it made the feeling of winning so much better.”
But one of the best stories of the game, and of the season as a whole, is the third-head of the juggernaut.
Freshman Flannery O’Connor stepped in and produced from day one, and it led to her scoring 34 points and pulling down 24 rebounds in the tournament.
“This has been the best possible freshman year I could have ever imagined,” O’Connor said. “My favorite part of Saturday was getting to see the seniors celebrate. They are the reason we all wanted it so badly. Those girls really deserved to be champions, so seeing it actually happen and seeing them so happy is something I will never forget.”
Courtesy of fsurams.com
Flannery also earned MASCAC Rookie of the Year after earning Rookie of the Week ten times and NEWBA Rookie of the Week two times. She led the conference in field goal percentage (57%) and was top five in blocked shots and rebounds. She also was named to the All-MASCAC second team.
Both O’Day and Velozo were named to the All-MASCAC first team. Velozo led the league in three-point percentage (44.1%) and was top five in points and field goal percentage.
O’Day was second in the league in rebounds, points per game and three-point percentage. She earned her third straight All-MASCAC first team honor and was named MASCAC Player of the Year for the second time in her career.
But now, the team that won a school program record 22 games, focuses its attention on their very first NCAA appearance in program history.
They will take on UMass Amherst in the first round of the NCAA Div. III Tournament.
Courtesy of fsurams.com
The other two seniors are Emily Velozo and Julia Sanborn. Velozo had 30 points in the tournament and has been a part of the three-headed juggernaut on the team all year.
Courtesy of fsurams.com
