With this being my final article for The Yellow Jacket, it only seems right if I write a nice, long article full of predictions and thoughts that run through my head about the upcoming football season.  Unfortunately for the reader, that is not the case.  My time is finished here at North Augusta High School, and I’m here to write my final statement.

North Augusta High School has definitely been an experience.  People might tweet or update their Facebook status about how much they dislike the school, the teachers, or the people here.  I’m not going to lie and say I’m not guilty of being fed up once or twice…or many times.  The truth is if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t of picked any other place to grow up than North Augusta.

Mr. Emerling has been an absolute amazing teacher and mentor through the years, and I thank him so much for asking me to join the staff back when I was a sophomore.  I also thank him for putting up with me and my country music.

There’s one good story I have to post on here before I’m all finished.  Two years ago, I had English 3 with Mr. Emerling during 7th period, and my friend Andrew Smith had the same class during 5th period.  We would always meet in the bathroom before 7th period and he would tell me something that would happen in class.  I would go in class, say something about what we were going to do that day, and Mr. Emerling would think I was a genius.  The best case of this is when Mr. Emerling asked us to write a journal of what we thought we would study next.  We had studied the Puritans and Deism previously, for example.  We were going to study Realism next, and of course I knew this because of Andrew Smith.  Mr. Emerling asked the class, “What’s next?”  I responded, “Realism.”  With the most impressed expression on his face, Mr. Emerling came back with “Well, yes, that’s exactly it.  How did you know that?”  All I had to say was, “It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

I guess that’s it.

Sport
Lady Jackets’ Soccer

Position
Forward

This past football season, Jacket running back Vinny Miller became a hot topic across the state.  Miller rushed for over 2,700 yards and scored over 40 touchdowns, breaking many records (and ankles) along the way.  The superstar back displayed more speed, elusiveness, and creativity on the field than North Augusta had seen in years.  It turns out Vinny Miller isn’t the only speed demon North Augusta has to offer.

Sophomore soccer phenom Taylor Hurst is known for running up and down the football field during December, putting up unbelievable numbers during the Powderpuff championships.  It’s not Powderpuff anymore, and instead of rushing for flag-football touchdowns, our featured athlete is tearing up the net this soccer season.

Hurst earned all-region honors as a freshman last year, something that is rarely accomplished.  She is on track to repeat that honor, due to her 9 assists and 12 goals scored during the regular season.  Many colleges are also taking notice at the talented sophomore.  Before she joins Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, and the rest of the U.S. Women’s soccer team, she decided to answer a few questions for The Yellow Jacket.

Q: What age did you begin playing soccer?
A: I started playing at four years old.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to begin taking the sport seriously and competitively?
A: At ten years old, I started taking it seriously. That’s when I joined my first travel team.

Q: How did you handle being a star varsity player as a freshman?
A: I just played my game and didn’t ever consider age to be a factor.

Q: Do you feel that due to your talent and experience you will take a stronger leadership role next year as a junior?
A: Yes, especially with seniors like Arianna Pierner leaving. I will need to step up.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge this season, and what has been the team’s biggest challenge?
A: My biggest challenge this season was adjusting to the new team. I haven’t had much experience playing with all these girls together until this season. The team’s biggest challenge was figuring out how to work together since this was the first time most of us have ever played together.

Q: Who has been the team’s best opponent this season?
A: Lexington was really good, but we could have put up a better fight. I’d like another chance against them.

Q: Which game did the team perform best?
A: We played really well against Greenbrier. Everyone had a great game.

Q: How do you prepare yourself for a game mentally?
A: I just chill out and listen to music.

Q: How do you mentally get yourself past a bad game and bounce back?
A: I just remind myself that losing is a part of the game, you’ve just got to accept the loss and move on. It’s motivation to get better and play your best the next game.

Q: What preparations do you take outside of practice?
A: I go to the gym a good bit, and I like to run through my neighborhood. Staying conditioned is really important since we run so much in soccer.

