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What Grinds Our Gears: Twitter
January 10th, 2012By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
Do you want to know what grinds my gears right now? Twitter. For those who do not know what Twitter is, it is a social networking site much like Facebook. However, instead of “friending” people, one follows what others are “tweeting.”
I understand why people might want to follow celebrities to see what they are doing. While I do not agree with this mentality, I at least get this essence of pop culture. However, what frustrates me about Twitter is how it’s becoming popular with high school kids, especially those at WA.
I am not trying to be insensitive to those who have fallen into Twitter mania, but honestly, just think about the concept. Everyone is going around looking for followers, but nobody has anything all too enlightening to say. In fact, most tweets from high schoolers are either inside jokes which only three people would find amusing, rants about what is upsetting them at the moment, or something they find exciting that they are doing. I do not want to hear about any of these.
A WA senior, who shall remain anonymous, told me why he or she loved Twitter so much, “It’s great. It’s not like Facebook where you have to think. You just tweet whatever you feel.”
Seriously? So you have managed to amass 80 followers, all of whom are people you see in school every day, and now you are going to bombard them ten times a day with random things that you are doing?
Lastly, what is going on with all the hashtags? Everybody thinks that they are being witty when they put them in their Facebook status or make a joke during the day that ends with something like “hashtag awkward.” News flash: Twitter has been around since 2006, so that joke is neither up-to-date or hip.
The bottom line is that Twitter is essentially a poor man’s Facebook, as all it contains is statuses. How many times have you sifted through your newsfeed and been frustrated with all the meaningless nonsense that is posted by people you hardly talk to? Twitter is essentially a repeat but with much more nonsense, mixed in with usually one good tweet a day from your best friend who you could have texted.
Sorry if this seems harsh, but it is how I see Twitter. I just do not see the value of high schoolers tweeting each other. If you enjoy it, more power to you, but don’t try to convince me to join the hordes of Twitter-addicted zombies constantly texting their latest update.
Also, sorry that this isn’t 140 characters or less. #frustratedwithTwitter
The College Application Process – The ED Wait
December 14th, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
For many high schoolers, senior year can feel like a time of complete inbalance. So much time is focused on the college application process that everyone is looking towards graduation and the first day of college.
This feeling is compounded by the early decision/early action application process, which many students apply for in early November. Early decision, for those who do not know, is a binding commitment where a student signs a contract agreeing to attend a college if he is accepted, while early action is a non-binding commitment that allows students to hear their decisions earlier. Since students typically hear back by December 15th, this is a very tumultuous time of year as many seniors will hear back from their “dream schools.”
Being in the process of early decision right now, I can tell you firsthand that the worst part of all is the waiting. While I sent in the application what many could consider a short month and a half ago, time feels like it could not go any slower for me, as is true for many seniors I have talked to about this process. Since most people only apply early to their top choice schools, everyone is particularly anxious about these decisions above all else, as they have the potential to decide where a student ends up for the next four years.
I feel that the wait itself elicits a mixed bag of feelings from students. Having applied by binding myself to early decision at my top school, I have experienced a spectrum of feelings, especially as the date that I hear back nears. There are days where I wake up and truly feel confident that I have given it my best chance and am eager to see if I get in. However, there are equally moments where I feel that my odds of getting in are near to none. The uncertainty of the situation takes a major toll by causing stress.
As for the decision itself, the mere thought of it can speed my heart rate on the spot. Thinking of the moment where I will be sitting in front of the computer (where the decision will be released) 5 minutes beforehand is nerve-wracking in it of itself, and I have been told by other seniors that they can commiserate with these same pangs of anxiety. As for the feelings about the actual decision itself, picturing the letter of denial has been known to cause nauseous feelings by seniors everywhere, while imagining acceptance causes the polar opposite.
Overall, it would be great if one could skip this wait all together, but unfortunately we must take the college process for what it is and embrace it. While I very well may not get in to my first choice school along with many other seniors who apply early, it is important to remember that there are many great colleges out there, and everyone will end up where they are meant to be. Good luck to the Class of 2012 with their early applications and with the college process in general.
AB comes back to beat WA in Thanksgiving classic
November 24th, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
For Acton-Boxborough runningback Kyle Sweeney, this was a game to remember. Carrying for all three of AB’s touchdowns, Sweeney led the Colonials to 14 unanswered points in the second half to beat the Grey Ghosts in a down to the wire matchup.
