LB's hoops season review

Xavier Watson goes for up for two against three Mt. Hood guards.

LBCC basketball had a fairly decent season this year. The men's team is going to the NWAACC playoffs, and the women were forced to work out the kinks that come with having a brand new team.

The women's team had an up and down season at best. The Lady Roadrunners had it hard enough with a low turnout of players but to add on top of that multiple players became injured, one had a house burn down and others contracted H1N1.

Head coach Teresa Guerra came into a few more players late in the season but only played one of them. Multiple players in multiple games had to play the full 40 minute game length. Coaches should take advantage of those extra players and give key players a break and recover.

After Guerra found extra players to practice with, the women won two games, then fell back into a hole. Winning game story and others can be found on the women's basketball homepage.

The LB women may not have a big list of wins, but 0they show more heart than any other team and never look discouraged no matter the score. Would the outcome of the games in the latter part of the season have been different? Maybe and maybe not, but you got to give the team that chance to find out. Players from this season will have to try out again as Guerra looks to recruit a lot of new freshman talent for next season.

The men's team however has had a fairly good season. Winning all but two home games and clinching a spot in the playoffs for a chance at the NWAACC Championship.

LB's men play with a style and flair that must have been rubbed off from coach Randy Falk because most the players are very graceful and fluid. No show boating slam dunks or overly aggressive tactics, except for starter Taylor Roos.

Roos spends more time at the free throw line than any other player at any game. It's not an accident that he ends up there, Roos can shoot free throws with his eyes closed . The games in which LB won, Roos had at least 12 free throw attempts and hasn't missed one. Games where LB lost, Roos shot less than 10 free throws.

If Falk wants to push the team to the top then Roos needs to get to the free throw line.

“The way we win ball games is getting to the free throw line, and we’re very successful at that, and if we remember to do that we give ourselves a better chance,” said head coach Randy Falk.” I appreciate how hard our guys played and we are going to the NWAACC’s [playoffs] for the second year in a row and that’s a very positive reflection on our guys.”

Articles on LB men can be found here.

"We played hard physically but didn’t come out with the heart and desire,” said starting center Andrew Carter after their first playoff game which resulted in a disappointing loss.

• Who: LB men's and women's basketball
• What: NWAACC season and playoff potential.
• Where: LB's Athletic Center
• Men: Made it to playoffs but was sent home after first two games.
• Women: Lack players, chemistry and had a rather forgettable season.

Poem reading in the diversity center

I've never sat in on a poem reading before and it was rather enjoyable and "deep."

The theme was women, so everyone who was participating brought in poems written by women from pre-civil war days to today, students also read poems they themselves created.

The poem I liked most was by a student whose name I did not catch, but his poem was called "Note to Self."

While he was reading his poem I thought the meaning was being lost; lost in the world and in yourself. I was close but his interpretation that he told after reading was about an experience while just walking when he said he felt like he was in the past and that the past was getting mixed up with the present.

Overall I feel like I would enjoy sitting in on another poem reading session no matter the topic.

Writers Choice: My Choice

I'm going to write another opinion/editorial piece because I feel like I need practice explaining my point view in writing. My topic will be LBCC's basketball season for both men and women.

I was going to do another profile, but it would be best to learn the game and the athletes better before deciding which player to pick for a profile.

Stephen King's "On Writing"

I really enjoyed Stephen King's "On Writing," because it did not read like a classroom textbook, a novel or a biography.

To me the reading felt informal and personal. Like someone giving you advice, not just telling you what to do.

I will take away from this, King's "toolbox." I've never heard a clear reason to using to much information till that.

To me scariest part of writing is not the start. But I'll take away King's idea to just diving in and letting it out. For me a writers block really sucks and I feel stuck and won't write a thing. But diving in without thinking twice when blocked is really very helpful. I don't feel this is true for only writing but can be applied to everyday life as well, Just jump in and go for it.

G.T.'s Jennifer

Jennifer brought useful info and good stories to help describe what it's like as a reporter and editor and what it was like to cover various subjects when working for smaller papers.