Q: How much of your schedule does soccer take up?
A: On average, I’m playing soccer every day of the week and just about every other weekend. It’s all I really do.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about soccer?
A: I’m a very competitive person and I love to compete, so I enjoy the competitive atmosphere soccer creates.  I’ve also made some of my best friends while playing.

Q: Now our last and required question from the TYJ staff, Mac or PC?
A: I have an iPhone, but I don’t really care to be honest.

The Lady Jackets finished their regular season with a 10-9-2 record, including a 5-5 record in the region.  TYJ wishes Taylor Hurst and the Lady Jackets the best of luck during their playoff run.

The Lady Jackets entered the playoffs with an impressive 21-3 record, including a 9-1 record in the region.  Thursday night, Fort Dorchester came down to Riverview Park and took a 1-0 loss to give North Augusta a 1-0 start in the playoffs.  Senior pitcher Sydney Seigler was lights out and the squad played perfect defense as usual.

Saturday, the Lady Jackets traveled to Wando.  Unfortunately, the team took a loss on the road. Seigler quoted after the game, “We played very good defensively but not so good at the plate. We have to do better hitting and making adjustments to win state.” Due to the loss, North Augusta cannot afford to lose again in the playoffs.

Back at home Monday, Fort Dorchester returned to Riverview Park. It was a long ride home for the Patriots because the Lady Jackets looked like they were playing for the Olympic gold medal.  Sydney Seigler pitched a shutout, and led the team to a 10-0 victory.  Seigler also hit a bomb over the fence that assured Fort Dorchester they didn’t have a chance.  Senior Katie Shreve and sophomore Kaleigh Busbee also hit the ball very well for the Jackets.

Wednesday night, Coach Quinn takes the team back down to Charleston to face Wando.  The Lady Jackets must beat Wando twice to keep advancing in the playoffs.  Expect the atmosphere to be intense and the scoreboard to be on fire as North Augusta continues their quest for the state championship.

 *Due to the shortened season there was just a one day break between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.  Because of this, many predictions were slightly altered following this weekend’s games.

Eastern Conference Round 1

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers

One of the biggest variables in this year’s playoffs is the health of Derrick Rose.  Last year’s MVP has missed nearly half the season for the Bulls.  Though Rose is still not playing at full strength, the rest of his team definitely is (despite injuries the Bulls still hold the best record in the East).  This playoff series is the perfect opportunity for Derrick Rose to get back to his full potential.  Chicago’s overwhelming defense will prove too much to handle for a floundering 76ers team. Chicago wins the series in a sweep.

After Game 1: Derrick Rose’s injury in game 1 dramatically alters the Bulls’ playoff chances.  They will still win this round but it could potentially go to 5 or 6 games.

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 New York Knicks

One of the biggest surprises of this year’s season is definitely the New York Knicks.  After their roller coaster of a season, Linsanity and the resigning of Coach Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks finished the season strong despite a disappointing 18-24 start.  Carmelo Anthony is playing better than ever and the Knicks look ready to seriously contend in the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.  Unfortunately, no one told that to LeBron James and the rest of the Miami Heat.  The Heat are hungry for a championship and the Knicks aren’t going to stop them.  The Knicks may win their first playoff game in over a decade but there is no way they win the series.  Miami wins the series in five.

After Game 1: Game 1 in Miami was a disaster for the Knicks. To make matters worse, the Knicks lost Rookie Iman Shumpert to a torn ACL.  If they manage to pull off a win it will have to be at Madison Square Garden.  They stand no chance at winning a game in Miami.  A sweep seems far more likely.

No. 3 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 6 Orlando Magic

No team was more surprising this year than the Indiana Pacers.  This young team has come out of nowhere to earn the number three spot in the Eastern Conference.  They play excellent team basketball and have several capable scorers.  Their only serious weakness is a lack of experience.  The Orlando Magic would be given a run for their money with Dwight Howard on the court.  Without him the Magic will get wrecked every single night.  Indiana wins the series in a sweep.

After Game 1: A traveling turnover by Danny Granger led to an Orlando win in the first game of the series.  I stand corrected.  Still, I think the Pacers take this series in six.