The game started looking like a defensive showdown, with AB deferring the opening coin toss and stopping Westford for a three and out. The Colonials began driving down the field until a fumbled pitch was recovered by the Ghosts, shifting the momentum. A few plays later, WA quarterback Justin Mount ran the option for an electrifying 55 yard touchdown, putting the Ghosts up 7-0.
After this, however, AB came right back. With good field position to start the drive, AB drove deep into Westford territory, but found themselves with a 4th and 2 within field goal range. After a gutsy call to go for it, Sweeney was able to carry for the first, and a few plays later, punched it in for a 4 yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The next scoring drive came halfway through the second when Alex Eaton was able to shred the AB defense all the way to the Colonials’ 30 yard line. After a penalty set the Ghosts back, they found themselves looking at 3rd and 17. WA was not fazed and made their only pass completion of the day, a 30 yard pass from Justin Mount to senior Eric Cajolet which put the Ghosts up 14-7.
Coming towards the end of the half, the Colonials found themselves on the Ghosts’ 4 yard line with 10 seconds to play. However, Cajolet came up big yet again with an interception that ended the half, with the Ghosts up 14-7.
At the start of the 3rd quarter, AB’s decision to defer the toss paid dividends. The Colonials kept handing the ball to Sweeney play after play, and WA had no answer. To culminate the 5 minute drive, Sweeney scored yet again, this time on a 4 yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14 all.
After multiple drives that ended in punts or turnovers on downs, the Colonials began the drive that would change the game. Starting in their own territory, AB’s offensive line was able to open gaping holes in WA’s defense for Sweeney, who carried for a 3 yard touchdown with 6 minutes left to cap off the drive, putting AB up 21-14.
WA knew they had to respond, and went to their play-maker, Al Eaton, who was able to get them into AB territory. However, on a 3rd and 7, Mount tried the option again but lost yardage, putting them in a 4th and long that would basically decide the game. Mount dropped back to pass and hurled it over the middle, just overthrowing senior Mike Doran down field as the ball skipped off his fingertips to the turf.
At that point, WA had one timeout left, and AB knew they could go to their MVP Sweeney, who was able to ice the game. The thrilling game ended in defeat for the Ghosts, with the final being 21-14 Acton-Boxborough.
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WATA’s Code Monkey, A Vacation from the Real
November 11th, 2011Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
Every year, Westford Academy Theater Arts puts on a musical as one of its shows. This year they have decided to put on Code Monkey, a play written and directed by Luke Jorgensen. The show originally debuted in 2009 at Boston College, and now WATA will undertake its production, with the musical debuting on Saturday November 12th, instead of the scheduled Friday November 11th, and running on five days up until the 19th.
The play itself is a comedic twist on the age old boy meets girl story. The story follows the boy losing his girl to the evil CEO of the company he works at. However, the real hilarity ensues as the boy devolves into a monkey and teams up with his girl to to battle a zombie army. This unorthodox story comes complete with fantastic music and choreography, which should make it fun for the whole family.
Starring in the leading roles are Chris Kandra and Jill Frankel, who are playing Rob and Betty, respectively. Will Clark stars as the villainous Dr. Martin, who aims to steal Betty away from Rob. Other actors with integral roles include Dylan McCusker as Scarface, Nick Nudler as Tom, Leah DeTolla as Laura, Sam Nudler as Bobo the monkey, and Chris Horsey appearing as President Barack Obama.
“People should see Code Monkey because it is a vacation from the real. The play is not a drama, not a typical musical, but is an over-the-top theatrical experience that totally engages the audience. And it’s funny,” remarked Will Clark.
The play, which was originally set to debut on the 11th, will now have its first performance on the 12th. However the cast and crew have been working diligently to use that extra time for the best, as Clark went on to say that, “we need to tighten up some moments on stage, finalize technical ques, and take large risks.”
All this extra work being put in by everyone associated with the production should lead to a phenomenal experience for everyone who goes to see the musical. However, Clark hopes that many will keep an open mind heading into the production so as to enjoy the wonderful absurdity of what occurs in the story, “some may claim, ‘Code Monkey is silly,’ or ‘that wouldn’t ever happen in real life,’ but what is wonderful about this show is that the zombie warriors, aliens, and sudden appearance of President Obama are all viable in the crazy, fast-paced world we create.”
