Eyeof the

Tiger

February 14, 2014

Ozark Junior High, 1109 W. Jackson

Page 2: Nesting into a New Future

Page 3: Flashback Friday

Page 4: First Down!

Page 5: Spectacular Students

Page 6: Get Your Read On!

Page 7: Gold Medal Performance

Page 8: A Terrific Season!

Issue XTiger Tracks Out Of This World

Rosetta Spacecraft Heads For a CometBy Chuck Hill

Getting up out of bed in the morning can be tough. Imagine waking up over 400 million miles from the warmth of the sun without any breakfast to get you up and running. That’s exactly what the Rosetta Spacecraft had to do on January 20, waking up from its two and a half year hibernation deep in space. Rosetta was launched in March 2004 and is expected to com-plete its mission of landing on a comet to explore and learn more about it around August of this year. As the spacecraft launched, Rosetta flew past Earth three times and past Mars once, to build up enough speed to reach the comet. But in mid-2011 Rosetta entered a 31 month “hibernation” when the sunlight was too low to power all of its systems. Only the main computer of the probe and some heaters stayed on to keep it alive. At 5:00 a.m. on January 20, Rosetta finally woke up. After a few hours of warming up and booting up, the spacecraft sent a tweet out to its followers simply saying, “Hello, World!” To cel-ebrate Rosetta’s waking up, the European Space Agency (ESA)initiated the “Wake Up Rosetta” campaign, inviting people from around the world to get creative in telling Rosetta to wake up. “There is a lot to prepare for the landing on the comet,” ex-plained ESA cometary scientist Gerhard Schwehm. First ESA has to make sure that all of the instruments and tools are in sync and working. The researchers plan on studying the comet as Rosetta approaches it to make sure the comet isn’t active and there is nothing that can harm the spacecraft. Expect to hear about the Rosetta in August!

Rosetta travels through space

The comet Rosetta is expected to land on in August

Eye of the TigerNewspaper StaffAdvisor: Mrs. HunterPrincipal: Mr. SimpsonNews Editor: Jordan LawsonOpinion Editor: Taylor Cathcart Staff Secretaries: Quincy Moore & Hayden Tinker Academics and Clubs Editor: Michael GreenwoodPeople Editor: Skylar SeigerStudent Life Editor: Chuck HillEntertainment Editor: Ashley McCullochPhoto Editors: Jake Dralle & Skylar SeigerSports Editors: Carly Lawrence & Payton Nichols Photographers: Morgan Maleare and Logan Sorensen Distribution Editors: Jessica Elmore & Quincy Moore & Hayden Tinker

Dear Zoe

~Zoe

Page 2 February 14, 2014 Opinion

If you have a question for Zoe or need advice, write it on a small piece of paper and place it in Locker 151 in the main building or Locker 780 in the west building.

Google is knocking at your front door. It wants to come inside, make itself at home, and turn all of your boring home devices into smart connected gadgets that learn about your patterns and preferences, talk to each other, collect data about your habits, and make life easier by assisting with daily tasks. What is this new device? On January 13, Google announced it is buying smart-device company Nest Labs for $3.2 billion. This is Google’s first major foray into connected homes. News of the deal ignited a flurry of speculation about what they really want from Nest, as well as some privacy concerns. Nest currently only sells two products: a smart thermostat that learns your habits over time and adjusts the temperature accordingly, and a personable smoke and carbon monoxide detector that doesn’t panic when you burn toast. Nest makes impeccably designed hardware powered by clever algo-rithms. Its staff comes from major companies like Apple, Sling, and Logitech and is experienced in machine learning, product design, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Nest is a standout in the increasingly crowded connected-home market. It may only have two products, but those devices are considered some of the best in the field. For now, Nest is expected to continue operating as its own brand headed by cofounders Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, but down the line Google could tap the team’s expertise to help with its own hit and miss attempts at creating and selling devices. The Nest thermostat uses motion, light, temperature, and humidity sensors to collect information about what’s going on in the home and uses that information to control heating and cool-ing and predict patterns. The end result is a customized, more energy efficient home. Like any good smart device, it can be controlled from a smart phone or tablet so your house can be pre -warmed before you get out of bed or return from work. Aside from the financial windfall, Nest could gain a lot from having Google as its parent company. Nest has been slow with product releases so far. The first thermostat came out in the fall of 2011, but the company didn’t release a new product for another two years, when it announced the Nest Protect smoke detector. While the devices have been popular, on the surface they don’t seem like they move enough units to be worth such a hefty invest-ment, even at $130 to $250 each. It’s what’s behind the scenes and inside the gadgets that makes Nest a coveted investment for Google. In the near future, these interests may not seem so dis-connected. Today’s emerging technologies will eventually blend together. The divisions between smart phones, home automation, cars, smart glasses and watches, and fitness trackers will fall away, and our gadgets and data will work together for a seamless experience.