No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks

As a Hawks fan, this entry was by far the hardest to write.  Even with absence of Al Horford, the Hawks have put together a very strong season led by Josh Smith who’s having the best season of his career.  That being said, the Celtics are just too experienced to lose to the Hawks in a seven game series.  Despite a slow start, the Celtics had one of the best records after the All-Star Game and often perform even better in the playoffs.  The Hawks will put up a strong fight but lose in the end.  Boston wins the series in six.

After Game 1: After a surprising win by the Hawks in game one and the Rondo suspension, suddenly the Hawks chances look a lot better.  Still, I’ve seen enough of the Hawks in the regular season to know how inconsistent they are.  I’ll still say that Boston takes the series in seven games.

Eastern Conference Round 2

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 4 Boston Celtics

Before the Derrick Rose injury I would have had the Bulls winning this series easily.  With last year’s MVP out for the season, this series could go in a different direction entirely.  The Bulls team may have done well without Rose during the regular season but the Celtics won’t have many more shots at a championship and will be playing their hearts out.  Still, this is the same injury plagued Bulls team that earned the number one seed in the East and tied for the best record in the NBA.  I wouldn’t count them out.  Chicago wins the series in seven. 

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers

While the Pacers may have surprised everyone this year and come out of nowhere to nab the third seed, the Heat are just unstoppable.  There’s a reason that Miami made it to the finals last year.  LeBron is playing better than ever and the Pacers aren’t going to stand in the way of the Heat making another Finals appearance.  The big three will be well-rested after quickly ending their series against the Knicks and the Pacers won’t stand a chance.  Miami wins the series in a sweep.

Eastern Conference Finals

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 2 Miami Heat

With Rose the Bulls would definitely have their work cut out for them.  Without Rose they stand no chance against LeBron James and rest of the Heat.  No team will stand between the Heat and another finals appearance.  Not the Bulls.  Not the Celtics.  Not the Hawks.  The Heat are simply too good. Miami wins the series in five.  

Western Conference Round 1
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz

During this shortened season, the Spurs showed to everyone that age is nothing but a number. This well-seasoned veteran team has found themselves securing the No. 1 seed with a league tying best record of 50-16 (shared with the Chicago Bulls). They find themselves pitted against the Jazz in the first round. The Jazz have been an incredible scoring team having the 4^th best scoring offense in the league but it’s their defense that has held them back and will ultimately cost them. With the Spurs having one of the top scoring offenses and the Jazz having one of the worst defenses in the league, the Spurs will find themselves coasting into the second round. Spurs in 4.

No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

This matchup is the one that mostly everyone will have their eyes on. The Thunder has been nothing short of impressive this year. Their dominance at home is a big part of it posting a 26-7 record at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook has been tearing up defenses all season long. This young team will be put to the test from the get go in the first round against the defending champions Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs have been playing “good enough” ball, just as they did last year. They don’t post triple-digit scores each game or blow out opponents by 30+ but they get the win when it matters. Picking this series is the toughest of them all to choose. The Thunder has probably the best offense in the league but the Mavs are extremely clutch when the time counts. In the end, Westbrook’s terrible shot selections will end up costing the Thunder some close wins and ultimately the series. Mavs in 7.

No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Denver Nuggets

The Lakers find their way back into the playoffs this year after winning their fifth straight division title. The Lakers have had their ups and downs this season whether it was the horrid coaching of Mike Brown or the multiple ejections of Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest (Metta World Peace), they were able to pull themselves together with the leadership of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol and muscle to a 3 seed in the playoffs. They will be up against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets has been the most productive offense in the NBA this year leading the league in points per game and assist. On the down side they’ve had the second worst defense in the league giving up 101 points per game. The Lakers should breeze through the first round due to the weak defense of the Nuggets. Lakers in 4.