Overall, the play looks to be an escape from real life for the viewers. The musical is unlike any other production that WATA has ever undertaken, making it a risk that will surely be knocked out of the park.
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WA Golf faces upcoming tough tests
October 4th, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
The WA boys’ golf has had an interesting year so far. With only 3 matches to play, last year’s DCL champions are an even 6-6, looking to close out the year above .500 to qualify for sectionals. The team has two pivotal matches this week, as Wednesday they will play at Waltham, and Thursday they will take on Chelmsford at Nabnasset Country Club in a home match.
Overall, the season has had a disappointing start for the Grey Ghosts, who were looking to repeat as DCL champs. This year they started with a 3-4 record within the DCL, weak by their pre-season predictions. With two more matches this week, the team is looking to clinch a spot in sectionals, so that they can focus on making the best of their unimpressive start.
Senior Captain Lance Luther is confident in the team’s chances.
“I’m a guy where I see every match as one we can win or lose, but if we play WA golf we will win every time,” said Luther.
WA is coming off a good win on Monday where they beat Newton South, which gives them some momentum and confidence heading into their matches this week.
Luther said, “we really need to dig deep and finish strong to fulfill that goal, but I believe 100% that the team will finish above .500 this season, maybe even 9-6.”
Luther believes the team has quite a bit of depth this year, and if everyone can up their performance to their top level, he believes they have a good chance of competing with the other teams at sectionals.
Overall, it is clear that this is a different team than last year. While they may not compete for a DCL title, Luther is still proud of their accomplishments so far this year,
“This team may not be the same as last year, but I am enjoying this season more than any other I have ever had. There are 16 kids on the team, and nearly everyone of them is a character…in a good way,” said Luther.
Top Athletes We Will Miss Next Year
June 3rd, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
Boys:
1. Mark Cornelius – The top athlete WA loses this year is without a doubt Mark “King Corn” Cornelius. Cornelius is an elite three-sport athlete, as he dominated football, basketball and baseball. As a receiver, he was known for having incredible hands. In basketball, he was a scoring and rebounding machine, leading WA to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Cornelius will truly be missed by WA when he graduates.
2. Mike Mizzoni – Mizzoni has truly made his mark on WA in his four years. As a defensive lineman for the football team, he inspired fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks with his size and strength. Not only was Mizzoni a dominant force in football, but he also was a phenomenal wrestler. His notable achievements this year were knocking off the number one heavyweight and number ten heavyweight in the state. WA will be losing a true talent as Mizzoni graduates.
3. Peter Russo – Russo flies under the radar as a student-athlete WA will miss. A three-season athlete, Russo has excelled in his roles on the soccer team and both winter and spring track. In track, Russo excels at the 400m, and the team will surely not be the same without him. WA loses a leader in Russo, as well as a phenomenal athletic talent, and he is truly one of the top athletes leaving WA.
Girls:
1. Emily Raczelowski – Raczelowski, also known as E-Razz has been a superb athlete over her four years at WA. Her strength is crucial to her success as one of the best throwers this school has ever seen. Not only does she run both indoor and outdoor track as a relay hurdler, she has broken numerous school records with her mammoth shotput tosses reaching nearly 37 feet. Raczelowski’s ability will not be matched for years to come.
2. Rachel Secrist – Secrist’s ability as a three-sport athlete clearly qualifies her as one of the top athletes WA loses this year. As a multiple sport captain, Secrist’s credentials speak for themselves. She is talented at all the sports she plays for the school, which are soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Her valuable versatility is essential to all of the teams she plays on, and for this reason, WA loses a huge talent in Secrist.
3. Molly Klinka – Klinka’s leadership makes her one of the top athletes WA will miss. As a captain of both the field hockey and lacrosse teams, she was among top goal scorers. Despite her talent she is not selfish, and her abilities as a leader and as a player will be missed by all the teams she participated in.
The Best of the Best in a Year of Athletic Achievement
June 3rd, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
It has been quite the year for Westford Academy athletics. The successes and achievements of both individual athletes and entire teams have surely not gone unnoticed. Since the beginning of the fall season, student-athletes have clearly been striving for the best, and it is reflected in their results. This trend started earlier in the year and continued throughout all the seasons. WA and its athletes have broken numerous records,had many dramatic wins, and many succeeded in postseason play.