Smart HouseGoogle wants to run your home with Nest

By Hayden Tinker

Dear Zoe, This year our school is starting a book club that I am really interested in. I enjoy reading as it is, and the thought of talking about a book with oth-ers makes me so much happier. I have debated over and over again about joining the club or not because I know that kids in my classes will make fun of me if I sign up for it. I need help and recommendation as to what I should do about this situation.

Sincerely, Worried.

Dear Worried, I recommend signing up for the book club. Then you will be doing what you want to do and that is all that matters. Try not to mind what the other students say about you or the book club. If you listen to what other people say, then you will miss out on opportunities to do things you enjoy. If the students continue to tease you, then I advise you to speak to a trusted adult. He or she will take care of the situation.

Page 3 February 14, 2014 Academics & ClubsFCCLA Blood Drive

Michael Greenwood

Driven Bloody Insane

Police and firefighters save lives every day but did you know “Regular” people could also save lives? The FCCLA and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks had a Fourth Annual Blood Drive. The Blood Drive was held on Friday January, 31 from 2:00-6:00 in the OJH cafeteria. The requirements for the drive were volunteers must be a healthy individual who is 16 years or older. The blood is used for blood transfusions for people who need them. A few students at OJH have required blood transfusions. “In less than one hour you could save one or even three lives. That’s incredible,” said Mrs. Elmore. Donors who signed up donate one pint of blood. Donors needed to bring a valid drivers license to the blood drive. “The blood drive helped teach FCCLA students by demonstrating what it means to give of self for the betterment of others,” said Mrs. Elmore. The nurses from the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks took the blood. Mrs. Elmore’s students greeted donors at the doors, helped register donors, transported materials as needed, and served refreshments. The Blood Drive had approximately 30 people donated blood making FCCLA and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Fourth Annual Blood Drive a big success.

It’s back and bigger than ever! The 80’s were a time known for the “unique” fashion choices, big hair, famous movies, memorable inventions, and most of all, music. This school year, Mr. Jaeger’s Independent Studies students are engaged in a School of Rock unit. The students’ main goals are to make a quasi fake band and an original song, but many other things are to be accomplished as well. Besides the band and original song, Independent Studies students are designing a logo, creating a t-shirt design, and writing a mash up or a parody. The main point of having School of Rock is so that students can study popular music as a cultural phenomenon. Also, participants can analyze the artistic and economic merits of being a musician. When asked why he thinks School of Rock is an important topic, Mr. Jaeger answered, “Music is a personal passion of mine because I get to practice professionally, and I think the nature of the topic is interesting to all students.” Mr. Jaeger hopes that the students’ bands will be able to get together to perform at an upcoming school or public event. But Independent Studies students aren’t on their own. They have a professional band member at their side to help, Mr. Jaeger! Mr. Jaeger is the lead guitarist in an 80’s cover band. The band’s name is Members Only. Members Only consists of Mr. Jaeger and five of his close friends, Brent, Zach, Justin, Will, and Sam. The group has rocked out together for almost six years. When in college, the lead singer Brent and drummer Justin were the masterminds behind Members Only. They saw another 80’s tribute band and were inspired to create one of their own. But they weren’t always as lucky and big as they are now. Back in April of 2008 when the band first started, they were just the usual local band with a meager crowd. Mr. Jaeger joked that when the band would have gigs they would get paid around $200 but would end up having to pay the person who let them play at that venue $240 to cover costs. They were losing more money than they were making. Soon they realized that if they evolved the way they dressed on stage by adding wigs, 80’s clothing, and 80’s shoes that more people would be interested in them and their music. Now, the band has accomplish a lot. They have gotten invited to perform at a professional athlete’s New Year’s Eve party on a private island in Australia. Last July 4 they performed at Hammons Field with over 10,000 people in the audi-ence. They also met the band Journey in August. Member’s Only has won band of the year in 417 magazine for four consecutive years. You can find their schedule/information at http://www.membersonlytribute.com/media.php or on their facebook page at Members Only.

