AIBT 2015

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Pepperbox

December

BEHIND THE COVER

BOX BRIEFS AIBT Rally: December 11th AIBT: 10th-12th ACT Test: December 12th Hanukkah Ends: December 14th Orchestra Winter Concert: December 17th

Winter Assembly: December 18th Frosh Girls Basketball Tournament: December 18th-19th Winter Break: December 21st-31st Christmas: December 25th New Years: January 1st

Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Manager Alyssa Day at pepperbox@nohum.k12.ca.us!

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AHSPepperbox

EDITORIAL STAFF Kaelyn Tuermer-Lee Editor-In-Chief Terra Clarke Editor-In-Chief Alley Perry Editor-in-Chief Hannah Finley Managing Editor Emelia BensonMeyer News Editor Nora Lovell Feature Editor Caitlyn Patterson Feature Editor Cheyenne Keith Sports Editor Jake Verhaegh Sports Editor CJ Gray Opinion Editor

Len Perry Opinion Editor Marley Tavernier-Fine Arts & Entertainment Editor Peter Shao Online Editor Alyssa Day Business Manager Grace Walker Art Editor Rex Bachemin Social Media Director Althea Newman Photo Editor Kellen O’Neill Copy Editor Kate Breyer Photographer

REPORTERS

IN THE BOX Mark Salamunovich. . . . . . . . . . 6 Heart Over Height . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Stilts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ryan Bisio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sixth Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Franklin Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pregame Rituals. . . . . . . . . 12-13 Rosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17 Former Players . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Specialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 WAIBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 AHS Speaks Out: AIBT. . . . . . 22 Brackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Advisor

The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing at-cost. Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedication to keeping print media alive.

Western Web

The 1986 Arcata basketball team poses seriously... oh how the times have changed!

This cover shoot for our AIBT issue was interesting to say the least. In our first attempt, senior Jordan Chasescott asks, in frustration, which pose to strike. Seniors Kaelyn Tuermer-Lee and Kate Breyer organized a cover shoot with the returning five seniors: Jordan Chasescott, CJ Gray, Tab Heinz, Nathan Heidrick, and Sam Spinosa, along with coach Ryan Bisio.

To read more about players on the varsity basketball team, check our CJ Gray’s pre-game rituals article on pages 12-13.

EDITOR’S BOX Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be directed towards its editors. Opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Arcata High School.

Ellen Keil Justin Furtado Jordan Chasescott Asher Critch Jakub Mácha Kiana Vigil-Gibbs

Above: Originally published in 1986

Jennifer Coriell

The Pepperbox and its staff are excited to bring to you our second issue, centered fully upon our 48th annual AIBT. We think that the avid Pepperbox readers out there will find our articles humorous, yet also deep. Check out the rosters of all participating teams on pages 14-17, as well as a few of our very own varsity basketball players and their interesting pre-game rituals on pages 12-13. Come show your tiger spirit and cheer on our basketball team at their first game vs. Piner at 7:30 p.m. We expect to see you all there!!

- Editors-in-Chief Kaelyn Tuermer-Lee, Terra Clarke, & Alley Perry

Quotable.

“Dang it! I was just gonna go buy something but all I have is pesos!”

-Senior Olivia Ritter at break when trying to buy a snack with the wrong currency.

“Is that Thomas Nelson? He’s cute.”

-Anonymous Eureka High student upon seeing a picture of Thomas Nelson.

“That was back in the day when it took 35 joints to feel anything.”

-Statistics teacher Kay Wozniak during her fifth period class.

“Tis the season to be ballin’ #Arcata #letsgotigers” -Senior Vaughn Banning on his Twitter page.

“That sucks, ‘cause AIDS is the only thing I’m good at!”

-Sophomore Marlee Anderson in her first period class, referring to her upcoming biology test.

Frameable.

Seniors Kendall Boyett and Keani Momoa-Hugo are the first doubles team to make sections in six years.

59.3 49 Arcata boys basketball points per game.

The Arcata High Boys Varsity Team is confident after they score a goal in their sections game against Fort Bragg.

Arcata girls basketball points per game.

102 110 Years HDN boys basketball league has played.

Years HDN girls basketball league has played.

1968 Year Jerry Paul started AIBT.

218

Varsity girls volleyball aces served.

699

Varsity girls volleyball attacks killed.

The Cross Country Team warms up for a tough meet.

Zoe Elloway dribbles her opponent in the sections game against Sonoma.

Alessandro Sarris plays hard in a football game.

Maddie and Hannah Pomerantz enjoy their segway tour in Philly.

The Pepperbox | Page 6

AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Mark Salamunovich: the real Sixth Man Kaelyn Tuermer-Lee

E

Editor-in-Chief

very team has that one person that stands out as motivational--that one person that pumps up the team and gets them ready for battle. While some may think this member of the team is a player, this is not the case for the boys varsity basketball team. Junior Mark Salamunovich has been the team manager ever since his eighth grade year at SBMS [Sunny Brae Middle School]. He enjoys basketball and being involved with the group of players.

“Some players at Arcata High run into me at lunch and remember me from when I was manager at Sunny Brae--they respect what I do,” Salamunovich said.

Mark enjoys seeing the players’ teamwork on the court, feeling proud of the team that he is a part of. As a team manager, he passes water out to the players, and always encourages good sportsmanship.

“I like to cheer on the team and treat them with good manners so they don’t say bad

It mentally prepares us really well to have someone compliment us and pump us up; it gets our mind in the game.

- Sam Spinosa

words when they lose a game,” Salamunovich proudly said.

Being a team manager is very time consuming, but Mark makes time in his day to be able support the basketball team and show his school spirit.

Because Mark is staying at Arcata High until age 22, he has decided to continue to manage for the remainder of his high school career.

“The team is like my second family--all of them are my best friends. The best thing I do every year is give them nicknames for their ability on the court,” Salamunovich said as he smiled.