The fall season created a strong foundation that left WA sports with a bright outlook for the rest of the year. Two teams took down DCL titles, and many teams qualified for tournament play and were section finalists. Prominent teams such as girls’ soccer, volleyball, cheerleading and boys’ cross country all made the MIAA Section Finals, an impressive accomplishment for the teams. Other teams that qualified for the MIAA Tournaments were boys’ soccer, field hockey, and golf. In addition to these solid performances, two teams went above and beyond to earn the title of DCL champions. The seemingly underdog golf team took the DCL title, as did cheerleading with their high-flying ability.
The mood set by the teams from the fall continued to the winter season, where the Grey Ghosts experienced another windfall of both individual and team successes. An astonishing number of records were broken by WA athletes this winter, spanning from records in indoor track to those in the swimming pool. The swim team happened to set seventeen new school records, and the team even set a new state record. Another state record was broken in indoor track when Emily Raczelowski hurled a shot put nearly 37 feet, while in the process of becoming state shot put champion. Not only were records broken, but many teams continued the Academy’s winning ways.
Starting with the swim team, the girls team finished 2nd in the MIAA Division 1 State Meet as well as the DCL. Moving to wrestling, the team finished 2nd in the DCL and sent several wrestlers, including senior heavyweight Mike Mizzoni, to the State Championship meet. Turning towards the slopes, the boys’ alpine ski team won their league for the second straight year, and the girls finished fifth in the state championship race, as did the boys. Most teams also qualified for postseason play, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, indoor track, girls’ ice hockey, wrestling, boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ and girls’ alpine skiing, as well as gymnastics. Another notable achievement from the winter season was not accomplished by an athlete, but by a coach. Ed Scollan, coach of the boys’ basketball team, won his 300th game of his career this year, which truly is no small feat. Hats off to Coach Scollan on his great achievement. The winter season was truly one to remember for WA.
Scollan commemorating his 300th victory
As the spring season closes, WA has quite a bit to be proud of. Many teams qualified for postseason play and state records were broken. Teams such as the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams, boys’ baseball team, and the track team all qualified for postseason play, a significant accomplishment for all those involved. There was also a historic achievement for junior Brendan Sullivan, who broke the state pole vault record with a vault of over 15 feet, 7 inches. Overall, the spring was incredibly successful for WA.
With all said and done, Grey Ghosts had an amazing year in the world of sports. With many seniors leaving, all teams will need to rebuild for next year, but hopefully the success experienced this year will continue and even flourish into more victories next year. Every student athlete should be satisfied for piecing together such a memorable year which will not be forgotten.
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Westford’s Own Golf Professional
June 2nd, 2011By Alexander Lee
News Editor
Though our student body mainly focuses on football, basketball and baseball championships, the golf team was arguably the most successful sports team of 2010-2011. They quietly posted the best record in the DCL this year and were also DCL champions.
No player deserves more credit for their victory than team MVP, Lance Luther. Over his freshman and sophomore years, Luther had shown great potential in golf, but this year as a junior his game really came together and led the golf team to the DCL championship.
However, Luther had not always been so adept at golf. He says that the first time he handled a club was when he was twelve or thirteen. At the time, he was vacationing with his family and his hotel stay included a free 18-hole round at a local country club.
Luther wasn’t a prodigy the first time he played. He says that he and his family were “terrible” and that they “had no idea what we were doing”.
However, amidst the rather unremarkable performance, Luther says that he discovered his true passion for golf in these free eighteen holes.
“I do remember one shot I had that day; it was a long par three I took out what I think was a three wood. I absolutely killed that shot, it was awesome to see that ball fly through the air for so long. After that one swing I was hooked to the game. I wanted every one of my shots to be just like that one, to fly forever and get close to the pin. So, ever since then I have dedicated myself to become as great as I can,” he said.
Luther has truly lived up to his word. He practices at Butterbrook Country Club every Tuesday and Thursday. He focuses mainly on chipping and putting but also works on the driving range for at least two hours. He works diligently, trying to improve his golf game with every stroke.
With his leadership, Luther hopes to lead next year’s golf team to another championship. Though the team will be drastically different in 2011-2012, given the fact that nine of sixteen members are graduating,
Luther promises more success.
“I still feel that every team in the DCL will look at their schedule next year, see when they are playing WA and dread having that match with the ghosts. There is a reason why WA golf is one of the most winning sports at the academy, and I guarantee next year’s team will not disappoint,” he says.
