The Messenger: Volume 123, Issue 5

M The Messenger

Wichita High School East 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211 ehsmessenger.com Volume 123 Issue 5 January 21, 2015

Basketball Pages 12-15

The Staff

Ask the Staff: What was your favorite childhood TV show?

Lizzie McGuire

Samari Jack

Scooby Doo

brittan brenner editor-in-chief

cal siebenmark web editor

morgan winter reporter

Lizzie McGuire

Full House

megan sinik reporter The Weather Channel

jackson laurie reporter Rugrats

Avatar: the last Airbender

Suite Life of Zach & Cody

Boy Meets World

abel velasquez reporter

jadyn fraley reporter

Full House

Drake & Josh

Lizzie McGuire

hannah tobias reporter

savannah goodpasture ads manager

trevor mahan reporter

abigail faflick reporter

Maggie & the Ferocious Beast

Glenn Beck Program

Dexter’s Laboratory

The George Lopez Show

Power Puff Girls

mollye baker reporter

zach vega reporter

camille buranday photographer

armaan ahmed reporter

jade mursch photographer

Spongebob

Ed, Edd, & Eddy

Bewitched

jack clayton reporter

Bear in the Big Blue House

celeste norum reporter

elizabeth linda julian sharon kane tran kinkaid martin photographer photographer photographer adviser contributing photographers: ryan smith, alexis banzet, lashaya lawrie, sabrina russell, sarah woodward

Editorial policy

Grammys 5 samsmithviagoogleimages

“Messenger” is published in print once a month, except during vacations, by the communications department of Wichita High School East, 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211. The Journalism department can be reached at (316) 973-7275 or via email at smartin2@usd259.net.

“Messenger” staff will publish news, entertainment, features, and sports in an unbiased and professional manner and serve as a public forum for the students of Wichita High School East.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to room

E144 or by email, and must be signed, legible, and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters to conform to “Messenger” style. Baseless accusations, insults, libelous statements, obscenity, and letters which call for a disruption of the school day will not be considered for publication.

“Messenger” is the official student magazine of Wichita High School East and it is distributed free to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not the Board of Education, Wichita High School East administration, faculty, or adviser.

FIND US

Letter from

2000 babies 8-9 friendsviagoogleimages

Swimming 16 camilleburandayphotographer

on the cover: Zachary Jackson, sr., and Xavier Kelly, jr., fight for the ball against two Maize South guards.

jadynfraleyphotographer

2 januarytableofcontents

ONLINE

The Editor

We’ve made it one semester, only one more to go.

Along with the new semester comes new grades, new classes, and my personal favorite, the remainder of basketball season.

We can all agree that our teams have very promising seasons ahead of them and we decided to get all the details.

This issue Hannah, Jadyn, and Morgan went behind the scenes to get the scoop on all things East High basketball.

From the players to their stats, our four page spread on basketball is all you need to know for this star-studded

season.

To continue our sports coverage, Celeste and Trevor worked on pages covering our strong bowling and swimming teams.

These two teams have come to be known as arguably our most winning teams in the past few years. Expect nothing less in their upcoming seasons.

Enjoy the Mess,

M

editor-in-chief

@EastMessenger “Wichita High School East: The Messenger”

M editor-in-chief

www.ehsmessenger.com

NewsFlash

UPCOMING EVENTS

abigailfaflickreporter

Class writes novel outside of school

Alumni come together, raise funds for FoPA program

Catherine Yang, soph., promotes writing as a mode of self discovery to her peer group through National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO).

Q: What is the class novel?

A: The class novel is basically where everybody takes a notebook home for one night and adds on to the story that the first writer started.

Q: Why did you start doing it?

A: When I did this the first time in middle school (eighth grade) it was actually an assignment from my middle school teacher Mrs. (Molly) Lavacek. I decided to continue in high school; with so much serious writing (I thought) that it would be fun to do something that wasn’t for a grade or there wasn’t a specific due date on it. It (Nanowrimo)could be a lot work on your own but it’s a lot easier with 30 people.

Q: How is it organized?

THIS DAY IN HISTORY Tooth decay is contagious; some say kissing causes it “While ‘kissin’ could be pleasurable, the result could be miserable. One school of thought holds that kissing passes germs from mouth to mouth and causes tooth decay.”

January Messenger, 1966

A: We try to have a basic sign up sheet in the front of the notebook, but that often doesn’t work out, so we basically keep passing it around until somebody is open and eventually it gets done.

Q: What creative details have been added to the novels?

A: We’ve had a lot of dystopian type rebellions and then we’ve had some Jamaican witches, a fair number of airships, a magic eight ball, and always the attractive male character - basically people like us in more exciting situations, what we would do when we don’t have homework and other essays to write.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in organizing the novel?