80’s Throwback School of Rock and Members Only

By Taylor Cathcart

Mr. Jaeger and three other members of Members Only

Page 4 Febuary 14, 2014 People

Watch out for any suspicious acting when is comes to this issues Mystery Person. It could be anybody in OJH. Get to work on interviewing your friends and connect the clues to figure out this issue’s Mystery Person.

•This person loves to fish.•He plays baseball and basketball.•He stands at 5’5”.•His favorite movie is Talladega Nights.•When he grows up, he wants to own his own company.•He can not live without sushi.•When he can, he wants to go to California.•His favorite song is “Dance” by Big Sean.•He lives by the quote, “If you are not first, you are last.”•His favorite subject is P.E.•He is 12 years old.

Last issue’s Mystery Person was Elizabeth Banta, but nobody guessed her name. Let’s hope you can use these clues to help you figure this issue’s mystery person out. If you think you know who it is, write your name and the Mystery Person on a small piece of paper and put it in Locker 151 in the main building or Locker 780 in the west building to be put in a drawing for a small prize.

Mystery PersonHidden Person

By Hayden Tinker and Jake Dralle

“I make my weaknesses strengths and my strengths even stronger.” - Lisa Fernandez, pitcher for team USA. Tryouts for girls spring softball will start on February 24 right after school gets out and will end around 5:30. To try out you will need to bring gloves, bats, helmets, long-sleeves, and softball pants. “In tryouts, we look for effort and determination from our athletes,” stated Coach Doyle, girls’ softball coach. The girls trying out will have to hit, run, and be able to throw to be able to make the team this spring. “My most favored part of coaching a sport is being able to see athletes improve and mature as players and show their abilities through their play. I chose to coach girls’ softball because baseball is an important part of my interests outside of school, and I’m more familiar with the rules and strategy of fast-pitch softball.” Coach Doyle has been the head coach all six years that the junior high has had the softball program, and the assistant softball coach at the high school for nine years. He hopes to continue for more seasons to come. The coaches are looking for around 20 girls on the team to take the positions of catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, shortstop, third base, right field, right center, left center, and left field. Players also need to be able to field grounders, line drives, and pop-flies and be able to hit singles, doubles, triples, and game winning home runs. Good luck to those trying out!

Eat, Sleep, Play Softball!

OJH Girls SoftballBy Quincy Moore

You might think that football season is over, but you’re wrong. The Ozarks Football League is just starting. This will be Ozark’s sec-ond season in the league after placing fourth last year. The Ozarks Football League is and shall remain a member of the American Youth Football League, which is backed by the National Football League. Each OFL team will consist of a minimum 18 players to a maximum 35 players. There are two divisions, Red and Blue. Red Divi-sion is made up of students in sixth and seventh grade. Blue Division will be made up of students in eighth grade. However, a seventh grade student may be moved up to Blue Division at the head coach’s discretion. Sixth grade students will not be allowed to play or practice with eighth grade students. All OFL teams will have have National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) certified youth coaches. OFL splits teams into two conferences. Ozark Mountain Conference will consist of the Ozark Tigers, Republic Tigers, Nixa Eagles, Marshfield Bluejays, Glendale Falcons, Parkview Vikings, and Kickapoo Chiefs. Ozark Valley Conference will consist of the Hillcrest Hornets, Catholic Irish, Central Bulldogs, Ash Grove Pirates, Fair Grove Eagles, Sparta Trojans, and Spokane Owls. Each OFL game will have have a minimum of four MSHSAA officials. However, should an official be unable to perform his duties during a game, for any reason, the remaining officials will continue to officiate to game completion. The games will also have four eight-minute quarters for the Blue Division and four seven-minute quarters for the Red Division. The Tigers have already started practice and are already confident about their chances this year. “We have many skilled players with strength and speed,” said Kyle Forgey, Ozark wing back. One negative about the team are the linemen. “We have several very good lineman but not a full set that will dominate every team like we did in the fall,” stated Landon Hanson, Ozark lineman. “But if everyone puts hard work in during practice, I believe we will many games,” said Landon. The first game is on March 28 with time and location to be announced. After that there will be four more games that run through April. Finally, the quarterfinals playoffs will begin on May 2.