No. 4 Memphis Grizzlies vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers

The Grizzlies make it back to the playoffs after coming so close to having a shot at the finals last season. The Grizzlies have relied heavy on their defense which their offense producing low numbers this season. They have also posted an impressive 26-7 home record. They will need every advantage as they’ll have a tough task against the Clippers. Lob city has become the new name for the Clippers this season with new acquisition Chris Paul joining the lineup coupled with Blake Griffin. The Clippers have been average on both sides of the court stat wise being ranked 14^th and 13^th in scoring offense and defense, respectively. The Grizzlies will get some help with their defense but in the end the Clippers will prevail and move on to the next round. Clippers in 6.

Western Conference Round 2

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers

In this matchup the Spurs will need to rely heavy on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan to put the lockdown on Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. This series will also come down to how each team performs in the post with both teams being heavy set and aggressive in the paint. The Clippers will put up a fight but the Spurs will win the series and head to the Western Conference Finals. Spurs in 6.

No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

It breaks my heart to do this but this rematch of last year’s playoff series will not be any different from the previous year. Although the Lakers handled the Mavs in the regular season, I don’t see the Lakers beating them the second time around especially with the momentum that the Mavs will have leading into this series after upsetting the Thunder. The Lakers will actually win some games but the Mavs will win the series. Mavs in 6.

Western Conference Finals

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

This matchup will be a great one to watch. Both teams are very experienced and each team has what it takes to win an NBA Championship. These teams split the regular season series 2 games apiece with each team winning at their respective home arenas. The two teams will go back and forth throughout the series with each team winning at their home arenas, but thanks to home court advantage, the Spurs will win the series and move on to the NBA Finals. Spurs in 7.

NBA Finals

San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat (Cody’s Pick)

Though I favor the Thunder coming out of the West, Jerryd picked the Spurs (a respectable choice) so that’s the matchup I will be talking about.  As well as the Spurs did during the regular season (tied the Bulls for the best record) I think that this is finally LeBron’s year to win a championship.  The Spurs are an excellent and incredibly deep team but much of their success was a product of unbelievable coaching.  Pop did a fantastic job of keeping his players rested, confident and successful.  However, the team is just too old.  I just don’t think the Spurs can keep up with the younger, healthier Heat squad for a full series.  Unless LeBron decides to bail out of the playoffs again this year, the Heat will win the chip. Miami wins the series in 7.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat (Jerryd’s Pick)

These teams will have a strong fight for the NBA Championship. The teams only met once in the regular season and the Heat took the win in Miami, but dating back to last season, the Spurs took the win at home. Both teams hold down their home courts with plenty of strength each holding a 28-5 record at home. Ultimately it’ll come down to the clutch performance of the overall teams. The Spurs have proven time after time that they have what it takes to win an NBA Championship and LeBron has something to prove to himself after the disappointing end of last season. At the end of last year James said “the man upstairs knows when it’s my time” and to me this year isn’t the time. The lack of clutch performances and finishing in the fourth quarter will hurt the Heat big time. With this coupled along with the Spurs having home court advantage, and considering that the fact that each year the Spurs won the conference championship they would go on to win the Title,  the Spurs will take home their 5^th NBA title in 15 years. Spurs in 7.

Regular Season Awards (Cody’s Picks)

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James

As much as I love Kevin Durant, this year’s regular season is undoubtedly LeBron James.  Sure, the Heat may not have the best record in the league. LeBron may have not won the scoring title.  But you cannot ignore the impact he has had for the Heat.  He led his team in points, rebounds, steals ANDassists all while shooting over 50% from the field.

Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler

Because of all of the drama regarding Stan Van Gundy, a season ending injury and voter fatigue, this is the first time in 3 years that Dwight Howard is not a shoo-in for DPOY.  There are several players that made a case for the award but my favorite is New York Knick Tyson Chandler.  Serge Ibaka’s 3.65 blocks per game is impressive but without Tyson Chandler’s defensive presence, the Knicks completely fall apart.

Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving

For a kid that played just 11 games in his time with Duke University, Kyrie Irving sure knows how to lead a team.  After being selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving proved that he can be the new face of the franchise.  Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio also deserves a mention despite being sidelined with a major injury.  Watch out for both of them in the future.

Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden

Could this even be anyone else?  No one this year has come close to his efficiency or production off the bench.  He can create turnovers on the defensive end, draw fouls and provide a scoring spark off the bench.  He can effectively play at small forward, shooting guard or point His versatility and explosiveness make him the most valuable sixth man in the league.  Also, have you seen his beard?

Most Improved:  Andrew Bynum

A case could easily be made for Jeremy Lin to win this award.  How often does a D-leaguer spark a global phenomenon and lead a team to its largest winning streak of the season.  It’s like a story straight out of the movies.  Unfortunately, a torn meniscus put a screeching halt to Linsanity and he simply didn’t play enough games to deserve the award.  Bynum has improved from a decent option for starting center to a perennial all-star and the consensus 2^nd best center in the league after Dwight Howard.  His numbers have improved across the board and he is the future face of the Lakers.

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau

Last year’s coach of the year has arguably done an even better job this year.  Despite being plagued with injuries (Rose missed 27 games, Deng missed 12, Hamilton missed 38), the Bulls took the number 1 seed in the East and tied for the best record in the league.  Many teams would give up with the absence of their superstar but the Bulls stepped up to fill the void left by last year’s MVP.

Beard of the Year: James Harden

Seriously.

Regular Season Awards (Jerryd’s Picks)

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has showed himself to be an elite basketball player in the NBA this year. While winning the scoring title with an average of 28.0PPGand having a modest 8.0 RPG, Durant has proven himself to be a great leader on the court for the Thunder. He has shown great maturity on the basketball court as a potent scorer and a clutch performer when the time comes partly due to his 49.6% FG pct. Add along the leadership factor that he has acquired for the Thunder I say Durant deserves the MVP award this year.

Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka

When it comes to defense, Serge Ibaka has been absolutely scary to go up against anywhere near the paint. He has dominated the block category all up and down the board this year leading the league in blocks per game, total blocks and blocks per 48 minutes. Besides having more blocks than a school server, Ibaka’s overall presence in the paint plays a psychological aspect to players around the league. Have you seen how this guy looks? EvenKobewas scared to drive the lane against him in their matchup. That large 6’10” stature is nothing to play around with. He has played a giant defensive role in getting the Thunder as far as they’ve gotten this year and the DPOY award should go to him.

Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving

With the NBA being plagued with injuries this year, the long awaited rookie season of Ricky Rubio was cut short this season with an ACL injury. Regardless Kyrie Irving has shown great potential for the Cavaliers in the upcoming years. While averaging 18.5PPG, Irving was able to lead his team to some of the few wins that they had this year.Irving’s consistency and ability to lead a team will ultimately give him theROYaward this season.

Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden

Is there really another option for this award? Harden has been a dominant force for the Thunder off the bench, a lot of it is due to his beard. Averaging 16.8PPG, Harden provides that extra offensive spark for the Thunder while resting starters. What really makes Harden a great bench player is that he is able to hit 3 pointers like a guard, but also has the size and power of a forward with his 6’5” stature. Harden is able to keep the Thunder in the game while starters Durant or Westbrook may be on the bench resting which makes him perfect for this honor.

Most Improved: Andrew Bynum

Faced with many injury problems in his past years, Bynum finally had his breakout season that everyone has been expecting for a while. His production levels skyrocketed and his role on the court for the Lakers grew immensely. Bynum stepped up his game this season with his point per game average jumping up to 18.7 from last year’s 11.3. His rebounds per game also went up from 9.4 to 11.8 this season. His seven foot presence on the court has added another much-needed big body to the inside game for the Lakers, adding on to Pau Gasol. Bynum has been compared to Shaquille O’Neal by many people and with Bynum playing the way he is now, he could fulfill that destiny within a few years.

Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks

The Thunder has been tearing up teams throughout the whole season. Many say it’s thanks to the electric offense and the strong roar of the home crowd, but it’s largely due to the great coaching skill by Brooks. The Thunder is a very young and inexperienced team and it takes a strong coach to create chemistry between the players to work together as a team and win games during the season. Brooks is able to piece together this group of talented individuals to create a dominating team that has great title potential. Because of that, Brooks greatly deserves credit for getting the Thunder this far.