A: One of the main problems would definitely be convincing people that it’s okay to express themselves throughout their writing and that we aren’t going to judge them if they mess up. Another issue is having it done in a timely fashion, some people are always so busy you can never find a good day that works for them and their schedule even though they really want to participate.

Q: What is gained from the novel?

A: It really makes people less scared of writing in that you don’t have to be perfect while you’re writing and you don’t have to be scared of it. You just have to learn to let yourself out in ways you aren’t used to.

An excerpt of the class novel will be published online at www.ehsmessenger.com.

Catherine Yang, soph., displays the class novel.

•1.28 Progress reports •2.7 ACT test date •2.13 Homecoming hallway decorations •2.13 Winter Homecoming game and Hall of Fame inductions •2.14 Scholars Bowl - State •2.14 Homecoming dance •2.16 Presidents Day (no school) •2.17 District inservice (no school) •2.18-2.19 Parent-teacher conferences

SPIRIT WEEK Sept. 22-26

Keaton Jadwin and Kassiani Menas, ’11 graduates, reprise their duet of “Almost Paradise” from “Footloose,” the district musical their junior year, Dec. 27 at Meads corner. Jadwin, Menas, and other theater alumni came together and performed to help raise money for the Friends of Performing Arts (FoPA) program. photocourtesyofamymenas

Monday: pajama/lazy day Tuesday: TV, movie, or cartoon character day Wednesday: U.S.A. day Thursday: dress like a teacher day Friday: blue & white day

Debaters advance to State After 30 season tournaments, 12 debaters qualify for the State tournament.

This season debaters argued the affirmative and negative sides of more exploration and development in oceans.

Debaters worked with their colleagues throughout the season, earning their way to State.

At the Debate Coaches Invitational (DCI), Jan. 10, Yash Kamath, sr., won the title of All Time Most Career Bids for this tournament. Kamath earned 18 bids throughout his high school debate career.

With help from Kelly Bye, jr., the two speaker team advanced to the State tournament, Jan. 17, after placing second with a record of 6-1 at DCI. State results were unavailable at press time.

M

State debate qualifiers pictured above. Front row: Jaque Walters, jr., Monica Ochoa, soph., Stella Yang, jr. Middle row: Rachel Barnes, jr., Amir Lankani, jr., Vikas Tirukonda, sr., Paige Smading, jr. Back row: Zubair Khan, jr., Yash Kamath, sr., Cody Degner, sr., Kelly Bye, jr., Nikhil Ramanan, sr. jademurschphotographer

januarynews3

THE SOAPBOX Feminine mistake Feminism.

According to “Time” magazine, the word is among America’s top picks for what word should be banned in 2015 - this along with bae, swag, and om nom nom nom.

But, people are not tired of feminism; it’s a worthy cause. People are tired of the faux feminists advocating for it (or rather slaughtering the dead horse).

“Webster’s Dictionary” defines a feminist as one who advocates for a “social movement that seeks equal rights for women.”

However, this is not what feminism means to the students of East High. In their eyes all feminism has become is an attempt to protect women no matter what, while making men appear to victimize women entirely.

The majority of faux feminists students encounter or go to school with no longer advocate for equal rights but for the supremacy and entitlement of women.

Now you may say, how can you generalize an entire group? How can you stereotype a movement based on the actions of a few?

This is how; women should not see themselves as victims. I define myself and I determine my value based on my standards, I do not need others to “empower” me.

Faux feminists will preach one thing but act contrary to what is being said; by doing so they’re completely negating their arguments.

Often faux feminists will reference sexual assault cases to validate their arguments.

According to the Rape, Assault, and Incest National Network, roughly 10 percent of all sexual assault cases happen to males. However these victims are rarely addressed, their gender in no way minimizes their suffering.

Another issue is the fight against pornography.

Now here’s the bottom line; porn is porn.

It objectifies women and belittles people. But here’s the deal; people cannot advocate for the end of porn and then 10 minutes later post a

half-naked picture of themselves in the name of self-confidence. That’s not how problems are solved.

Many have made it their mission to put down males rather than spending time advancing women’s position in society.

Instead of telling everybody what seems to be wrong and how things should be, why don’t students express their concerns to people who can actually make a change such as state and national elected officials?

As a whole, people should be helping women rather than blaming men. The promotion of leadership skills and creating a tougher

East #Speaks What does Feminism mean to you as a student at East High?

4 januaryeditorial

brittanbrennerforthestaff andrewmartineditorialcartoon

“I have witnessed known Feminists at East not beig openminded towards others’ opinions.

Feminism fights for women’s equality to men and I believe that stereotypes pertaining to both men and women need to be broken down.”

-Ella Curry, soph.

