LAX JAM

My favorite part of every season is, Lax Jam.  Lax Jam is a big tournament, where a ton of teams come to Cranbrook to play.  The team that you're on, plays a bunch of different teams and you try and win as many games as you can.  The tough part about it is, it goes til about 6 in the morning to 6 at night.  So, you can imagine it's pretty tiring.  Everything's upbeat though, there's music and clothes you can buy and a lot of food.  Last year it was super hot.  Our whole team was tired and sore.  But, we kept fighting and playing.  I remember we didn't do that great, but we still tried our hardest.  A few years ago, our team did amazing.  We won almost every game, and worked so well as a team.  That was probably one of our best Lax Jams for Bloomfield Lacrosse.  Even though I'm too old to play at Lax Jam anymore, I will always remember how fun it was and all the memories we made as a team.

-Claire Henderson   

  

What You Need For Volleyball

When you're a volleyball player, you will need equipment and certain things just for your sport. First, you practice in spandex and you play games in them too. For practice you can you any kind you want but for games you may have to wear all black, a certain brand, or if they give you a new pair thats a different color, those. Next, you need shoes. Mainly you will see people wearing Mizuno volleyball shoes. They help you not slip, jump, and stability. Then, you need jerseys. If you play for a school team they will give them to you. They usually are either short sleeve or long sleeve. Also they will have your number and school name. If you play for a club team you will have to buy them. A whole uniform package for club can cost up to $250.  Next, which is optional, ankle braces. I have ankle braces because two years ago I broke my ankle playing volleyball. Finally, kneepads. You will need these because they attempt to protect you knees when you slide on the floor and dive.

-Olivia Smith-

Reasons to Love Tennis

Anyone who’s ever met me will know: I love tennis. It gets a little more complicated when I think about why I love it though, and what it really comes down to is not explainable in one simple sentence.  Tennis relieves stress.  I feel that if I am very stressed out over something school related or outside of school when I go play tennis it takes my mind off of everything in the "outside world" and its all about tennis.  When I step onto the tennis court I am basically stepping into a new world.  Also, whenever I step on to a tennis court its just me and the ball. It does not even matter who is on the other side playing.  I love this because if you win you're the reason why and if you loose, its also your fault.  They are no teammates to blame for this action.  Finally, I have learned from tennis that "Love Means Nothing."

I love Lacrosse. My passion for the sport keeps growing and growing. I never really enjoyed a sport like I enjoy Lacrosse. The sport is just really fun and you can always learn new things. Your skills improve and improve every time you play. I usually don't like learning new things but with Lacrosse I love it. I love it because I know that every time you learn something new you just get better. The excitement is great. I love Lacrosse and I think I always will. I really hope I can go far with the sport.
-Mackenzi Michael

When I started Lacrosse

I became interested in lacrosse when I was in fourth or fifth grade. My neighbors played it and there older brother was really good and played for Brother Rice. So I always got good practice when I went over there. I did a few camps in fourth and fifth grade but I wasn't really good so I stopped doing camps and clinics. Back in seventh grade I started playing again. I forgot all of my skills that I learned so I was not really good. About 2-3 weeks into the season I got the hang of the game again. After my first season of playing again I wasn't so bad. Before the season started in the Spring of eighth grade I did All American Lacrosse. All American Lacrosse was a month camp where we learned new skills and scrimmaged against each other. After that month I felt pretty confident with myself and the game. When the season started up I was really excited. We had our first game and won. I could tell that this season would be great and it was. Now this year I hope to make JV lacrosse. I am gonna be involved in as many camps and clinics that I can be in to improve my skills!
-Mackenzi Michael