The basketball team enjoys having Mark around, and although he doesn’t play on the courts with them in a game, they can always count on him cheering them on. His positive mentality inspires the players and puts smiles on their faces.

“I like to give them pep talks right before a game--they like it. I’m nervous giving a pep talk because I don’t know what to say, but they say ‘good job Mark!’ ” Salamunovich said, “and they go out and play like they’re a bunch of tigers running towards a wild animal.”

Coach Ryan Bisio, who is on his second year coaching the varsity basketball team, is very fond of Mark, relying on him for his enthusiasm on the bench.

“Mark adds a lot of perspective to our team; he has really inspiring pre-game observations that we enjoy that he shares with us,” Bisio said, “the team loves him and we hope

that he feels a part of this family that we have.”

The boys varsity basketball team is extremely lucky to have such a caring team manager that helps get the team prepared in any way possible, whether it be through encouragement or his infamous pep talks.

The team is like my second family-all of them are my best friends.

- Mark

Kate Breyer/PEPPERBOX

Mark does his signature pose in his favorite Superman shirt.

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

AIBT

The Pepperbox | Page 7

Heart over height Jordan Chasescott Reporter

W

hat does it take to be a basketball player? Do you need to be 6’ 5” or can you compete with pure talent and commitment to the game?

The advantage of height in basketball is extreme, but skill and hard work will overcome height anyday. Bryce Mateer is a 5’ 7” junior who dominates the basketball court with his speed, athleticism, and pure talent. Mateer follows a line of shorter athletes who have been able to stand tall in the game for Arcata High School. Last year Arcata High had Luke Graves, who was able to play at a commanding level even with his height disadvantage. Mateer looks to carry on the tradition throughout this year.

To play the game at a varsity level you have to be able to compete against tougher competition.

Mateer has been training himself for the game his whole life as he states, “I’ve been playing as long as I can remember.” He has a few interesting tactics he uses to improve his basketball skills; these include training hard everyday with the

Kate Breyer/PEPPERBOX

Varsity boys building up their team spirit before the first tipoff game. help of a couple supplements (legal of course), as well as eating Snickers to prepare for games. These tactics get Mateer ready for competitions with larger athletes. Mateer states that he is not intimidated by anyone in the Big 5 league.

To be a dominant player at the varsity level at the height of 5’ 7”,

you must have a few secret training tactics. Mateer chose not to reveal his special methods to make sure other teams can’t gain the same advantages as him. But watching Mateer play, you can tell he has an edge on the competition, and it’s not due to his height, but to his skill and knowledge of the game accompanied by his hard work and dedication.

The tips and coaching of a retired pro who also had a disadvantage in the height category have not hurt his budding talent either.

A perk of height is the ability to dunk a basketball; this is something that shorter athletes are unable to do. Mateer is a shorter player who hopes to dunk at some point in his basketball career. So keep your eyes open for Mateer, as he could be a participant in the AIBT dunk competition this year.

His goals for the season are to

win league, win AIBT, and win the Nicali Tournament. He will help the team by bringing his height as well as his speed. Mateer expects to keep growing, who knows, maybe he’ll be 6’ 0” by the end of the season.

Basketball players are stereotyped by their height. People see tall kids and instantly assume they play basketball. This is because many tall kids are in fact great basketball players. But the shorter players are very underrated. If you see two players one 6’ 4” and one 5’ 7”, most people would likely think the taller player is better. Basketball is more about skill than it is about height. Height is a great advantage that can lead to skill but the heart of a little man playing the big man’s game is underrated. So look out for Bryce Mateer this season while he showcases his talent for the Arcata

High Varsity basketball team.

The Pepperbox | Page 8

AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

The secret behind the so called height “advantage” Hannah Finley

T

Feature Editor

he notion of ever wearing heels is now a distant thought of the past- partly because I’m not that talented on stilts, but mostly because I’m already too tall as is.

For an entire day, I took on the challenge of wearing stilts. This height boost put me at a solid six feet and ten inches, just above the average NBA height. With this wardrobe change, I was able to relate to the many struggles encountered by the individuals that tower over others for the first time in my life.

I began my day as usual… kind of.

I reluctantly rolled out of bed after my fourth alarm finally sounded, slipped on my stilts and set out to get ready. I hopped, very carefully, into the shower, where I encountered my first obstacle: the shower head height. My shower head stands at a whopping 5’4”. I can just perfectly stand under the water stream normally, but with the added height I found myself ducking awkwardly, praying not to drop any of my necessary shower items. After I finished my excessively long and difficult shower, I tried to plan an outfit.

NOTHING fit right. Every pair of leggings hopelessly ended mid-stilt at best. I decided to go with a simple romper in the hopes that I wouldn’t get dress coded for the illusion created by my extra long legs and rather short shorts. I began down my flight of stairs to rush out the door and unexpectedly smacked my forehead on the overhang. I could finally sympathize with the friends who always left my house groaning and holding their forehead.

As I began to gain a rather pessimistic view towards this so-called height “advantage,” my luck began to turn! I enjoyed the benefit of the first perk of being a friendly giant when I actually made it to school on time that day. The height boost increased my step length and cut my 7 minute trek to school to only 5 minutes. That mild change of heart

quickly vanished as I sat down and my knees pressed firmly against the bottom of my desk. Here comes a long day of uncomfortability.

As I walked from first period to second period, friends inquired, “how’s the weather up there?” I was beginning to get used to the friendly teasing. I arrived in my second period class and began to work. Ten minutes in, the earthquake drill sounded and the students were ushered to take cover under their desks. Fantastic. I can hardly fit IN a desk, let alone under one. My legs helplessly poked out from beneath the shelter of the desk, exposed to the potential debris that would fall in the event of an earthquake (luckily the rest of my body would be protected from the falling ceiling by a half inch thick desk…). I slowly began to realize that I would never succeed in a game of hide and seek with these stilts hindering my hiding ability.

