Playoff Update: Apex Men's Basketball advances after historic comeback

Matt Wotus
Features Editor

The Apex Men’s basketball team advanced to the third round of the state playoffs Wednesday night, beating Millbrook in a thriller 59-58 after a comeback for the ages. The Cougars, after being down 22-16 after one quarter, put a goose egg on the board in the second, trailing 31-16 at the half.  Jeff Valdini, the captain and starting point guard for the Cougars, credited Millbrook for their defensive pressure, saying the pressure, along with turnovers, led to a second quarter everyone wanted to forget.

The lead stretched to 17 in the third quarter before a spark from Chris Cotton off the bench. Cotton came in and scored seven quick points, sparking a Cougar run and getting the Cougar Crazies, Apex’s student section, into the game. Valdini hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to bring the Cougars to within one, setting off pandemonium in the stands. Not only was the team energized and pumped, so was the crowd.

Argo honored as best picture

Casey Nash
Staff Writer

At this year’s Oscars, no clear winner emerged. Django Unchained, Les Misérables, Amour, Lincoln, and Silver Linings Playbook all scored awards, with Jennifer Lawrence and Daniel Day-Lewis winning the top acting Oscars. But Life of Pi director Ang Lee took home the Best Director prize while Argo won Best Picture. Below is a list of some selected categories and their winners, which are bolded:

BEST PICTURE

Amour

Argo

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Django Unchained

Les Misérables

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Silver Linings Playbook

Zero Dark Thirty

Sports Spotlight: Jimmy Huggins

Matt Krombach
Sports Editor


Now a special programs assistant, Jimmy Huggins was one of the first African American students to play baseball at Appalachian State University.  Huggins played from 1976-1978 at both second base and primarily center field as an outfielder.
 

During this time, racial issues were still prevalent.  As the only African American on the team, Huggins ran into some problems.  “I received rude comments from teammates, the use of the “N” word,” he said.  “There was an incident with a teammate one practice,” Huggins said.  Throughout his baseball career Huggins had never dealt with any racial incidents from any team members.  “It was unusual coming from a teammate; I didn’t expect it. My coach didn’t either and was behind me 100 percent,” he stated.

Huggins also experienced an incident during a game against the University of Tennessee.  “When I went up to bat I heard comments from the people in the stands, and when I was in the outfield I heard comments from the frat houses that ran along the back of the field,” Huggins stated.  “I heard things I had never heard before.  My coach and teammates were surprised because [Tennessee] had African American football players,” he added.

Warm Bodies: resurrecting a classic tale

Amanda Nash

Arts & Entertainment Editor

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?” There are few fictional romances as memorable as Romeo and Juliet. Warm Bodies, now considered a “zomb-com” (zombie romantic comedy), plays on elements from that unforgettable Shakespearean drama.

In its first week, Warm Bodies grossed over $20 million, which tops recent films such as Argo and Dark Skies. Supernatural romances are nothing new to Hollywood, which caters to teenage girls fawning over werewolves and vampires. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before zombies were included. However, this movie (unlike Twilight) doesn’t take itself too seriously. It chooses instead to play on the humor and awkwardness of unnatural teenage romance movies. The zombie in question isn’t a suave renaissance man, but rather an undead guy who feels weird around the girl he likes and gets embarrassed by accidentally eating her boyfriend.

The Door of Doom

Matt Wotus
Features Editor 

The door of doom

Imagine you are walking down the hallway in the Pods, when all of a sudden you get smacked in the nose by a door swinging open in front of Pod G. After cleaning your bloody face, you see the person behind the door of doom. Depending on the time of day, it could either be Adam Oltmans, teaching his first period AP European class, or Adam White, teaching his fourth period AP Macroeconomics class. This door of doom is different from all other doors in the Pods, as it opens out into the hallway rather than opening inward. Oltmans said that the door does have him worried. “It makes me concerned for the safety of the hall wanderers,” he said. “If I open that door, I have no way of knowing who is there, and may seriously injure someone who is unsuspecting.” 

Staff to participate in drama fundraiser

Rebekah Gould
Staff Writer

Come one come all to the Apex High Drama Fundraiser “Raise the Curtains." On March 2 at 7 p.m. some of Apex High’s finest staff and faculty will be performing in the spring musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Be sure to look for Mr. Wight, Coach Cooper, Ms. Copley, Ms. Winter and many more. All tickets are available at the door or in advance at apexdrama.com. All the proceeds from the March 2 performance will go towards new curtains and equipment for the drama department. Other performances are February 28, March 1, 7, 8 and 9.

