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Girls Basketball, Sports

Girls’ basketball team loses to Madison

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By Luke Geraghty

It was a cold, rainy Tuesday night as both the Lady Highlanders and the Madison Lady Cubs scorched the FC gymnasium with solid shooting. However, the Cubs’ seven three pointers were too much as they pulled away from FC 86-63.
The Cubs jumped out to a big lead early and by the end of the first quarter they had a 23-11 lead thanks to senior guard Kelsey Block, who hit four early three point shots.
In the second quarter, FC slowly started making a rally halfway through. With just over three minutes left in the second quarter, sophomore Riley Kaiser drew a fundamentally sound charge, which helped get the crowd back in the game. The Cubs would keep the lead at halftime though, 43-33.
“I thought we played decent tonight, maybe a C+. There way way too many turnovers early on but they did a good job overcoming them to rally back,” said junior Lucas Corley.
FC started the second half on a mini 4-0 run to cut the deficit to 43-37. Halfway through the third quarter, Kaiser had an opportunity for a three point play after being fouled and making a crucial basket. This appeared to be another game changing moment as FC cut the Madison lead down to 53-48. Madison would score two points to close out the quarter and the Cubs would take a 55-48 lead.
Madison jumped out to a 69-55 lead in the fourth quarter until senior Kelsey Smith had another “and one” after making a basket while taking contact. The lead was cut down to 69-58, but it was all Cubs the rest of the way. Block hit two more threes to help seal the win for the Cubs. Block finished with 20 points and six three pointers. The Cubs went 7-12 from three-point range while FC went 0-5. Both teams went to the foul line over 30 times. FC went 23-32 at the free throw line while the Cubs were 25-37. Corley talked about what the team needs to improve for the future.
The JV Highlanders defeated Madison 48-32 Tuesday night.
The loss put FC 0-4 on the season and 0-2 in the HHC. Their next game will be Saturday against Southwestern at 6 p.m. for junior varsity and 7:30 for varsity.

News

NJROTC members honor fallen soldier

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By Eric Ordonez

Tomorrow, on the Saturday before Veteran’s Day weekend, members of the NJROTC around Floyd County and others will continue a highly regarded tradition. They will show their respect to a recent local fallen soldier.

It is something that has had great experiences in its first few years.

This weekend it will be the fourth annual nine-mile walk, in which approximately 110 NJROTC cadets will march from the rotunda in the front of the school down to the gravesite of the fallen soldier at the National Cemetery located on Ekin Avenue.They plan to begin their memorial march no later than 9 a.m.

The walk will focus on recognizing the duties of this soldier, and anyone else who has ever served.

“There is only one reason we do this, and that is because the cadets sacrifice themselves to really honor a fallen soldier,” Colonel Ben Gipe said.

Along with the FC cadets, the walk will consist of National Guard personnel, some active duty, 100 Washington High School cadets, and about 100 New Albany High School cadets. Along with these groups, the FC cadets will be escorted by the Floyd County Police.

“The veterans have done so much it isn’t a big deal to walk nine miles for them,” said senior Marissa Samons.

Four years ago, this tradition was begun by Senior Chief Michael Beal and Gipe.

“Colonel [Gipe] thought of it while he was in Iraq, so when he got home he said ‘Let’s do it’,” said Beal.

Through the majority of the walk they will try to remain a fun and entertaining environment. They have two breaks where Gipe will hand out an assortment of snacks. Also, Jay-C and Walmart will provide water for the cadets and members of the walk.

“We get honks…people honk like crazy. We also get a lot of support from random people on the street, veterans say ‘thanks,’ and families often come back and thank them and they appreciate us,” said Beal.

Tomorrow’s ceremonial march will be one to remember for everyone involved. The cadets, in Gipe’s mind, owe it to soldiers and soldiers only. Gipe is certainly excited for it, and said people in general owe the utmost respect to veterans.

“Not teachers, lawyers, police, none of them. It’s veterans, because they give us our rights. They’re the reason we have our rights,” said Gipe.

Football, Sports

Highlanders face off against Pioneers tonight

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By Eric Ordonez and Luke Geraghty

As the football team prepares for its second game of the season tonight against local rival Providence Pioneers, the buzz around nearly every hallway seems to be about how excited fans and staff members are to be a part of it.

After last Friday’s 28-21 victory over Male in the season opener, the team is riding high with plenty of confidence and energy. Providence, who is looking for revenge after last year’s 25-13 loss to FC, looks to steal a road victory tonight at Ron Weigleb Stadium. Head coach Brian Glesing said this is a statement game and is ready for the grind tonight.

“I hope it’s exciting. This is Friday night high school football, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Glesing.

What concerned Glesing in the opener was the special team’s play and the lack of quality tackling.

“Too many defensive breakdowns, that we’re going to have to fix right away,” said Glesing.

However, Glesing acknowledged how well the offensive line played and their ability to move the ball late in the game.

The Pioneers come into the game with some changes of their own.

“They [Providence] have a new coaching staff that we’ve prepared for. We’ve prepared to cover their outside sweep game, and also know they’re going to try to run it inside on us,” said Glesing.

The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the theme is a green-out for FC fans.

Sports

FEATURED ATHLETE: Hannah Keehn

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Eric Ordonez

Staff reporter

 

Senior Hannah Keehn, varsity cross country runner, and exceptional student in the classroom, sat down with the Bagpiper to discuss her personal success and devotion to running.

Bagpiper: How has this season gone for you thus far?

HK: “So far, I am the number two runner on the team. My races haven’t been as good as they have been in the past. Alyssa Moore is a sophomore and is currently the number one runner. She’s amazing.”

Bagpiper: How long have you been interested in running?

HK: “I started in fourth grade because both my mom and dad ran in high school. My mom even held records, but it was a small school so I don’t know if that counts. I also ran in AAU and I liked my coach Clyde Miller. He inspired me to keep running.”

Bagpiper: What is the best thing about running?

HK: “The people, definitely. I keep doing it for my friends, they just keep me going and going. It is a combination of the atmosphere, the friends, and the feeling of the runner’s high that you get.”

Bagpiper: How do you get prepared for a meet?

HK: “For races, a lot of times I listen to songs to pump me up. Every meet I listen to Angels and Airways’ song “Secret Crowds.” I always use prayer to prepare myself too. I just try to block everything out on the bus by listening to music. Then, as a team we do a one mile warm up and strides, which is when you stretch out your leg as far as you can while running. And before the meet actually starts we circle up, do a slow clap, and scream ‘FCCC!'”

Bagpiper: In one sentence, can you explain what running means to you?

HK: “Wow. Okay, without running, I wouldn’t be who I am. It has shaped so many of my friends and my strength. Physically and mentally. It’s not my life. Just half of it.”