Pulse March

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Table of Contents

GRAPHIC EDITOR: Julia Johnson EDITOR: Sammantha Thorpe

Student- 4-5

WRITERS:

Seasonal- 6-8

Brittny Beck Erika Bollinger Collin Briley Kayla Buckner Nathan Cerny Faith Dejager Jewell Dover Samantha Godfrey Jenni Essary Alyssa Heard Alexis Plumb Carl Polk Tyler Powell Hunter Raymond Dakota Romesburg Lilly Skidmore Conner Wiest Michael Wilson

Entertainment- 9 News- 10-11 Sports- 12-14

SPONSORS: Writing/Editor: Stacey Pryor Media: Matt Locke

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STUDENT

STUDENT

7 Reasons to go to Prom By: Lily Skidmore

the people that have been with you through everything (even

if you didn’t want them to be). Plus the memory of making

By: Hunter Raymond

spend with friends. Look around you and realize that these are

awkward eye contact with the administrative when a dirty song

comes on is some-

1. Admit it, getting dressed up is fun. I have always been

thing you’ll never

the kind of girl to say “heck it I don’t want to go to prom.”

be able to forget.

Why? Well, I simply thought it was overrated. You spend way

6.

too much money for one night at cringe worthy dance nobody

It’s okay

to not have a date!

actually wants to go to. With that being said all my ladies listen

Who cares what

up, because I think we can all agree getting full glam is better

people say about

than anything in the entire world. Having everybody tell you

you not having a

how pretty you are and how stunning your overpriced dress is, is

date in fact you’re

almost completely worth it.

probably the lucky one. You get to

2. Your friends are going. To all my seniors out there this one

just go with your friends and not worry about the stress of hav-

is important. If you’re like me then you’ve had senioritis since

ing a date! Spend time with your friends, I cannot express this

you came out of the womb, but this is also the last hoorah that

enough, it could very well be the last time you all get to hang

you get to have with your friends before heading out into the

out before college.

big scary world. Enjoy the little things while you can! 3. Prom dates! For people who don’t have prom dates its nothing to be ashamed of and I heard going stag is the new in

Academic Team

hyped thing about prom is who your date is going to be. This is your chance to ask your crush that you’ve been dying to hang

partner!

B, Glendale and Parkview before competing for first

had the most balanced scoring that they have had all season. We also had our highest collective point total of the season with 510 points. The varsity played against the teams of Fair Grove, Aurora and Logan Rogersville. They advanced

to get hyped and fool around with your friends. This is just

place game

prom is honestly what it’s all about. It’s not about who has

after going

the prettiest dress or who has the hottest prom date, it’s about

undefeated and played against Exeter. The junior varsity went

wins against Reeds Spring

highest finish of the year and according to coach Scego, varsity

7. Who doesnt love a good party? Everyone loves the chance

in town.

rounds. Varsity A racked up

ty and placing third on junior varsity. This was Reeds Spring’s

to the third

dance pants folks because you’re about to go to the biggest rave

ther way it’s a great opportunity to have a fun dinner and dance

carrying us through the next

strides lately placing fourth at their home tournament on varsi-

who has the sickest moves on the dance floor. So bust out your

with, or maybe you just want to go with someone as friends! Ei-

momentum continued

The Reeds spring academic Team has been making

a party that can’t get busted and is safe. The social aspect of

thing, but you might want to skip this one. Personally the most

A, won the match. This

against the teams of Logan Rogersville, Buffalo and Aurora and advanced to the third place game where they faced Conway and won collecting a trophy for the Reeds Spring academic team.

4. Make her feel like a princess. Guys, girls want to feel appre-

place in the final round against Branson. Varsity A beat Branson in the final and got first place overall bringing home a trophy for the first time in four years. Varsity B faced Reeds spring A, Glendale, Republic and Hollister played for 5th place Justin Bible had a scoring spree in round two against Glendale B and ended up tying for third overall in individual points scored. The team now looks towards districts as they continue to gain momentum heading into the late part of the season. Conference will take place at Buffalo on Thursday April 12th. They also look to defend their district title on April 14th at Reeds Spring. With a first place victory under their belt, the team continues to improve and will continue to play tough competition as the season begins to wind up. We look forward to the

ciated and like the most beautiful girl in the world (and to you she is, right?). While there is nothing wrong with a girl asking a

The next tournament took place on Thursday, March 22 at

guy to prom, the girl is hoping you’ll ask her.

conclusion to our season.

