By Emanne Johnson
Editor-in-Chief
The forthcoming 10th annual Student vs. Staff Basketball Game has prompted much “trash-talk” amongst teachers and students.
Students have posted flyers to promote the event reading, “Come see the teachers get their butts whooped,” while principal Michael Horn has been gently chiding students over morning announcements about how he definitely believes the staff will defeat the students this year.
For the last three consecutive years the staff has taken the win over the students, with last year’s game ending in a score of 33-27; but this year’s students are convinced that their team has the skills to break the cycle and disprove Principal Horn’s prophecy.
Senior Jasmine Simpson is excited to cheer on her peers as they go into battle on the court. “I think the students are going to win because there are some good players on the team,” says Simpson, “I have confidence in them.”
For the faculty, Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson will be calling all of the shots, which is encouraging news to students. Although Cook-Robinson has experience in running a district, she has never run a basketball team.
However, Football Coach Andrew Green, who is playing on the staff team, is not convinced that this will be a problem for the team of staff members. “We have experience, good looks and if all else fails, we will cheat,” says Green who calls this strategy a “guaranteed victory.” Green is also far from intimidated by the roster of seniors and juniors whom he and his team will be up against on the court. “As I peruse their roster, I see weakness and softness,” says Green.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a student coach who has more than enough experience in the basketball world: senior varsity boys’ basketball player Earl Swift. Swift, who has been playing basketball since he was old enough to dribble a ball, says that he is not worried about taking a loss to the staff this time around. “It’s our turn to win, and I intend to bring the students a victory.”
The merit of these two teams will be put to the test on Thursday, May 16, during sixth and seventh hours. Student spectators will be able to attend the event for a cost of $5.
THE STUDENT TEAM:
Coach: Senior Earl Swift
Players:
Senior Demarcus Lewis
Senior Damien Moore
Senior Markus Spencer
Senior Michael Darnell
Senior Carlos Davis
Senior Desias Head
Senior Ellis Williams
Senior Michael Gardner
Senior Alonzo Doss
Senior Darien Bryant
Junior Jacob Studdard
Junior Tabina Sial
THE STAFF TEAM:
Coaches:
Superintendent Wanda Cook-Robinson, Lynda Wood and Debbie Tremp
Players:
SHS Principal Michael Horn
SRAC Principal Marty Bulger
Former SHS Principal Earl Dixon
Associate Superintendent David Turner
SHS Police Liaison Jared Womble
Athletic Director Anika McEvans
Football Coach Terrance McEvans
History Teacher Andrew Green
Softball Coach Jamie Glinz
Wrestling /Football Coach Vernon Burden
Football Coach Tim Conley
Girls Tennis Coach Ernie Taber
Social Studies Teacher Jason Cuthrell
Levey Basketball Coach Willie Norwood
Football Coach Marlon Friendly
Football Coach Jason Williams
Track Coach Asante Green
Drafting Teacher John Shirkey
Engineering Teacher Joe Minnick
Softball Coach Lisa Butler