I made it through second period and walked out to the parking lot to socialize. The confused stares piled up as I made my way through the lines of cars. Friends asked if I planned to play basketball this year with my new found height advantage. How original. I stood in a group of people and towered over everyone. As I gazed out across the parking lot, I didn’t see a single person that was even close to as tall as I was. The tallest individual stood a solid 5 inches below me. If I was always this tall, no boyfriend I might have at Arcata High would ever be taller. I know that height difference doesn’t truly mean anything, but I could say goodbye to the cheesy photos of the girl standing on her tiptoes to receive a kiss.

As I entered third period, my teacher commented that I was tall enough to be a model (she said nothing about looks though…). I made it through yet another period and began to get anxious in fourth period for the long awaited lunch. I spent most of the period helping my teacher stack boxes of camera equipment on top of the highest, out-of-reach shelf. Typical.

The moment I had been waiting for all day finally came: lunch. I headed out to the parking lot at record speed and met up with senior Rio Crossen. As I bent down to get in his car, a feeling of panic washed over me. There was no chance I was about to fit in Crossen’s Fiat. I accepted that I would no longer fit in environmentally friendly cars. Luckily, the crisis was averted when senior Kate Breyer invited me to hop in her Chevy Silverado truck. Hallelujah!

Upon hopping in the car, I saw my reflection in the mirror or the first time that day. Wow! Can you say, “bad hair day? Thankfully, very few people had the opportunity to see

the top of my head. Woo hooo! Score two for the height boost! We made it back from lunch and I completed the rest of the day without much more excitement. In sixth period, previous Arcata basketball coach Eric Vollmers jokingly asked if I was playing basketball this year. I was becoming used to the frequency of that question.

As the day came to an end, I looked forward to taking my stilts off.

While I know that being tall is not as much of a burden as my experiences suggested, I did not plan on spending any more extended amounts of time on stilts. I’ll leave “being tall” to the basketball pros.

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Coaching with a passion minds of his players in order to help them grow as individuCheyenne Keith als and students of the game.

Sports Editor “We’ve eliminated the word ‘expectation’ from the proehind every great bas- gram completely,” Bisio said, ketball program, there’s “We try to be clear about a genius who engineers what we want and hope.” the talent and preOf the returning players, he pares the savage athletes for has a few exemplary leaders a championship. For Arcata, in mind that will be clear with that man’s name is Ryan Bisio. their desires for the season.

The thirty-four year old Hum“Well, we are returnboldt County native is heading ing a couple of all league into his second year as head caliber players,” Bisio said. coach for the tigers and after Being an exceptional coach is an exceptional season last year, one thing that Bisio has accomhopes are even higher as the plished in his career with Arupcoming season rolls around. cata so far, but where does the “I think the outlook is po- story begin for the brains betentially better than last hind the brawn? As it turns out, year. The returning group Bisio had attended Arcata High looks a lot better,” Bisio said. until sophomore year when he Arcata basketball has always moved to St. Bernard’s. From been a powerhouse. Living up there, he was given a scholarto the expectations of others in ship to play for Notre Dame. the community isn’t a thought The journey certainly didn’t in the mind of Bisio, because of end there as the future Arcata the fact that he has totally elim- coach would leave Notre Dame inated the word “expectation” in order go to Santa Rosa Junior from the program. Instead, he College and move again to Cal finds hope and desire to fuel the State where he accomplished getting a degree in Jazz Studies. After college, Bisio moved to Denmark to play professional basketball as a point guard and also helped to coach the club to back to back final fours. With a history like that, free time would seem to be faint. For Bisio, however, it was quite the opposite.

“I had a lot of free time. I wrote a lot of music, toured, wrote a book, travelled,” Bisio said.

If there is something Bisio loves more than basketball, it’s music. Behind the -Ryan Bisio deep voice that he talks with

B

I’m just a full on musician man; an artist who cares deeply about my work and hopefully someone who people enjoy working with,

Hannah Finley/PEPPERBOX

On stilts, I stand at a whopping six feet and ten inches, towering above my classmates.

AIBT

The Pepperbox | Page 9

Cheyenne Keith/PEPPERBOX

Bisio showing off his usual couth. is a vocal quality that will certainly take one by surprise.

“I think he has the voice of somebody that will be famous!”

Asher Critch enthusiastically said.

Not all musicians are born with the music fundamentally sound in their minds. For Bisio, it started at a later age.

“Well, what happened was I won the Junior Olympics in Bowling [at age six] and the prize was a Yamaha piano. That’s what started it all,” Bisio said.

Since his favorite artist is Tom Waits, Bisio’s favorite style of music falls between folk, rock, and the blues.

“I’m just a full on musician man; an artist who cares deeply about my work and hopefully someone who people enjoy working with,” Bisio confidently said.

Music has a huge role in how he coaches too. He ap-

plies the necessary flow of music to his basketball coaching skills, making it easy for Bisio to be a player’s coach-one that cares about the trust and cohesiveness of his team.

“I think it’s a fun style, and I know people [the players] like to get out and move around; coach Bisio allows that with some limitations,” former coach Eric Vollmers said.

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Vollmers said, “I expect it to continue, and I think we are fortunate to have him here.”

The tigers are hoping for a great season under Bisio’s leadership and looking forward to something special to coming out of it.

“He really believes in the fact that it’s on us and that he can only do so much,” senior CJ Gray said, “It’s great because it allows others to emerge as leaders. It’s going to be an awesome season!”

The Pepperbox | Page 10

AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Sixth Man back in action

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Terra Clarke Editor-in-Chief

Reporter

P

A

Arcata has better fan support, and we lack the volume intensity that the Sixth Man have.

