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2-3-2020

Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 14 - Feb 3, 2020

Longwood University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda The ROTUNDA Trying to pronounce the groundhog’s name since 1920

A DAY AT A TIME

NEWS PAGE 3 An update on construction projects at Longwood

FEATURES PAGE 5 True Blue: Stomp and Shake Team makes imprint on campus

SPORTS PAGE 10 Kyla McMakin off to hot FEBRUARY 3, 2020 start in Division I career VOL 98. ISSUE 14 KAYLA PITTMAN | CONTRIBUTOR 02 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com

In SGA EDITORIAL BOARD 2020 Lancer Card center TJ WENGERT editor-in-chief and library updates ANGELI LEONG by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner managing editor n this week’s Student Browning added that students JEFF HALLIDAY, CLINT WRIGHT, ASHLEY Government Association will no longer be charged JONES & DR. ALEC HOSTERMAN (SGA) meeting, overdue fines, instead, if an item organizational advisers I is not returned on time, they representatives from the Lancer Card Center and library came will be charged a replacement ROTUNDA STUDIOS fee. In order to get rid of the fee, NEWS to give updates to the Senate. ALLISON TURNER ELLIE STUCK students just need to return the staff Chrissy Sampier, director of assistant editor item and it will go away. ADDIE CLARKE the Lancer Card & Campus A&E staff In New Business, two SUTTON REEKES Services Office, explained JACOB DILANDRO students, Norman Hurt Jr. and staff the new card system that the editor LIAM WELLS Caitlyn Martens, were sworn LEDANIEL JACKSON university switched to over staff in as Senators. SGA President staff JENN HALL the break, and why there were RYAN CROW Haleigh Pannell officiated the staff issues with it recently. staff NICK LIONE proceedings as they took the SAVANNA MAKINS Sampier said, “We converted staff oath. The students will begin staff three card systems in three AIYSHANTI GREEN their roles on Senate effective staff months, and with that, chances immediately. OPINIONS DYLAN MCKERCHER are that things may not go staff The Senate also approved a new TAIYA JARRETT right.” assistant editor club, the Game Development Longwood’s reasoning behind DAVINA APPLEWHITE LAYOUT Club. This club is designed for staff LAUREN QUEZADA the switch was to reduce costs students who are interested in social media staff assistant editor and open up opportunities for MASON VEST coding and want to get involved the future as far as automation SPORTS staff in developing their own games. KURT MARTIN MELANIE LEWIS goes. Their goal is to make this staff An interest meeting will be held editor a truly automated system, where soon. editor-in-chief pro-tempore students can eat as soon as they PATRICK SANDERSON PHOTO In the Advisers’ Report with purchase a meal plan or add staff TAYLOR O’BERRY Dr. Tim Pierson and Dean NICK ROBINSON editor money to their card, as well as Cheryl Steele, Dr. Pierson staff JACOB PUTERKO create access to all buildings on staff made sure all students were campus as well in real time. EVENTS CARRIE BAILEY aware that no one at Longwood staff Sampier also mentioned that RENEE COTTON has been to China recently or coordinator KC MCALLISTER over the break they replaced the staff has contracted coronavirus. He registers at each dining location JESSICA PAQUETTE warns students to be careful and FEATURES staff that way students can use their VICTORIA THOMPSON to stay healthy. SHANNON HENSHAW phones and scan the barcode to staff staff In the President’s Report use a meal swipe. JESSICA BOGGS with Haleigh Pannell, Pannell SOCIAL MEDIA staff They also switched out the reiterated that there will be MIRANDA FARLEY AMBER SYKES washing and drying machines editor staff presentations for positions on in the residence halls, which TAYLOR JENNINGS SGA throughout the month of assistant editor use an app, SpeedQueen, for February, and urged students payment instead of coins. Each to attend if they are interested BUSINESS residence hall now has this IRIS HAMMOND in a specific position. The option, with the exception of manager presentation for Senators will South Ruffner and Lancer Park be on Tuesday, Feb. 25. North and South. In the Treasurer’s Report, Natalie Browning, research Samuel Torpy announced that services librarian, also came budgets are due for all clubs and FOLLOW US @longwood.rotunda to Senate to talk about updates organizations on Friday, Feb. ON SOCIAL @longwoodrotunda that the library made over the 28, before students leave for @rotundaphotos break. The library has extended MEDIA spring break. the checkout periods for their The next SGA meeting will items, increasing it to 90 for be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at & books, 72 hours for laptops and 3:45 p.m. at the R.R. Moton SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER equipment and seven days for Museum, located at 900 Griffin http://tiny.cc/longwoodrotundaonline DVDs. Boulevard in town. FEB. 3, 2020 NEWS 03

