The Stentorian Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • March Madness 2025 Tips Off

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    The 2024-25 Division I college basketball season is entering its thrilling conclusion and the tournament brackets for the men’s and women’s teams are set! There is a reason that many sports fans consider this to be the best time of the year. Not only are we treated to the most exciting tournament in sports, but viewers get extremely invested in the action as they fill out brackets with their predictions for how the games will play out. March always brings the madness and upsets are prevalent, particularly in the tournament’s early rounds. That’s what makes the whole competition so exciting. The action will continue through the rest of the month, packed full of excitement and memorable moments all the way until a champion is crowned in early April.

     Every year, millions of brackets are filled out in hopes of being the first one ever to be perfect and pick every game correctly. Each person knows in their heart that a perfect bracket is almost impossible, but the dream is reborn each year with every new tournament. In reality, the odds of picking all games correctly are 1 in 9.2 quintillion. That’s an uphill battle that will almost certainly never be won. Nevertheless, brackets continue to be filled, not only for the pursuit of perfection but also for the fun of competing against friends and family and envisioning all of the possible outcomes. 

    This year, the Men’s Final Four will take place in San Antonio, Texas, and the Women’s Final Four will be held in Tampa Bay, Florida. The top four overall seeds (one seeds) in the men’s tournament are Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston, while the top four in the women’s bracket are UCLA, South Carolina, Southern California, and Texas. Choosing one of these teams as the national champion is a safe choice for a bracket picker. Don’t count out some of the lower seeds though, there are lots of high-quality teams seeded lower in the bracket as well. 

    The tournament contains a diverse selection of teams with a wide range of unique goals. Some teams are ecstatic just to qualify for the tournament, others hope for a run to the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, and still more aspire to reach the Final Four and capture a National Championship. One thing that every team shares is their drive to compete and win in the tournament and that is what makes it so entertaining to watch.

    I have always been one of those previously mentioned sports fans for whom this is the best time of the year. Tournament season is very exciting and I have a lot of fun every year filling out my bracket and watching the madness unfold. Doing this with my friends and family over the years has created countless happy memories, and I hope that readers will have a similar experience this year and in the future. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, create your bracket, and enjoy the show!

  • In Photos: Men’s Basketball Playoffs & Senior Night

    In Photos: Men’s Basketball Playoffs & Senior Night

    Photos By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer, and Louisa Weinard, Stentorian Photographer

  • Mixed Opinions of Super Bowl LIX

    Mixed Opinions of Super Bowl LIX

    The Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their victory with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    Every year, there is great excitement leading up to the Super Bowl. Viewers around the world flock to their televisions to watch the game, halftime show, and unique commercials. This year, Super Bowl LIX drew mixed opinions from those who watched. The game itself was viewed by many as one of the worst in recent history, but Philadelphia Eagles fans certainly enjoyed watching their team beat up the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. There was no suspense whatsoever as the Eagles had control of the game from start to finish. 

    Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance was much anticipated and viewers were divided on whether or not it was a success. For some, it was a terrible, boring performance and for others, it was the best halftime show they had seen recently. One thing is for sure though, it had plenty of controversy as Lamar performed his viral Drake diss track, “Not Like Us.” Finally, we arrive at the commercials. Super Bowl commercials have always been a fun part of the broadcast as viewers watch to see what kinds of iconic and wacky advertisements companies have created. This year, however, those who tuned in pointed out that the commercials were not nearly as eye-catching and unique as usual, with the exception of a few, specifically the Mountain Dew “Kiss from a Lime” commercial featuring Seal. 

    The only thing we can be sure about when it comes to the reception of Super Bowl LIX is that there is no clear consensus on the public opinion of the broadcast. Some aspects were subpar and others were on point, but no one can agree on the quality of most of them. When it comes down to it, that’s really what makes the Super Bowl special. People around the world come together to watch each year and no one ever truly knows what to expect!

  • The Senior Night Spectacle for Uni Basketball

    The Senior Night Spectacle for Uni Basketball

    Jay Peng ’26 takes the game-winning shot. (Louisa Weinard/The Stentorian)

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    There was a little extra excitement in the air on the evening of February 3rd, 2025. It was Senior night and the Class of 2025 players, managers, and cheerleaders would be recognized pregame. 

    As soon as the Senior night festivities wrapped up, the players turned their attention to basketball. That evening, the boy’s team faced off against the Franklin Academy Patriots; the winner would be atop the Super Six Conference standings at the end of the night. The Unis weren’t exactly favorites; they had fallen 67-53 on the road to the Patriots less than two weeks earlier. Despite this, there was a hopeful vibe emanating from the crowd. The NCSSM boys basketball team was having one of the best seasons in their history; a win here would go a long way for their hopes of qualifying for the 2A State Playoffs. 

