SERIOUSLY
WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER
LUCAS
NOT COOL
WHATEVER
I DON’T EVEN CARE
I’LL LET YOU GUYS KNOW WHEN I KNOW WHAT’S
GOING ON
EDDY
HANG IN THERE
LUCAS
STAY CHILL MAN
SHAM
BE COOL
4:16 pm
Alfie
CARTER?
CARTER?
HEY I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING
I SWEAR
ARE YOU THERE?
I MEAN I DID SEE WHAT YOU WERE DOING
BUT I WASN’T SURE WHAT I SAW AND
I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT WHEN I WAS TALKING
TO MS. V
BUT I HAD TOTALLY DECIDED I WASN’T GOING TO
SAY ANYTHING
I WAS CONFUSED
YOU CAN ASK MS V
CARTER ARE YOU THERE? PLS ANSWER ME
I’M REALLY SORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING
WHY ARE YOU SORRY IF YOU DIDN’T TELL HER?
I DIDN’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT!
I MEANT I’M SORRY FOR WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH!!!
IT’S MY FAULT
I DID IT
DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE.
WALTHORNENEWS.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 7:17 PM
Legendary Coach Steps Down After Possible Infraction
In a surprising development that stunned the local sports world, Benjamin Walters stepped down today from his position as head basketball coach and director of the physical education department at Walthorne South Middle School.
Mr. Walters, who was elected to the state athletic Hall of Fame after coaching the Walthorne High School basketball team to six state titles in a legendary twenty-two-year career, had come out of retirement four years ago to help Walthorne South revive its basketball program after budget cuts had previously forced its elimination. He led the team to two league championships without incident until earlier this week, when reports surfaced that Coach Walters had urged one of his best players to cheat on a test, to ensure that he would pass the class and be able to stay on the team.
Coach Walters released the following statement this morning, through the office of the Walthorne Board of Education:
“In the last several days, misinformation has been spread online that I encouraged a student at Walthorne South Middle School to overcome a failing grade through improper means. This is absolutely not true, I would never do such a thing, but I confess that I may not have been as judicious in my words as I should have been, and it appears that the student misinterpreted my intentions. I regret this action, but it should in no way reflect poorly on this particular student, or any student at Walthorne South, who are all battling budget cuts, financial struggles, and other obstacles as they strive to get an education and better themselves. Therefore, to avoid being a further distraction, I have decided to step down as Head Basketball Coach and Director of Physical Education, effective immediately. I will have no further comment on this matter.”
There have been reports that the student in question was suspended from school as well as the team, but school officials refused to confirm this.
As of this writing, the school has not named a successor to Mr. Walters.
WALTHORNENEWS.COM
PROWLING WITH THE PANTHERS
A SPORTS BLOG BY ALFIE JENKS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Hi again everyone, it’s Alfie, back to talk (well actually write about) sports.
Usually, I write about how the local school teams are doing, because that’s what I always thought sports reporting was: giving the scores and describing what happened. But now, I’m realizing that there is more to it than just what happens on the court, or on the field. And today, I want to focus on another topic.
And that topic is: Have we gotten too serious about sports?
This is hard for me to say because I love sports so much. No one is more intense about sports than me! I’ve never been very good at playing them, but they are definitely the most important part of my life, except for my family, of course. And I have so much respect for everyone who plays, or coaches, or referees or umpires, or works in sports in any way. Especially sports for kids, because a lot of people are volunteering their time.
But I’ve noticed that when it comes to youth sports, sometimes people forget that these are just kids playing a game. Whether it’s parents screaming at the referee, or coaches screaming at the players, or even kids screaming at each other, sometimes the last thing you think about when you’re watching sports these days is that it’s supposed to be FUN.
I was reminded of that this week when it was announced that the legendary Coach Walters resigned from Walthorne South Middle School after rumors surfaced that he encouraged a star basketball player to cheat so he could pass a class and stay on the team. I do not know if the coach actually did that or not, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s to make sure to report only the facts and to not jump to conclusions. But I think we can all agree that just the fact that it’s even possible—that a coach may have told a player to cheat—shows that the pressure on thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds playing sports has gone too far. Last week, it was discovered that an athlete was still enrolled at Walthorne North just so she could play on the basketball team, even though she had moved out of the district months ago. And earlier this season, a star athlete on Walthorne North’s basketball team was badly injured after he was allowed to play hurt.
If you ask me, these are all examples of youth sports spinning out of control. I think we all need to look in the mirror—myself included—and ask ourselves why kids’ lives are being turned upside down for something that’s supposed to be done for enjoyment and exercise!
I love sports, and I always will. But just because we love something doesn’t mean it’s perfect. I love my parents, too, and they’re DEFINITELY not perfect.
