Boys Basketball Team Reflects on Substate Championship By: Susette Garcia

Sophomores Jahron McPherson (24) and Brock Gilliam (23) celebrate with their teammates after the final buzzer.

The Basehor-Linwood basketball boys are heading to state for the second time in three years.

The boys took victory against Piper this past Saturday at the substate championship with a win of 61-58. “Winning substate was so surreal…when I looked down the court and the buzzer went off it felt like I was dreaming,” senior Tim Sanders said.

Going into the substate championship game Saturday night, the BLHS boys knew this wasn’t going to be an easy game. Although they had previously beaten Piper two times this season, every team knows it’s a difficult task to beat the same team three times in one year.

When the final buzzer sounded, the entire gym was filled with excitement with the boys punching their ticket for a return trip to state.

“I’m looking forward to state because of the experience. Obviously our goal is nothing less than a state championship, but the trip and the experience is awesome,” senior JP

Downing said.

The Bobcats are the No. 3 seed in the class 4A-I boys basketball tournament. “We have put every ounce of dedication into this

season, and we are going to play our hearts out. We are bringing the 2014 4A state champion title back home with us Saturday,” junior Pat Muldoon said.

Lastly, the boys would like to say thank you to their fans who have been at every game supporting them. The cheers from the crowed truly do have an impact on the players.

What to do On Your Way... By: Cassie Batesel

El DoradoMASCOT: Wildcat (Red)

STUDENT BODY: 571RECORD: 13-9

TO SALINA: 90 MinutesFAMOUS ALUMNI: Mike McBride

POPULATION: 12,900BEST RESTAURANT: Jacob’s Well

BLHS vs. El Dorado Preview By: Mitchell Mikinski

BLHS is geared up for their first state matchup since the classic 56-52 state win two years ago against Semi Ojeleye and the Ottawa Cyclones.That team was led by a strong group of seniors anchored by the Murphy twins. But there were also two young sophomores in that starting five. Those sophomores, JP Downing and Chase Younger, are a long way away from our student section chanting “He’s a sophomore!” every time they made a fantastic play (the students chanted that a lot).This time the Bobcats are in a similar situation, but with more experience. Junior center Pat Muldoon went to state last year with Mill Valley and the other four starters went with the Bobcats in 2012.

While we could talk about the feeling of going to state all day, there actually are seven oth-er teams in our bracket. We are matched up against Coach/Super McBride’s Alma Mater, El Dorado. El Dorado is 13-9, came from behind to win their substate, and don’t have our size.So that means they’re going to be an easy win, right? Wrong. They’re gritty and are the un-derdogs. They had more rebounds and second chance points than their opponent in substate.It is a team full of McBrides, and if that doesn’t scare you then what does? BLHS will have to bring their A-Game hustle to the table, but it is completely manageable. Carson Fliger took four charges in the game against Piper, and if the Bobcats as a team hustle half as much as he did, BLHS should advance and get the W.Bottom Line: El Dorado gets its success from hustle. Basehor-Linwood has talent. As Coach McBride says in practice, “Hard work beats tal-ent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Thankfully McBride makes sure his teams work hard.Score Prediction: Bobcats by 13

BASEHOR-LINWOODMASCOT: Bobcat (Green & Gold)STUDENT BODY: 650RECORD: 19-3TO SALINA: 203 MinutesFAMOUS ALUMNI: How can we pick just one…?POPULATION: 4,787BEST RESTAURANT: China Dragon

What to do in Salina:1. Bicentennial Center The site of the 4A state tournament2. The Cozy Inn Downtown burger joint famous for their sliders and distinct aroma Scheme Restaurant Scheme Restaurant Downtown pizza restaurant3. Jumpin’ Joe’s Family Fun Center Mini golf, lazer tag, arcade, go-karts4. Bogey’s Famous for more than 100 varieties of shakes55. Rolling Hills Zoo Privately maintained zoo six miles west of town - rivals big city zoos, animals roam in pastures instead of cells6. Lindsborg 20 minutes south of Salina, also known as “Little Sweden USA.” Lots of shops, restaurants, and tourist stops.