    The moment of the tip-off arrived and the two teams were off and running, trading baskets back and forth. NCSSM got hot right out of the gate, and the Unis held an 18-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. As the second quarter began, the Patriots settled in and began to shift the momentum back their way. 

    The home crowd that had been raucously cheering just minutes earlier had quieted down significantly by halftime with Franklin Academy snatching a slim 31-29 lead at the break. There was an air of uncertainty throughout the building. The third quarter got underway and the Unis silenced the away fans as they began to regain the momentum they had earlier in the game. They brought a whole new level of energy after halftime and retook the lead 48-46 by the end of the period. This matchup was clearly going to be a nail-biter to the finish and the nervousness of the fans and students was palpable by this point. 

    Franklin Academy would hold a 59-57 lead with under ten seconds to play, but the Unis had the ball. Guard Ethann Burkett ‘25 was fouled with 4.5 seconds to go, which meant he would head to the free throw line to take two shots to potentially tie the game. The pressure on his shoulders was enormous, but he would calmly sink both free throws to knot things up at 59. 

    On the ensuing Patriot inbounds pass, the unthinkable happened. Forward Jay Peng ‘26 stole the pass and took a mid-range jumper as the seconds ticked toward zero. 

    Swish. The buzzer sounded; the Unis had won! The fans and players from the bench stormed the court and crowded around Jay, cheering. 

    What a thrilling night for Uni basketball! I got a chance to speak with Peng, as well as Burkett and Harry Gribbin ‘26, a fan who was in attendance that night. 

    When asked about that final shot, Peng said, “I can’t say I’ve ever practiced that shot before but as it was leaving my hands I knew it was going in. I didn’t think about it, I just let it fly. When the game ended, the feeling was surreal. As the students rushed the court, I felt on top of the world. These are the moments you dream of; it felt like a dream come true.” 

    When explaining how he felt as he stepped up to the free throw line, Burkett said, “I knew that I couldn’t let the doubt and nervousness overcome me. I had to step up and be confident that I would hit those shots. I shot the first one and it felt just right so I knew as soon as I shot the second one that it was going in too.” 

    Finally, Gribbin described his experience as a fan by saying, “It was the most exciting last minute of basketball I’ve ever witnessed. When Jay Peng stole the ball and swished the most incredible buzzer-beater I’ve ever seen, the gym erupted in cheer and we stormed the court, celebrating with the team.” 

    Not only did this game deliver a thrilling finish, but it was also the perfect Senior Night result and a critical shot in the arm for the Unis, who were already having an extremely successful season. Nobody entering the building that night knew what was about to transpire, but it would certainly be a game that the students and fans would never forget. 

  • Top Teams in the Triangle

    Top Teams in the Triangle

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    The Triangle region of North Carolina has plenty of exciting options for sports fans to indulge in. Whether you want to watch the tactical showdown of a soccer match or the fast-paced action of a basketball game, a wide variety of major sports are available. This comprehensive guide will detail all of the teams that a fan can see in the Triangle area.

    Carolina Hurricanes

    (ABC4)

    The Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL) are the only team in the Triangle from one of the “Big Four” North American sports leagues; the NHL, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Football League (NFL). The “Canes,” as fans call them, are consistently competitive at North America’s highest level of hockey, winning the Stanley Cup in the 2005-06 NHL season. Head over to the Lenovo Center in Raleigh for some exhilarating professional hockey!

    UNC Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, and NC State Wolfpack

    (WFMY News 2)

    The Triangle has the unique privilege of being home to three college sports powerhouses, offering fans in the region the opportunity to experience a multitude of National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I athletic events from field hockey to football. All three of these schools compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have plenty of national championships across all of the sports they field, so you are sure to see a high level of play when attending one of these events.

    North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage

    (The Tournament)

    North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage are the Triangle’s respective premier professional men’s and women’s soccer clubs. They compete in The United Soccer League (USL) Championship and the National Women’s Soccer League respectively. The clubs’ home stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park is the epicenter of Triangle soccer and a great place to catch a match. Fans can take a trip over to Cary to see goals galore scored by these two excellent clubs!

    Durham Bulls

    (Spectacular Magazine)

    The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team; the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. They play at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, conveniently located in downtown Durham, and games there are always exciting–a great way to see upcoming Major League Talent play before they head up to the big leagues. The Durham Bulls bring the fun of professional baseball to the Triangle!

