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Precedent PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ
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NOVEMBER 2017|| VOL. XI ISSUE II
Badminton wins Perry’s 1st state team title By Mallory Malanson the precedent
Three decades ago the U.S hockey team performed an unbelievable miracle, beating the invincible U.S.S.R. team en route to the 1980 Olympic gold medal. Likewise, the PHS badminton team also slayed a giant who had previously had their number. Two of the past of three seasons, rival Xavier Prep has topped the Pumas in both regular and postseason meetings, but this year was different. In a magical season, Perry posted its first ever undefeated campaign (18-0), including a season sweep of the Gators and an eventual 5-0 semifinal ousting of their rival. The difference between the Miracle on Ice and the dominant Pumas? It was more than destiny, more than luck – it was the fact that PHS had unmatched depth, talent and chemistry. “In the history of badminton in Arizona, no one has ever seen what they have done,” principal Dan Serrano said. The Pumas dominated Arizona, outscoring their opponents in all matches 147-3. This was all due the difference this year by having a talented depth. “We were solid 1-7 and we play with 6. From number 2-6 they could beat each other every day,” coach Lerina Johnson said. She went on to explain that most of the girls are trained the same way, as they practice together at a badminton pro or badminton center. This way, the players gain fierce competition against other teams, and each other. But not only are they trained the same way, each individual on
photo published with permission from PHS Athletics
The badminton team poses for a championship photo minutes after winning the division-I state title. With a 5-0 win over Mountain Ridge, the Pumas became the first ever PHS team to win an AIA state championship, capping off a perfect 18-0 campaign.
the team has their own strength. By using each player’s unique talent, the Pumas were able to keep dominating the court. Johnson said, “we play with different styles – I let them play their own styles and fine tune them as an individual. We focus on their strength.”
Individual state champion senior Jillian Lagasca, has many strengths on the court and focuses on one aspect of the game, “I just stay mentally strong - keep things in and stay calm during [my] matches.” This season Johnson wanted her players to pl;ay loose to lift up
specifically for Make-A-Wish. Principal Dan Serrano said, “I never thought we’d get ten grand. That’s really good.” At the same time as the Make-A-Wish fundraiser, the Emery Bear Drive kick-started its fundraiser, with a bear toss at the Perry-Basha rivalry football game on Oct. 27. Serrano said “I was a little surprised that we were doing because [Emery] left. We will keep doing it; it’s for a good cause.” PHS alum Emery Miller has been collecting stuffed animals for children since he was in elementary school who are hospitalized during the holiday season . He collects bears from schools
not only in the country, but also internationally. Just last year, he collected over twenty thousand bears alone. Senior baseball outfielder Anthony DeAndrea has been a part of the drive for the past two years. “I want to help give back to the kids who are in the hospital during the holiday season. Emery isn’t here so we need to step up and help promote it around school, get people donating, and help pass out the bears,” he said. The goal for the Make-A-Wish fundraiser was ten thousand dollars; which was exceeded. The Bear Drive goal was 350 bears; and about 300 bears were collected. Rivalry or not, Perry and Basha has never failed to come
their confidence and spiking the energy on the court, “we had a lot of fun. These girls really take on my energy.” By taking on the enthusiasm of Johnson, the badminton team had an astonishing season. They dominated the court in all matches rounding up with three
state titles - singles, doubles, and team. Finally crossing the threshold of state runners-up in the last two seasons, the Pumas took the state championship by storm. Johnson said, “we had the best season for definitely school history, but also possibly state history.”
together as a single unit to donate and raise for every fundraiser presented to the schools. Due to the efforts of the students and faculty, children
will be granted their wishes and other children will have a soft companion to comfort them as they spend their holiday season in the hospital.
Rival schools come together for Make-A-Wish foundation By Morgan Chung the precedent
When a fundraiser is announced at Perry High School, the students fight to raise as much money, or items, as they can within the time frame given. Recently, Perry and Basha teamed up to raise money for the Make-AWish foundation. Student Council Advisor Lerina Johnson said “We were going to make it a competition between [Basha and Perry] to try to raise more money and it worked very well because together we are turning in a check for ten thousand dollars and Perry raised $5239.50.” This is Perry’s first year of holding a large fundraiser,
infographic by Madi Kimball
News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Banned Books 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12 Students Showcase Talent Perry host the Unified Talent Show for Chandler shcools Page 9
Banned Book Banned books stir up controversy across the school district Page 6-7
www.phsprecedent.com Swim Places at State Swim comes in third at state with several individual champs Page 10