Metropolitan wins 2019 NHL All-Star Games

Garrett Hoffman

Staff Writer

On Jan. 26 and 27 the NHL All-Star games took place at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. Every season, there are all-star games and skill competitions held in January where the best players in the NHL can show off their skills. Each NHL team submits one or two players to be selected on a roster for the four all-star teams, the Central, Pacific, Metropolitan, and the Atlantic. There are four teams because there are four conferences in the NHL. Last week, the rosters were revealed.

     In the skills competitions, there was the fastest skater round, where players race around the rink and see who gets the fastest time. Connor McDavid won the fastest skater competition, completing a full lap around the entire ice in 13.454 seconds skating 40.9 km/h. No one has beat last year's record completed by Dylan Larkin getting 12.894 seconds.

    Next, there was best passer competition where competitors have to sauce pucks into different mini-nets. Johnny Gaudreau won the puck control competition. Then there was save streak which is when there is a shootout and players try to show off their best moves on goalies. Henrik Lundqvist, known as the king won the goalie competition. He made 12 shootout saves in a row. After that, there is a puck control competition. In this competition, players will have to skate through cones with a puck and keep control of it, after they make it around the cones they have to stickhandle through a line of pucks. On top of that, there was the most popular competition, which was the NHL’s hardest shot. This year, Washington Capitals, John Carlson wins with a 103 MPH slapshot. Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara still holds the world record with a 109 MPH slap shot. Lastly, they have the shooting accuracy competition. In this competition, players have to shoot pucks in all four corners of the net hitting targets, fastest time wins. When a player wins one of these competitions, it adds points to their team. Boston Bruins player David Pastrnak wins the shooting accuracy.

     After the skills competitions, they had the games. The first game was Central vs. Pacific, then Atlantic vs. Metropolitan. The winners of the games went on to play in the championship game. The Metropolitan won, beating the Central division 10-5. Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby got the league's MVP. The entire Metropolitan team got a $1 million check which was divided amongst the players.

     There was a carnival in San Jose on the Friday, Jan. 25, before the competitions. There, people and fans met players and participated in many fun games.

NFL Reviews Pass Interference Rules

Matthew Bracco & John Ryan

Staff Writers

During this year’s NFC championship game, the New Orleans Saints were robbed of a win due to a poor call. On a game-deciding third down in the fourth quarter, Rams cornerback, Nickell Robey-Coleman blasted Saints receiver, Tommylee Lewis while he was running his route. No call was made, which in the end, gave the Los Angeles Rams a one-way ticket to the super bowl.

     NFL refs are not allowed to replay footage of pass interference plays, which means there is no way of getting around this devastatingly poor call. Normally if a defender makes a play on a receiver mid-route, let alone crushing him without looking at the ball, the flags fly instantly, which is why not even playmaker Robey-Coleman could believe there was no call made. If this play was able to be replayed, the Saints may have had a chance at winning. However, the pass was considered incomplete, giving the Saints one more play before the Rams took possession. Many players were very unhappy with the call made on the field including start wide receiver Mike Thomas who tweeted after the game saying “Rule 17 Section 2 Article 3” which is referring to the “Penalties for unfair acts” rule which technically gives Commissioner, Roger Goodell the power to overturn or reschedule the game if valid evidence is found. But a full investigation would need to be in place and the likelihood of this happening is virtually impossible.     

     The NFL has not issued a public response to what might be the biggest officiating controversy in league history. A source told Mark Maske of the Washington Post that “NFL leaders and the league’s rule-making competition committee plan to consider making pass interference calls subject to challenges and replay review. Interference is common, and the ability to challenge and or replay a play can and will change the course of the way interference is taken in the National Football League.

Breaking Down NHS’s Upcoming Girls Lacrosse Season

Juliana Covino

Staff Writer

Even though New Hope Solebury’s spring sports are two months away, the girl's lacrosse team has already started to gear up for its upcoming season. Betsy Dougherty, the team’s varsity coach, constantly reminds her players that it's never too early work on their fundamental skills in the offseason. The team’s 2018 season included a lot of first time wins and huge victories, such as beating Jenkintown for the first time in school history to share the BAL title. In addition, last year saw one of the biggest freshman classes that showed immense talent. Last year was only the beginning of a dynasty lacrosse program that Coach Dougherty and the players hope to build.