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Molly Klinka: The Sports Triple Threat
June 2nd, 2011By Anastasha Echavarri
Staff Writer
Senior Molly Klinka started off her freshman year on the varsity field hockey team and prepares to leave Westford Academy while she’s still on the field. With her incredible talent for the game as well as other many aspiring traits, one wonders how she became the person she is today.
Starting in the 3rd grade, Klinka joined her first basketball team, and ever since then has been involved in sports.
“Well my whole family is very athletic. I mean my brother plays sports and my younger sister plays sports as well and we like to be active and outside so it was a fun way to make new friends and to get to know people when we were younger,” said Klinka.
Klinka currently plays three sports throughout the year. Her coaches have noticed her raw talent and leadership-like qualities that although most seek, many of us lack. RaeAnn Gembis, coach of the Varsity Field Hockey team, points out Klinka’s star-like qualities.
“She had a lot of talent right from the beginning and was very mature on the field as a freshman. She really showed a lot of leadership skills and blended right in with upperclassmen and has been a strong player for us over the years both on and off the field,” said Gembis.
Klinka prefers to play offense in lacrosse but plays defensive in field hockey. Despite this, she has managed to score 18 goals in field hockey along with 14 assists—all made while she was in defense. However, Klinka states that she really has no specific goals each time she’s playing.
“I really just go out onto the field and give it my all the entire time and not have to come off the field having not done anything,” said Klinka.
Over the years, Klinka admits that she has changed in several ways. Several teachers and friends all acknowledge the level of maturity she has as well as her acceptance and kindness towards most everyone.
“Molly is a person with really high integrity that’s committed to whatever she does. She’s really honest with herself and with other people. She has high expectations for herself and her teammates and has a lot of people that respect her a great deal,” said Gembis.
Having spent so much time on the field, Klinka reflects back on the times in her sophomore year where her teams, both lacrosse and field hockey, have made it to different tournaments. In field hockey her team won a tournament and in lacrosse her team made it to the semi-finals—farther than her team has ever made it before.
The opportunities were made possible by the integrity, closeness, and strength of the teams, as well as the guidance from Gembis in field hockey.
“She’s pushed me to be a better field hockey player and to work hard and to always try your best and to do all you can and to look out for my teammates at the same time… I really have had more faith in myself because of her. She is quite a role model for me,” said Klinka.
Now as the year comes to a close, so does Klinka’s high school career. She’s made countless friends and connections with the school and looks back on the opportunities that the school has offered her.
“I’ve done a lot of growing up and have seen a lot of things… and I hope that WA has prepared me for what I am about to face both in and outside of college,” said Klinka.
Klinka leaves the school thinking of WA and those in it like a home and like a family. Deeply integrated into the heart of the school and especially the sports program, Molly is going to miss everyone but is ready and excited to go to Northeastern where she’ll be in the nursing program.
“Westford Academy has been a great support system. Everyone in school including the staff and guidance and the students are always people that you can count on. There’s always someone you can talk to if you need to. They’re always supporting you at the games and you know no matter what. When it all comes down to it—they’re going to be on your side, no matter what,” said Klinka.
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Concussions and their Impact on WA
May 31st, 2011By Kyle Auger
Sports Editor
“I’ve had times where I walked up to the line, where I know the play, but don’t know what to do,” said Oakland Raiders tight end Tony Stewart, who was a repeated concussion victim.
Although brain injuries are a prominent issue in the NFL, the problem has also become apparent in high schools and colleges. Just at WA alone, there have been 12-15 concussion cases in this school year. Luckily, WA is on the forefront of the technology of diagnosing, treating, and recovering from concussions.
“We use what’s called the impact program…it’s a tool we have to use to monitor your recovery when you do have a concussion,” said trainer Bill Bombaci.
After using this program, victims then go through a 2-3 week process that includes visiting a doctor, retaking the test, and doing various light workouts. Having personally gone through the recovery process, I feel safe about the way concussions are found, treated, and tracked through recovery. My case was lengthy, and Bombaci was willing to do whatever was necessary to bring me back to health. I believe knowledge about the seriousness of concussions is relatively unknown, and I think that the campaigns by colleges, high schools, and the NFL are helpful in the diagnosis and recovery of concussions.
Even though there are studies and research being done to find a way to treat concussions, these injuries are still giving sufferers long-lasting symptoms, including headaches, sensitivity to light, sound, and fatigue. The even more long terms effects are obvious in the NFL where there have been various brain damage-related deaths.