Greenwood Labs in Springfield

5. The memories. The memories you’re going to accumulate

The Reeds Spring Team squared off against their JV counter-

throughout prom night are something you will never get back.

parts in the first round, with the Varsity, or in this case Varsity

Whether you have a date or not, it’s all about the time you

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SEASONAL

Summer Break Destinations By: Tyler Powell

from four to eighteen square

Grand Canyon National Park located in Arizona and

covering over nineteen hundred square miles. Known for canyon

We all hate staying home for summer vacation when

our friends are out on vacation in some fancy destination but here are some close vacations that are reasonably priced and

miles. With several view-

you’ll still have a good time.

with friends and sleeping in as much

son-colored hoodoos, this

as you’d like. But after the primary

Lake Tahoe located in Sierra Nevada covering over a

painting, if you can’t think of anything to paint Pinterest is a great place to look to. If you aren’t too artistic you can look up a video and follow along as they show you how to paint each part of the picture. It’s always fun to make something yourself so you can look into some DIY’s. You can make something with a practical use or just something artsy. There are all sorts of things out there from bath bombs to shelves, origami to candles.

tourist destination with a wide vari-

and spend time with the family admiring the landscape and

ety of events to do, from hiking to

wildlife.

gambling at casinos, including fishing, boating, swimming, and skiing.

Creativity is a great form of entertainment. Try your hand at

friends and nothing to do. Here is a

resorts and beaches. And is a great

great way to get outdoors

ty” is a great option.

rush of it fades you’re left with busy

hundred and ninety two square miles. And known for its ski

of nature. This park is a

loop. If you want to talk to several friends at once “Housepar-

school filled jam packed with time

known for its crimpark is a beautiful work

call or ever better, facetiming makes me feel like I’m still in the

a full two and a half months off of

one in the family.

fifty-six square miles and

it doesn’t always ease the need for human connection. I find a

Although the weather may not feel like it, summer

great destination for every-

Bryce Canyon National park located in Utah- around

is great fast communication but it’s not all that personal and

is approaching fast. The initial idea of summer is wonderful,

points for tourists. It is a

in which can be anywhere

Things to do when you’re bored this summer By: Jewell Dover

from mountain goats to the north american grizzly.

SEASONAL

Grand Teton Nation-

Join a team. If the people you usually spend your time with are

list of things to do

gone or busy meeting new friends is easy in the team setting.

when you seem to

Join a recreational team of a sport you enjoy. Whether its bas-

have done it all and

ketball, dodgeball, soccer or chess. Sign up for a class; Improv,

can’t think of any-

al park located in Wyoming

Redwood National and State Parks located in California and

around three hundred and ten

covers around thirty five hundred square miles and is full of

thousand acres. Famous for

lush redwood forest. Where some trees live to be over several

hiking, backcountry camping, and fishing. And it is also linked by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Parkway to Yellowstone national park which is famous for being a volcanic hotspot and its diverse terrain. Yellowstone has dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, dense

calligraphy, hip-hop, tennis; whatever you choose, commit to

yourself.

hundred years old. It is a

It is never too late to start work on your summer body, even if

great location for families of

summer has already begun. Even if the body isn’t your motiva-

all ages. And is very family

tion exercise is a great way to boost your mood and wake you

freindly.

forests, hot springs, and world famous geysers such as Old

thing to entertain take at least five classes before you give up. Whatever you end up doing this summer make it memorable. High school only lasts so long and you only get this break for a few more years so enjoy your freedom, Enjoy the boredom.

up. So go for a walk or even a run if you’re feeling it. There

Faithful. Yellowstone has

Whenever possible, fill this time with friends and family and

are tons of hiking trails around Branson with great views. Do

around thirty five hundred

square miles.