KAYLA PITTMAN | CONTRIBUTOR

UNIVERSITY CONSTRUCTION UPDATES by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner

hange is always in the air at Curry is ahead of schedule, the building to be a building that everyone on this Longwood University, with will not open until August. campus and in this community is going C multiple construction projects A project that the university as been to enjoy.” going on at the same time. Louise Waller, working on for a while is the construction The building will be 64,000 square vice president for administration and of a new academic building, which will be feet, and will become the new home for finance, and Matt McWilliams, assistant across from French Hall on Venable St. Longwood’s basketball programs. As vice president and associate editor for This building will be the new home for the of now, construction is slated to break Longwood Magazine, provided updates communication studies department, as ground in the spring, with a completion on all of the construction work going on. well as multiple other departments such date of summer 2022. Arc Hall, Longwood’s functionally as neurostudies. It will have classrooms, McWilliams said on the amount of oldest residence hall, has been closed offices, labs and study space for students construction happening, “A campus since the summer to do maintenance to utilize. It is slated to open in the fall that is always building and growing and work. Waller confirmed that Arc will of 2020 for student use. evolving is a healthy campus. That is one remain closed the rest of the academic The university is also working on that is looking to the future instead of just year and likely into the fall semester in a multi-phase project, involving the staying where they are now.” order to continue the work. As of right construction of new tennis courts and As far as future projects go, the now, there is not a projected date as a new convocation center. In April university is planning on constructing to when the building will re-open for 2019, philanthropist Joan Brock ‘64 a new facilities building in Midtown, student use. contributed $15 million to the university creating a new academic building for The other residence hall that is currently to go towards building a convocation music majors and doing infrastructure closed, Curry, will officially re-open for center, located in the heart of campus projects on main campus. student use in August for the 2020-2021 where the tennis courts are. academic year. Curry has been closed In order to begin this process, the since May 2019 in order to refurbish university changed their parking it, just like how Frazer was closed the design in order to accommodate the year prior. Curry is actually ahead of construction of the new tennis courts schedule, and Waller said that the work on Wynne Dr. The tennis courts are on Curry has been easier than what they currently being built, and once they are experienced with Frazer. finished, construction will get underway She said, “There were a lot of lessons on the new convocation center. learned on Frazer that they were able to Waller said, “What is truly special apply to Curry.” She noted that although about this building is that this is going 04 FEATURES TheRotundaOnline.com

CARRIE BAILEY | THE ROTUNDA

New ASIA club makes presence known at Longwood by Victoria Thompson | Features Staff | @longwoodrotunda President and founder Gloria Kim discussed how important it was for her to create ASIA at Longwood since there was a need for an Asian- based community. ongwood University is well Asian students, so I thought that it giving an official voice as a group known for being a college that would be cool to have that here.” that can influence and be influenced Lencourages students to join in It is important to keep in mind that by every other group. and participate in extracurricular some Longwood students are from Being well informed of various activities. With the wide variety of larger, urban areas such as Northern traditions is vital when approaching a clubs and organizations for students Virginia, Richmond and Virginia specific culture, so naturally research to get involved in, inclusion continues Beach. Therefore, smaller, rural is another component when it comes to be a contributing factor that leads areas like Farmville tend not to have to addressing diversity and giving to new clubs being formed. the same kind of diversity that some proper inclusion. Kim further said, One of the most recent additions students are familiar with. “For games, I already knew more to Longwood’s expansive amount of Since ASIA is in the early stages about common Asian cultures like organizations is the Asian Student as an organization, there are many Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Involvement Association, also factors to consider in terms of Korean too. I had a lot of friends back primarily known as ASIA. This new building and planning for the future home that knew about this.” organization on Longwood’s campus of ASIA. The club’s vice president, Diversity and inclusion are both that serves the much-needed purpose Destiny Brown, stated, “I think just popular topics of discussion when it of giving a prominent voice to the a goal for us is setting a direct path. comes to societal issues nowadays. For population of Asian students. Like we’re ASIA figuring out what a long time, the matter of providing The club first arrived in mid- we want to do in meetings and stuff. more improved diversity has only September in the fall semester of Just to have a direct path set for us been discussed and not acted upon, 2019. The current spring semester would be a goal.” so the fact that different Longwood of 2020 will be the second semester When asked what the biggest goal students from is a small yet important that ASIA has been on campus at for this organization is, the historian change to the university overall. Longwood. of ASIA, Liezl Villanueva, listed, When asked about the importance Forming a club like ASIA takes “Cultural awareness, advocacy, and of taking action about diversity and a definite amount of dedication making people more aware of the inclusion, Brown also said, “I think and preparation from its founding Asian population here.” With the for us here at Longwood, without members in order to start off on the clear goal of making people more having an actual organization, we right foot. The president of ASIA, aware of Asian culture, ASIA has had diversity but not inclusion. Gloria Kim mentioned, “There was the potential to inspire others to not Diversity is inclusion, so having this actually a premade constitution only learn about but fully recognize organization takes this a step further. because there was a student in that the Asian culture and population of It is important for people to know process [of forming the organization], Asian students present at Longwood. that they are special.” but they ended up not completing it At the first interest meeting ASIA seems to be headed in a so having to repeat that process was there were 50 people total in positive direction for success this very stressful.” attendance, and ASIA currently has semester, and its members will Kim also explained the motivation approximately 15-20 active members. continue to spread awareness about behind forming this new group: “It Considering these numbers come being more inclusive when it comes got started because when students from just a semester’s worth of to diversity at Longwood for years to are coming to Longwood, there’s activity alone, the club's presence come. not really a representative group for on campus can no longer be ignored, FEB. 3, 2020 FEATURES 05 Stomping to the beat of tradition by Taiya Jarrett | Assistant Opinions Editor | @ohsoootay