    Carolina Mudcats

    (Restoration News Media)

    The Carolina Mudcats are the other minor league baseball team in the Triangle, but they play three levels below the Bulls as the Milwaukee Brewers’ single-A affiliate. Mudcats games are another great professional baseball option; lower-level minor league games showcase raw talent unlike the developed players of the higher levels who are on the cusp of reaching the major leagues. The Mudcats currently play at Five County Stadium in Zebulon but will be moving to Wilson in 2026.

    The large selection of sporting events in the Triangle means that there is always something new to explore at just about any time of the year. With baseball and soccer in the spring and summer, football in the fall, basketball and hockey in the winter, and more, there is never a dull moment when it comes to Triangle sports. No matter what sport you choose, you’ll surely have a great time.

  • In Photos: Fall Sports Begin

    In Photos: Fall Sports Begin

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    HIGHLIGHTS FROM AUGUST & SEPTEMBER. The fall athletic season is upon us and a variety of sports have begun. Men’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, and women’s golf are all back in action. Student-athletes are working hard in and out of the classroom studying, practicing, and competing at the top of their game! Your support is key to their success. It means the world to them when they see their peers in the stands. Be sure to come out and cheer on our Unis at a sporting event this fall!

    Image Credits: Dylan Dees, Louisa Weinard, Jude White, NCSSM Cross Country.

  • The Grind Never Stops: A Guide to Gym-Hunting in Durham

    The Grind Never Stops: A Guide to Gym-Hunting in Durham

    ANNELIESE HEYDER – STENTORIAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

    By Anneliese Heyder, Stentorian Editor-in-Chief

    For some students, the gym is their safe place: it’s somewhere they can go to release stress, meet new people, and get good plain ol’ exercise. Some go to lift weights while others run on the treadmill or get an intense bike ride in. Either way, everyone has one thing in common ⎯ they want to get a good workout. So, the question is: where to work out on (or off) campus? 

    On Campus:

    Students at NCSSM can enjoy the gym, dance studio, and weight room all located in the Physical Education Center (PEC). The gym is open for certain hours to students who want to play a game of basketball, practice volleyball skills, or prepare for the dodgeball games later in the school year. The dance studio provides an open space for both the dance and cheer teams, as well as students interested in pilates or yoga. Finally, the weight room offers a diverse range of equipment to grow your gains. It can get crowded quickly though; the most popular hours are afternoon/evening once classes have gotten out. Be sure to keep on the lookout for after-check events with your hall; these are great ways to get a workout in while bonding with your hallmates! 

    Off-Campus: 

    Another popular option is Planet Fitness – about a 5-minute walk from campus. NCSSM students can be seen leaving campus with their gym buddies early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Planet Fitness is well-liked by students for its cheap fees and student discounts. The commercial gym boasts high-quality amenities which include a diverse range of both weights and cardio equipment. Not only is it open 24/7, but Planet Fitness states that it “has the best value on the planet.” With two different membership options ⎯ a Classic or Black Card ⎯ and the High School Summer Pass, students can find what works for them and their bank account. 

    Now, for those of you who find joy not in weights and cardio equipment but in pilates and yoga, Ninth Street offers two different options: Pure Barre and Yoga Off East. PureBarre offers a diverse range of classes throughout the week: those targeting strength and endurance, others flexibility and recovery, and some that incorporate both cardio and strength training. These workouts are low-impact and full-body, allowing you to get in some effective and satisfying exercise. The studio offers both a free first class and beginner classes for those just starting. Referring a friend can also earn you a free class; if this interests you, find another student and try it out! 

    Just down the street is Yoga Off East: it offers weekly classes that focus on core strength, stretching, recovery, and meditation. For newcomers, the studio offers three classes for $30 and has a membership option. If this speaks to you, feel free to grab a buddy and go check it out!

    While there are many other options around Durham, those can be difficult to get to. Remember, you need a buddy when leaving campus. While walking is the most common mode of travel here, those with bikes can travel a bit further; if you and your friend both have a bike, you may have a larger pick of workout facilities. 

    Some things to keep in mind when choosing a gym or studio: accessibility, costs, transportation, and most importantly, if it’s realistic. To determine this, you’ll need to do something that you will do almost every day here at school: research. Happy gym hunting!

  • Friendships Forged Through Sports at NCSSM

    Friendships Forged Through Sports at NCSSM

    ASA ZENGERLE

    By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer

    A year ago, I never would’ve imagined I would be at a soccer game in Chapel Hill between Manchester City and Celtic with four great friends, but on July 23, that’s where I found myself! I gained all four of those valuable relationships through a shared love of sports. Whether it was running cross country or watching a Carolina basketball game, we spent lots of quality time together with a common thread – athletics. 