Volleyball Timeline

   In the fifth grade at St. Hugo you could start playing sports. My two best friends had decided they wanted to play volleyball so I decided to try out. One of my friends made the A team, the other made the B team, and I made the C team. The C team is basically where they put the kids who should get cut, but they don't cut them. I was not good. In my white Nike kneepads and my white Mizuno shoes with pink and green laces, I was ready to play. Everyone played all around so you could decide what you would want to play in the future. I thought I wanted to set, but that obviously changed.
   After the season was over, I did camps with my two friends so I could improve. Then, in sixth grade I made the A Team! I wanted to be an outside hitter at this point but since I wasn't the best hitter on first string, I had to hit right side. I never got set and it wasn't fun. During this season I kept trying to tell my coach to let me overhand serve because I could do it over the big net, but she still wouldn't let me.
   I did travel that year at Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy (MEVBA). I was an outside hitter here and my coach actually let me overhand and found it ridiculous that I wasn't allowed to in school. This season was so much fun and I loved my coach so much.
   Next, I played St. Hugo volleyball in the fall of seventh grade (Even though I switched schools I played here still). I was on the B team because I was in the younger grade. This season was very fun and we had a great team. Also in seventh grade, I played fro the East Hills team in the winter. This was fun too because I was with all my new friends and got elected captain of the team.
    Then, after that season was over I played travel at SuperNOVA. This was fun too because I got to meet so many new people and have a fun spring. When that was over I played eighth grade volleyball at East Hills and was elected captain again. This season was even better than the last. I loved it so much and couldn't wait for high school. I didn't play travel that year but I did do open gyms during the summer.
    Now high school is here and I am planning on playing on JV as a freshman. I am planning on playing travel this year and maybe even doing beach in the summer!
-Olivia Smith-

Tennis Basics

     If you are thinking about being a tennis player, I highly suggest that you do so.  It is very easy to start getting into tennis lessons and groups at a beginning level for fun.  If you are thinking about this, their are some basics that you need to know.  When you start a game against someone you spin the racquet to see who serves.  For example, on a Wilson racquet on the cap (bottom) there is an W or M.  If you call M and  when the opponent spins it and it lands on W then they get to decide if they would like to serve or receive.  If your opponent wins the call then you decide which side you go on. In most women matches you play 2 out of  3 sets to 6 and if you switch sets determining on the tournament, you either play a third set or a tiebreaker to ten points.  Also, to win a game you need to win four points. You start from love meaning zero then it goes 15-30-40-game.  Nobody knows why tennis score is kept like that but it can become confusing if you do not confirm that you know the score.  So therefore, 40-40 is deuce and from there you need to win two more points in a row to win that game.  Every game that you play you switch off serves, you get two serves, if you miss the first serve you get a second serve then if you miss the second serve it is considered a "double fault" which confirms that you have lost the point. 

     Always remember to display good sportsmanship during a match. As there are most likely many parents, other tennis players, and coaches watching you.  In addition, there are also officials walking around and can call points on you if you are not displaying good sportsmanship. It is always important to remember this because even if you do not win the match, you can still win the sportsmanship award for that tournament which is still considered winning!  Its always good to keep a good reputation when it comes to your sportsmanship in tennis. Lastly, remember to always shake your opponents hand when you're done with your match and keep a smile on your face no matter what the results! Tennis is all about the fun.

My Love for Lacrosse

When I was in the fourth grade, my mom suggested that I try lacrosse.  I wanted to try something new, so I said I would do it.  I used my friends old stick and goggles, and I bought a mouth guard.  I was super nervous so, I got my friend to do it with me.  Together, we went to our first practice.  We had no clue how to catch or throw, and I felt like everyone was better than me.  I kept going to practice, and I tried to improve, but I just didn't have good eye hand coordination.  After the season was over, I told my mom I hated it, and that I didn't want to do it anymore.  So, I didn't do it in fifth grade, but come sixth grade, I decided to try it again.  More of my friends wanted to try it, so I decided to do it with them.  Throughout the season, we all got to be pretty good.  We could all catch and throw and play the positions.  When seventh grade came, we all did it again.  I really started to develop a passion for lacrosse and I really started to love it.  Each day at practice I tried really hard to get better and each game I gave it my all.  In eighth grade, my friends and I led the team.  It was hard to believe that a group of girls could come from not knowing anything, to leading their team.  I am now going to play in high school, and further pursue my love for lacrosse.

-Claire Henderson

Tennis Awareness

       Tennis is a lifelong sport that can stay with you forever no matter what the condition is.  As apposed to team sports such as volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field, you can play tennis until you are 90-100 years old.  You can play it competitively or just for fun with others. Even if you have a disability and are unable to walk, you can play wheelchair tennis.  Wheelchair tennis is a very popular sport now and people are playing it that do not have any disabilities.
       If you are in middle school or high school and you are looking for something to do in your free time then tennis is the answer.  Go to your local tennis club, there are many clubs within the vicinity of Bloomfield Hills.  Ask the front desk for a brochure or booklet of classes and choose the right class for you. I highly suggest doing this if you have time on your hands. Remember, tennis is a sport that lasts a lifetime!