Spring into some FootballOzark’s Spring Football By Jordan Lawson

Kyle Forgey (Left) and Landon Hanson (Right)

Page 5 February 14, 2014 Student Life

OJH HighlightsCalendar By Quincy Moore &

Hayden Tinker

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Feb. 17: President’s DayFeb. 22: Choir Solo and Ensemble all day in Fine Arts BuildingFeb. 24: Softball Tryouts after school until 5:30 p.m.March 7: Last Day to Order a YearbookMarch 10-14: Spring BreakApril 1: Spring Pictures

Unified ArtsSponsored by Lambert’s

Great Gains StudentsSponsored by Rosie Jo’s

January Students of the MonthBy Jake Dralle

Seventh Grade Students of the MonthSponsored by Godfathers Pizza

Outstanding StudentsEight Grade Students of the Month

Sponsored by Rib Crib

Front: Francisco Graciano, Avery Lapour, & James HopkinsBack: Bradley Sanborn, Aleasha Carrol, & Luke Housman

Front: Emily Chung & Emily BransonBack: Easton Hanks, Makayla Leppert Sierra Burlage, Zach Cole

Front: Michaela Orchard, Grace Sheer& Hannah Shoemaker.Back: Zach St. Amant, Cody Goins, & Forrest Barnes

Front: Taylor Dimos, Kharli Schiffner, Cassidy LeightyBack: Ethan Gardner, Daelon Kingore, & Bowyn Ziebarth

Time is running out to order your 2013-2014 Ozone yearbook. To order one of these memory-filled year-books, grab a pink order form from Mrs. Hunter’s room (137), the office, or the bulletin board outside the caf-eteria. Fill it out and give it to Mrs. Hunter along with 20 dollars for payment. Page sponsorships are still available. A page sponsor-ship can be a personal or business ad. Each ad normally costs ten dollars, but now through February 21, if you buy a page sponsorship, you get two pages for the price of one! The deadline to order a yearbook or sponsorship is March 7, so don’t let this opportunity go by!

Yearbook Frenzy

Page 6 February 14, 2014 Entertainment

“The world is not a wish-granting factory.” “The marks humans leave are too often scars.” Those are two famous quotes that you may have heard if you have read the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. This heart touching book is sure to change how you view life and how sometimes people can’t see how they take life for granted. John Green expresses himself through the main characters, in this book, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters. This book will take you through Hazel’s and Augustus wild life journey as cancer fighters. John Green adds detail and the story really grabs your heart. The way he writes this book will make you feel as if you are there in Hazel’s life. You will feel her pain, wishes, and struggles radiating off the pages. John Green said, “Books so special and rare that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal. That’s part of what I like about the book in some ways. It portrays death truthfully. You die in the middle of your life, in the middle of a sentence.” Hazel and Augustus have two different personalities. Augustus is more of a laid back, ‘I will kick cancer’s butt’ kind of guy. One of his favorite metaphors is “It’s a metaphor, you see, you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.” To fine out exactly what that means read The Fault In Our Stars. Hazel is more emotional to the cancer fight. She is insecure and tends to forget about the world by always having her nose in a book. A marvelous quote from her is “I’m a grenade and at some point I’m going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?” Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters are two different people, but they create an inspiring and inseparable bond. Hazel Grace is a lung cancer fighter and has not been cancer free for a straight five years yet. Along her way she meets a guy named Augustus Waters through a support group which she eventually finds is worthwhile. Each cancer victim has a chance to get to do one wish through the Wish Granting Factory Program. The program allows cancer fighters an opportunity to do something they really wanted to do. She used hers to go to Disneyland as a child, but now she only has one very special wish, go to Amsterdam to meet her favorite author Peter Van Houten. Will she end up getting this wish? Will Hazel Grace become cancer free? Read The Fault In Our Stars to find out. Copies of this book are in the library and in most ELA teacher’s rooms. “Some people don’t understand the promises they’re making when they make them. Right, of course. But you keep the promise anyway. That’s what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.” -John Green The Fault In Our Stars.

