Boys compete in basketball tryouts
By Michele B.

The tryouts for the sixth and seventh grade boys basketball team started on Monday, November 29 with the usual running and stretches.

Last year's players led this years' new contenders. Mr. Poremba made the boys do several familiar, as well as some unfamiliar drills. They did something called the 3-man weave where three boys run down the court while passing to each other and the last person shoots.
I noticed that there was some encouragement shared among the boys trying out, but not enough to cover-up all the put-downs they aimed at each other.

After the 3-man weave, the boys ran laps around the gym and shot lay-ups. Then they played a simplified version of Blitz, a simple game in basketball.

For the remainder of the time the boys took turns in a scrimmage, as Mr. Poremba decided who was to be cut. Some cuts were made at the end of the first day of tryouts.

The second day was pretty much the same, only with fewer people and fewer put-downs. The boys also had to do "ladders," a drill where students run sprints, increasing the distance each time. It's much more fun to watch people run them then to do them yourself.

The eighth grade tryouts were much the same as the sixth and seventh grade. They started with the usual warm-ups.

One student took a shortcut around the cones and had to do push-ups. Then the team members scratched up their knees doing the bear crawl.

Mr. Anderson supplied everyone with a thought for the day; "An average defense player is more important to the team than the person who scores all the points."

The team hopefuls then played a full version of Blitz that was very long and complex. This was followed by some defense drills and a two on two scrimmage.

Finally one last scrimmage game was played to determine who would make the final cut.
The new sixth and seventh grade team includes: Phil G., John V., Brian K., James D., Brad B., Dave K., John L., Eddie K., Ryan L., Phil Z., John S., Bobby G., Giovonni C., Mark K. and Chris M. as player/manager.

The eighth grade team includes: Tony B., Rory B., Ryan C., Mike D., Hosea H., Sean N., Mike M., Scott S., Josh P., Scott J., Gino P., Matt S. and Dixit P. as manager.

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Coach is pleased with girls winning season
By Brittney L.

The eighth grade girls basketball team finished the season with an in-conference record of four wins and two losses.

According to their coach, Mr. Anderson, the team played their best game against Medinah because the every team member played as well as she possibly could. Their toughest game was a heartbreaking loss against Springwood, the best team in their conference.

For the season, Brianna C. and Kristy H. led in scoring, and Abby W., Annie C., and Vanessa A. led in rebounds. Mr. Anderson said that the most improved players this year were Ramol M. and Julie M..

On the whole, Mr. Anderson rated Peacock's competition as very competitive. He commented that he really enjoyed coaching girls' basketball because the girls enjoyed the game and listened to the coach. He was very pleased with how hard everyone on the team had worked to improve their skills and contribute to the team's success.

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Coaching change for boys basketball
By Michele B.

There was a change in the basketball routine at Peacock this year. Mr. Anderson is coaching the eighth grade boys instead of the sixth and seventh grade team. When asked why, Mr. Anderson said that he and Mr. Poremba wanted to give the kids some variety. Mr. Anderson has coached eighth grade boys before, but never at Peacock.

The practice schedule set up by Mr. Anderson is pretty tough. Besides practicing two hours after school everyday, the boys also practice on most Saturdays. The team, which has thirteen members, plays about fourteen games but the games are never on weekends.

According to Mr. Anderson, he tries to get every team member a chance to play in at least three games. In general, however, the most talented kids get the most playing time.

A game usually runs just over an hour and a half. Mr. Anderson added that the team is very good this year and has an opportunity to take home second place, if not the championship.

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Matt's NBA predictions
By Matt G.
Sports Editor

I think that there are six teams with the ability and drive to win the NBA championship this year. In the East, the Miami Heat are particularly impressive because they have an awesome defense and talented players who usually score 20 points per game.

The Indiana Pacers are also a legitimate playoff contender. They have a smart coach in former NBA great Larry Bird, and a very strong offense, led by the veteran Reggie Miller. They made it well into the playoffs last year and have an awesome team.

The Toronto Raptors round out the list of the best teams in the East. Their efforts to develop a competitive team have finally paid off. The very talented duo of Vince Carter and Dee Brown lead their team in scoring.

In the West, last year's champions, the San Antonio Spurs, are still led by the best scorers in the NBA, Tim Duncan and David Robinson. San Antonio has a great balanced game.

Because of the stiff competition in the West, however, there are no guarantees for San Antonio. The Portland Trail Blazers, for example, have a very good chance this season. That's because they acquired Scottie Pippen from the Houston Rockets, Detlef Schrempf from the Seattle Supersonics and Steve Smith from the Atlanta Hawks. These three players fit into their offense well. They help provide Portland with a more balanced and effective game.

Finally, don't count out the Sacramento Kings. They have Jason Williams, Nick Anderson, Vlade Divac, Chris Webber and Corliss Williamson. These are great players who score big numbers. The hard part for Sacrameto is the tough competition they have to face on the way to the championship series from their divisional rivals, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix.

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The Blackhawks shoot... and miss
By Alex J.
Copy Editor

I'd really like to write something good about the Chicago Blackhawks, but it is very hard. The Blackhawks are the second worst team in the NHL.

They have allowed the most goals in the league, and at times seem to be a PeeWee hockey team. Their passes are way off the mark, their shots are weak and poorly aimed, and at times, the team doesn't seem to understand the concept of defense.

Recently, when I went to my young cousin's peewee hockey game, I could hardly believe what I saw. The young kids actually played defense and their passes went to their teammates. It's those little things that the Blackhawks don't execute.

The only bright spot on the team is winger Tony Amonte, a league leader in goals and assists. He will be the lone all-star representing the Blackhawks in the All-Star game.

The Hawk's organization has a lot of money, and should go after a good defenseman and goalie. Many players will become free agents, and the Hawks better pick up some high profile players.

I look forward to next year, but in the mean time, watch the Chicago Wolves in the IHL. They're better and more entertaining.

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