The part about "waxing," made me laugh, I don't know but it sounds like cutting out articles, gluing them then taking a picture sounds tedious and a pain in the ass. How bad would it suck to notice a typo after its all said and done.

I liked the tips on advancing through the ranks. Starting as a news reporter/writer and move on to bigger papers or being a section editor and you can stay where you are.

A quote she said in the end about feature writing I liked and wrote down "don't talk about the bakery talk about the pie."

Josh Hill: local hero

Watch Josh Hill(75) on the blue Yamaha battle Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (2)

Now it's time fellow Oregonian and AMA pro motocross rider Josh Hill gets in position to make something of himself and live up to the hype that has been floating around him for years.

Hill was one of three other riders in motocross history to be recruited from the amateur ranks to ride for factory Yamaha, but unlike his predecessors. He went his first three years since turning pro in 2006, with no wins and few podiums.

Factory Yamaha showed much patience in trying to mold Hill into a champion, but old flaring injuries and lack of focus left Yamaha no choice but to let Hill go and not re-sign him.

But as one door closes another opens and that is what happened with Hill.

S&M Band of Mission Indians Yamaha who signed superstar motocross rider James Stewart a year ago as their top rider. Now, Hill has been signed on as his teammate.

Speed TV's Jeff Emig talked with Hill said Hill visited a nutritionist and found various food allergies including meats. Hill cut the allergic foods from his diet, dropped around 15 pounds and is now a title threat in 2010 Supercoss series.

If Hill puts together a consistent season then he very well may be the first supercross champion from Oregon.

So far Hill has been on the podium every race, and is now tied with Ryan Dungey for top spot. Dungey won't be easily beaten but he does make big mistakes and if Hill can capitalize on that then he take home a win and maybe the championship.

Although this season is proving to be an epic one with both past reigning champions out with injuries. This season will be tough for Hill as Ryan Villopoto and Dungey also have a shot to claim their first supercross title.

Hill's stats:

Birth date: July 30, 1989
Residence: Yoncalla, OR
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 185 lbs
Turned Pro: 2006
National Number: 75
Team L&M Sam Manuel Band of Mission Indians Yamaha

Moving forward: The Andrew Carter profile

Standing 6-foot-3inches with tattoos covering much of each forearm, Andrew Carter, 25, cuts an imposing figure in the middle of the key as Linn-Benton's starting center.

Never mind the calm and easy-going personality that makes him pleasant to speak with. Come game time Carter proves to be a force on the court averaging over 14 points a game and consistently leads the team in rebounds.

Basketball did not come into Carters life until eighth grade. Carter grew up moving all around the Northwest with his troubled single mother. Carter said he spent a few years in the "system."

."I was in and out of different projects, I was in a foster home for a year and got into a little bit of trouble here and there." Said Carter. "I spent my junior and senior year at Corvallis, sophomore year in Warrenton, freshman year in Astoria and eighth grade in Portland."

When Carter was 17 he met his future wife Andrea. Together they have two children; Andrew Jr., 5, and Ezra age 3. They both are currently awaiting the arrival of their third child Zavier, between April and May. Carters wife and kids attend all the home games and can be seen sitting front row cheering their player on.

In 2004 Carter came to Linn-Benton for a term but felt it wasn't as important as working and supporting his family. He spent the next few years working physically laboring jobs such as roofing and construction but it soon burned him out. Now, Carter now has been a student since last year and is pursuing a degree in sports science and looking to possibly further his education at Western Oregon University.

Carter played basketball from eighth grade until his sophomore year in high school, but trouble kept him from making the team his junior and senior year. When a friend of Carter's invited him out to open gym last year, he got to play against a couple of guys on the basketball team and felt he could compete at their level.

"He's the heart and soul of our team,"said head coach Randy Falk. "His leadership is very strong, it is the kind of leadership that guys look up to and respect, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Andrew for what he's doing in basketball and in his life in general."

Carter and the team made it into the NWAACC playoffs last year but were eliminated after the first two rounds. This year, however, leaves Carter and the rest of the team in high spirits.

"The team is a lot better than last year, there is more emphasis on team and there's no selfishness." said Carter. "The chemistry is great we are all friends and buddies and joke around. We care for each other, and get on each other's nerves once in awhile but we're like a family unit. Just like the big brother picking on the little brother."