     Even though the team lost six seniors and a goalkeeper, Coach Doc is ready to get the players back on the field and looks forward to a new season. Both the players and coach know that the hardest part about a spring sport is the changes in the weather and getting the whole team out on the field practicing. Even if the girls can’t practice outside, they make the most of the indoor sessions working on the basics.

     Position wise Carolyn Thistlewaite, a junior who has already committed to James Madison University, Kate Dougherty, and Maggie DeVito are relentless in the midfield. Varsity captains Zoe Palau and Amy Hutwelker are leaders on opposite ends on the field. Zoe holds up the defensive end of the field while Amy leads the attacking/offensive end. However, one very important position on the field is left up for grabs. Coach Doc and the players are urging anyone who is interested to try out for the goalie position. Furthermore, Coach Doc says that if anyone is interested in the position she will provide goalie training for that individual. Overall, this young team that shows a lot of talent and promise and only can grow.

MLB is experiencing a record slow offseason

Jake Menz & Jack Gawason

Staff Writers

The 2018-2019 offseason was once predicted to be a historic and memorable offseason in terms of the talent on the market and the money that would be spent. Now over halfway through the offseason, this market is not turning out as predicted. Up to date, the biggest trend has been for teams and players choosing to wait as long as they feel is needed instead of ensuring their 2019 contracts.

     The offseason started off slow with many players and teams picking up player options and only one player accepting the qualifying offer, Hyun-Jin Ryu. As spring training looms the best free agents remain on the market with no immediate deals appearing likely. This class of free agents is headlined by two young, premier talents, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Both players burst into the league at a young age and have made their presence felt every season. Manny Machado has played for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire career up until the last half of the 2018 season when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was another impressive season for Machado but unfortunately it ended with some controversy over his decisions and effort. Even though he played the entire season it may be the couple games in the playoffs he chose not to hustle that will determine his impending contract. Bryce Harper, a former number one overall pick has had a similar career as Machado, as the two are both on track to join the MLB Hall of Fame. The biggest distinction for Harper is his 2015 season. This season was historic for him winning the NL MVP. So far, the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago White Sox’s have been connected to the superstars, but the Phillies and White Sox’s remain the favorites for the two. No one can be certain when the two will sign, but when they do, both contracts will be massive, historic deals for the league.

     Other big players that still remain on the market are all-star closer Craig Kimbrel, World Series winning starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and stud center fielder A.J. Pollock. All these players are guaranteed to strike a big contract, but it is looking more likely they will all have to settle for cheaper deals than they originally believed they would receive. The starting pitching market is starting to move and players are finding the team they will play for in 2019 and potentially beyond, most notably with Patrick Corbin signing a six-year deal with the Washington Nationals.

     Thankfully for baseball fans, free agents are not the only source of news during this time and teams are also making trades to improve their teams. Earlier in the offseason, star first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt was traded from Arizona Diamondbacks to the St. Louis Cardinals. The New York Mets made headlines for their trade with the Seattle Mariners receiving top players, closer, Edwin Diaz and second basemen, Robinson Cano. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds hooked up with Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Alex Wood going to the Reds for younger prospects.    

            It is difficult to predict when these other great players will finalize their contracts, but when they do, it will definitely shake up the league and might potentially trigger other moves. In a league that is continually searching for younger talent, youthful players with potential is the popular way to go, but every successful teams need some productive veterans to hold the clubhouse together and ultimately be successful.

Curtis swims NHS to success

Andrew Purdy

Staff Writer

When talking about the variety of  sporting events New Hope-Solebury has not having the right equipment doesn't stop a dedicated swimmer. Although our school does not have a pool, Stephanie Curtis utilizes the local indoor pools to train and compete for our school. She travels all around the state to demonstrate what she has been working towards in practice. Stephanie has been swimming for almost 10 years. When she was 11 she joined the CBST, which is a club team she competes and swims with. While being apart of this team, Stephanie competed at Junior Olympics and several other club meets, up to the age of 14.

    When sophomore year started for Stephanie she decided to join High School Swim. While doing this, she trained with her club team which practices six days a week (Mon-Sat) that were two and a half hours long. She is dedicated in going to the gym on her own to lift before school and during the off season.