How To Play Lacrosse

   If you are thinking about playing lacrosse, it's very important that you know the basics.  You also need to know what equipment is necessary.  You need a stick, (a girls stick if you're a girl, and a boys stick if you're a boy).  You also need goggles for you eyes, and a mouth guard.  And if you're on a team, you will need a jersey.  After you have all your equipment, you need to know how to play.  First, you need to have a goalie, three defensive players, four mid fielders, and three offensive players.  You need to also know how to throw and catch so you can move the ball down the field.  Shooting on goal takes time, but it is important to have good aim, so you can score points.  Another important aspect is getting ground balls.  The team that gets the most ground balls is usually the team that will score the most points.  If you ever play lacrosse, one of the most important things is, communication.  You need to talk to you teammates in order to score, call out plays, and move the ball. 

   I strongly encourage people to play lacrosse.  It is a fun sport, and it is easy to catch on.  You will meet so many new people and make so many new friends.  Pick up a stick and play catch with a friend!  Try it out and see if you like it!

-Claire Henderson

My Switch to Middle Hitting

   When I tried out for my middle school 7th grade volleyball team, I wanted to be an outside hitter. That is was I had always been and I knew how to do it. At that time I was about 5'7" and was the tallest one there. After making the team we went around in a circle saying what position you want to play, of course I said outside hitter because I have never known any different. Immediately, the coach, Hailey, said I wasn't going to do that. It made me extremely confused until she put me in the middle. I had to learn a whole new position and do thing I didn't have to do as an outside hitter. I have to block, get out of the setters way, and cover tips.

   Now, two years later, I played on a national travel team, 8th grade team, and a JV high school volleyball as a middle hitter. Becoming a middle was a very different change. I believe it is much more difficult that outside hitting, at least for me. I find it hard to get out of the setters way when they are sprinting for a ball but somehow, most of the time, I get out of the way. I love middle hitting and I am so glad the switch was made.
-Olivia Smith-

The Volleyball Basics

    Many girls and some boys, like to start playing volleyball at a young age. There are many things you need to know though before playing. First of all for a basic game of volleyball there are three positions, a hitter, a setter, and back row players. Typically at a young age you will play everything to see what suits you the best if you stick with playing. When you start volleyball, you will need kneepads, tennis shoes (when you get older you will play with volleyball shoes), and some shorts (typically you will see spandex, but when you see kids playing for the first time they usually are in other shorts). Finally, a young volleyball player will start with underhand serving before switching to overhand.
    Next are the basic rules. There are many rules in volleyball but there are some you should know before you start playing. Starting with, there are six people on a court at a time, no more, no less. Also, you can't catch the ball, or briefly lift it, you will lose the point and the other team will serve. You must pass the ball before it hits the ground for it to count. You also can only touch the ball three times on one side.
   In conclusion, volleyball is a very fun sport to play for all ages. You can easily learn the rules and improve over the years as the game gets more advance. Talking from personal experience even if you don't make a good team or a team at all your first time playing, stick with it. My first time playing volleyball I made the C Team! After 4 years of working hard at school volleyball, and two travel teams, I made JV my freshman year in high school.
-Olivia Smith-

Bloomfield Lacrosse Team

Our team from last year have been together since about sixth grade. Some new players added to the team in seventh and eighth grad. We have been really successful all these years. Our best year was seventh grade. We won almost all of our games, but last year we weren't the best. A lot of our top players moved on because they were going into high school. Also we weren't the best because we had a lot of new players on the team that have never played so they didn't have any experience. Last year we also got new coaches. They weren't really experienced in the game so it wasn't very helpful. I am very excited for this year because I believe that we will have a really good team and we will go far!