“It means fighting for equal opportunity in life without stigmas and inequities that prevent women from pursuing anything they want.”

-Paige Smading, jr.

M

skin is more important than victimizing women while degrading men. If all kids see are people whining about life, this generation will only bequeath complacency and entitlement to younger generations.

At the end of the day, this generation must be the change. It is up to the students of East High to learn to collaborate with one another to implement the changes that would better promote female equality. We might as well learn now rather than later; because, let’s face it, men and women working together doesn’t get any easier.

“Feminism is the fight for justice.

There is a difference between equality and justice, women deserve justice. We still struggle in life with being granted equal rights. Its a universal movement, not just for American women. I think the movement empowers women and helps us understand that we do deserve to have the ability to change the current status of women in American society.”

-Soniya

And the Grammy goes to...?

The 57th Grammy awards ceremony will take place Feb. 8.

Many artists from John Legend to U2 to Taylor Swift were nominated Dec. 5. An album featuring nominees and their songs is now available.

A special episode called ““Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life — An All-Star GRAMMY Salute” will premier Feb. 16, celebrating the legacy of the 25 time Grammy winner.

Here is a look at some of the nominations. Circled below are the nominees 70 surveyed students thought were most likely to win.

Best Country Album Riser Dierks Bently The Outsiders Eric Church 12 Stories Brandy Clark Platinum Miranda Lambert The Way I’m Livin’ Lee Ann Womack

Who’s the new guy?

A closer look at the talent nominated for Best New Artist Bastille

Notable works: “Pompeii,” “Blame,” “Campus” Type of music: Indie Rock Years active: 2010 - present Fun fact: The group originated in London and was named after France’s Bastille Day (July 14).

Iggy Azalea

Best Rock Album

Notable works: “Fancy,” “Black Widow,” “Beg for It” Type of music: Hip Hop/Rap Years active: 2011 - present Fun fact: Azalea is the only artist since the Beatles to rank #1 and #2 simultaneously on the Hot 100 list.

Ryan Adams Ryan Adams Morning Phase Beck Turn Blue The Black Keys Hypnotic Eye Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Songs of Innocence U2

Best Urban Contemporary Album Sail Out Jhene Aiko Beyonce Beyonce X Chris Brown Lazaretto Jack White Mali Is... Mali Music Girl Pharrell Williams

Brandy Clark

Best Pop Vocal Album Ghost Stories Coldplay Bangerz Miley Cyrus My Everything Ariana Grande Prism Katy Perry X Ed Shereen In the Lonely Hour Sam Smith

Notable works: “Stripes,” “Pray to Jesus,” “Hungover” Type of music: Country Years active: 2005 - present Fun fact: Clark has written music for other famous artists such as Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban.

Best Pop Solo Performance All of Me John Legend Chandelier Sia Stay With Me Sam Smith Shake It Off Taylor Swift Happy Pharrel Williams

HAIM

Notable works: “The Wire,” “My Song 5,” “Falling” Type of music: Pop, Pock, R&B Years active: 2007 - present Fun fact: Their single, “Meltdown,” was used in the movie “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.”

Best Rock Song Ain’t It Fun Paramore Blue Moon Beck Fever The Black Keys Gimme Something Good Ryan Adams Lazaretto Jack White

Record of the Year Fancy Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX Chandelier Sia Stay With Me Sam Smith Shake It Off Taylor Swift All About That Bass Meghan Trainor

jackclaytonreporter

jademurschphotographer grammydesignviaPitchfork bestnewartistsviaBillboard

Sam Smith

Notable works: “Stay With Me,” “I’m Not the Only One,” “La La La” Type of music: Pop, R&B Years active: 2007 - present Fun fact: Smith is nominated for six Grammys, as well as several awards in London.

M

januaryentertainment

5

COUPON

Buy one entree, get one entree for free

Lizzie’s Delights Cafe

COUPON

https://www.facebook.com/ilvicinopizza.collegehill 4817 E. Douglas, (316)-612-7085 COUPON 2132 N Rock Rd Ste 101, (316)-636-2121 COUPON

Choice of ham, turkey or Brisket sandwich chips and a drink for $4.95 with student ID 3238 E Douglas 316-684-1284

Parrot-fa Nalia Dress to be remembered Shop before January 1st to save 1719 S. Hillside

Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Best investment of 2015

Buy a

Yearbook in room E144 $60

6 januaryads

M

682-5531

Sun. 12-6 p.m.

Sisters take bowling to heart trevormahanreporter

Aspen Herzberg, jr., and her sister Addison Herzberg, fr., have fun bowling jademurschphotographer

Most people bowl to have a good time with their friends and eat pizza. However, for sisters Aspen Herzberg, jr., and Addison Herzberg, fr., bowling is taken to heart.