Books to check out: Michelle's recommendations

Michelle Matthews 
Staff Writer

The Fallen series by Lauren Kate: When the main character, Lucinda “Luce” Price, is sent away to a reform school she finds more than she bargained for. After falling for a guy, Daniel Grigori, who she feels she has met before, she learns just who, or what, he is. In this four book series, Luce is taken back through history and discovers a lot about herself and Daniel on the way. Ultimately, Luce is left to make a decision that will affect not only her and Daniel but the friends she makes along the way. Does she make the right choice and get a “happily ever after” or does she makes the wrong choice which could result in dire consequences? This series is comprised of the following: Fallen, Torment, Passion and Rapture.

North Carolina considers teenage tanning ban

John Santos 
News Editor

Every year in the United States, nearly 28 million people tan in indoor tanning salons annually. Out of that 28 million, 2.3 million of these patrons are teenagers. Seventy percent of people using indoor tanning salons are Caucasian women ages 16 to 29 years.

The indoor tanning days of North Carolina teens could soon be over. Legislators are considering a bill that will ban anyone under 18 from using a tanning bed. In comparison, the current North Carolina law is less restrictive. Children under 13 are prohibited from using a tanning bed without a doctor’s permission, and teens ages 14 to 17 simply need a parent’s permission.

Men's Basketball Senior Night

Matt Wotus
Features Editor

(L to R) Valdini, Greeson, and Clayton are recognized with their
families before the game.

Senior night – a night filled with mixed emotions for athletes playing in their last regular-season home game. On one hand, it’s bittersweet, but the game still has to be played. Friday, February 15, was no different for Apex Men’s Basketball seniors Gray Clayton, Scott Greeson, and Jeff Valdini. “It’s sad because it’s the last home game, but I’m thankful for being on the team and being able to play,” Greeson said. Valdini added that it was upsetting, but he was also happy because of the magnitude of the game. “Because it was a game for first place, I was kind of happy,” he said. Apex went on to beat opponent Middle Creek by 14, a performance Head Coach David Neal called his team’s best of the season. In doing so, the Cougars became regular-season conference champions for the second straight year.

Neal called this year’s seniors a special group. “They’ve been a part of two [regular-season] conference championship teams, back-to-back,” he said. Neal added that watching the three of them being recognized before the game was emotional, as is every senior night. “It’s an emotional night, no matter who we’re playing,” he said. Every senior night, Neal shares a quote by Roy Williams, the head coach of UNC Men’s Basketball: “It’s up to the underclassmen to perform well for the seniors.”

Safe Haven: Sparks strikes again

Rebekah Gould
Staff Writer

The New York Times best seller, Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, has been brought to life in a beautiful and intense love story on the big screen. True to the novel’s setting, the movie was filmed in Southport, N.C. The film depicts, through the main character’s eyes, the blistering summer heat, many trees, and relaxing coast which the book describes in thorough detail.

Safe Haven follows the story of Katie, a mysterious young woman who recently moved to the small town of Southport, N.C. While trying to maintain a low profile, she finds herself falling for Alex, the widower with two kids who owns the general store. The longer Katie’s the

re, the more attached she becomes to Alex and his young children, Lexie and Josh. Eventually, her past catches up with her, nearly destroying the people closest to her heart.

Tips for applying to college

Sarah Muzzillo
Editor-in-Chief

Many juniors have begun thinking about which colleges to apply to next year. Although choosing a school is a daunting task, you may want to consider the following tips when making the decision.

To pledge or not to pledge: that is the question.

Nicholas Chupka

Staff Writer  



Saying the Pledge of Allegiance in school is a much debated topic, since many people believe that all students should be required to recite the pledge daily.

Being an atheist, I have a major problem saying, “under God.” Last quarter, I refused to say the pledge. A staff member took me out into the hallway and told me I had to say the pledge. Well, actually, I don’t. Based on the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of religion, no one can force me to say the pledge. He then told me that if I had a problem with that, I could write my name on the board and he would contact an administrator. I did so, and was never called down to the administrator, most likely because they told him that it’s actually illegal to punish me for it. In fact, Wake County Public School System policy states, “The school shall not compel any person to stand, salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but each person shall maintain proper decorum while others participate.” I never showed any disrespect during the pledge; therefore, this staff member did not have the right to tell me to say the pledge.