-Mackenzi Michael

Bloomfield Lacrosse

The lacrosse team at Bloomfield Hills High School is a very successful team.  In fact, it's a team that I really want to be apart of.  It is run by Andy Reed, who coaches the Varsity lacrosse team.  He is a very successful coach, and puts together a great team of girls.  Last year, they placed 2nd in the OAA red division.  They also received many All-State, All-League, and All-Academic individual awards.  The Black Hawks had a terrific season last year.  The Varsity team even made it to Regional Semis, but sadly lost.  The JV lacrosse team also did amazing and really improved throughout the season.  It was coached by Tressa Mucci, who did a great job coaching the girls.  Lacrosse is a sport that many people have been joining and really starting to like.  I know that my sister, Emily Henderson, loves playing for the Black Hawks.  I can not wait for the Spring, so that I can finally be a apart of the team I've longed to be on.

-Claire Henderson

Is Men's Tennis Favored Over Women's?

     Last year at the Cincinnati Open in Ohio, think of two tennis players. One male and one female. He wins the men side and she wins the women's side, but she gets paid $157,800 less than the male.  Victoria Azarenka, aside from the world number one player Rafael Nadal holding different checks from their achievement.  Is this fair? Victoria and Rafael both played the same amount of matches in the same size draw.  I believe that the prize money should be equal compared to men and women.  According to an ESPN analysis, women are stronger than men.  I believe that this is not true and unfair. What do you think?  -Caroline Allen

How is women's lacrosse different than men's?

Hi my name is Mackenzi Michael. I go to Bloomfield Hills High School and I am in 9th grade. I play lacrosse for Bloomfield. It is not fair how women are treated different than men in lacrosse. A women's lacrosse game is totally different than a mens game. The rules, penalties for contact and equipment is so different than women. Some might say you might as well not even call women's lacrosse, lacrosse. Men have to wear helmets, gloves and padding. Also there stick size is completely different. For forward mens sticks are shorter than ours, defense they have a stick that is about two times the size of our stick but for goalie we have the same stick. Penalties are also very different. Women can only check below the shoulder and it has to be short and quick hot. In mens you can check where ever you want and check for how ever long you want. When you compare equipment, rules and penalties to each other you see the difference. Its a big difference. Women's playing standards are very low compared to mens. They make women look terrible when they really aren't. Overall women are treated different than men and it needs to change!

Women's Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a well known sport that is starting to catch fire around the nation.  Many kids and teens are starting to take place in it, boys and girls.  But, the real question is, are boys favored over girls?  Many coaches and parents are starting to complain that boys have more equipment, practice time, and money.  A lot of the time, boys get better refs than girls, and some are even saying boys get a better quality uniform.  Dr. Claudia Harris was a former Connecticut lacrosse coach.  She is filing a law suit for a number of things.  One thing she stated was, "We didn't have enough coaches, and we certainly didn't have enough coaches who knew the girl's names, which is drastically different from the boy's game,".  When Harris tried to bring this up at an association's board meeting, she says that she was allegedly fired from her position.  This law suit is accusing the league of, "providing the boys with far more paid coaches" and "paid coaches with far more experience and training."  This is an ongoing problem, and from the looks of it,  it isn't going to get solved any time soon.  Why is that?  Is boys lacrosse really more important?  I believe that girls lacrosse is just as important as boys.  What do you think?      

-Claire Henderson

  

Is BHHS Basketball Favored Over BHHS Volleyball?

    It's a well known fact that Michigan rains in mass amounts. Recently we have had many floods, that in peoples houses they got more than two feet of water. The high school was also effected by this storm, the main gym at BHHS was flooded and the nice wood floors had to be torn out due to water damage. This is very troublesome because volleyball starts in the late summer and half the floor is not there! So for the past three weeks we have been practicing in a hot, dirty field house with varsity, junior varsity, and freshman all crammed onto three courts. We even have to have our very first home game at EHMS, one of the middle schools that feeds into BHHS. I can't help but wonder if this floor would be fixed if it was basketball season at BHHS. Last year our varsity basketball did very well, they went to states in the white division (second divison) but sadly lost. And last year the varsity volleyball team did very well by placing third over all in the red division (first division) with 32 wins. Thats makes me believe that mens sports here at BHHS are favored over the womens. Saying that when we have a volleyball home game the student section is barely exisiting and when there is a basketball game there are people so crammed in they are almost falling off the side. So that leads me to believe the floor would be fixed if it was basketball season. It makes me wonder why though. Why is it taking so long to fix the floor? Why is basketball so much more important than our volleyball team? And why are mens sports favored? In conclusion, I think that this is very unfair and annoying. Volleyball is an important sport too and this is a great inconvenience.
-Olivia Smith-