- McKinleyville High student, Dylan Campbell

AIBT

You can’t spell AIBT without Franklin

Justin Furtado s you make your way to the tiger den, the sound of the Arcata High Sixth Man echoes throughout the school. When entering the gym, the roaring of the Sixth Man can be heard throughout the building. The sound of the varsity basketball team’s pregame mixtape sweeps people to their feet. Until the final horn sounds, the gym is never silent. Each year, a group of seniors and a select few juniors take the first two rows in the student section and lead the crowd in chants throughout the game. The best sixth men have knowledge of the game and yell throughout, no matter what the circumstances are. “I expect the Sixth Man to step up this year and cheer on the team no matter where they play,” senior Jordan Chasescott said. The Sixth Man are known for constant bantering of opposing players.

Heckling and getting in the head of the opponents is a vital part in being a Sixth Man. “Past Sixth Man have traveled all the way to Del Norte to cheer on the team,” senior CJ Gray said. The Sixth Man is a tradition that has been gracing the Arcata High gym for as long as

The Pepperbox | Page 11

SA: for those of you that have not heard the news, the famous Franklin boys will not be gracing us with their presence in this year’s AIBT. Please take a moment to process this information before continuing.

As we round the corner into December, there are many things to be excited about: two weeks off of school, an abundance of baked goods, and basketball, in particular, AIBT, and if we want to get really particular, the Franklin basketball team. For half the Arcata High School population AIBT is defined by the roar of the crowd, the music blaring through the speakers, and the smell of sweaty

players and fans alike. For the other half of the population, it is defined by the feeling that takes over when the Franklin boys basketball team enters the gym. There are shrieks of excitement and tears of joy over the sight of their tall, muscular, sweaty bodies (for those of you who have not seen or experienced this anomaly, the reaction is much like what would be expected if a shirtless Zac Efron walked into a Starbuck’s full of teenage girls). The exhilaration is only heightened as hopeful girls ponder how they’re going to talk to these god-like specimens and how talking will make them friends, and maybe even more than friends, all in the course of a weekend. These ideas are only borderline psychotic, but what are teenage girls supposed to do at basketball tourna-

ments? Actually watch basketball?

For many girls at Arcata High school the loss of the Franklin boys has left them distraught and questioning their life choices. Ivy Ricca initially responded with panic, “I’m moving. That’s the only reason I stay here!”

Since this comment, Ricca has been attending school sporadically and there is evidence that she has been taking sanctuary in the forest to cope with her emotions. Senior Faith Long has also been going through the stages of grief. When Long first heard the news her heart was broken and a “wave of disappointment” swept over her. Long’s deep love for all things Franklin has even caused her to lose support of our very own team of studs. “I’d rather lose and still have Franklin than win and not have Franklin.”

Kate Breyer /PEPPERBOX

The Sixth Man reacts enthusiastically when the Arcata varsity team sinks a three pointer. anyone can remember, and each year’s Sixth Man take tremendous pride in becoming the best they can be. The Sixth Man are known as one of the best crowds in the HDN [Humboldt Del Norte league].

McKinleyville High student Dylan Campbell said, “Arcata has better fan support, and we lack the volume intensity that the Sixth Man have.”

The Sixth Man brings a feared presence in the eyes of the opponents. They keep the volume intensity at the max level throughout the games and constantly getting in the heads of the opponents. “I just want the crowd to get turnt!” leader of the Sixth Man, Collin Townsend, said. Turnt: involves being a crazy fan and going loc the whole game!

Unfortunately, super fan Dylan

Diemer will not be able to participate in the Sixth Man during home games because of his prior obligations saving lives. However, Dylan Diemer will be at away games cheering on the team! The Sixth Man will bring the energy to every game cheering for the team! The Sixth Man are true fans; they stick

with the team through thick and thin and are always supportive. If you want to show your school spirit and cheer alongside the famous Sixth Man, get off the couch, put your homework to the side, suit up in orange and black, and come support the varsity basketball team!

Kate Breyer/PEPPERBOX

Faith Long, Claire Kinder, and Kyrin Cossolotto fantasize about the Franklin boys. Shoutout to Faith Long for tirelessly stalking to obtain a picture of the Franklin boys.

Senior Maddy Hapgood was almost lost for words when she heard the news. She was still in shock when asked what she will miss most and blurted out, “the niceness that my eyes see.” After Hapgood explained her pain as feeling like she just lost her lover on an iceberg she shared about the toll our community will take, “I just feel like it’s a loss for the community”, said Hapgood, “AIBT just won’t be the same.”

For some fans of the Franklin boys basketball team their absence is less of a life ending disaster. Junior Jada Owens, who has made friends with the players over the last couple years, will miss their presence, but believes that she can live without them in her life.

“It’s not that big of a deal since another team will probably replace them.” Owens said, “they’re super cute, but I think it’s a good change.”

Some students (mostly members of the male sex) are extremely unconcerned about the the absence of the Franklin boys. Science teacher Earl Peters seems to be unaffected by this event that is life changing for many other students. His only thoughts on the issue were, “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

When witnessing the emotional trauma students were, and still are, experiencing, Senior Rio Crossen simply stated, “I think you guys are over-reacting.”

Yes, there may be some slight dramatization over the issue, but this year AIBT will be different.

There will be fewer girls screaming at the dunk competition (whether this is good or bad is up to you), but maybe this will lead us to focus more on basketball and less on hunky basketball players. Despite the good or bad things their absence brings this AIBT, the Franklin boys will always have a legacy at Arcata High and will be sorely missed.

The Pepperbox | Page 12

AIBT

Pre-game rituals CJ Gray

Opinion Editor

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Senior Tab “Love Machine” Heinz, has played Varsity Basketball and Soccer, and the dual sport combination has lead to some exotic pre-game rituals. On the morning of game day, he uses a Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose Hair Trimmer to make the inside of his nose as smooth as silk chocolate.

“I do it to increase the flow of oxygen,” said Heinz.

After school he goes home and hula hoops in his room while listening to Marvin Gaye. He then takes a power nap will cuddling his bearded dragon named “Bill Clinton”. After waking from his nap, he always sucks on a pack of necco wafers while he packs his bag. Then he’s ready to play.