The sisters, whose parents and grandparents have bowled competitively, have been bowling since they were able to walk.

The sisters outgrew the gutter blockers at a very early age. Today they score an average of 200 points a game and bowl competitive together in and outside of school.

“We use each other as an advantage,” Aspen said. “We use each other to make each other better.”

Two years ago, when Aspen was a freshman, she and her older sister Ashlyn (then a senior) bowled on the team together, competed, and won State. Now that she has her younger sister on the team, she feels more confident going into the current season.

“I always bowl better when we are all bowling together,” Aspen said. “Now that Addison is here, I feel like it will help me be better and do a lot better.”

The two say they have a sisterly dynamic when they are bowling with one another. ““We have a little bit of competition to make us get better,” Aspen said.

They might throw trash at each other, but they are always competing against one another in a fun, sisterly way, to ultimately improve their bowling skills.

“We’re not really mean,” Addison said. “We’re just playful.”

Now that they are on the same team they hope to be able to support each other all the way to State.

On Saturdays the two, as well as their families, will sometimes go to local bowling alleys to compete in competitions. Aspen and Addison play and compete in other sports, but they both consider bowling to be one of their favorites.

“I’ve been doing it for so long it just makes my heart happy,” Addison said.

The girls bowling team took first place at their first invitational. Jan. 10.

Inexperience plagues wrestlers

abelvelasquezreporter The varsity wrestling team is coming into the season with a new freshmen and sophomores led by three seniors.

Assistant coach Ene Akpan said that inexperience will be their big- Heights.................................................60-12 L gest challenge.

El Dorado Invitational....................6th West......................................................70-12 L “Our inexperiWellington Invitational...................11th ence will be Emporia Invitational........................14th our weakness,” Northwest...........................................78-0 L Akpan said. “We have a lot of freshman and sophomores players on the team.”

The inexperience has shown with the team starting out 0-3 and placing 11th in the Wellington tournament, 6th in the El Dorado tournament, and 14th in the Emporia tournament.

Akpan, however, wants his players to be proud of themselves.

“I want them to be prideful, pride is the most important thing to me,” Akpan said. ”Wrestling is tough sport. A lot of people often quit and do not continue.

I would like to see people finish the season and walk away with pride.”

Wrestling

Ryan Spackman, soph., wrestles against a student from West High School. elizabethkanephotographer

M

januarysports 7

eB By

ye Bye” - NS Y

“

in

Frances ca nie_Pan Pacheco, sr. - @ nies FranOveralls ,c butterfly hokers, shell ne cklaces, clips

N C

“S

me” - De y Na st

y’s

d Chil T

em

y Spear s itne

Popular 2000 movies

8 januaryentertainment

Gone but not forgotten Taking a glance at some of the most beloved TV shows of the 90s that have since been taken off air “Boy Meets World” runtime: 1993 - 2000 This coming-of-age sitcom chronicles the life lessons learned by Cory Matthews as he grows from a sixth grader to a married college man.

He juggles school, friends and romance with the help of his best friends Shawn and Topanga, as well as his teacher, Mr. Feeny. The show was readapted into “Girl Meets World” for 2014, following the life of Cory and Topanga’s daughter, Riley, and her friends.

M

Mo T

B OKC ombin

4. Oklahoma City bombing 1995 In 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols carried out a domestic terrorist attack in downtown Oklahoma City at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The attack killed 168 people and injured 680 others, as well as caused $652 million worth of damage to buildings and cars in the surrounding area. In 1997 the bombers were tried and convicted. McVeigh was later executed by lethal injection and Nichols was sentenced to life in prison.

5. Columbine Shooting 1999 At Columbine High School, two senior students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered a total of 12 students and one teacher, in a massacre they hoped would compare to the OKC bombing. The pair also set up approximately 100 explosive devices; luckily, they all failed to detonate. After wreaking havoc among the school, the pair committed suicide.

d ien

bine Shoo lum t

s runtime: 1994 - 2004 A series that documents the humourous and entertaining events surrounding a group of close friends who live in New York City

d ve

Prince resh of F e

r l-Ai Be

“Bring It On” This teen comedy follows the struggle of a high school cheer team as they go to extreme lengths to win the cheerleading championship with an original routine.

“Scary Movie” This horror comedy spoof film parodies several popular horror movies such as “Scream,” “The Matrix,” and “The Sixth Sense.”

“Castaway” This dramtic adventure film documents the trials of a FedEx employee as he finds himself stranded on an uninhabited island.

“Miss Congeniality” This comedy revolves around an FBI agent who must go undercover in the Miss America pageant in order to stop a group from bombing the event.