Okay? Okay. The Fault in Our Stars Book ReviewBy Carly Lawrence

Valentine’s Day is here, and it’s time to spread some loving cheer. In this issue’s Find It, find Cupid’s bundle of arrows some-where hidden. If you manage to find the picture, write the location and your name, then turn your answer into locker 151 in the main building or locker 780 in the west building. The winner of the drawing of correct answers will be awarded a small prize. Last issue’s win-ner was Michael Sova. Congrat-ulations Michael! The image of the Hershey’s Kiss was hidden in the photo of Niagra Falls. To receive your prize go to room 137.

Cupid ShuffleBy Taylor Cathcart and Ashley McCulloch

Find It “One Choice, decided your friends. One Choice, defines your beliefs. One Choice, deter-mines your loyalties - Forever. One choice can transform you.” Divergent by Veronica Roth is a book about how this one choice can transform Beatrice Prior’s life forever. In Beatrice Prior’s world, society is divided into five factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the self-less), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). One day every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction in which they will live for the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, this decision was either staying with her family or being who she really is. She can’t have both, so she makes a decision that surprises everyone, including herself. In the second book of this riveting series, Insurgent, everything becomes more and more interesting. “One choice can destroy you.” Every choice has its consequences. Tris Prior (Bea-trice) must continue trying to save those she loves and herself, while dealing with questions of grief and forgiveness, loyalty and love. War now emerges as conflict between the factions grows, and in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will appear, and choices will become even more powerful. Tris must accept her divergence even though she might lose in doing so. In the final book of the heart warming and wrenching series, Allegiant, all things must come to an end. What if one single choice changed everything? What if love and loyalty made you do things you never would have before? These questions are finally revealed and nothing will ever be the same. This series is not only a best seller, but now each book is going to become a movie. Diver-gent series will be in theaters on March 21. Don’t miss seeing the Divergent series unveil in theaters.

By Morgan Maleare

The Divergent Series Book ReviewOne Choice

Page 7 February 14, 2014 Sports

“Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the fur-ther you get,” said Michael Phelps, Olympian. The 2014 winter Olympic games are here and are sure to be special. The winter games began on February 7, and will end on February 23. NBC is televising the games. The athletes have trained years for alpine skiing, the biathlon, bobsleigh, cross country, skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, skel-eton, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating. Over 100 countries are participating in the winter games. The United States has 224 athletes competing. Some well-known winter Olympians have been competing in the games. Andrew Weibrecht, skier and snow boarder, competed in the 2010 games and is now competing in the 2014 games. Shaun White, Olympic snow boarder, will also be returning to the 2014 Olympics. Two new Olympians are Gracie Gold, a figure skater from Missouri, and Emily Scott, a speed skater who spent her childhood years training in Springfield, Missouri. Sage Kotsenburg won the first gold medal for the United States in the Men’s Slopestyle, and Jamie Anderson won gold in the Ladies’ Slopestyle for the United States. Newcomer Gracie Gold also brought the United States figure skating team to a third place finish with her stellar performance. Catch the rest of the televised games on NBC through February 23.

Shaun White

Bigger, HigHer, Stronger

Sochi Winter OlympicsBy Ashley McCulloch

It’s not the hours you put in, it’s what you put into the hours. The seventh grade girls’ basketball team is a big inspiration for this well-known quote. The team worked hard this season for all its games. “It would be hard to find a group of girls who worked harder than this group did this year. They played with a lot of heart and brought full effort to practice each day,” said Coach Widel. Widel has used his 16 years of experience to train the seventh grade girls into working their hardest in basketball games and practices as well as playing as a team, not individuals playing the same sport. “A team must be mentally tough to be their best. Skill is something that is important too, but I believe that mental toughness allows an athlete the best opportunity to improve daily and compete when the game is on the line. I have seen this displayed in many of the teams I have had the privilege to coach throughout the years, and this team was no different,” said Coach Widel. Their teamwork is easy to see in the games, shown in scores. Friday, January 17, the seventh grade girls led from start to finish and came away with a victory of 31-18 against Republic. “We wanted to display in that game that we had been working hard to improve so that we could beat a team that had already beaten us. The girls came out and did exactly that,” said Coach Widel. Monday, January 20, was the third game against Nixa for the team. The first game was won in double overtime and the second was won in convincing fashion by 29 points. It was a close game, but the girls came away with another victory with a score of 31-19. The girls finished with a combined A and B record of 22-3 and were the Branson Tournament Champions. “We ended this sea-son at a great point. We were playing some of our best basketball in the last games of the season. To be a great basketball player, it is a process, and these girls have a great start on that process. A lot of hard work and dedication will be required as they go forward with their basketball careers.”

