The band was blaring, the cheering was strong, and Economics teacher Eric Bloom was sliding across the boy’s gym trying to intercept a pass.
The intensity was felt both on and off the court, as the staff attempted to stretch their winning streak to three years in the annual student-staff basketball game at the all-school rally today.

The thirty-minute rally began as the gym filled with students while the varsity boys’ basketball team participated in a "dunk contest." The boys showed off with alleyoops and backward dunks, to the general enthusiasm and encouragement to the crowd.

"It’s like another world…to be able to dunk," said English teacher and staff basketball team member James Hanmer. "I think these guys are from another world."

Many students and staff members, however, were disappointed by the lack of representation of the girl’s varsity basketball team.

"I think Dami Wusu should have dunked with the boys," student activities director Joann Vaars said. "She’s the only varsity senior girl!"

The rally continued with announcements and greetings from senior Spirit Commissioners Kate Huey and Tameeka Bennet, followed by a pre-game interview with team coaches from the students and staff, hosted by English teacher and game announcer Mike McNulty.

The interviews came to an end and the two teams eagerly lined up at half-court for the jump ball. Seniors Brian Baskauskas and Greg Walder stood in as game referees, though they hesitated in calling fouls throughout the game.

Unfortunately for the students, the staff team played a physical and often overpowering game. Senior James Christopherson took quite a beating from social studies teachers Grant Blackburn and Bloom. During the first half of the game, Christopherson was thrown to the floor by Bloom, after Bloom performed a wrap-around tackle making a clean steal for the staff. In the second half, pro-student cheers rang throughout the gym as Blackburn wrestled Christopherson to the ground, ending with a staff possession of the ball.

Despite efforts from both teams, the scoreboard was still empty as the first half ended and halftime entertainment replaced the exhausted players on the court. Both staff and student team members walked away determined to come back stronger in the second half.

Though the rally included the traditional basketball game and the presence of the school band, this year was a bit different with the absence of Paly’s hip-hop group, Hipnotik.

"They should’ve let Hipnotik perform," junior Katie Kantor said. "I think they’re really good."

Though Hipnotik’s presence was missed, there was plenty of other entertainment during half time and before and after the game. A special performance of Polynesian Dance during the halftime show impressed spectators and the band added to the atmosphere with periodic musical accompaniments throughout the rally.

The cheerleaders and dance team also provided entertainment for the crowd, both before and during the game. The cheerleaders presented a five-minute cheer and dance routine to music, ending in two human pyramids.

"Even though we were under a lot of pressure the squad came together and put in a strong effort," senior cheerleader Jenny Tran said.

The varsity and JV dance teams came together to deliver an enthralling performance, also to music, during the halftime break.

"I think we did a good job," said senior Ally Benas, captain of the Paly dance team. "It was the first time JV and varsity performed together, but I don’t think the audience was very receptive."

Returning into the game for the second half, the score was broken by a three-pointer by Resource Specialist Justin Cronin in the first 30 seconds. With a 3-0 staff lead, the students were quick to respond with a three-pointer by senior Jake Kelman. Bloom, infuriated by the even score, began to attack students as they dribbled down the court, resulting in his expulsion from the game. However, he continued to contribute from the sidelines, spreading his vigor to staff teammates, and, under the noise of Baskauskas, returning the ball to one of his teammates as it soared out of bounds.

The staff continued to build momentum through several steals and impressive three point shots. Much to the dismay of the crowd, as the buzzer signaled the end of the game, the score board showed that the teachers had once again beaten the students, 6-5.

"My favorite part was definitely the basketball game," sophomore Erica Gage said. "The intensity of it was funny to watch. It was really entertaining ‘cause no one called the fouls."

To view more photos from the event, go to http://voice.paly.net/rallyphoto.php