“Remember the Titans” This true story documents the challenges of a newly integrated football team under their newly appointed AfricanAmerican football coach.

nnah_ idden,sr. - @Ha Hannah Chegw Cheg !!!! and scrunchies I live for overalls

ya Harding

g in

“American Psycho” This psychological black comedy depicts a wealthy banker with an alternate psychopathic ego as he falls deeper into illogical fantasies.

and

Slim Sha dy Real ”he

in Em

Br

ill

Did It Again s .. . I ”op

“

H

“O

athe” - Fait h

on

a Lewinsky S nic

g

e “Br

M ay

3. Tonya Harding 1994 Tonya Harding was a prominent figure skater in 1994, the year of the Winter Olympics. Her main competitor in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships was Nancy Kerrigan, who was attacked after a practice session for the championships. It was later discovered that Harding’s ex - husband as well as her bodyguard hired a man to break Kerrigan’s leg so she would be unable to skate in the championships. While Kerrigan was forced to withdraw from the national championships, she went on to qualify for the 1994 Olympics and won a silver medal, while Harding finished eighth.

Co

Top songs of 2000

eing Lonely” - B of B ack ing

ys et Bo stre

ow Me the Mea “Sh n

What was your favorite ‘90s clothing fad?

@jsiebenmark Jerry Siebenmark wait, that was Oh Parachute pants! the 80s

2. Monica Lewinsky scandal 1998 Throughout 1998, more and more information came to light surrounding the political sex scandal involving President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, his intern. The extra marital affair and the resulting investigation led to much press coverage due to the denial of the affair by President Clinton, even though tapes showed evidence of the relationship between him and his intern. Eventually, the scandal resulted in the impeachment of President Clinton by the US House of Representative although he was eventually acquitted of all charges.

ndal

East #Speaks

Dahme r

ca

It is crazy to think that some of our freshmen were born in 2000, especially considering the movies and songs that came out in that year. Most of us cherish our ’90s years so here we take a look back at some of the most beloved memories of our childhood. megansinikreporter

Th

Gabriell e Sh JNCO je awnee, soph. ans beca @ use mod GRaffe24 est is ho ttest

Fr

the ‘90s

rey eff

1. Jeffrey Dahmer1992 Notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was tried in Milwaukee for 15 counts of murder on Jan. 30 1992. Between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer committed rape, murder, and dismemberment of 17 men and boys. He was sentenced to 15 terms of life imprisonment, Feb. 15, which was later increased to 16 terms. Dahmer was killed by a fellow inmate in prison on Nov. 28, 1994.

Sa

Farewell to

J

Top news stories of the ‘90s

runtime: 1990 - 1996 West Philadelphia born and raised, Will Smith plays a fictionalized version of himself forced to move in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel-Air after getting into one little fight, because his mom got scared.

by the Bell runtime: 1989 - 1993 This lighthearted comedic sitcom details the lives, loves, and pranks of six high school students in Palisades, California. The kids parallel modern day “Archie” characters who the principal, Richard Beling, repeatedly tries to keep in check.

M

januaryentertainment9

Visit the photo booth at

Homecoming Prices start at $3

CONFIDENTIAL

Prices start316-265-0134 at $3

“Walk-ins� Welcome Monday through Saturday

4929 East 13th Street Wichita, Kansas, 67208 316-683-7867 Move- In Specials Available

Decisions to make?

Unplanned pregnancy?

FREE Pregnancy Testing

Birthline

Capture your favorite moments at homecoming February 14 Photo booth prices start at $3

Wichita Warriors Youth Hockey Team People of ages 17 and younger 10 januaryads

6434 E. Central - In Normandie Center 316-686-1933

Buy one bierock, get one half price

M

Cell phone overhaul

zachvegareporter

A significant amount of smartphone users will inevitably break their device in some fashion.

Despite many safety precautions such as screen protectors and cases, many components of mobile devices are not well suited to the test of time. While repair is often the cheapest method to replace the broken parts, other elements of a smartphone possess a high replacement cost. In that case, users will benefit by simply replacing the device.

Difficulty

Cost

Easy

Low

Hard

High

Screen

Logic Board

Buttons

Most break their phone’s screen as a result of an accidental drop on a heavy surface.

Screen replacement on most devices is the most user-accessible replacement. If the phone is relatively new, replacing the screen is the most effective option. “I replaced my brother’s iPhone screen and it wasn’t that difficult,” Dominique Fleury, jr., said. “Replacing the screen is much easier than it used to be.”

Guarded by a myriad of adhesive pads and components, the logic board serves as the most crucial part of the phone’s computing power as well as the most complicated replacement. The logic board is the second most expensive component (after the screen), so most users should replace the device if faced with a failure.

Buttons are often the first component to break. After subsequent taps, external buttons become loose or stop working. “The difficulty of replacing a button varies between different phones, but the ones I’ve replaced were very easy to repair,” Noah Calvgalar, jr., said. Due to their size, low price, and placement towards the edge of the phone, button replacement is an easy solution.