Clutch Player of the Year: Kobe Bryant

The Mamba is lethal in the clutch.

Ok.  We’re done.  You might disagree with some of our picks but we really don’t care.  You probably don’t write for a school news publication like we do.  Plus we’re ESPN we can write what we want. Cheers.

The home of the tennis team is the Riverview Park tennis complex, where the Jackets will play 6 of their 11 regular-season matches. Each match is composed of six competitions, also called matches. The top five seeds play singles, and the sixth and seventh seeds play doubles together. If the two teams split the matches 3-3, a doubles match tiebreaker is played, usually with the top two players as partners. Each individual match is best-of-three sets, with a ten-point tiebreaker serving as the third set should the opponents split sets (where each wins one). If you’re actually interested in unraveling the deeper mysteries of tennis scoring, check out this article.

The Jackets began practicing for the 2012 season at the end of January. Much of this first month of practice was dedicated to setting the team ladder. The ladder determines who gets to play in matches, with the top seven seeds being analogous to the “starters” in team sports. The preseason starting ladder for the 2012 season is as follows: 1. Hampton Williams-junior; 2. Blake Elam-7th grader at NAMS; 3. Will Harris-senior; 4. John Michael Baldy-sophomore; 5. Evan Pope-junior; 6. Matt Berry-junior; 7. Joey Baldwin-junior. There are thirteen guys on the tennis team this year, and members ranked outside the top seven are given opportunities to “challenge-up” and gain a playing spot. The players in spots 8 and 9, currently Glenn Barnes-junior and Ricky Baldwin-junior, respectively, are often given chances to play exhibition matches with players from other teams as a chance to showcase their skills and get some playing time. On the upcoming season, Hampton Williams said, “I’m excited, and I hope we’ll make playoffs this year. We lost our #1 last year but I think we’ve still got a solid group on the top of our ladder.”

For the 2012 season, the Jackets have a new head coach: Mrs. Stephanie Ramey. Mrs. Ramey, NAHS business teacher and FBLA sponsor, has coached the girls’ tennis team since 2010. When former head coach Mrs. Emily Strickland moved to Greenville last summer, Mrs. Ramey stepped up to coach the boys’ team as well. Of the team, Coach Ramey said, “The tennis team is on the right track to qualify for region play, and it has been over ten years since the boys qualified for this honor. 2012 is their year!” Also integral to the team’s success is coach Chris Tully. Coach Chris is the teaching pro for Riverview Park and organizes several adult teams in the area. He has volunteered his time to work with both the boys’ and girls’ teams since 2008. Coach Chris, who has given lessons and clinics to most of the players for several years, says that “the boys are maturing and filling out. Their shots have more pace and they are starting to put together points with some strategy.” As one of Coach Chris’s students, I consider that high praise from the “old” man who can still wipe the court with me.

The Jackets played their first match on March 8th against Lexington High School. We played hard but suffered a loss to a program that has been in the state finals eight of the last nine years. Despite the loss, it was still a good match for the Jackets, and we will look to learn from it through the rest of our season. The squad faces three matches next week: at White Knoll on Tuesday and at home against Barnwell and South Aiken on Wednesday and Thursday. If you get a chance, come on out and watch some tennis. North Augusta has a good team this year and we’d love to have you along for the ride.

Junior Hampton Williams shows off his forehand--and his game face. Photo Credit: Bill Bengston- The Star

Football is no longer the only sport that the North Augusta High School Yellow Jackets are known for.  The softball team pushed themselves into the spotlight by achieving the rank of number two in the state last year.  It started off with a loss in the playoffs to Ridge View.  Then, the ladies’ found their groove and bounced back with six wins in a row, thanks to the clutch hitting of Taylor Wilson, a graduated senior, and also the pitching of Sydney Seigler, taking them to the state championship against J.L. Mann.  The key to the Lady Jackets’ success was not one or two players, but their team chemistry.  They really meshed well in the playoffs and took advantage of clutch situations to get them to the state championship.  Unfortunately, J.L. Mann took the championship from the Lady Jackets with two consecutive victories.  Despite this loss, the Lady Jackets put themselves on the map as one of the top teams in the state and are now in the running for the state championship this year.