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What to do in Salina:1. Bicentennial Center The site of the 4A state tournament2. The Cozy Inn Downtown burger joint famous for their sliders and distinct aroma Scheme Restaurant Scheme Restaurant Downtown pizza restaurant3. Jumpin’ Joe’s Family Fun Center Mini golf, lazer tag, arcade, go-karts4. Bogey’s Famous for more than 100 varieties of shakes55. Rolling Hills Zoo Privately maintained zoo six miles west of town - rivals big city zoos, animals roam in pastures instead of cells6. Lindsborg 20 minutes south of Salina, also known as “Little Sweden USA.” Lots of shops, restaurants, and tourist stops.

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Culture matters By: Liz Morris

Mahatma Gandhi said, “No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” In everyday life, we see this a lot. Especially in high school, people are exclusive in their “cliques”. That’s what they’re supposed to do: be in a certain group to function, right? You have to hang out with those certain friends and talk to those certain people to seem “cool”, but is it really worth it just to be “cool?”I went around and interviewed a few students to see what their opinion on the school culture was.Junior Ashton Morris said, “Everybody is pretty friendly for the most part. I do see a lot of different cliques, though. But it is definitely a lot better since my freshman year.”Most people interviewed said the environment of our school is pretty good.Some students feel as though people in the school actually help promote conflict instead of preventing it. Senior Rachael Bell said, “ I see people bullying others at our school like all the time, and rarely do I see people try to stop it.”We all go to class everyday and we all associate with mostly the same teachers. Whether we talk with them or just sit there and listen, we all learn something.

We’re all required to go to school in order to graduate. But our teachers aren’t just there to teach us about school. They’re there to teach us lessons in life as well as help prepare us for the future. They are a big part of the culture of this school and in many ways set an example for us to follow in our life outside of these halls.Senior Taylor Sherley said, “I think some (teachers) actually care about their jobs and some of them don’t. I have had a few teachers help me throughout high school to prepare for my future life. I mean, Mrs. Loney helped me realize what I want to do for the rest of my life.”So there you have it. We all could be exclusive and stay within our “cliques” or we could venture out and meet new people. There are so many people in the world, and it doesn’t matter what they’re wearing or how big their ears are or who they talk to. We’re all human, we all have feelings, and it’s always better to be surrounded by friends and family than no one at all.

Look for a related video story featuring many students from BLHS to appear on blhsnews.com in the coming days.

Name that Player Can you identify the member of the boys basketball team by these pictures?

Answers on the top of p. 14

On March 1, the day of the state powerlifting meet, I received a special gift from one of my role models, Alli Kasick. In her hands was her squat belt, which she had decided to pass on to me to use for next year. Along with her belt, she gave me many encouraging words to get me pumped for my last season of powerlifting next year. Getting that belt from her meant everything in the world to me. It is a part of her that I will get to use and pass on when powerlifting officially ends for me. Also, I’m pretty sure it gave me super powers when I used it to squat at state. My total jumped 35 pounds that day. That’s what role models do; they encourage others and lift them up so they can be successful.Who is your role model? Your mom or dad? A family friend or celebrity? An athlete? Regardless of who your role model is, we can agree that, with their actions, they inspire us to be better people every day. Role models are individuals who are looked up to by other people for numerous reasons. These individuals range from professional athletes to superstar celebrities. They hold a special place in the world and influence others to better themselves and follow in their footsteps to success.In addition to Kasick being one of my role models, my other inspiring athlete is Tori Bejarano. During the last two seasons of powerlifting, these girls, who are also seniors, have pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. They were always there to keep me going, even when I didn’t want to. The first time I met Kasick and Bejarano, I was truly scared of them because of how talented they were at powerlifting. As the season went on, I realized how valuable they were as teammates because they taught me many qualities that I will use in the future. I would have never thought that I would have gotten so close to two amazing athletes that have so much passion for a sport.