In conclusion these are my top summer/ spring break

vacations that are affordable for families, and will be a great experience for your family.

Glacier National Park

things you will soon reminisce on.

some yoga or look up a workout video and follow along. You can even go to the local gym. Everything is more fun with a friend so if anyone is available drag them along too. When you have been secluded for a couple days and are burnt

located in Montana and

out on Netflix and video games you will probably begin to

covering around sixteen hundred square miles. Known for its

desire human contact even if you aren’t really a people person.

glacier carved peaks and valleys that run up to the canadian border. Glacier National Park has over seven hundred miles

If people can’t get free to hang out you can always reach out to

in hiking trails, and is known for its camping, backpacking,

friends and family with the help of modern technology. Texting

hidden lake. And its wide diversity of wildlife such as anything

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ENTERTAINMENT

SEASONAL

International Women’s Day

age, women receive between 30 and 40 percent less pay than men earn for the same work. Women also continue to be victims of violence, with rape and domestic violence listed

By: Kayla Buckner

as significant causes of disability and death among women worldwide.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March

How to travel on a budget

for nearly 75% off. These hotel rooms are not the typical Super 8 motels you stay in, they are nearly the size of apartments with beautiful views for around $80 a night. This website is a necessity when it comes to saving money and making the most

By: Carl Polk

of a vacation!

As a curious

If you choose to enjoy the trip with friends or signifi-

soon-to-be adult,

cant other by driving your personal vehicle to your destination,

traveling the world

then Gas Buddy is certainly a must have! This tells you the gas

has always been

prices near your location, and suggests which gas station you

a dream of mine.

should stop at to maximize your savings! Whether you are in

8th every year, It’s the focal point of the movement for

The first International Women’s Day occurred on March

women’s rights. Various women, including political, com-

19 in 1911. The inaugural event, which included rallies and

munity, and business leaders, as well as leading educators,

organized meetings, was a big success in countries such as

inventors, entrepreneurs, and television personalities, are

Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The March

To explore various

usually invited to speak at various events on the day. Such

a Hummer or a 1996 Pontiac, this little helper will definitely

19 date was chosen because it commemorated the day that

landmarks across the

events may in-

help save you a lot of money when it comes to driving long

the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women

United States, and

distances.

even adventure out

Now to name some of the basic “traveling on a budget” tips,

of the country on an expedition to experience some new lands.

such as;

Many others would like to share the same memories I desire,

1.

but simply cannot do so due to time and money. I have put

food and dinner. Instead, bring an ice chest with waters and

together a few small tips and tricks to help save tons of money,

simple foods you can buy in a large bulk for cheap. You can

and maybe even help you enjoy the vacation a little more.

bring lunch meat for sandwiches or buy some Spaghettio’s to

clude seminars,

in 1848. The promise gave hope for equality but it was a

conferences, lun-

promise that he failed to keep. The International Women’s

cheons, dinners

Day date was moved to March 8 in 1913.

or breakfasts. The

The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in 1975

messages given at

by calling for an International Women’s Year. It also con-

these events often focus on various themes such as innovation, the portrayal of women in the media, or the

If you are looking for a place to stay, there is a website named

vened the first conference on women in Mexico City that

warm up at a gas station.

“CouchSurfing” it is an easy way to save money during your

2.

year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states

trip. It is a completely free website that requires no sign up fee

whole purpose of the trip is to enjoy the scenery). Going out

to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and

or charge when you find a place to stay. This website allows

of the busy areas will lead you to smaller roads and lower speed

you to find someone that lives in the city who happens to have

limits. 9/10 times, this will drain your vehicle of gas and you

an extra room or bed you can spend the night at.. Members

will start to lose money. If you are trying to go from point A to

fill out a detailed profile which displays who they are, their

Point B, trying staying on the highway, hit that cruise control,

interests, an explanation of where you would be staying if you

and enjoy listening to some music.

International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations

importance of education and career opportunities.