The first practice took place on January 30^th at a small, former ozone league baseball field because of the construction of the new softball field.  Six days a week, two and half hours a day, the Lady Jackets are taking cuts in the cages, throwing softballs, and taking ground and fly balls in the field to prepare for the season.  Left fielder Megan Miller is confident about the potential of this 2012 softball team.  She says that they have eight returning seniors this year who work well together and have played together for years through travel ball and recreational softball.  She also claimed that the chance to play for a state championship was amazing and the goal is to make it there again this year with the intention of taking it all.  They will just have to take it one game at a time.  Katie Shreve is also confident about the team this year.  She says that through hard work and doing the “little things right” they can beat any opponent they are up against.

These optimistic athletes stepped up to the plate these past two weeks for their first test in the Midland Valley Tournament.  They blew the first two games out of the water with a 12-0 win over Silver Bluff and a 12-1 win over Barnwell.  Last Thursday, they defeated the Fox Creek Predators, 5-0, making them the only undefeated team in the Midland Valley tournament.  Due to the inclement weather conditions on Saturday, the championship was cancelled and the Midland Valley Champion title was given to the undefeated Lady Jackets.  The Lady Jackets defeated the Lexington Wildcats this past Tuesday who, according to Miranda Whitfield, was the biggest challenge for them this season.  With this excellent start to their season, the Lady Jackets will play White Knoll, the Lady Jackets’ next big challenge, on March 9th.  So, come out and support your Lady Jackets!!!!!

The All-Star lineup is selected in two ways.  The starting five for each team are selected via fan voting, while the reserves are selected by NBA head coaches within their respective conferences.  Coaches are forbidden from voting for players of their own team.  A player that is unable to play due to injury is replaced at the discretion of the commissioner.

Dwight Howard of the hometown Orlando Magic led the fan voting with 1.6 million votes.  Other starters for the Eastern Conference team included Derrick Rose (of the Chicago Bulls), Carmelo Anthony (of the New York Knicks), LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (both of the Miami Heat).  The Western Conference starters consisted of 14-time All Star Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum (both of the Los Angeles Lakers), Chris Paul and Blake Griffin (both of the Los Angeles Clippers) and Kevin Durant (of the Oklahoma City Thunder).

The coaching positions for the All-Star game were awarded to the head coaches of the teams with the best winning percentages in their respective conferences as of February 15.  The head coaches from the previous year are not eligible for re-selection.  The head coach for the Western squad was Oklahoma City’s Scott Brooks while the Eastern squad was led by Chicago’s Tom Thibodeau.

But what about the game?  Initially it looked as if the West were going to win in a blowout, scoring a record 88 points in the first half to the Eastern Squad’s 69 points (which also tied the record for highest combined score at half).  In the second half, however, LeBron James finally snapped, rallying the East’s comeback in a way that can be reasonably described as “demon-possessed.”  Near the end of the fourth quarter, the West lead was cut to a mere 2 points.  A missed three by Deron Williams and a turnover by LeBron (“LeChoke”) secured a Western victory.  The final score was 152-149.

The most notable achievement of the night undoubtedly went to Kobe Bryant who broke Michael Jordan’s record for most cumulative points in All-Star Game appearances (266 and counting).  The Most Valuable Player award went to Kevin Durant, who scored 36 for the winning Western squad.  Dwyane Wade recorded the third ever triple double in an All-Star Game (joining the likes of Michael Jordan and King James).  Even in a shortened season, this year’s All-Star Game was one for the record books.

Sunday Mickelson was paired with his long time rival Tiger Woods who was performing well until this point. From the first tee to the eighteenth green Woods never really found his touch. After a short lip out on the seventh hole for a par, Tiger began a stretch of three bogeys. Just as all seemed to going awry he gave us a glimpse of the old Tiger holing a bunker shot on the twelfth for a birdie two. Phil on the other hand was short and left of the green with a spongy lie in the rough. His second shot was not quite as spectacular as his competitor’s leaving him with a daunting 30 footer down the hill. What looked like a two shot swing was not to be, with just the right stroke Mickelson’s shot from downtown found the bottom of the cup.