Apple's cheaper iPhone

Zane Muzzillo

Staff Writer

Apple is losing some of the smartphone market to Samsung, HTC, and LG because of the sheer number of low to high end mobile devices now being produced. According to Pocketnow.com, a tech review site, in 2012 Apple sold 43.7 million mobile phones which is nearly ten million less than Samsung who sold 53 million. So, what’s Apples solution to this decline?

The new iPhone is supposed to have polycarbonate shell which would lower the price. Polycarbonate is a shatter proof and thin form of plastic, which would make the next iPhone lighter and more durable. It has not been officially announced, but rumors have been leaked to sites like Pocketnow.com and ilounge.com since January 9, 2013. Apple is trying to appeal to customers who want an iPhone, but do not want to spend $200.

New teacher: Bryan Marshall Kysor

Zane Muzzillo

Staff Writer

Bryan Kysor recently became
a new history teacher at Apex.

Classes he teaches: “I teach two different academic world history classes and one geography class.”

Experience: Kysor was a substitute teacher for four years in Johnstown, New York and for one month in Durham. This is his first head teaching job.

School: Kysor went to SUNY Oneonta College, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in science and social studies education grades 7-12. He earned a Master’s Degree at Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Ovechkin and the Caps

Matt Krombach
Sports Editor

It was but three seasons ago that the Washington Capitals were at the top of the league with 121 points winning the President’s Trophy.  The following year the Capitals were again at the top of the Eastern Conference with 107 points.  Despite the fact they’ve yet to get passed the conference semi-finals.  Washington was the team to beat.  Over the past two years, however, they’ve struggled.

Last season they made the playoffs with 92 points. This season is a different story; Washington is dead last in the Eastern Conference as well as in the entire league.  Although they lost a part of their fire power with Alexander Semin going to the Carolina Hurricanes, they also gained Mike Ribero and Wojtek Wolski during the offseason.  

Part of the issue could be that head coach Adam Oates is still getting settled, but once Bruce Boudreau left mid-way through last season, the entire team crumbled to the ground.  Also, what was once a possible goalie dynasty isn’t any longer.  Semyon Varlamov, the Capitals previous starting goaltender before he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, appeared to be the goalie of the franchise as he helped the team get as far as they did in the playoffs.  

It’s obvious that the once Alexander “The Great” Ovechkin, isn’t as great as he once was.  Although it’s tough to top a 50 plus goal season with 100 plus points, even though he accomplished this for three back to back seasons, he only scored 32 in the 09-10 season and 38 in 11-12.  Most players average between 20-30 goals per season.  Sure, he’s still scoring better than the leagues average player, but his seasons of 50 plus goals may have vanished. 

Mumford & Sons wins album of the year

John Santos 

News Editor

The two biggest winners at this year’s 55th Annual Grammy Awards, which took place on February 10, were Fun and Mumford & Sons. Fun received both the Best New Artist and the Song of the Year awards for “We Are Young.” Mumford & Sons walked away with the coveted Album of the Year award for their album Babel.

The Record of the Year award went to Gotye’s “Somebody that I Used to Know,” and was one of three Grammys awarded to the Australian recording artist.

Last year’s big winner, Adele, was only nominated for one award this year. She walked away with the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for a live version of her single “Set Fire to the Rain.”

Tips on how to stay healthy

Rebekah Gould 
Staff Writer

With cold and flu season in full swing, how are people expecting to stay healthy? It seems that everywhere you go people have a slight cough or a stuffy nose. Here are some tips to help prevent those aches and pains.

1. Sleep: Your body needs the right amount of rest to be able to prevent getting sick. Also, if you do get sick, resting will ultimately help you heal more quickly. Teens should get 8-9hrs of sleep.

New teacher: Kristen House

Michelle Matthews
Staff Writer

From: House grew up in Northeast Ohio and had family who moved down to North Carolina. She attended Apex High School for her sophomore year and then moved back to Ohio to finish high school.

College: House attended Wake Tech Community College before transferring to N.C. State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and graduated with honors.

Work experience: House previously worked at Salem Middle School as a fill in for a teacher on maternity leave and completed her student teaching at Cary High School.