Last weekend was the state powerlifting meet, and my last chance to compete with Kasick and Bejarano. Kasick’s day didn’t go how she had envisioned it, but that day truly showed me how great of a role model she is. She picked herself back up after a downfall and pushed through the rest of the meet. She didn’t give up after making a mistake; she gathered herself and kept going because she knew she needed to set an example for younger athletes on our team. Next year, I want to show Kasick’s courage and the willingness to never give up to underclassmen when they’re struggling with their lifts.I will miss Bejarano always yelling at me to get up, try harder, and not let anything get in my head. I want to embody her confidence and focus she displays at every meet.Kasick and Bejarano are the first role models I’ve ever had, aside from my parents. I’ve never looked up to anyone with such charisma and passion that these girls hold. I can only hope that I can be a role model for other athletes like they were for me and encourage others to be great. I have learned how to be a role model from the best, which will help me to step up and take their roles as I prepare for my last season of powerlifting next year.This season was truly touching, because it was the last season I had with these girls. At every meet, they were always encouraging me and other athletes to push through and not think about how much we were lifting, since powerlifting is more of a mental sport than it is physical. Role models have amazing influences on people, especially teenagers. They push people to be better and do things they might never think of doing. These role models could be older adults, professional athletes, or celebrities. Mine just happen to be two awe-inspiring seniors that are ever so talented and will leave a special place in my heart for years to come.

The Influence of Role ModelsBy: Alyssa Foster

With the ever so anticipated spring break next week, students are eager to get a timeout from classes, homework and teachers. While excitement may be in the air here at BLHS, a sense of worry lingers among the parents of students. Spring break is notorious for parties, drinking, and inappropriate behavior. Whether high schoolers are on the beach or here in Basehor, they will still be eager to let loose with the absence of the stress school brings. To avoid temptation and make the week count, there is an alternative spring break idea. A.S.B. is exactly what it sounds like, an alternative to the usual lounging and partying students often engage in over break.A.S.B. provides an opportunity for people to either travel or stay close to home and volunteer. Traveling costs are usually covered by the organization a student volunteers for; however, a small fee is still required. In heading to different parts of the country and maybe even the world, there are many different types of opportunities available for alternative spring breakers, like building houses in places where natural disasters have displaced thousands of families to providing care for children or even helping a community set up a new school. South Africa is a very popular destination for many alternative spring breakers. If traveling abroad isn’t an option, there are still plenty of opportunities here in the United States. A major organization that offers this opportunity to students is Habitat for Humanity. This group helps to rebuild lives by building

homes for those in need.Additionally, church groups and other charitable organizations in every state offer the chance to make the world a better place in whatever way possible. Both students and teachers have gotten involved with A.S.B. in prior years. Two years ago, Holy Angels youth group traveled to Joplin, Missouri to help rebuild homes after the devastating tornado that hit. Students Allison Kasick, Allison Heinen, Taylor Sherley and many more went on the trip. “It was an amazing experience,” Kasick said, “The trip was beyond rewarding and I encourage anyone to volunteer over spring break.” This year, middle school teacher Ashley Driver will be venturing to Haiti and high school teacher Kristen Loney will head to Trinidad and Tobago on mission trips.Loney said, “We are taking a group of 35 high school students on the trip to serve the people of Trinidad. We’ll do work projects, work with kids, and visit a prison and hospital while there. Mission trips are a great way to expand your view of the world and bond with the people you take the trip with. I’m looking forward to it.”If you’re interested in an alternative spring break, you can either contact groups like Habitat for Humanity and other organizations directly, or get information from local groups. In the end, you’re not going to remember a week spent watching TV or tanning near the water. However, you will remember making a difference in the lives of many people around the world thanks to A.S.B.

Alternative Trips Add a Twist toSpring Break By: Allison Crist

By: Alli Kasick

By: Allison Crist

By: Breann Drew

Dancing, partying, and food: sounds like the perfect combination. These are the things that happen every year as a celebration on the 17th day in March. This holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick (obviously). Many, if not most, people celebrate this holiday, but not very many people know exactly why the partying started in the first place. Usually the history of things tends to be boring, but this one is actually pretty fascinating. It all started in the fourth century in Great Britain when Saint Patrick was born.Several years later, when Saint Patrick was a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders. They enslaved him, but eventually after six years, he was able to escape. Shortly after he became a priest in Britain and later returned to Ireland as a missionary in hopes of helping to spread the teachings of Christianity to pagans. Pagans are generally characterized as those who are caught up in any religious ceremony, act, or practice that is not distinctly Christian. According to Irish folklore, Saint Patrick also used a shamrock to explain the Christian concept of Trinity to the Irish.Although pagan leaders opposed what he was doing very strongly, that did not stop him from continuing that for 30 more years and also baptizing newly converted Christians and establishing monasteries, churches, and schools. Saint Patrick’s death date was March 17, hence the date of the holiday, and he was canonized by the local church.