Teammate Xavier Watson has a similar mentality to Carter about the team. "Chemistry is perfect," said Watson. "We're going to win the whole thing."

Andrew fun facts.

• Childhood dream: To be a professional baseball player.
• Fondest memory: "In eighth grade the first year I played basketball, I actually went the wrong way and went to the wrong basket. First game, first time in, I got the ball and missed the layup." said Carter
• Perfect day: "No classes. Get up, work out, eat a really good breakfast at The Original Breakfast, that is my favorite place in Albany. Then take my kids to the park, go to the lake and barbecue with friends," said Carter
• Tattoos: Left forearm is a large shaded skull with ribbon bearing the words "Till death do us part" signifying the love between he and his wife. Right forearm displays the Greek symbol for Christianity called Chi Rho, a tattoo he and a friend serving in Iraq got together.

Beef and Broccoli blog post review

"De-constructed beef and broccoli" is an awesome idea with a recipe so simple I could probably do it the dark.

The recipe link here Tasty Tidbits, is Jana West's blog on simple meals to make at home under $10.

I personally have not made the recipe yet. All I have so far is the steak, vegetables and soy sauce packets. I might just go out and buy the Chinese mustard and honey just to try it.

I love recipes that involve meat and the simplicity of the fast food packet idea for a sauce on a homemade dish to me is awesome. Maybe next a recipe involving the Arby's "Horsey Sauce" or Taco Bell's "Fire" Sauce.

profile preview

Who: Sophomore forward Andrew Carter who plays for the LBCC Roadrunners.

Questions:

How long have you played basketball?

Where are you from/ whats your background?

Goals for school/ for life?

Feelings about your team this season?

Review: "Sherlock Holmes"

Robert Downey Jr. returns to the screen to play the main role for Guy Ritchies interpretation of "Sherlock Holmes." The film has small doses of action, a pinch of comedy and some mystery film value.

Based in late 1800's London. Holmes alongside his weary and fearful sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law). Must discover the whereabouts and master plan of Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who was tried and hanged for his crimes, was later declared missing and possibly alive. After his tomb was found smashed and eyewitness' claiming to see Blackwood rise up and walk away.

The rest of the movie is spent figuring out where Blackwood is and foiling his plan to take over London and then move on to America.

Along the way our hero Holmes likes to spend his leisure time getting messed up on either alcohol or drugs, and going to a bare knuckles barn yard fight which Holmes seems to really enjoy. It felt like Holmes only used his super detective brain to figure out his next punch and not his next clue.

Roger Ebert described the new Holmes personality best:

"Holmes' canonical devotion to cocaine is here augmented by other drugs and a great deal of booze. Yet Holmes has the body of a lithe athlete, the skills of a gymnast and the pugilism of a world champion. He and Watson (who is, you recall, only a doctor, although one with clients who must be puzzled about his office hours) spring readily into action like Batman and Robin."

The film is visually nice to look at with everything done in mostly earthy tones, along with Victorian style buildings and structures complement the grim, foggy and dark scenery shown through the movies entirety.

Although this is a good movie to sit and watch. Critics like Yglesias feel the interpretation of Holmes is wrong:

"this action-oriented version of Holmes is untrue to the original. I think this is wrong. The print Holmes is clearly described as an expert singlestick fighter and accomplished bare knuckle boxer. He gets into fisticuffs and always wins. Hand-to-hand combat is never the feature of Conan Doyle’s stories because it wouldn’t be interesting to read a detailed account of beating a guy up with a walking stick. But bringing more emphasis to this kind of thing is exactly what a screen adaptation of a well-known print character should be for—elements of the character that are de-emphasized by the print medium are rightly brought into sharper focus for a movie."

With a valuable missing piece of equipment gone missing in the films end. It looks as if "Sherlock Holmes" will be having sequel or two in the future.

This film deserves two stars, a star for the actors and for the visuals. Maybe the next movie will feel more like a mystery movie and not so much a super hero film.