Speakers

Antenna

Battery

The speaker of the phone is among the most susceptible to water damage.

The conventional location at the top or bottom of the phone makes the speaker another easy replacement. Mobile phone speakers are notorious for their lower quality, resulting in a low replacement cost.

Smartphones use wireless antennas to connect to cellular networks. Their proper function is integral to most tasks. “Replacing the antenna requires a lot of disassembly, but after that, replacement is a breeze,” Gavgalar said. The complexity of replacement ranges between phones, but the low cost of the component usually makes repair an effective option.

The battery is the most dangerous part of the phone to break. Lithium-ion batteries, the ones most used in smartphones, consist of contacts and electrodes that contain energy. A minor puncture or overheating could result in a fire of explosion. Battery errors need to be resolved promptly, despite the high cost and likely user error of repair. If a phone does not have a userreplaceable battery, then battery replacement should not generally be attempted.

3

Local Repair Shops

1

2

1 MobileComm 2 TechOutlet

6249 E. 21st Street 6810 W. Kellogg

3 Advanced Wireless 601 N. West Street

11 january

M M

januaryfeature

11

This is our

HOUSE

morganwinterreporter

Legendary coach reflects on current season East coaching legend Ron Allen maintained a winning tradition with the Aces throughout 18 seasons before retiring after the 2012 basketball season. At the time of his retirement, the current seniors were freshmen.

About this year’s senior leadership, Allen had much to say about the rewards of maturity.

“The maturity of a basketball player in your program is a reflection of your ability as a coach to teach and motivate,” Allen said. “The players’ responsibility is to listen and learn, be teachable, and coachable. When this occurs, both the player and coach becomes winners and for a coach, there is no greater feeling.”

While only the current seniors played under Allen, many questioned whether Joe Jackson could follow such a legend.

In his time as head coach, Jackson has surpassed expectations, and according to Allen he has shown great leadership and done an outstanding job.

Thus far, the team has consistently demonstrated their hard work towards the ultimate goal of a State title.

Allen has made an effort to attend as many games as possible this season.

“This year’s team is very skilled,” Allen said.

“They are good shooters. Anytime you have good shooters, you will have a chance to win.

Team depth and senior leadership are also strengths. Being able to rotate players in and not have a drop off is a positive.”

Students, coaches, and players alike maintain high hopes for the remainder of the season.

“I just want to see this team stay focused, take one game at a time, and don’t get ahead of themselves,” Allen said. “Enjoy the journey and have fun reaching their destination.”

brittanbrennereditor-in-chief

jademurschphotographer

Number: 15 Grade: 12 Height: 6’3 Position: Small forward PPG: 18.5

Zachary Jackson, sr.

Number: 14 Grade: 12 Height: 6’0 Position: Point guard PPG: 2.0

Terence Caw, sr.

How was your experience with high school basketball, and how has it encouraged you to play basketball in college?

Did playing basketball with your brother impact your ability to build relationships with your current teammates?

“Basketball in high school has taught me a really good work ethic that has transferred into other aspects of my life. I’ve decided that I want to do that at the next level.”

“When I was younger, I learned that a good relationship off the court builds your chemistry on the court. You figure out how the others play, the relationships go hand in hand. A good relationship off the court is essential.”

#

East Speaks

The sixth man

What do you think the best part of being involved in the student section at basketball games is?

“Talking smack on the other student sections... I mean participating in the theme and cheering on the teams of course.”

-Claudia Esparza, sr.

“Yelling at Refs.”

-Sherwin Salimnejad, sr.

“Looking back and seeing many rows of students behind you, and calling out opposing players’ names when it gets quiet.”

-Jacob Camenzind, jr.

12 januarysportsfeature

Students participate in the “America” theme and cheer their varsity boys onto yet another victory against Heights, Jan. 13, to increase the boys winning streak to 7-0. elizabethkanephotographer

M

THE SCORE BOARD

And by our house, we mean State.

As of Jan. 14, according the maxpreps. com, the boys basketball team is ranked number one in the state of Kansas. The team is characterized by strong senior leadership and talent on every level.

Southeast..........92-59 Bishop Carroll.. 77-54 West.................... 74-36 South.................. 77-55 Northwest.........80-32 Kapaun...............57-41 Maize South......64-59 Heights..............63-58

Number: 22 Grade: 11 Height: 6’5 Position: Power forward PPG: 12.0

Xavier Kelly, jr.

How does it feel to play such a large role as a junior? Is it more pressure?

“It feels great to be a part of the team. We all contribute in our own way. There isn’t more pressure. I just know that every night, I have to go out and play my best and play as a team.”