“By the way, I do all of that in the nude,” said Heinz.

AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015 Senior Nathan Heidrick, or better known by his stage name “Hot $kull,” is the returning point guard for the Arcata Tigers basketball team. With a life split between rapping and playing basketball, Heidrick uses the same routine before basketball games that he does before his concerts in order to simplify his already hectic life. He starts his routine by putting on his Beats by Dre headphones and bumping “Ice Ice Baby.” He then puts on some of his own fire tracks. His favorites: “Tofu Lord” “Green Grass Cornrows” and “Hard in the Pants.” While listening to the dope beats Heidrick sips on his favorite drink.

“It’s my own special mixed drank. I combine two scoops of chocolate protein powder, 2 cups of cranberry juice, and 2 raw eggs. I call it a ‘Bloody Nae Nae’,” said Heidrick.

After downing his drank, Heidrick will put on his footwear for the night. Unlike concerts where Heidrick almost exclusively wears Gucci flip-flops, on the basketball court he wears custom Air Jordans signed by Riff Raff.

“Right before games I always tweet out my mixtape. Ya’ll should check it out m.soundcloud.com/HotSkull/ designated-knowledge-droppa”

Thomas Nelson working on his game in the library.

The Pepperbox | Page 13 Thomas “Camp3r_KING” Nelson’s basketball pre game ritual involves games of another nature. Nelson starts his ritual the night before a game with a Magic card tournament.

“My deck is so raw.

I always win.

Fricken noobs,” said Nelson.

After beating all the noobs, Nelson feeds his Tamagotcji and goes to sleep. In the morning Nelson pulls out his Nintendo DS that he keeps under his pillow and plays Pokémon Soul Silver. To fill time during the day leading up to game time Nelson carriers around a portable DVD player and watches Dragon Ball Z. “I even watch it in class. The teachers have no idea. Fricken noobs,” said Nelson.

Once his DVD player runs out of battery, Nelson breaks out his deck of Pokémon cards and searches the gym for someone to trade cards with, sometimes even getting in a battle or two. After playing his video and card games, Nelson puts everything away in a protective carrying case, except for his lucky Pikachu card that he keeps in his sock.

“I might not play well every night. We might not

Tab Heinz modeling his Men’s WarehouseForest Gump limited edition suit.

Jordan Chasescott checking his beautiful hair during class.

Senior Jordan “Sparks” Chasescott, is a 2nd year varsity player and has developed some interesting pre-game rituals. First, he rubs olive oil through his hair to maintain his luscious locks. Then he watches the first half of an episode of Dance Moms. He then sits down and drinks a 16 oz low-fat peppermint latte.

“I need my hair to be soft, and my lips to be sweet. That’s my secret to shooting 3’s the way I do,” said Chasescott.

After downing his cup of caffeinated goodness, he then rubs a pumice rock on his toes before putting on his socks and shoes. After lacing up, Chasescott finalizes his routine by spraying 1 spritz of Chanel fragrance on each wrist.

Sam Spinosa communicating with the spirit world.

Senior Sam “Zen Master” Spinosa is the most soulful member of the varsity basketball team. He doesn’t have much of pre-game ritual because he believes that “every moment is the same moment, and everyday is full of spirit, chakra, and hamsas. I don’t have a ritual because life is a ritual, and life needs to be zen.” Although Spinosa does not have a specific game day ritual, he does repeat certain aspects of his life. He frequently has mushroom soup with homegrown kale for breakfast and again for dinner.

“I enjoy spending my evenings organizing my rock garden and meditating,” said Spinosa.

Every night before Spinosa goes to sleep in his hand woven hemp hammock he throws a paper plane into the wind, with a poem about his hopes and dreams written on the inside. Despite not having a pre game ritual there is one thing Spinosa always does before games. He takes off his Birkenstocks and puts on his basketball shoes.

Self Portrait drawn by Hunter Santschi the day he made the team.

Nathan Heidrick flexin his grill in the crib.

Freshman Hunter Santschi is new to the world of high school basketball, so he continues the pre-game routine he has always had. Before he leaves for the gym, his mommy helps him put on his uniform and makes sure he eats a second dose of Flintstone gummy vitamins.

On the ride to the game he munches on animal crackers and sips from an apple juice box. Once at the gym he colors in his sesame street coloring book, being extra careful to not let his crayon marks go outside the lines.

“When I’m done coloring, my mommy helps me put on my shoes, making sure I put my feet in the right shoe. Then mommy ties my shoes like bunny ears,” said Santschi.

After his mom makes sure he is dressed all nice, Santschi kisses her goodbye, and he goes into the locker room to get wrapped in his blankie and listen to music. His favorite song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” After drinking some warm milk, Santschi is ready to play.

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AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Montgomery Vikings Montgomery High School Information: City: Santa Rosa Total Enrollment: 1627 Colors: Red, Grey, White League: North Bay Section: North Coast CIF Division: 2 Last year’s record: 21-12 Last year won AIBT: First year in AIBT

# 3 4 5 11 12 13 15 21 22 24 30 32 33 34

Name Lane Young Ryan Merriken Joel Seitz Mackenzie Volkmuth Evan Poulsen Abraham Rodriguez Austin McDonald Hayden Lee Maverick Bonnett Lorenzo Diaz Alex Soria Christian Davis Giancarlo DiLuce Riley O’Neil

Year Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.