Shoot for the HoopSeventh Grade Girls Basketball By Jessica Elmore

Ozark girls huddle for a time out

Work Hard ,Play Hard.Seventh Grade Boys Basketball

By Carly Lawrence and Jessica Elmore The seventh grade boys basketball season has come to an end. They played against Neosho on January 9. The A team pulled out another great win, 50-10. The B team also won, 57-23. In the A game the team made 11 three pointers. The B team played good defense. As some of the boys say, “we just did our thing and picked up another win.” When competing in COC they played Branson and Republic. On January 28 they played Branson for COC, winning 47-18, They played against Republic to finish the tournament. The team lost 33-28. The boys placed second in COC. Coach Chaffin is extremely proud of this team. He says that the thing he likes the best is how they always practice and work hard. Bryson Parke is on the B team. He has been playing basketball for six years. He says that he has really enjoyed the season. Bryson said, “I think we’ve had a pretty good season. We have a really’ solid team.” He thinks that the team has done many good things and that they have been good at picking up wins and playing hard each and every game. Bryson said that the boys played awesome at the games. He also thinks that although the team is on their A game that they can still get better. Bryson’s favorite game would definitely the Ozark Tournament championship game. He thinks the team could always improve more on free throws and just being able to step up and hit a shot when no one else can. Overall he and the team can agree that it has been a great season and a great experience for all of them. “They’ve have all improved I think over the course of the season,” said Bryson. The seventh grade boys basketball team has finished their season. The boys and Coach Chaffin all agree that this season has definitely been one to remember. The A team ended the season 12-2. The B team ended 14-0. Good job boys!

Parker Ramsdal doing a chest pass

Page 8 February 14, 2014 Sports

The final buzzer has now sounded on the eighth grade girls basketball season. Just like any great thing the season must come to an end. The last games the teams played were at the Nixa Tournament. The A team had set the goal of beating the Republic Tigers because they have played two close games with them already this year. Sadly, this goal was not met. The score was Ozark 27 and Republic 40. Although this loss caused them to not meet that goal, the Ozark eighth grade girls basket-ball team still beat Nixa 58-31. Coach Guilkey said, “Beating Nixa is always a great thing.” The B team set the goal of getting to the champi-onship game. The scores from this tournament were Ozark 23 Reed Springs 22 in the first game. In the second game Ozark beat Republic 46-16, but lost in the championship to Branson 21-40. “The B team did great in the B tournament with limited players. This also a very good thing for us,” said Coach Guilkey. This is a season to remember. “Overall the girls had a very good season, and I’m proud of what they were able to accomplish,” stated coach Guilkey. Looking back on this season the girls beat Branson and the B team did very well in the Nixa Tournament. “There are a couple of games that we would like to have back, but it was still a good season for us.”

the final buzzer

Eighth Grade Girls BasketballBy Logan Sorensen

“We stuck together as a family and this is without a doubt the most special unique group of kids I have ever coached. They're a great group,” said Coach Fish. Coach Fish was very proud of the team and what they were able to accomplish this season. Although the game was a close loss to Nixa losing 37 to 39 by a buzzer beater, the Tigers played their hearts out and overall played very well. “It was a tough loss last night losing on a buzzer-beater, but that’s part of competition. If you play this game long enough you are going to experience wins and losses. That’s just the way it works,” stated Coach Fish. While the team fell short of their goal of winning the COC championship, they learned how to play as a team and got better over the last few months. “We didn’t have to rely on one guy each night. We did it with unselfish attitudes and stuck together,” said Coach Fish. The eighth grade boys A team ended the season with a record of 14-1 and the B team was 11-0. “The team had so much pressure this year. I don’t think the tournament loss came down to a lack of focus or a looking ahead mentality. I just think it wasn’t our night,” Coach Fish said.

Eighth Grade Boys BasketballBy Skylar Seiger

A Season to remember

Amber Baca drives the ball against Republic

Eighth grade boys’basketball team

Curt Gracey shoots the ball