Students and staff may experience conflict throughout the school day. There will always be something a student could argue about to a teacher, whether it’s regarding sports or grades. The teachers, being adults, usually gain the upper hand. However, the students had a chance to take their revenge through the student versus staff basketball event on March 20th. The students had the lead for the bulk of the game and pulled through with an 85-83 win.
An early rivalry was formed between the teams. Students were scared to face some of their teachers, especially the staff star player, Marshall but the students had some big names of their own. Senior Jake Silverman said he had confidence in the students. “It should be a high-energy event. Staff may have Mr. Marshall but we got Taj,” Silverman said.
For the winner of the competition, sophomore Megan Lomotan strongly favored the sophomore class. Lomotan’s opinion was supported by students, but teachers had other beliefs. Physical education teacher James Long opposed Lomotan’s notion and debated his idea. Long predicted the teachers would win this match-up in a superior fashion. “I’ve never been more excited. My three favorite days are: 3. Birth of my children, 2. My wedding day, 1. March 20,” Long said.
Members of both basketball teams played in the game, including varsity girls’ basketball player Lomotan. Lomotan enjoyed her past varsity season but was looking forward to this event especially. She was excited leading up to it and even had some words for the opposition. “If Ms. Dyer is playing I want to cross her up,” Lomotan said.
The juniors started off the match strong, giving the students a 14-4 lead to end the first quarter. The game was composed of four 14-minute quarters – one for each grade – with the student teams switching halfway through and the staff team subbing in randomly. Junior Argil Bilegsaikhan led the juniors’ A team with a whopping 10 points. In the second half of the first quarter, the teachers went on a great run, claiming a 19-17 lead. In the next quarter, it was the seniors’ A team who came in clutch and retook the lead, making the score 33-25, students. Senior Taj Smith had nice throw-down dunks, but athletic director Alton Lightsey hit a buzzer-beater to shorten the lead. Despite the efforts of the staff, in the first half with the juniors and seniors, the students won the clash.
Junior class president Noah Friedman noticed that there has been a recent absence in spirit around the school due to the change between sports seasons. Friedman and Splanning focused on providing the students with an event to generate the excitement they lacked. Silverman also was instrumental in passing the proposal for the game. “It was an enjoyable experience and a new tradition, which will be fun to carry on” Silverman said.
The day of the game was an SAT day for the school, and that could be stressful for the students taking the test. Splanning had already thought of this and had planned the basketball event to combat the lingering stress. “The game was scheduled at this time so it could relieve students at the end of a hard day,” Silverman said.