Reason for becoming a teacher: “I have always wanted to teach. Both my parents were teachers so it just made sense for me to become a teacher too.” She goes on to say that the reason she chose to teach math was because she has always loved the subject. “I was always good at math and it has always made sense to me. My favorite part of math is Algebra, solving equations in a sequence.”

Pope to step down at end of month

Matt Wotus
Features Editor

In a move that shocked the world, Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he will resign from his post at the end of this month, citing old age as his reason for stepping down. Pope Benedict, the 265th pope and first German to hold the position since the 11th century, will officially step down at 8 p.m. on February 28, leaving the Vatican for the pope’s summer residence. He will then most likely move to a monastery in the Vatican, devoting the rest of his life to reflection and prayer. In announcing his resignation, Pope Benedict became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years. Gregory XII was the last leader of the Catholic faith to step down, and he did so in 1415, as more than one man claimed to be pope, causing a civil war within the church. Since this is such a rare event, church officials aren’t positive on what to call the pope after he leaves. CNN Senior Vatican Analyst John Allen said “bishop emeritus of Rome” is one option. Emeritus is a title bestowed upon retired bishops and professors.    

Why banning guns won't work

Amanda Nash
Arts & Entertainment Editor

In the wake of another mass-shooting tragedy, Americans want to find a solution to the ongoing problem of gun violence. The obvious reaction is banning assault rifles or other firearms. Unfortunately, history demonstrates that this will not help the situation. 



So, what is the goal of these potential gun-banning laws? These laws aim to bring down the crime rate, limit gun availability to criminals, and make the country safer as a whole. Sadly, laws often do not stop those who are intent on committing crimes.

It is easy to look at a terrible misuse of guns and say that stronger firearm laws would have prevented the situation. However, time and time again we are shown that criminals tend to disregard these kinds of laws.

New teacher: Ashley Butterworth

Nicholas Chupka

Staff Writer

Butterworth teaches special education at Apex.

Background and Education: Butterworth was born in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Special Education at N.C. State University.

Previous jobs: She worked with low income families at the Wake County Health Department and also translated Spanish.

Reason for choosing subject area: “People learn in different ways and I really like helping to figure out the best way to explain something so they get it. With special ed., the kids are capable of learning, but may need it taught in a different way.”

Sports spotlight: TJ Evans

Matt Krombach
Sports Editor 

TJ Evans already has one Tri-9 Conference MVP under his belt, and with hard work and perseverance he hopes to have two more by the end of his high school career.  The 6’1” junior guard, who has averaged 17.9 points per game this season, tallied his 1,000th point in his high school career Tuesday against Holly Springs. 

Evans said the biggest loss of the season was against Athens Drive on Friday, February 1.  “It really brought us down,” he stated. “It showed us that no matter who you play you have to play every quarter.”  

Popular artists come to North Carolina

Sarah Kebea

Staff Writer

March 5- Bon Jovi will perform at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte for their Because We Can: The Tour.

March 16- P!NK will be joined by City and Colour (“The Girl”) at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte.

March 18- Lady Gaga will perform at the Greensboro Coliseum Center for her Born This Way tour. This is Gaga’s third headlining tour.

March 22- Luke Bryan will perform at the Crown Center in Fayetteville. Bryan will be joined by Thompson Square (“Glass”) and Florida Georgia Line (“Cruise”).

Midseason TV preview

Amanda Nash
Arts & Entertainment Editor

If you’re a fan of television, you know that most shows took a winter hiatus and are now returning with new episodes. So, what can you expect to see in the coming weeks? Here are a few shows that you may want to check out.

The Walking Dead (AMC)

Returns: February 10 @ 9 p.m.

What to expect: Little can be predicted about this zombie drama. After two main characters were killed off in the first half of season three, no one is safe! Fans of the graphic novel will enjoy seeing some familiar faces and their post-apocalyptic journeys.

Revolution (NBC)

Returns: March 25 @ 10 p.m.

What to expect: Although the first half-season of the highly anticipated show was somewhat lacking, we can expect to see more revelations about the initial power outage - accompanied by more explosions and drama, of course.

Upcoming albums: sharp or flat?

Nicholas Chupka
Staff Writer

With all of the technology available in the present age, it is easier than ever to become a musician. However, it can often be hard to keep up with the latest music trends. Fortunately, the media provides many useful outlets to discover great new music.

