The most fascinating game of the year had all of Quartz Hill High School students standing in their seats. The Senior vs. Staff game is held at the end of every school year. In this annual game, senior varsity basketball players went head to head against the Quartz Hill High School staff on May 19.

    The Quartz Hill gym was packed with students cheering on their teachers. For the past couple of years, the staff have won every single game against the seniors. This year was no exception, as the staff confidently took another win. The seniors on the other hand, were very eager to show the students and staff what they are truly made of.

    The game began with a layup by Mr. Nichter, which gave the teachers the confidence that they needed to maintain their dominance throughout the game. The teachers were also able to keep their lead due to the inability of the senior team to make their shots. The game was rather lax for the teachers.

    However, in the fourth quarter, the game grew in intensity. At first, the staff was up by 12 points, and many expected them to ease their way to victory.  But, as the game progressed, the seniors came back by making two three-pointers, bringing them six points down with less than a minute left. The game was over when the teachers stole the ball and passed to Mr. Ostler, who sealed the game shot in favor of the staff.

    The teachers played with great chemistry and teamwork, which led them to a solid victory. The staff had an amazing lineup this year because they had all three of the basketball coaches: Coach Ostler, Coach Nichter, and Coach Forte. The staff almost led the entire game, but the seniors managed to bring the game to a tie during the third quarter. Some of the honorable players from the staff were all three of the basketball coaches; Ryan Kachold, the JV volleyball coach; and our principals.

    From the senior varsity team, Kameron Hardwick led the team with 3 three-pointers in the first half, and Eric Cussimonio helped the team as a strong point guard. Unfortunately, he had to sit on the bench after an ankle injury. John Cortes showed great talent during the game, with many 3 pointers and some killer ankle breakers. Tyree Mears had many great fast breaks to help the team in scoring. The seniors did an outstanding job and showed great individual effort.

    Jon Ostler, the freshmen coach of 2016, led the game with many outside jumpers and layups. The head coach of varsity, Coach Nichter, grabbed rebounds and put back layups to help lead the team. Coach Kachold was a monster out on the court, grabbing rebounds and backing down the seniors. Coach Forte had an amazing second half and shot many outside threes, allowing the staff to lead by 10.

    After the game, Mr. Nichter was free for an interview. Explaining the teachers’ game plan, he said, was to “Give the ball to Ostler.” Coincidentally, he described that the toughest part about playing against the seniors was actually getting the ball to Ostler. The seniors put up a good fight, but in the end, the staff reigned supreme.

    Although the staff members and seniors were the center of the game, without the students cheering the players on, the game would have not been the same. The whole gym was covered with signs and posters that added to the hype all the students gave to the staff and seniors.