Try to limit the amount of money you spend on junk

worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also

While driving, avoid the scenic routes (unless, the

Many students in schools and other educational settings

focused on helping women gain full and equal participa-

participate in special lessons, debates or presentations about

tion in global development. International Men’s Day is also

chose to pick them, etc. When viewing a profile you can read

the importance of women in society, their influence, and

3.

celebrated on November 19 each year.

the reviews/experiences of current people who have stayed with

find little farmers markets (or flea markets) to save a ton of

that person. You start by setting up a profile and whenever you

money. For example, if your swimming trunks rip and you need

need to find a place you type in a city. You can browse through

to buy more; do not go to Walmart and buy a boring pair of

and white and features the symbol of Venus, which is also

the results and when you find one you like you send in a request

short shorts for $15. Instead, go to a flea market or thrift shop

the symbol of being female. The faces of women of all

which includes the date you’ll be arriving/leaving and details.

(if available) and buy a sweet pair with pandas on it for $3.

That person can either accept or decline your request after

As said before, I am currently an adventuring teen looking to

receiving it.

leave my town. With this being said, I do not have much expe-

rience with traveling on a budget. But out of all the websites I

issues that affect them. In some countries school children

bring gifts to their female teachers and women receive small presents from friends or family members. Many workplaces make a special mention about International Women’s Day

The International Women’s Day logo is in purple

backgrounds, ages, and nations are also seen in various

through internal newsletters or notices, or by handing out

promotions, such as posters, postcards and information

promotional material focusing on the day.

booklets, on International Women’s Day. Various messages

Much progress has been made to protect and promote women’s rights in recent times. However, nowhere in the

The website “Skyscanner” serves as a 3-in-1 package.

On this website you can find very cheap flights that may have

and slogans that promote the day are also publicized during

looked through to save the most amount of money, these are

been booked and the passengers are attempting to sell. After

the best tips I can give you.

this time of the year.

you may find the flight you need, it also tells you where local

world can women claim to have all the same rights and

car rentals are and will supply you with coupons, discounts, and

opportunities as men, according to the UN. The majority of

tips to grab the most efficient, yet cheapest, vehicles. After all this, the website even helps you find canceled hotel reservations

the world’s 1.3 billion absolute poor are women. On aver-

8

And finally, if you need to purchase anything, try to

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NEWS

NEWS

Teens’ Scariest Challenge Yet

gle. If Net Neutrality is taken away, then the internet will be deprived from the less fortune ones. Net Neutrality is needed to keep everyone happy and able to have the same

By: Brittny Beck

freedoms.

As most are aware, net neutrality is becoming

very real. Every day we get closer and closer to fighting

I know many have a lot to say about the issue, I mean

for net neutrality. For those of you that have no idea what

I would to. I can’t imagine what would happen if the

I’m referring to when I say “net neutrality” let me explain.

internet gains restrictions. In fact, I can’t even imagine the

Net neutrality is used to allow anyone to view anything

world without free internet access on websites. There are

on the

too many reasons why Net Neutrality needs to be kept.

internet

For one, how would the less fortunate look at company

regarding

and business’ websites? Or how would anyone gain direc-

anything

tions to these said companies and businesses? There are

you want

many questions as to what the world will be like without

to search.

this system.

Net Neutrality keeps internet services from putting a limit to our searching. In other words, this system keeps

One opinion comes from an outside source, Brandon D.

services from blocking certain content and making you

but his opinion was a well thought out one. “If the market

pay for everything.

appropriately compensates for the lack of choice in ISPs, then Net Neutrality wouldn’t be a bad thing. The only This makes many

issue is for most the US their options are very limited

all over the globe

and by taking it away you create a monopoly in a sense.

upset, mostly because

Also, the cost to put lines down is very expensive and

ever since the inter-

that movement to better performance and prices would

net came about the

be hindered but the high entry. So the monopolies would

internet has been free

stick until that movement happened”.

to use. The internet is extremely important to everyone. Everyone uses the internet differently, whether it’s for planning a vacation, shopping or just browsing on Goo-