Height 6-2 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-11 Coach: Zac Tiedeman 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-5

Red Bluff Spartans Red Bluff High School Information: City: Red Bluff Total Enrollment: 1400 Colors: Green, Vegas Gold League: Eastern League Section: North Coast CIF Division: 3 Last year’s record: 1412 Last year won AIBT: 2nd in 2006

# 3 4 5 20 21 23 24 32 33 34 44

Name Cameron Perdue Nero Dotson Eric Spencer Evan Tanner Wesley Clawson Sage McNeil Lane Pritchard Joey Knight Dawson Voth Noah Caylor Bryce Sinclair

Year Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Height 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-5

Coach: Pablo Vasquez

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

The Pepperbox | Page 15

AIBT

Eureka Loggers

Eureka High School Information: City: Eureka Total Enrollment: 1140 Colors: Red, Kelly Green League: Humboldt-Del Norte League Section: North Coast CIF Division: 3 Last year’s record: 6-18 Last year won AIBT: 2006

# 5 10 24 12 14 22 11 21 55 31 33 32 42 34

Name Javante Achane Jerome Gee T.Y. Latimer Mitch Jennings Tanner Bell Jake Pasquini Luis Pimentel Matt Meyer Cody Woodworth Cameron Garza Israel Tulmanau Trey Sundquist Malachi Pratton Aaron Thissel

Year Jr. Jr, Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

Coach: Jason Hodges

Hoopa Valley Warriors Hoopa Valley High School Information: City: Hoopa Total Enrollment: 243 Colors: Cardinal, White League: HumboldtDel Norte League Section: North Coast CIF Division: 5 Last year’s record: 9-17

Name: First Blake Stoney Shannon Gary Gary Nah-Tez Whikil Juan Ralph Damien Donald Ryan Clifford

Last Rossman McCoy Albers Juan III Baugh Jackson McCovey Trujilo Sorrell Trunkey Moore Reed Bailey

Coach: Floyd Billings

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AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

McKinleyville Panthers McKinleyville High School Information: City: McKinleyville Total Enrollment: 611 Colors: Red, Black League: Humboldt-Del Norte League Section: North Coast CIF Division: 4 Last year’s record: 17-13 Last year won AIBT: 2nd place in 2001

# 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 31 33 34 44

Name Keegan Barsuglia Mason Sand Sal Polee Daniel LaBelle Bryce Gomes Imya Tripp Devin Rowland Ryann Bauman Jonny Carlson Hayden Flevares Leo Ashford Morgan Myrick

Year Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Height 6-3 6-2 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-4 6-1 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-11

Coach: Sonny Tripp

Fortuna Huskies Fortuna High School Information: City: Fortuna Total Enrollment: 822 Colors: Royal Blue, White League: HumboldtDel Norte League Section: North Coast CIF Division: 4 Last year’s record: 18-9 Last year won AIBT: 2002

# 3 5 10 11 12 13 15 20 21 22 23 24

Name Jared Hugh Sam Betts Dylan Kepon Jimmy Garcia Eric Vilches Lane Sotomayor Tristen Bryant Cody Betts Jevin Kitchen Ryan Wiegman Robbie Yates Kokko Figuerido

Year Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Coach: Alex Rump

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AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Piner Prospectors

# 11 12 Piner High School In- 13 formation: 14 City: Santa Rosa 15 Total Enrollment: 928 20 Colors: Maroon, Gold 21 League: Sonoma 22 County 23 Section: North Coast 24 CIF Division: 3 25 Last year’s record: 30 20-7 31 Last year won AIBT: 33 2007

Arcata High School Infor,ation: City: Arcata Total Enrollment: 875 Colors: Orange, Black League: HumboldtDel Norte Section: North Coast CIF Division: 4 Last year’s record: 21-8 Last year won AIBT: 2013

# 5 12 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 32 34 42 44

Name Andres Barragan Ehab Dehmes Jace Foster Shalom Yohannes Fedi Falchi Scott Simpson Scott Erickson Thinh Ly Josh Delgado Jimmy Dao Brennan Carpenter Christian Gutierrez Pita Matasau Sean Terry

Grade Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr.

Height 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-4

Coach: Mike Erickson

Arcata Tigers Name Bryce Mateer Justin Furtado Sam Spinosa Blake Russell Bryce Sprague Duncan Albright Jordan Chasescott Tab Heinz Nathan Heidrick Thomas Nelson Owen Morehead CJ Gray Hunter Santsche

Year Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr.

Height 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-2

Coach: Ryan Bisio

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AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Former Arcata High tigers:

Alley Perry Editor in Chief

Latrell WIlson/PEPPERBOX

Latrell Wilson College: Cabrillo/Concordia Class of 2013 Shooting Guard/Point Guard Since graduating in 2013, former AHS shooting guard Latrell Wilson has had a lot of transitions to make. After AHS, Wilson attended Cabrillo to play for the Seahawks for 2 years, and recently he made the move up North to Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.

“The transition from Cabrillo to Concordia has been relatively smooth. Cabrillo prepared me very well for the next level both in terms of athletics and academics.”

Despite devoting a lot of his time to his team, Wilson keeps up on his academics and gradu-

ated from Cabrillo with high honors and a degree in Communication Studies. At Concordia, Wilson plans to Major in Business Administration with a minor in Sports Management, and has a solid plan for his future.

“I want to play basketball professionally overseas after I graduate from Concordia, and then become an athletic director or something involved with a sports management position after my playing days are over.”

There's a lot to miss about basketball at AHS, it’s hard to replace the camaraderie with the people that you’ve played with for the majority of your life.

“One thing I miss about high school are the fans at Arcata high school. There was nothing like playing in front of a packed gym with the best fans in the county.”

Since his Freshman year at Cabrillo, Wilson has displayed unyielding improvement and dedication.

“I've had very good experiences with college basketball so far.

We've only had one game at Concordia, but in our season opener I started and had a game-high of 22 points. I've spent a lot of time improving all aspects of my basketball game and I feel very confident going into this season.”

Wilson’s most memorable moment was one game where he scored a season high of 29 points, eight of which were 3 pointers giving Cabrillo an 11 point lead. A reporter from the Appeal Democrat likened his playing to Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry.

Wilson certainly doesn’t take his education for granted, and hopes the same for high school athletes.