Number: 24 Grade: 12 Height: 6’0 Position: Guard PPG: 14.75

Samajae Jones, sr.

How have your teammates supported you to ensure that you are playing to your full potential?

“Just making me work hard in practice and keeping my head up high. I’ve got a lot going on and they’re just really here for me.”

Number: 25 Grade: 12 Height: 6’4 Position: Center PPG: 4.0

Isaac Fralin, sr.

What moments have been most memorable in your East High basketball career?

“Definitely last year when we won so many games in a row. We went 22-3 on the season, and it still seemed like we had plenty of room to grow.”

Bench proves vital to winning streak Players in starting lineups often attract more attention than their non-starting counterparts.

For the Aces, however, the non-starting players deserve just as much recognition.

“They’ve been tremendous,” Joe Jackson, basketball coach, said of the players coming off of the bench. “We’re trying to play with an upbeat style of play, and the depth we have right now is definitely an advantage.”

The starting lineup has changed for several games due to the competitive nature of the team, as each individual player has plenty to contribute.

Athletes including Sam Eckels, sr., Raymond While on the bench, Joe Jackson, head coach, and players direct players on the court. jadynfraleyphotographer

M

O’Day, jr., Mark Hartley, jr., and Michael McKinney, soph., along with the rest of the team, have made a noticeable impact on the court, and according to Jackson, challenge the starters for both starting positions and time on the floor.

“Our effort over the summer through everything was amplified by the taste of success they got last year,” Jackson said. “That’s been vital, because our seniors now that are leading have been a phenomenal example for our younger guys and have really shown them what it takes to perform at such a high level.”

januarysportsfeature13

DIAMONDS in the rough hannahtobiasreporter armaanahmedreporter brittanbrennereditor-in-chief jadynfraleyphotographer abigailpetersenreporter isabelebersolereporter

Number:22 Grade: 10 Height: 5’9 Position: Guard PPG: 2.1

Alexis Shamburg, soph.

What’s it like being on such a young team?

“It’s nice that we’re all about the same age because it lets us build a stronger team. It would be hard to work on developing as a team if a lot of the players were older and going to leave soon.”

Number:40 Grade: 10 Height: 6’0 Position: Center PPG: 9.1

Astrid Same, soph.

Do you feel as though playing with so many strong upperclassmen as an underclassman has given you an advantage?

“Yes, they’re good leaders, and since they’ve been with the team for such a long time, they’re more experienced and have more knowledge that they can pass down to us.”

Number: 3 Grade: 12 Height: 5’7 Position: Guard PPG: 1.3

Shayla Johnson, sr.

Since you’re a senior on a young and developing team, who do you personally look to for leadership?

“I’m not going to lie. We have a lot of leaders on this team. I look up to the younger girls who show that they have leadership qualities because I know that they’ll be able to lead the team when the upperclassmen graduate.”

Young team improves, sees triumph in years to come Player’s perspective

Unlike past years, the 2014-2015 girls varsity basketball team is made up almost entirely of underclassmen. As a young and developing team, the group focuses primarily on team building and leadership both on and off the court.

Shayla Johnson, sr., has played on the team since her freshman year and has taken on the role of team captain.

“I’ve grown up in a family where leadership is a trait that we all share, so I feel like being a leader is definitely my biggest job on this team,” Johnson said. “Being a leader has to do with the kind of attitude you bring to the team. A lot of the younger players we have are the strongest leaders we have and when the seniors leave, they will be able to take on those important positions and carry the team.”

Being such a young team, the girls look to each other for

14 januarysportsfeature

leadership and motivation.

Alexis Shamburg, soph., has been a part of this team for almost two years and said that it has helped her to grow both as a person and as an athlete.

“We’re all so young that we have this great opportunity to get to know each other and really build a strong team,” Shamburg said. “Being a part of this team has helped me become much more confident in my own ability and has taught me the importance of having a good attitude.”

Sha’Nel Turner, fr., is a freshman on the team.

“I don’t have a major role on the team,” Turner said. “I just try to stay positive and encourage everyone to do their best.

Keeping our heads up and doing our best is the key to this team.”

M

THE SCORE BOARD

After losing many of their varsity starters from last season, the girls varsity team has taken to rebuilding this year. As you’ll see through the starting line-up, this year’s team showcases many underclassmen.

Southeast.......... 57-43 Bishop Carroll..44-60 West.................... 60-12 South...................24-71 Northwest......... 46-41 Kapaun.............. 29-57 Hutchinson.......30-44 Heights..............40-49

Number: 35 Grade: 11 Height: 5’9 Position: Center PPG: 5.3

Alexis Beard, jr.

How has this team helped you develop both on and off the court?

“On the court: to play as a team together.