10

Summer Music Camps By: Alyssa Heard

I decided that the best article I could write would be about a season that is soon coming SUMMER. I know we are all excited that we only have 7 weeks of school left before the summer break. So I thought I would give the music lovers something to keep their skills up to par. So here are some of the top 15 music programs going on this summer. 1. UAB Summer Music Camp Focus: Full band experience, small ensemble participation, music theory, music literature, conducting, music technology, and jazz improvisation. Private lessons. Dates: June 10-16 2. Bocal Majority Bassoon and Oboe Camp Focus: bassoon, oboe, clarinet. Dates: various dates 3. FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy Focus: All orchestral instruments including harp (no piano); intensive daily rehearsals, daily private lessons, side-by-side 120-piece faculty/student orchestra; performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Dates: June 10-24 4. Idyllwild Arts Summer Program Focus: jazz, classical: symphony orchestra, wind symphony, band, piano performance, songwriting, choral music, ESL programs. Dates: June 24 – August 5 5. Jazz Camp West Focus: Instrumental Program, piano, guitar, bass, drums, reeds, percussion, steel drums, specialty instruments. Combos; jazz and Latin big band; theory and ear training; performance workshops. Advanced Instrumental Track, Advanced Piano Intensive, Vocal Intensive Program, improvisation, (scatting), singing with a professional trio, jazz ensemble, repertoire, All-Camp Gospel Choir Dates: June 23-30 6. SJW Jazz Institute Focus: Jazz, vocals, combo, improvisation. Dates: July 29-August 3 11

7. Stanford Summer Arts Institute Focus: Session 1: Music Matters – exploring a wide range of genres from classical to popular with opportunities to compose and perform. Session 2: Music, Technology & Culture – analyze popular music and its technologies. No prior music experience required. Dates: Session 1: June 25 – July 14; Session 2: July 17-Aug. 4 8. University of the Pacific Music Camp Focus: Brubeck Institute Jazz Camp; Pacific Music Business Camp; Senior Band, Orchestra, Choir Camp; Pacific Music Theatre Camp; Senior Piano Camp. Dates: 7-day programs June-July 9. University of Southern California Focus: Guitar Seminar: Jazz, Rock and Beyond. Includes classical repertoire, sight-reading, theory, improvisation, technique. Studio Jazz and Popular Music faculty. Dates: June 17-July 14 10. Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts Jazz in the Sangres Camp Focus: Small group/improv and big band focus, plus master classes, jam sessions, workshops, performances, activities for high school musicians. Horns, drums, piano, guitar, bass, vibes. Dates: July 17-21 11. Colorado State University Summer Workshops and Camps Focus: Organ week, June 3-8; Pre-College Percussion Camp, June 7-8; Jr. LIFT Clarinet Academy, June 18-22; Drum Major and Leadership Academy, TBA; International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival, July 31-August 4 12. CU Denver: LYNX Camp Audio Production/ Ableton Live Program Focus: Students will work in our recording studios to learn audio production and Ableton Live. Dates: June 11-15 13. CU Denver: LYNX Camp Music Industry Program Focus: Music Industry – singer/songwriter, recording arts, music business, performance/ensembles. Electives, ensembles, private lessons, guest artists, field trips, concerts. Dates: June 17-29


SPORTS

state for the 4x1. I also want to beat the school record for 4x1, triple jump, and long jump. Boys Night Out- We set a time for first in state in our class for the 4x1 but we got 7th overall at the meet. We could still improve a lot, Lane left early.”

Reeds Spring Track 2018 By: Nathaniel Cerny

Nixa- The open 1 didn’t go the way Lane Carroll wanted it to. Kyle Modlin beat his pr once again on his first jump in long jump. Kelly Newton jumped for the first time in triple jump and is already getting close to beating the school record. Paige Rantz beat the school record in pole vault and then beat her own record again at Nixa. The 4x2 disqualified because the handoff was not made in the exchange zone. Logen Plumb tried 300 meter hurdles for the first time and I think it went better than he thought it would. The 4x4 competed really well for going up against schools bigger than them, they all ran 55 seconds.

The Reeds Spring Wolves started their track season off at Branson on March 29, 2018. The meet was extremely wet and cold. The team started the 2018 season off good with a 3rd place overall. Most of the team was not able to attend the meet due to spring break. I think even after losing a few of the great seniors from the 2017 season, our Reeds Spring Wolves are looking to be very successful this year with quite a few veteran runners, jumpers, and throwers coming back for a success. Girls Night Out- April 5th, 2018 Izzy Erickson- Izzy is one of the strongest athletes that Reeds has to offer. She takes direction well from the coaches, and is willing to do what it takes to have a good season. Izzy’s thoughts on Girl’s Night Out were overall positive, and she talked about how she would’ve liked to see herself perform better, like at the Branson meet, but was impressed to how the 4x1 did when it came down to it. She is looking forward to getting better, and better that way she can compete at state with her teammates.

Pitt State- First off it wasn’t as big as the meet usually has been in the previous years. The team got out of school early and started heading over there. The 4x8 did pretty good. The open 1 Nick Huston ran and he got first or second in his heat. The 4x1’s handoff was bad, they didn’t run how they wanted to, Lamar disqualified and that’s who they wanted to run with because there times are close. There was a delay for 30 minutes because of lighting in the area. Colby Cortez got a personal record in the 110 meter hurdles. The girls 4x1 didn’t go due to injury. The team really wanted to see how they would’ve done. The 4x2 had good handoffs and ran their best time so far and got 1st in there heat. They left right after. I think overall the meet was a cool experience and was successful.

BNO Lane Carroll- Lane said that he would speak on Boys Night Out and this is what he had to say, “Our boys 4x1 is #1 in state right now in our class which is class 3. I’m ranked 20th in state in the open 1. We could improve our handoffs in the 4x1; we are working hard on that.

Cassville- Rachel Bagg got third in the open 800. The 4x1 ran a 44.07 which is a personal record, they got second overall. The 4x2 also got a personal record with a 1:33 for first place. The 4x4 got a personal record too with a 3.35. They placed first because the team in front of them disqualified because they didn’t hand the baton off they threw it.

Bradfield- Bradfield is a thrower for the Reeds Spring Wolves and this is what he had to say about the season so far, “The first meet, Branson I got 3rd place in discus. I can improve on things and work at my rotation and for shot. I want to go to sectionals and state and not choke.”

So far this season we’ve seen a lot of progress from our team, and it is nice to see us all come together with our success. We have had two track meets that have been canceled and one of our meets have been rescheduled. Our home meet was not rescheduled and our coaches really wanted it to happen, but unfortunately it cannot happen this year. We all hope to be in a good place to go to state this year, and with all the hard work that all the athletes are putting in, it looks like we will be.

Connor- Connor Wiest quoted on Boys Night Out, “I competed well on the 4x4 but not good on the 4x2. The 4x2 had bad handoffs on both sides but we did improve from the first time we did it. I want to go to state for the 4x4.” Branson Izzy Erickson- Commented on the first track meet of the year. It was at Branson High and this is what she had to say about it, “We had good competition. She also said she wants to see the team improve and compete more.”

Upcoming Races: Some upcoming races are the Willard track meet and the Hollister track meet back to back days, they will be held on April 19 and April 20. Our season seems as though it has just begun, but with only eight track meets left, our team will have to continue to work very hard, and push themselves to get to state.

Kyle- Kyle Modlin wanted to talk about both of the meets which was Branson and Boys Night Out, he said, Branson“I jumped 20.5’’ in long jump which is a personal record. I also got 1st with a 40.2’’ in triple jump. I want to make it to

12

Sports

Reeds Spring Basketball By: Colin Briley

As long as the Wolves keep their pace they are going to have one of the best seasons they have had in a very long time. The Wolves have been able to consistently make routine plays. This has helped them with