    NCSSM is a huge adjustment for everyone. For most students, it’s their first time living away from home. In a very academically challenging environment, it’s important to participate in physical activities and make new friends outside of class. Both of these can be accomplished through participating in or supporting school sports. It feels great to get outside and move after a long day of learning and the friendships and camaraderie formed by being part of a team can last a lifetime.

    I have made so many great memories with the friends I met through athletics. We got to see some players and the coach of Manchester City up close at the soccer game; I know that moment is something I’ll never forget. It was just another experience I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t participated in sports at NCSSM. 

    Don’t just take it from me! I asked Asa Zengerle, a rising NCSSM senior, about the impact sports made on him during his junior year. When posed this question he responded, “Being a part of NCSSM sports has been such a great experience. I played three sports during my junior year (cross-country, basketball, and spring track) and met so many awesome people during each one. My coaches and teammates were all super supportive and everyone on each team was always really competitive while still encouraging their teammates and cheering them on. Sports at NCSSM are one of my favorite things about the school and I’m excited to do them again this year.” Zengerle’s recollection of his experiences is exciting and encouraging to those considering participating in NCSSM athletics.

    Being on an NCSSM sports team has extra significance for me. I came from a small early college with no athletic teams, so I was very excited to finally have the opportunity to experience the school spirit and pride of playing for and cheering on my school’s teams. I was not disappointed; I love the electric atmosphere at sporting events and it’s a great feeling to compete with NCSSM printed on my chest. I’m sure that is a sentiment shared by other students as well.

    I can still imagine my group of friends huddled together in a cramped room yelling at the computer monitor that displayed a game you could’ve assumed our lives depended upon. College and professional sports bring NCSSM students together (or cause some healthy rivalry) just as much as school sports. It’s clear around campus that sports fans are everywhere. You can see jerseys worn to class and social events, big games on TV screens in hall lounges, and pennants on the walls of students’ rooms. Regardless of where your allegiance lies, you will be able to connect with others who support the same team. This is yet another way to bond with friends throughout your NCSSM experience.

    There are so many different ways to immerse yourself in a place like this; the possibilities are endless. My love of sports connected me with so many great people and led to countless friendships and opportunities. If you’re looking for that group of friends you really click with or you’re just searching for a new activity to try, consider giving sports a shot! It will certainly be a decision you won’t regret. Go Unis!

  • What is it like being an NCSSM athlete?

    What is it like being an NCSSM athlete?

    By Harry Wilson / March 20, 2024
    (NCSSM Athletics)

    Athletics is a large part of NCSSM’s culture and an important aspect of life for anyone associated with a sports team. If you actually bothered to read the sports section, you probably either are or know an NCSSM athlete, however, what you may not see when you hear the results of a track meet, see the scores of a tennis match, or sit in the student’s section at a basketball game is just how much goes into NCSSM athletics. Contrary to common perceptions, there’s a lot more to being an athlete than being cool and popular. It’s easy to criticize teams for poor (or sometimes very poor) performances, but behind the scenes there are many factors that make sports at NCSSM especially difficult compared to other schools. So what exactly is it like?

    It goes without saying that NCSSM is a difficult place, and if you get five hours of sleep a night and a meal or two a day, you’re doing pretty well. This type of lifestyle isn’t suitable for teenagers but is even worse when you factor in vigorous exercise and competition daily. Being an athlete also makes it more difficult to spend adequate time studying, going to office/TA hours, and participating in activities. Additionally, competition days require students to miss supper and instead receive turkey and [not] cheese sandwiches. 

    One of the biggest challenges for teams at NCSSM is being a two year school. While other teams have had years to perfect playing with the same teammates and coaches, for our athletes, each year is often the first (and last) time playing together, making it more difficult to develop team culture and chemistry. It also means that the flow of athletes into the school is quite sporadic, leaving teams’ success largely up to the luck of the draw in admissions. 

    With all these challenges, it seems like the question should be, why be an NCSSM athlete at all? But just as they know the challenges, anyone who plays a sport here knows exactly why we do it. NCSSM is a special place, full of extraordinary people, and this remains true on every team. The bond shared by our teams in the face of this schools’ unique challenges is the best part of being an athlete, and in many cases, one of the keys to NCSSM’s success. Unicorns always accept the greater challenge; To those who love their sport and their team, nothing else matters.

    Obviously the school’s focus is in academics, but the support that goes into sports is felt by all who take part. NCSSM’s coaches and trainers are second to none. That’s why regardless of sport, skill, or even wins and losses, being an athlete here is incredible, and an experience cherished by all those who have taken part. And for anyone curious about what it’s like being an NCSSM athlete, with spring sports right around the corner, it’s never too late to find out for yourself.