Sorry Mom and Dad!
WALTHORNESPIRIT.COM
Sunday at 7:20 pm
Chase Hey yo, who is this Alfie Jenks person
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:23 pm
Lucas Why
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:27 pm
Chase I heard he ratted out your best player and got him kicked off the team
That’s freakin hilarious
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:29 pm
Amir First of all Alfie is a girl
And second of all what do you care
Aren’t you the kid who doesn’t even go to North
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:32 pm
Chase Whatever
I still think it’s awesome
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:35 pm
Alfie That’s not what happened
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:38 pm
Kevin This kid Alfie is like a one-man wrecking crew
Even if she is a girl ☺
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:39 pm
Clementine What is that supposed to mean
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:42 pm
Kevin I mean come on
First she accuses our coach of making Clay play hurt, and so Austin ends up taking the blame, and then the thing happens with Sophia Vargelle. We thought this Alfie kid was just going after North kids, but nope, now she gets YOUR best guy kicked off the team and your famous coach resigns in disgrace, I mean c’mon that’s WILD right??
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:44 pm
Sham You don’t know what you’re talking about
We are dealing with it over here just stay out of it
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:47 pm
Ashley Sophia is my best friend and she was so devastated
It wasn’t her idea, she was just doi
ng what people told her to do
And now everyone thinks she’s just a cheat
You guys at south should be ashamed of yourselves
I’m glad it came out that you’re cheaters too
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:51 pm
Sham You all really need to stop yapping right now
Carter is THE MAN and he owned up to his mistake right away
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:54 pm
North4Eva Yeah after he got caught
Like · Reply
Sunday at 7:59 pm
Austin This is just not cool
Everyone needs to chill out
Carter was cool with me after the Clay thing
I hope he’s doing alright
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:03 pm
Chase Austin, why you got to be so nice all the time?
You need to man up a little
I’m sure your dad would agree
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:05 pm
Austin Shut up Chase
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:07 pm
Chase Ouchie
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:14 pm
North4Eva I guess the one thing we can all agree on is that this girl Alfie is a problem
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:17 pm
Eddy Don’t worry about it
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:22 pm
North4Eva Oh and good luck trying to win any more games this season
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:23 pm
Eddy We’ll win more than you I can promise you that
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:27 pm
Kevin I don’t care as long as we crush you last game of the season
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:29 pm
Amir We’ll see about that
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:32 pm
Chase Just try not to get arrested before then
Like · Reply
Sunday at 8:37 pm
Sham I can’t wait to see you guys on the court again.
I. CANNOT. WAIT.
Like · Reply
8:59 pm
Austin
YO CARTER
IT’S AUSTIN CHAMBERS
JUST WANTED TO SAY SORRY MAN AND EVERYONE
MAKES MISTAKES
I KNOW I DO
THANKS MAN I APPRECIATE THAT
YOU’RE A GOOD DUDE
I REMEMBER AFTER THE CLAY THING YOU TOLD ME NOT TO BLAME MYSELF
YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO DO THAT
WELL YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO TEXT ME TODAY
SO WE’RE EVEN
BUT SERIOUSLY
THX
I’LL BE OK
GOT MY GUITAR
YOU PLAY GUITAR, THAT’S COOL
BARELY ☺
HAHA, WELL HANG IN THERE
FOR SURE. DON’T LET THE AAU GUYS RIP YOU TOO BAD EITHER
YEAH I’LL TRY NOT TO.
I’LL SEE YOU BACK OUT ON THE COURT SOON
HOPEFULLY SOON MAN
WE’LL SEE.
SECOND HALF
WWMS
WALTHORNE SOUTH RADIO
ALFIE:
Hello and welcome to Talking Sports on this December 3rd, my name is Alfie Jenks. The big news this week continues to be the Walthorne South boys basketball team, which is still trying to recover from the suspension of star guard Carter Haswell and the resignation of Coach Benny Walters. After losing two games in a row under new coach Leonard Rickson, they got back on the winning track last night against Simonton, as Lucas Burdeen led the way with 12 points. I tried to get Lucas on today’s show to talk about his excellent game, but unfortunately he wasn’t available for comment . . .
**
This is Talking Sports, my name is Alfie Jenks. In this last week before the holiday break, the Walthorne South girls basketball team, led by Janeece Renfro, continues to dominate the league, winning their sixth straight game last night, 44–29. Janeece got her third double-double of the season, collecting 19 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, on the boys side, both local middle schools continue to struggle. The traditional powerhouses are each without their best players, with Carter Haswell of South out on suspension and Clay Elkind of North still recovering from a bad leg injury he suffered in the opening game against South. Leading scorers Lucas Burdeen for South and Austin Chambers for North have done their best to pick up the slack, but as of now, both teams are in danger of missing the playoffs . . .