The Reeds Spring Baseball team last year did their success in the past not have the season they were looking for. This year is not the case for the Wolves. The team has already . The Wolves this season are looking very consistent faced several difficult teams early in the season, but and well rounded. The only thing that has hurt them this has not stopped them from winning. The wolves have now beat two top five state ranked teams so far so far is having one rough inning where things go this season and are 5-2. The Wolves were able to beat downhill. This has yet to happen that much for the Monett with a 3-2 victory. This was a huge win for the Wolves, because it showed how lethal the Wolves Wolves, but it has still happened. can be if they are on their game. Thursday the Wolves beat Clever who are another state ranked team. The This year seems to be the exact opposite of season looks very promising for the Wolves this year. that. Not only are the Wolves fielding and hitting well, The Wolves are having six returning starters from last year’s season. This might be one of the bigbut the pitching for the team has been very good. gest reasons on why the Wolves have been so successWith Collin Cross and Noah Briley being veteran ful. Almost all of the starters had varsity experience from last year, starters it has definitely strengthened the pitching so this has given them a rotation. major advan Overall the Wolves baseball team is very tage for the upcoming season. exciting to watch. This is looking like one of their The returning strongest seasons that they have had in a very long starters knew what to expect time. If the team keeps playing the way they have coming into this season. Last year the hitting part been playing for the rest of the season the season for of the team was their biggest weakness, but that has not been the case this year. With the experienced the Wolves will look very promising. This is by far starters coming back it has helped with the hitting. The Wolves hitting has been stepped up a lot this year the best the Wolves have been in years, so this has compared to last year. Coach Funk (head coach for made the Wolves very interesting and fun to watch. the Wolves) is very optimistic about this season for his team. Coach Funk feels that the team has some of the best potential in a long time. The only thing that can stop the Wolves from being successful this season is themselves. pg13#


Sports

The NBA playoffs By: Michael Wilson

The Raptors have quietly been fading down the stretch while the Celtics have stayed strong. That allowed Boston to close within two games of Toronto for the No. 1 seed going into Tuesday. The Raptors lost to the Cavaliers in a disturbing, anxiety-creating game. That gave Boston an opening to close to within one game with a week left. But the Celtics fell to the Bucks in a potential first-round preview. Boston will see Giannis Antetokounmpo in its nightmares. That Cleveland win over the Raptors keeps the smoking 76ers at bay one more day the teams are still virtually tied, with the Cavaliers having a headto-head advantage and likely the division title. The Sixers need to beat Cleveland on Friday or get some help to pass them for No. 3. The Pacers lost to the Nuggets to fall two games behind the Cavs and Sixers; they are looking closer to being set in the No. 5 spot. The three final playoff spots in the East are a mess. The Bucks and Heat won and the Wizards lost, leaving all three teams at 42-36. Miami has the tiebreaker over Milwaukee. The other tiebreakers remain undetermined. The Bucks’ games remaining: three non-playoff teams and the Sixers. The Heat’s games remaining: two non-playoff teams, the Thunder and Raptors. The Wizards’ games remaining: two non-playoff teams, Cavs and Celtics. Here’s some good news the West playoff situation is much cleaner. It’s worse. We know the top two seeds, certainly. We know the Blazers are very likely to hold onto the No. 3 seed, despite a weird loss to Dallas on Tuesday. Everything else is up in the air. The Jazz won and Spurs lost Tuesday, knotting those teams up with 33 losses. That puts Utah in the No. 4 seed with the tiebreaker. The Thunder lost again, keeping them one behind with 34 losses, now tied with inactive Minnesota and New Orleans. Denver won again a strong win over Indiana to hang at 35 losses. The Clippers knocked off the Spurs to hang in there at 36 losses.

The Sixers and Heat are in action on Wednesday against lesser teams, and the Celtics have a direct shot to gain a game on the Raptors. The Pelicans and Spurs both have games against non-playoff teams, too. Otherwise, it’ll be a quiet night. The NBA season has had its ups and downs and many teams have showed that they are ready for the playoffs. The Rockets have been the powerhouse in the West this year crushing the opposition and posting outrageous numbers from behind the three point line. For the most part I would say that they are favorited to not only make the finals but also win granting the beard and CP3 a ring that is well deserved. The battle in the East has taken place all year with the Toronto Raptors taking the lead towards the end of the season and more than likely going to take the 1 seed. With all the moves that the Celtics made in the off season they were favored to make the finals but with injuries to key players such as Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving late in the season causes new challenges for the young Celtics team. The playoffs will be as exciting as it is every year and hopefully a few upsets are in the forecast.

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