Phil finished the day with an eight under round of 64 with his playing companion Woods posting a 75. What does this mean for former world number one and two?

After finishing T2 this week at Riviera, Phil is firing on all cylinders and his stats are showing it. With these two impressive showings on the west coast he’s catapulted himself up the official world golf rankings from 16 to 9 and racked up his 40th career victory. This makes Phil ninth among all time PGA tour winners.

As for Woods, this continues his tour skid. Technically he has a win under his belt with the Chevron World Challenge. However, its been two years since his last regular season win and he’s showing signs of mortality. The new swing is leaving him shorter and sometimes wayward off the tee from what we observed at Pebble, but don’t panic Tiger fans. Remember after his 5 month hiatus we saw a stellar performance at Augusta leaving him T4. Look for Woods to make make his presence known at the hollowed grounds of Augusta National.

On tap this week: WGC- Accenture match play. This tournament is based on good ole fashioned match play. With Phil taking this week off, we shall see how Tiger performs and if he can achieve victory at a tournament that he’s won three times.

Photo: Getty Images

Conner Fowler, a senior, stated that “Joe was a great coach” and “really will be missed by everyone.” Joe was 85 when he passed away.

Joe was not just one of the greatest football coaches, but one of the greatest men to have ever coached a sport.  In his forty-six years at Penn State, Joe won a NCAA Division 1 football record of 409 games and holds the record for most bowl wins at twenty-four. He won two National Championships, 1982 and 1986, and led the Nittany Lions to thirty-seven bowl appearances. But, Joe was not just known for what he did on the football field.

Paterno was also known for his strong value of ethics, the belief that a person under his football program was a student first and an athlete second, and a figurehead for all of college football. Joe and his wife, Sue, gave four million dollars to the Penn State Library which now holds their names. Joe was known by many of his players as the person who changed them from a boy to a man by teaching them what it really is to be a man. His players thought of them as a father along with a coach.

In many people’s minds, the Sandusky allegations have put a damper on Paterno’s legacy. The legacy of a man who did all he could in the situation should not be in anyway tarnished. Paterno was a great coach and from the opinion of a Wolverine fan he was always fun to watch Michigan play against. He had a fire and passion for football, his student-athletes, and all of Penn State Nation that is unrivaled by anyone. Unfortunately, not coaching football is probably the leading cause to what killed Joe Paterno. Rest In Peace JoePa. WE ARE PENN STATE.

There is no dominant, unstoppable force out there on the court this year…which is giving us plenty of reasons to look forward to this year’s March Madness.

Soon enough, fans everywhere will be giving everything they got into ESPN’s “Tournament Challenge”, filling out bracket after bracket predicting the NCAA Tournament.  If you’re like me, you root for the most confusion possible when it comes to determining the postseason.  For the first time in awhile, there isn’t a team with a target on it’s back.  No team has made that big statement, proclaiming to be the squad everyone is chasing after.

Originally, I thought Syracuse was the real deal.  Syracuse was easily outplaying any other team out there towards the beginning of the season. The Orange slipped up against Notre Dame, and have yet to impress me since.  Kentucky has recently been making its case, blowing out conference rival Florida with style.  Now, don’t get me wrong, having only one loss this deep into the season is remarkable.  The thing is, the two one-loss teams are being tested every week by their opponents.  Examples are Syracuse winning by seven against Cincy and two against West Virginia.  Kentucky has been winning big lately, but earlier hardly got by Tennessee with a three point win in Knoxville.

Long story short, this March Madness is going to be one confusing and exciting tournament.  There should be a few “Cinderella” teams out there (Murray State?) that have the capability of making a run.  There will be surprises, as always, but considering the lack of dominance this year I’m expecting the cra-cra-craziest March since Brent Musburger commentated with Dick Vitale.

Dick Vitale getting crazy with the crazies, as usual.

Photo Credit: SI