These deaths have been a leading cause for high-cost research that has been highlighted by a study at Virginia Tech where they rated the effectiveness of helmets. They concluded the Riddell Revolution Speed was the safest, given a five star ranking. This conclusion is another good sign for Westford Academy as the football teams are equipped with Riddell helmets.
Also, the increase in national knowledge in brain injuries in sports has brought along an increase in concern from athletes’ parents.
“There’s certainly more awareness to it, here at Westford Academy… We are very proactive about concussions, we would sit kids out… and Billy [Bombaci] has been doing it here for a long time, the baseline test,” said Athletic Director Dan Twomey.
Concussions are not preventable. However, they may be completely discovered and treated using technology, and with leaders like Twomey and Bombaci forging the way, great things seem to be on the horizon for concussion research and treatment.
Hopefully with more people like them, concussions will be a minor injury problem that can be treated more easily and effectively.
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Sports Picks of the Week 5/10-5/17
May 10th, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
This week, both WA and national sports have some great games to watch. Here are my picks of the week.
National – NHL Playoffs. In the last few weeks, I have cited the NBA playoffs as my pick of the week, but since I already made my NBA picks, I decided to feature the NHL’s conference finals. With the Eastern conference final already set, I look out west to see a series that needs to close out. The Canucks took care of Nashville, and even though the Detroit Red Wings have the ability to come back against the Sharks, I still think San Jose will finish them out.
That means that for the conference finals the hometown Bruins will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Nashville taking on the Sharks out west. In the East, I have to take the B’s, who have showed an incredible amount of resiliency in getting to this position. While Stamkos and the Lightning will give them problems at times, I honestly believe that Tim Thomas will be the difference maker in this series. If he plays well, the B’s move on. In the West, I have to go with Vancouver to reach the Stanley Cup finals. I believe that they are the deepest and strongest team in the playoffs, and they should not have any problems with the Sharks or Red Wings. Expect Vancouver and Boston to square off in the finals in a great matchup.
WA – Boys Baseball. This week, the boys baseball team has four important games that should greatly impact their season. They head into this week’s matchups basically .500, but I expect them to have a very strong showing. First up on Wednesday is Wayland at home, followed by a trip to DCL foe Acton-Boxborough on Thursday. The week concludes with two other road games, Bedford on Friday and Lincoln-Sudbury on Monday. After a rough start to the year, the team has bounced back very nicely, playing a good brand of baseball. I expect that to continue this week, as I believe they will truly get out ahead of that .500 mark. In total, I think they will come out of this week with a record of 10-7, and with the hopes that their rally from their poor start can continue.
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Sports Picks of the Week 5/3-5/10
May 3rd, 2011By Sameer Kini
Sports Editor
This week, both national and WA sports have some great games to watch. Here are my picks of the week.
National – NBA Playoffs, Second Round. The second round tips off this week for the NBA playoffs, and there are some great matchups to see. Out West, my favorite, the Oklahoma City Thunder face the upstart Grizzlies, and in the other matchup, the perennial favorite Lakers take on Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs. In the East, there are two huge matchups. First there is the top seeded Bulls taking on the Atlanta Hawks.
However, the biggest matchup of the second round pits the hometown Celtics and the Miami Heat. As a huge C’s fan, I find it pretty tempting to pick them to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals, but at the end of the day, the momentum and confidence is with the Heat. While the Celtics took the season series, the Heat won the last matchup and are already up 1-0 in this series. While the C’s have experience, I think Dwayne Wade will be able to get Lebron over his demons to beat the C’s in the playoffs. On a side note, I think the Perkins trade really hurts the Celtics in a matchup like this, especially defensively. Expect the Heat through in six games. As for my other picks, I take the Bulls, Thunder and Mavs through to the conference finals.
WA – Boys Tennis. This week, the WA boys tennis team has 3 important matchups. First on the slate is DCL rival Acton-Boxborough at home on Wednesday, which should prove to be one of the tougher matchups of the year for this team. Next up is an away match on Friday, when the Grey Ghosts will head to Newton-South to play one of the best teams in the league this year. Finally, on Monday, the Ghosts will play host to Waltham, which should prove to be somewhat of a breather after two tough matchups. Overall, the team looks to continue its surprising hot start to the season. I believe that they will be able to keep their winning ways going, and I expect them to go 2-1 for the week to bring their season record to 7-2 by the time the week is over.
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