“My biggest advice is to take academics very seriously, especially

if you are getting your school paid for with a scholarship. My Cabrillo coach would always tell us, ‘Your availability is just as important as your ability. You can't help a team if you are unable to play because of grades or an injury.’ “

HSU Sports Information/PEPPERBOX

Sophie Northern College: HSU Class of 2015 Shooting Guard/Point Guard For Sophie Northern, the transition from high school to college has been a smooth one, and staying local by going to HSU is a big part of if. Northern, a former AHS and Fortuna shooting guard, has already expanded her basketball abilities in college. Northern is playing more in the point guard position and loving every minute at HSU. “HSU basketball is the absolute greatest experience I have had to date. The coaches are amazing and my teammates are incredibly supportive, but also competitive.

Their competitiveness drives me to get better and pushes me outside of my comfort zone.”

There’s a lot about college basketball that could be out of an average high school players comfort zone, but Northern makes the adjustment look effortless.

Though she’s no longer the oldest and most experienced on the team, Northern still manages to display her talents on the court.

“My most memorable moment so far was when I got to play in my first game and I took a 3-point shot that was ridiculously long and drained it. It was a super big confidence booster and I could hear my team screaming for me and I knew right then that choosing HSU was the smartest decision of my life.”

HSU is a perfect fit for Northern, but playing basketball in college takes a lot more focus and discipline in all areas of study, and Northern has some advice for potential college athletes.

“Keep up on your school work.

Playing a sport in college takes up a lot of time and it is important you learn the skills to stay ahead.”

Despite the hard work that college basketball demands Northern has made great friends and memories on and off the court.

However, along with the fun moments comes the hard work and determination that got high school athletes, like Northern, to schools like HSU in the first place.

“Expectations skyrocket in college. In high school, we could make it by with not being fully engaged and still be able to play. Now, since everyone is just as good as the next, no focus means no playtime. Coaches expect 100% and nothing less.”

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

The Pepperbox | Page 19

AIBT

where they are now

Will Taylor/PEPPERBOX

Will Taylor College: HSU Class of 2013 Point Guard/Forward Not surprisingly, former AHS point guard Will Taylor describes Humboldt State University as an accepting place, and a great place to pursue his major of Biology, though he still maintains that Condit was the best Bio teacher he’s ever had. The fact that HSU is in his home town is just a bonus.

Since Graduating in 2013, Taylor has been enjoying his time playing for the HSU Lumberjacks, adjusting to the transition from high school to college basketball.

“It’s a lot more intense, you have to be ready to practice extremely hard and maintain focus over the entire practice time every single

day. A lot more is expected of you.”

Between adjusting to the changes of college basketball and adjusting to college itself, Lumberjack practices are no easy feat, but the hard work seems to be paying off.

“I’ve had a great experience with HSU basketball so far. I’ve learned a lot and know I’ve improved a lot as a basketball player.”

As an athlete growing up in Arcata, nowhere is our tight knit community more evident than on the basketball court.

The people Taylor grew up playing sports with are people who have become lifelong friends.

“I miss the people I played with and the camaraderie. It was special playing with friends you’ve known since you were little, all just trying to win. I also miss playing in front of the AHS sixth men and the Arcata crowd.”

However playing at the collegiate level has afforded Taylor some exciting opportunities.

“One of my best memories I’ve had is playing Chico State at home in front a sold out crowd. That’s a big rivalry for us and playing in that type of atmosphere was really cool.”

Playing college basketball takes a lot of hard work and focus, two things that Taylor is familiar wwith.

“My advice to high school athletes would be to not sell yourself short in the classroom.

Allow yourself to have the opportunity to play anywhere by getting good grades and being a good role model on campus.

Establishing good study habits now will be really beneficial later because the amount of schoolwork in college is really intense compared to high school.”

Lauren McCoy/PEPPERBOX

Lauren McCoy College: Westmont Class of 2014 Position: Forward/Post Between playing basketball for Westmont College, and majoring in Political Science, former Arcata High center Lauren McCoy has a lot on her plate.

Beside moving 9 ½ hours away from her home town, McCoy has had to adjust to the intense speed of collegiate basketball.

“The biggest difference is definitely the speed of the game. Everything happens so much faster.

People have a quicker release, they get up the court, and just go.”

According to McCoy, college basketball focuses a lot more on the mental aspect of the game.

“Sometimes it feels like we know our opponents plays better than they do! It’s pretty cool to be able to put together all the pieces of the puzzle beyond the physical

aspects and being taught more of the mental side of the sport.”

Westmont has been a good fit for McCoy, she maintains that she has met a lot of caring people from her coaches to her professors, and it has been a great place to improve her basketball prowess.

“It has been a challenge, but in the best way. I had a really great freshman year with basketball and school! I have also grown so much on the court, and off the court because of what I have experienced with the team.”

As a former ASB President McCoy has always strived for excellence in both athletics and academics.

“I kind of knew I wanted to study political science even when I was in high school, and I have definitely found that to still be my passion. Right now I am considering law school after Westmont,” McCoy has made plenty of memories at at Westmont, playing her familiar position of forward, but also expanding her skillset to play post.

“During our time at the National NAIA Tournament last year we won a game in triple overtime to go to the final four.

It felt like the longest game, but was so incredibly exciting, and the when we finally won the emotions that were felt by everyone on the team were insane.”

Not surprisingly, college classes and practices are a lot of work, and they require McCoy’s full dedication and focus.

“Don’t take for granted your free time. You might think that you are busy and have a full schedule, but once you get into college athletics you need to be ready to devote yourself even more seriously to your sport.”