At a glance:

Movie: Sherlock Holmes

Length: 2 hrs 14mins.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Mark Strong.

Directed:Guy Ritchie

Showing: Regal and Carmike theaters

A non-review review: "Sherlock Homles"

Mix crime, mystery, suspense and drama. What do you get... Robert Downey Jr.

Downey Jr plays the star role in the new movie "Sherlock Holmes." Alongside Jude Law as his faithful sidekick Dr. John Watson. Directed by Guy Ritchie.

They solve mysteries together and you get to see inside the mind of Holmes as he pieces together a crime with pure brilliance.

That's what I am expecting since I have yet to see the movie. Nor have i read any of the books. I all I knew about "Sherlock Holmes" since I was little was he could solve any mystery while he wore a goofy hat with a front and back bill and used his magnified glass to search for clues.

I am going into this movie very opened minded, as I have only seen the commercials and so far I am pretty excited. I am not to familiar with the cast so I have no expectations on what to expect from this film.

Who: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Strong.

What: "Sherlock Holmes" the movie

When: Showing now in theatres. Movie based in late nineteenth century.

Where: Based in London, England.

It's going to be a long season.

Jordan Highland (left) out reaches a Lane CC post for the hoop, and Jamie Mayhew (right) drives to the net against SWOCC.

Every year 16 out of 34 teams make it to the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Championship Tournament in March, for a chance at northwest basketball supremacy.

There are high expectations by coaches and players, for Linn-Benton's Roadrunners to make it to the 2010 NWAAC's tournament for both men's and women's teams. And although the men's team is on track, winning their first two league games. The women are facing unexpected obstacles this season, and losing their first two.

Prior to league the men have been winning most their games, and according to head coach Randy Falk, "The more you win the more confidence your team will have."

However both the men's wins were in overtime, and that is something the team is trying to avoid.

"We're trying to make it a tradition here at Linn-Benton." Said coach Falk, commenting that he has taken his team to the NWAACC's tournament for the past two years and plans on making it three.

"If we keep playing like we do and play hard, we're going to get there." Said freshman guard Taylor Roos who is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to his free throws; making 16/19 for the first league game and 10/11 in the second game, sealing the win.

The women's team however is having an almost opposite season when compared to the men.

Losing their first two league games to Lane CC and Southwestern Oregon CC. The Lady Roadrunners are having a tough time finding a balance with an entirely new team, with only one returning player, sophomore guard Kalah Heacock.

"It's hard because we don't have that team chemistry coming into the season, but we try and it's been hard with all the injuries; every time someone is in, someone else is out." Said Jamie Wilson, who was the game's top scorer against SWOCC with 22 points.

Besides being a young team, the Roadrunners don't have a full bench like most of their competition. Which forces some players to play a full game against opposition that has fresh bodies coming off the bench, resulting in a tired and fatigued team.

Despite the odds being against the Lady Roadrunners, the team still has high hopes of making it into the NWAACC tournament in March.

"Our final goal is the NWAACC's tournament, and we're are definitely in one of the toughest leagues with Umpqua, Clackamas and Lane. They're all ranked in the top four and we definitely want to be in one of those positions before NWAACC's [tournament]." Said women's head coach Teresa Guerra who remains positive during a rocky season.

If the men can control the game in the beginning instead of mainly in overtime, and the women can find some more fresh bodies; it should be an exciting season for both teams as they attempt to take LBCC to the top, for victory and bragging rights.

LBCC is currently tied for first with Chemeketa in league, while the women remain tied for third against Portland CC.

Who: Men's and women's LBCC basketball
What: NWAACC Championship.
When: March
How: Hard work, teamwork, and a little luck.
Why: To be top community college basketball team in the northwest.

My first feature story

Photo by graphicshunt.com

The first feature story I will use for this term will be about both the mens and woman's first league basketball games this Saturday.
Sources for interviews will include both head coaches for Linn-Benton, key players from that particular game and possibly some spectators.

sample questions:

How difficult was this opponent what were your/their strength?

Who are the key players, did anyone rise to the occasion for this game?

Did you or didn't you meet your expectations?

What are your feelings for how the game went?

How is the team now compared to pre-league games?