    While Stephanie has had many appearances at the state level, she has stated that “she doesn’t know what it is like to be a part of a high school team,” which is unfortunate for some athletes since not many students participate in the sport. As a sophomore, Stephanie made it to districts and states. Junior year, she placed seventh overall in states in 100-meter backstroke.

    With the senior season coming to an end, a new door will open.  Stephanie will continue her endeavors to swim at West Chester University.

     She stated “I love the school because of the pretty campus and the surrounding town which reminded me of New Hope.”

     Before leaving the club team she has swam on all career long,  two meets remain left in her season: districts and states. Districts will be held at La Salle University, which is in the very beginning of March.

      If she advances from districts, the state meet will be held at Bucknell University, where she will try and get on the medal stand.

Lady Lions win 6th Over River Classic

Juliana Covino

Staff Writer

Do not underestimate the Lady Lions basketball team this year. The girls, who currently have a record of 7-2, took home the first place trophy in the Over the River Classic during winter break. Even though the team is both short in players and height, that does not stop them from playing with toughness and tenacity on the court. The tournament consisted of single elimination games between four teams (NHS, South Hunterdon, Villa Joseph Marie, and West-Windsor Plainsboro).

    New Hope’s first game was against West-Windsor Plainsboro on Dec. 27 in the high school gym. This was a big rematch since both teams faced each other in 2017 for the championship. New Hope took the lead right from the beginning and was relentless on defense, causing 10 turnovers. Kate Dougherty, a sophomore, had a remarkable game putting up 16 points for the Lions. In addition, Zoe Palau, a senior, followed close behind, contributing an impressive 11 points for the team. The Lady Lions won the game 56-38, shooting 47% from the field and earning a spot in the championship game.

     The championship was played on Dec. 28, the Lions facing Villa Joseph Marie High School. The game was close in score throughout the entire first, second, and third quarter; however, by the end of the fourth quarter, New Hope had outscored Villa by nine points. The girls were patient on offense, treating every possession with care and looking into the post for a high percentage shot. Rachel Saxton, a sophomore, was relentless on offense, leading the team in scoring with an astounding 22 points. Even though the team struggled on the foul line during the first half, they made up for it with their defensive skills and athleticism. The final score of the game was 52-43, making this the sixth year in a row that the New Hope Solebury girls basketball team has won the Over the River Classic.

     The team is coached by Andy Krasna and Kevin Gallagher and currently has a record of 8-2. Students and teachers come out and support the girl’s basketball team as they face the end of the season. The girls next home games are Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5:00 p.m and Jan. 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Senior Topher Taylor looks to win one more basketball championship before he graduates

Jack Gawason

Staff Writer

Topher Taylor, also nicknamed “Big Toph,” is a scoring machine, a powerfully built center who attends New Hope-Solebury and has drawn comparisons to Enes Kanter at the NBA level and Bol Bol at the collegiate level. Both premier athletes are also a force on defense. Topher is acknowledged and respected for his ability to rebound combined with power post moves when scoring. He is an effective athlete who runs the floor like a gazelle even at his ridiculous height and helping his great play on both sides of the floor. Topher has been an important player for the Lions since he was a freshman, as his height always allowed him to look down on fellow players. Blessed with a seven-foot wingspan and a selfless mindset, Taylor is the versatile center today’s game demands.

    Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, Topher Taylor is a mirror image to Enes Kanter. Not only is his gameplay just like Kanter’s, but his appearance is almost exact. Freshly cut from the barber shop, Topher loves to have the side fade, which Kanter is rocking every time on the court. At only 17 years old, the fully bearded beast matches the description of the versatile center in the NBA.

    This year, as projected, Topher Taylor is one of the Bicentennial Athletic League's best players. “Big Toph” averages a double-double with points and rebounds per game and is always on a triple-double watch. He approximately scores 18 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and 3 blocks per game among others. So far, for the 2018-2019 season major games for Topher consist of him recording a double-double in the teams huge win against Morrisville, a double-double in a win against Springfield Township, and three massive blocks in a championship loss against Council Rock North.

    As the season progresses it will be interesting to follow Topher to see if he is able to complete a rare feat scoring 1,000 points during his high school career.

     Liam Curran and Andrew Purdy contributed to this article.