**
Hello and welcome to Talking Sports, my name is Alfie Jenks. Well, it’s the middle of January, and for the first time since the program was revived four years ago, the Walthorne South Middle School boys basketball team has fallen below .500, as a loss to Canton last night lowered their record to 5 wins and 6 losses. Amir Watkins led the team with 11 points and Eddy Dixon had 2 steals.
No players were available for comment.
**
Hello and welcome to Talking Sports, my name is Alfie Jenks. It’s the last week in February, and the basketball playoffs are right around the corner. But with a chance to secure the last playoff spot, the Walthorne South boys basketball team fell last night to Marenham Central, 42–36. That brings their record to 9 wins and 10 losses. They have one game to go in the season, and it is the traditional Friday night season-ending game against Walthorne North, which also has a record of 9 and 10. As it turns out, whoever wins that game will get the last spot in the league playoffs. Meanwhile, the girls team continues to roll, defeating Monmouth 50 to 35. They bring their 16 and 3 record into their last game, which is also against Walthorne North, on Thursday night, the night before the boys game. Should be quite a week for basketball fans!
ALFIE
I’ve broadcast fourteen basketball games over the last three months, both girls and boys.
I’ve done sports reports every Tuesday and Thursday.
I think I’m getting better at it.
Mr. Rashad says I have real talent and that I should never apologize for pursuing the truth. Last week, he told me that he’s already talked to the media advisor at the high school about me.
My parents listen to all my games, and all of my shows, and tell me that they’re really proud of me.
I wrote to Doris Burke, the amazing ESPN basketball announcer, and she wrote me back, telling me to keep up the good work.
But none of that makes me feel any better when I eat lunch alone.
Today, though, I’m halfway through my slice of pizza when Janeece and Callie come over to my table and sit down.
I try to make a joke. “What are you guys doing? Don’t you know there’s a law against sitting here?”
They both laugh awkwardly. Then Janeece puts a clipboard down in front of me. “So, uh, we were wondering if you would sign this.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a petition to get Carter reinstated to the basketball team for the last game.”
I thumb through the pages. It looks like the entire school has signed. “Wow. This is pretty impressive. Looks like you got everybody.”
Callie clears her throat nervously. “Yeah, pretty much, but we figured, you know, if the girl who actually told on him signed it, that would be meaningful to, like, the principal and whoever else has to decide.”
“I didn’t tell on him. You can ask Ms. Vallone,” I say. I feel like I’ve said that sentence about fifty times over the last three months. But no one is listening.
“It doesn’t matter,” Janeece says, even though it does matter, a lot. “I don’t even care. I’m not mad at you, anyway. Carter Haswell is the one who cheated. It was his fault and he knows it.”
“If it’s Carter’s fault, then how come I’m the one eating lunch by myself every day?”
Janeece and Callie look at each other, then back at me. “Are you going to sign it or not?” Callie asks.
<
br /> I sign it.
“Thanks, Alfie,” Janeece says. “And no matter what happened, I still think you’re, like, an amazing sports announcer.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
They get up from the table and start to walk away.
“Yes, by the way,” I say to Janeece.
She turns back, confused. “Huh?”
“To answer your question from three months ago, yes, I think Carter has a crush on you.”
Her face breaks into a giant grin before she can control it. “Oh, wow! Uh, huh, well, whatever, who cares, right?”
You do, I want to tell her, but I don’t.
“Hey Alfie, you want to come sit with us?” Callie says. “I mean, everyone makes mistakes, right? I think people are over it by now.”
“Thanks,” I tell her. “I’ll be over in a minute.”
“Cool!”
They walk away.
I finish my lunch alone and then leave.
CARTER
I was suspended from school for three days and suspended from the basketball team until, according to the letter my mom got, “Carter has shown marked improvement in both academic performance and personal judgment.”
The AAU program said they will take me back only if I’m reinstated to the school team.
Coach Benny lost his job because of me.
Or maybe I got suspended because of him?
I’m honestly not sure.
My friends try to make me laugh, and sometimes it works, but usually it doesn’t. Most people at school have been really nice, even the teachers, but one day a few weeks ago Sham and I were walking down the hall, and another kid on the basketball team, a skinny seventh grader named Paul Mastrano, ran up to me and said, “Hey Carter, so, yeah, uh, I just wanted to say that just because you’re a big basketball star, everyone thinks you’re, like, the victim here. But you’re not. You cheated and because of you, our team is doing really badly, and also, I don’t get to get coached by the guy who is, like, a total legend and the greatest coach ever. And my parents are really mad about that, and so are some other parents and kids, even if they don’t tell you. So, yeah, I just thought you ought to know that.”
Rivals Page 8