Canonization means to officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint. This man has been credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland altogether.This widely-known holiday was first publicly celebrated in Boston in 1737, a place where a large population of Irish immigrants lived. The very first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Irish Free State was about 200 years later in Dublin in 1931. St. Patrick’s Day has evolved slowly into becoming a celebration of Irish heritage, although many Catholics still quietly celebrate it by going to mass.Many places such as Japan, Argentina, and Canada also join in on the festivities of “St. Patty’s Day”, as it is nicknamed. Symbols associated with this holiday include the legendary shamrock and also leprechauns, ethnic cuisine, and of course wearing the color green in general. All of these things are reflective of Ireland’s culture and national identity. Whether it’s a button, a shirt, or even your entire outfit, make sure to wear at least a little bit of green on this coming St. Patrick’s Day so you don’t get pinched!

Sources:http://spoonful.com/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-dayhttp://www.gotquestions.org/pagan-paganism.html

The Origins of St. Patrick’s Day By: Rachael Bell

State Powerlifting in Photos

Overall State ChampionsCassie Beattie: 105 Class (state record in clean)Britney Smith: 123 ClassCourtney Norris: 132 Class (state record in clean)

Sierra Smith: 140 ClassKatey Trower: 148 Class (state record in bench)Cassie Tucker: 156 ClassKara Kollars: 180 ClassDean Cochran: 173 Class (state record in clean)Bret Fritz: Heavyweight Class (state record in clean)

State Powerlifting in Photos

Event State ChampionsJaime Weible: 123 Class - SquatKailey Drennon: 165 Class - SquatAlli Kasick: Powerweight Class - Clean

Photos by abigail Schif and Mack Grimes

Jake Phillips: 220 Class - Bench & CleanJay O’Bryan: 242 Class - CleanNick Chaney: Heavyweight Class - Bench

Substate Basketball in Photos

Substate Basketball in Photos Photos by Taylor Sherley

EXPRESS staffFront Row: Susette Garcia, Allison Crist, Liz Morris, Rachael Bell, Breann DrewBack Row: Cassie Batesel, Alyssa Foster, Mitchell Mikinski, Ashley Novo-Gradac, Allison Kasick.Editor-in-Chief: Allison CristManaging Editor: Mitchell MikinskiAdviser: Kristen Loney

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Make sure you visit BLHSNEWS.COM for the latest photos, news, scores, and videos from BLHS.

Everyone knows prom is just around the corner. Most girls are not only on the rush to find the perfect dresses, but also to find the perfect date. Many people around the school have already been asked with the perfect promposal. Yes, I said promposal. A promposal is an invitation to prom done in a unique way. So I got a little nosy with a few of them around the school.

Carter Kleoppel had a great idea to ask his one of his close friends to prom which was Sara Rehm. He knew one of her favorite things was Iron Man, and he knew one of his strengths was drawing. Carter decided to draw her a picture of Iron Man and give it to her. Of course she said yes!

Madison McDowell decided she would ask Lukas Tucker to prom in a way that he would like best. Most people know that Lukas loves basketball. Madison decided to decorate

a basketball and throwing it to him. Even though the basketball was a little too girly for his liking, he still said yes.

One of the funniest promposals at the school was Cory McCleary asking Alli Kasick. With the help of Alli's friends, Cory showed up at her doorstep in only a pair of boxers with the word "Prom?" written on his body.

Alli said, "I was just downstairs listening to Shania Twain when I heard the doorbell ring. I thought that somebody else in the house could answer it, but they didn’t. I was kind of mad that I had to answer the door until I opened it to see Cory standing there. I wasn't mad after that but I was a little embarrassed." Once again she said yes!

Start planning your promposals and get your prom dates before April 26th!

Promposals Take Over BLHSby: Ashley Novo-Gradac

Sara Rehm and Carter Kleoppel Lukas Tucker and Madison McDowell Cory McCleary and Alli Kasick

Top Row: JP Downing, Pat Muldoon, Zach McNabb, Brock Gilliam, Chase Younger.Bottom Row: Carson Fliger, Sean Potter, Jahron McPherson, Tim Sanders.

Basketball Answers: