Students dunk on faculty

Senior Akhil Penkala pushes the ball up the lsft side of the court.

BY KAYLEE WEINGARTEN
On January 27, the Black Student Union hosted the first Faculty vs. Student basketball tournament. Students gathered in the gym to watch this tournament and see how the teachers performed.

The tournament started with eight teams of students facing each other to decide who would play against the teachers. “My friends and I saw it as a chance to have some fun and win it,” said Carter Willy. “Considering we all had prior experience playing competitively, it sounded like a good idea.”

Senior Ryan Hodo measures up the defense before making a move.

With each round, the losing teams got eliminated and the rest advanced. “We walked into the game thinking we stood no chance,” said Daniel Duran, one of the coaches.
Most teams spent time practicing before the event. “I prepared by making sure to stretch a lot and take lots of warmup shots to make sure I would be able to play my best,” said senior Troy Markle.

Other, more confident players did not. “Some people on our team went to a basketball court to practice, but I didn’t prepare for anything,” said Willy.
The lucky team that moved forward to play the teachers included Daniel Duran, Troy Markle, Carter Willy, Adrien Marke, Anthony Pizzulli, and Ethan Manbodhe. “The feeling was surreal,” said Duran.

Senior Jaxon Schwartz eyes the rim from the top of the key and considers putting up a three point shot.

The faculty team included some notable staff members, such as Dr. Vincent Sasso, varsity girls basketball coach Alspach, and Vice Principal Richard Masarik. While they put up a good fight, the students came out on top. With a score of 16-11. “The faculty definitely deserved the win, and we felt as if they had more experience than us,” said Duran about the team’s victory. “The ending even took us by surprise, and we will always look back at the amazing game.”

This event brought the school community together. “Hopefully the next BSU board can continue the game,” said BSU President Stephen Davies. “I would love for it to be an annual event.”

Junior Ryan Werner drives past his opponent to get in the lane.
Senior Kai Hagan scans the court, preparing to make a move.
Senior John Smith uses his crossover to try to get open.
Junior Nicholas Agostino faces off with his opponent before making a move.
Senior David Moreano shields the ball with his body whole trying to drive past his opponents.