The Pepperbox | Page 20

AIBT

Is it wise to specialize? in the NFL so why would anyone choose to stick to one sport Kellen O’Neill when in all likelihood this is Copy Editor their last chance to play in a official league? Hall of Fame NFL n the past, the mark of a truly coach Bill Walsh agreed that great athlete in high school specialization is not a good idea. is one who would letter in "The biggest mistake is to shut three or more sports. These down everything else completepeople participated in these ly because you want to focus on sports because they enjoyed being a quarterback. These kids them, not because they were think more is better,” Walsh said, pursuing a dream of continuing “don't mistake activity for proto play sports at higher levels. ductivity. More practice doesn't When not playing organized always mean more success." sports, instead of spending their Due to the rise in specializafree time with traveling teams tion in high school, the Nathey had pick up games at the tional Center For Biotechnical local park. So when did play- Research decided to conduct ing one sport year round be- a survey on the effects it had come normal, and why do ath- on students. They came to the letes think this is a good idea? conclusion that, “Some degree Specialization is a term refer- of sports specialization is necring to an athlete or scholar de- essary to develop elite-level voting time to a single subject in skill development. However, order to be renowned for that for most sports, such intense one thing. However, this article training in a single sport to is not about restaurants special- the exclusion of others should izing in burgers or a graduate be delayed until late adolesstudent specializing in a field cence to optimize success while of study, it is about high school minimizing injury, psychoathletes specializing in orga- logical stress, and burnout.” nized sports. Most of these stuHigh school sports are supdents choose to specialize their posed to be fun so why are talents because they think the studies showing an increase in only way to achieve elite status burnout and other physiologineeded to attract collegiate at- cal stress? Dr. Tim Kremchek, tention is to participate in only the Cincinnati Reds medical their chosen sport. On the con- director and chief orthopaetrary, most studies on special- dic surgeon, has noticed this ization show that this is simply change in overuse and burnnot true. According to a survey out over the last ten years, “It

by ESPN, nearly 70 percent of used to be kids couldn’t wait quarterbacks in the NFL played to play – now all of a sudden three or more sports in high they can’t wait for it to be over. school. Also only 6.5 percent of They want a break.” Despite all high school football players play of these figures the number of in college and 0.8 percent play single sport athletes at the high

I

school level continue to rise, so there must be some reason for it, right? Who hasn't heard the saying that if you put ten thousand hours into something that you are bound to be successful?

Some high schoolers are in between. Junior Thomas Nelson, who focuses on basketball, says that he doesn't really care about the elite status, basketball is just his favorite sport. As an explanation on why he trains most of the year for a single sport Nelson responds, “I just don't want to suck.” Other students, like senior Turner Trapkus, do want to play in higher levels at the sport they are specializing in, but that is not necessarily the only reason. “Track is the only sport I really care about,” Trapkus said. While Thomas as well as Turner play only one sport, they both seem to be motivated by the love of their sport rather than achieving elite status. But are students recommending others to specialize?

“If it is the sport that they love then yes, but if that is not what makes them happy, then no,” Trapkus said.

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

Another issue of specialization in high school sports is that certain sport programs are being denied great athletes that would normally participate in that sport. Especially in a school as small as Arcata High, students need to participate in every sport they can in order to remain strong in all of the sports programs.

How is Arcata supposed to expect a great football program if nobody on the basketball team will play for them? Some schools may be renowned for a single sport but being a strong contender in all of the high school sports programs always looks better for a high school's extracurricular reputation.

For better or for worse, the fact is that specialization in high school sports is on the rise. Pick-up games have transcended into off season workouts, and the three sport superstar has been replaced by the one sport elitist. Maybe it is just a passing trend, or maybe it is here to stay. Whatever the reason, specialization has become a reality of our time.

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

AIBT

The Pepperbox | Page 21

WAIBT: a tradition in the making Terra Clarke Editor-in-Chief

L

ast weekend Arcata High girls Varsity team were in the championship game of WAIBT against Liberty high school, but by the number of fans sitting in the Sixth Man section of the gym no one would’ve suspected the importance of the game. There was a scattering of orange t-shirts and supportive family members. The screams of about two high school students were the only ones that could be heard over the muted claps of the rest of the crowd.

Despite a hard fought game, the girls fell to Liberty in a grueling game. The question is does this have anything to do with the crowd?

Senior Nyah Guynup accredits the lack of fans to a lack of advertising. “If we told more people about it more people might come.” Guynup does have a point, last weekend’s tournament was not advertised in the bulletin and there was almost no discussion about it on campus. Many people had no idea it was happening. Despite this lack of advertising, other team members are confident that this year the fan support will be even better once the season gets started. “We’ve done really well the last couple years, so I think there will be more support.” junior Eva Abrey said, “We will have more fans, I just have a feeling.”

Another limiting factor lead-

Terra Clarke/PEPPERBOX

The Arcata Varsity girl’s basketball team cheers before coming on to the court during the championship game of WAIBT. ing to the lack of fans at WAIBT this year may have been the scheduling conflict with the boys basketball tournament in McKinleyville. This unfortunate conflict made it difficult for fans to support both team, since they don’t have the ability to be two places at once. “It’s only our second year having AIBT,” Guynup said, “so I think it’s just going to get better as the years go on.”

WAIBT was just the first of many girls basketball games and the team is hopeful for the rest of the season and having plenty of orange and black in the stands. As Abrey so eloquently put, “This year it’s not girls basketball and boys basketball it’s just Arcata basketball.”

The Pepperbox | Page 22

AIBT

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

AHS speaks out about AIBT “The only reason girls go to the games is to watch the hotties with the bodies.” -Anonymous

“Looking forward to the team winning.” -Karin Finney

“The sixth man are gonna go all out and show these out-oftowners why Arcata High has the best team and crowd in the HDN.” -Khari Jorgenson

“AIBT is an example of another great high school event that brings members of Arcata High together.”

-Dylan Diemer

“I’m still not even sure what AIBT is.” - Madeleine Easthouse

“Cheering for the ballin’ swag of the AHS basketball team.” -Kyrin Cossolotto “Honestly, getting to watch all the hot out-of-town boys play basketball” -Jessie Sloss

“Seeing Kyri in her cheerleading costume.” -Roland Carter “To see my boy Tree go 100% in the 3 point contest.” - Collin Townsend