Lil Wayne

New Orleans-based rapper Lil Wayne will be releasing his 10th studio LP (Limited Play) I Am Not a Human Being II on March 26 of this year. Fans of Lil Wayne’s rap collective YMCMB, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, or any other pop rap artists will love this record. Lil Wayne will be displaying his trademark: a repetitive, slurred rapping style over sampled electronic beats. Unfortunately, rap fans looking for something more mentally stimulating may want to pass on this one. Lil Wayne has never been one to deliver much in the lyrics department.

FAFSA: How to Apply

Michelle Matthews 
Staff Writer

Applying for financial aid can seem like a very daunting task. You’re applying for money to help pay for the next four or five years of your life. Whatever you borrow in loans could follow you around for the rest of your life. But don’t fret, it’s not as scary as it seems.

Views differ about Valentine's Day

Matt Wotus and Casey Nash
Features Editor and Staff Writer 

Rejected!

  

America's future dependent on gun control

Matt Wotus
Features Editor

Newtown, Connecticut. Aurora, Colorado. Blacksburg, Virginia. Littleton, Colorado. These four towns are the sites of some of the deadliest mass shootings in United States history. While the massacres in these cities received the most media attention, there have been numerous others. Shootings such as the one in Newtown are occurring more frequently, a scary trend in a country where a ban on military-style assault weapons expired in 2004. The fact of the matter is, the United States has a problem. The mentally ill and unstable and those with criminal records are able to have not only guns in their possession, but incredibly dangerous military-style assault weapons as well. Something must be done to make this country safer. Capitol Hill must agree on reasonable gun control laws and their enforcement to stop these mass shootings. The future of the United States is at elementary, middle, and high schools, and our future is being gunned down.

In early January, after the massacre at Newtown, President Barack Obama outlined a plan to curb “the epidemic of gun violence in this country.” The 44th president’s plan involves universal background checks for all gun buyers, hindering gun trafficking, banning military-style assault weapons, as well as illegalizing ammunition magazines which hold more than 10 bullets. In an ABC News/Washington Post poll, 53 of percent of those polled favor Obama’s proposal. However, support is much larger for individual parts of the proposal. Large majorities ranging from 88 percent to 65 percent favor background checks, tracking gun sales, and banning high-capacity magazines. In a study by Johns Hopkins University, 89 percent of respondents support universal background checks. Out of these 89 percent, 75 percent identified themselves as members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a longtime opponent of gun control. Wayne LaPierre, the vice president of the NRA, isn’t buying into gun control, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press, “It’s not going to work. It hasn’t worked.” However, these statistics show that more Americans feel the need for it, and frankly, society needs it. We shouldn’t have to mourn the death of children, teenagers, or adults killed by a rampant gunman. Obama and future presidents should not have to deliver tearful speeches, saddened and grieving for the deaths of the innocent.

10 great films to watch on Valentine's Day

Amanda Nash
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Looking for a movie to see on Valentine’s Day? Maybe you’re not into the cliché romantic comedies, or maybe that’s exactly what you like. Perhaps you’d rather watch an intense action movie or a psychological thriller. Whatever your taste, here are some movie suggestions that may entertain you.

Titanic: A timeless love story taking place onboard one of America’s most notorious vessels. (PG-13)

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: An adventurous comedy about a couple in a rather explosive relationship. (PG-13)

The Notebook: The compelling journey of two young lovers who deal with the trials of differing social status. (PG-13)

Male Fashion: Not an Oxymoron

Matt Krombach
Sports Editor

Clothing styles and trends have changed over the years and tend to define each generation.  The 70s was the disco era, in the 80s people rocked mullets, perms, leather, and aviators.  As the 90s invaded, flannel shirts, wool sweaters, jean shorts (jorts), and a modern preppy style, which we still see today, dominated the decade.

Polo Ralph Lauren has been around for ages and is gaining popularity along with other brands which fit the preppy-esque style like Vineyard Vines.   Both specialize in collared shirts in long sleeve, short sleeve, and button down styles.  Vineyard Vines gives more of a beach feel while Polo embodies a classy, higher-end feel.  

Another new era has evolved with “street clothing” which is typically worn by skateboarders, Hip Hop artists, NBA and NFL athletes, which include companies such as Diamond Supply Co. and LRG.  These brands consist of graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and tank shirts.