By Aariston Dawson
For the third year in a row, the staff defeated the students in the annual Staff versus Students Basketball Game held in the field house. The final score was 33 points for the staff and 27 points on the students’ behalf.
Senior Kendall Braxton kicked off the game by singing the “Star Spangled Banner” while the 15 members of the student team swayed arm-in-arm.
The most anticipated game of the year featured staff such as Wrestling Coach Vernon Burden, Tennis Coach Ernie Taber, history teacher Andy Green, support services teacher Dan Deagan, Softball Coach Jamie Glinz and student teacher Paula Vinales.
The student team featured 14 senior boys and one senior girl, Alyssa Clark. “The competition wasn’t much different playing with the guys,” said Clark. “It was as if I was playing any game. I enjoyed it,” Clark said.
For the faculty, Coach Burden was the high scorer with 6 points. But many students were more interested in seeing his arm tattoos of an eagle, praying hands and various religious and tribal symbols. “I’m so happy that we dominated the students,” Burden said.
Some students who played were seniors Justin Gordon, Alfonzo Rushin, Jimmy Spencer and Jeremiah Scott.
As the teams played, hundreds of fans sat in the bleachers, screaming and shouting. Senior Kadijah Doucette served as a digital deejay during the game, keeping the fans engaged with music.
The students played hard against the staff, though the staff maintained a steady lead during all four quarters.
During halftime, a dance competition took place between staff members and students. Juniors Krashawn Willis, Brandon Bean, and Damien Moore danced for the students, making a crushing victory over the staff dancers.
The Staff versus Students game is co-sponsored annually by
The Southfield Jay and the Athletic Department.