Off the court: we can be a family outside of basketball.”

Number: 12 Grade: 9 Height: 5’8 Position: Guard PPG: 7.0

Mariah McKinney, fresh.

What are your goals for this season?

“My goals for the season are to improve my ball handling and to become more of a team player.”

Number: 3 Grade: 9 Height: 5’6 Position: Guard PPG: 7.3

Kyeisha Ross, fresh.

How does it feel to be one of the top scorers on the girls team as a freshman?

“It feels good. I feel like it’s a great achievement to be one of the top scorers as a freshman.”

Girls team ranked 5th in City league standings Coach’s perspective Midway through the season, the lady Aces sit with a 3-4 record putting them at fifth place overall in the City league. Though this is the best start they have had in the past five years, coach James Cole has high expectations moving forward.

With their roster overwhelmingly composed of underclassmen, it presents obstacles as well as a promising future.

“A lot of the younger ones have played basketball for a long time and have been successful,” Cole said. “So sometimes they want to do it their way and not the way we coach them.”

Because of this, the team struggles when

they face some of the top teams in the City league.

“I think that they have found against a couple of the good teams that their way doesn’t work and that everybody has to be on the same page, everybody has to run the same offense, everyone has to have a good attitude,” Cole said. “And when one person breaks down, especially if it’s someone everyone else follows, it causes the whole team to struggle.”

Although the girls face difficulty when matched with highly skilled teams, Cole said that team cohesiveness and bonding is key in order to wins.

M

“Getting the younger ones to bond with some of the older upper-class has been like pulling teeth at times, just the older ones knowing the younger ones strength and vice versa,” Cole said.

As the younger girls grow and learn with the older girls, their performance on the court will improve, individually and as a whole.

“If they buy in totally to what we’re trying to do and buy into our system even though they are young, I think we can finish the season strong,” Cole said. jadynfraleyreporter

januarysportsfeature 15

just keep swimming celestenorumreporter

scoreboard

Bishop Carroll / Heights (first place) David Vu ..................200 freestyle -1st -1:55.38

100 backstroke - 2nd - 57.06 Colin Hutton............. 200 freestyle - 2nd - 1:57.28

100 butterfly - 4th - 1:01.24 Andres Leland.........200 freestyle - 5th - 2:10.63 Jack Quah.................200 IM - 3rd - 2:12.06

100 breaststroke - 1st - 1:01.70 Matthew Randle.....200 IM - 4th - 2:13.14

100 backstroke - 3rd - 1:01.48 Henry Gridley..........50 freestyle - 3rd - 23.85

100 freestyle - 3rd - 53.00 Josh Dutton..............50 freestyle - 3rd - 23.85

100 freestyle - 4th - 53.01 Kevin Le......................500 freestyle - 2nd - 5:35.87 Jack Clayton.............500 freestyle - 3rd - 5:40.37 Hugh McPherson .100 breaststroke - 3rd - 1:10.04 Joseph Draut ..........100 breaststroke - 2nd - 1:08.45

Blue Valley Invitational (second place) Olathe East Invitational (second place)

Hugh McPherson, fr., pushes off the wall. during practice camilleburandayphotographer

Newcomers test the waters With an undefeated City league record and two out-of-city second places, the boys swim team is looking to the new members to ensure that they will maintain a strong of tradition.

“The incoming freshmen won’t replace the incredible seniors from last year but they make up a powerful chunk of the team,” Matthew Randle, soph., said.

Newcomers Hugh McPherson, fr. and Jack Quah, fr. are off to a solid start, assisting Joseph Draut, sr., in a sweep of the 100 breast in the triangular meet against Bishop Carroll and Heights.

“It feels good when they call Jack and I ‘our secret weapons,’” McPherson said, “It’s pretty cool that we can keep up in our races.”

The team continues to work towards the City league tournament and hopes to send members to the State championship in February.

“As a whole for our team (the goal) is to continue our tradition of winning,” Draut said.

Joseph Draut, sr., swims breaststroke at practice. camilleburandayphotographer

Jadyn Hinson, fr., dives off the board. elizabethkanephotographer

Jack Quah, fr., races in freestyle. camilleburandayphotographer

Kevin Le, jr., swims butterfly. elizabethkanephotographer

 SALES  LESSONS  REPAIRS

Drums - Guitars - Sound

PEARL  TAMA  DW  LUWIG ZILDJIAN  SABIAN  ROLAND  LP  YAMAHA

Fender  Ibanez  Alvarez  Dean Marshall  Schecter  Spector  Ampeg SOUNDCRAFT  AT  PHONIC  DBX  SENNHEISER JBL  CROWN  SHURE  TASCAM

www.midwestdrum.com Monday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-4

16 januarysports

M

2228 E. Douglas 265-3070