JESSICA PAQUETTE | THE ROTUNDA The audience watches a video about a well known stomp and shake team to gain a better understanding of the organization. merging into the 29 days of to skinny individuals, President she notices change could be had on the Black History Month, erupts Young proudly clarified, “With stomp court. Young recounts a time last year Ethe embodiment of a well- and shake it comes from an African when the University's basketball team known collegiate sport and an African American background which was played against Hampton University, American cultural tradition onto the created for women and men who may “When Hampton cheerleaders would university’s Clubs & Organizations list, not have that certain figure.” cheer it’s like our cheerleaders would making history of its own. Now, in terms of having prior stare at them—it’s like they were Integrating into the campus experience, that is not necessarily a amazed at what they do.” community just this past week under requirement for the organization, Concurrently meant to provide a sense the premise of a rhythmic style of “This is a welcome for all organization, of energy and expression, the True Blue: cheerleading infused with a deep-rooted but we will be having tryouts, so I’m Stomp and Shake is representative of culture is the new active organization, looking forward to seeing who comes that in every which way, in which they True Blue: Stomp and Shake Team. out. Even though this is my senior year, plan to further in the future. Initiated by the likes of Senior and I’m looking forward to helping build In doing so, the organization has been Co-founder of the organization, Maya people.” met with a few upcoming projects, “A Young, Senior and Vice President/ With a $65 membership that includes couple of organizations have already Co-Captain, Melissa Harris, Junior, the uniform, two shirts(one for practice/ reached out to us such as NPHC and Secretary I’yana Cary, as well as one to wear regularly), and travel for their step show in the spring, by Adviser and Director of Residential expenses, the organization is expected Lancer production’s- Step Africa, and Programs, Moe Bates have collectively to recruit 20 individuals tryouts will be Longwood’s Got Talent,” said President created a space that embraces culture held at 6:00 p.m. on February 4(practice Young. one stomp at a time. day) and February 7(tryout day) at the With the intention to access beyond Engulfed with the perception of solely Sunchase Clubhouse. Shortly after the the whole campus community President being attached to Historically Black organization will meet every Tuesday Young continued, “Aside from Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), this and Thursday and every other Friday at basketball games, I know that Prince 1970 cultural strain of cheerleading is the prior time and location and stated. Edward County schools, in particular, comprised of various ranges of cheering, Infused with cheer and dance, the have a Stomp and Shake team so I’m stomping, and shaking all in one. While organization will do as such in a looking forward to doing a workshop capturing a historical essence behind it, performative manner at the university’s with them.” the objective of True Blue: Stomp and basketball games to expanding their Priding the organization upon being Shake are to be valuable to every student presence. Harris stated, “Of course accessible to the community, President on campus, but in particular to every we are starting from the ground but I Young revisited an inspiration message African American student on campus. believe we have so many people backing from a friend, “No matter what, make Vice President Harris stated, “It’s not us, as we’ve spoken to the Athletics sure you stand your ground, you might just HBCU culture, it’s culture from Department and they’re super excited have people who don’t approve it because African Americans.” to seeing something brought to the of where you are, but in the end, you’ll Priding upon this concept, the True basketball games.” have a great outcome”. Blue Stomp, and Shake is foreseen to Although the University already has With its first meeting of 16 individuals, bring the campus community more a recognized dance team, the Blue True Blue: Stomp and Shake is a together than it already has, especially Heat Dance Team, represented at their growing chapter that is indefinitely by its efforts to include a realm of basketball games, True Blue: Stomp and creating a lasting outcome through a individuals into an aspect within Shake are certainly bringing something cultural tradition. For Contact purposes their culture, to not only respect but they don’t have. please feel free to reach out to President appreciate. “My main goal is to bring energy Young at [email protected]. Contrary to popular belief, this stomp to the court,” Young stated. Harping edu and shake team denounces the image on her athletic background, Young is of traditional cheerleading which holds very participative at our university’s the narrative of solely being accessible basketball games, yet, as an attendee, 06 OPINIONS TheRotundaOnline.com We need to recognize featurism and its effects by Davina Applewhite | Opinions Staff | @longwoodrotunda Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. t has become easy to sit behind names. Serena, however, did not speak tweet, supporting his sentiments. a computer and type negative out about these comments. This is especially disheartening to I comments to those who you Unfortunately, featurism isn’t just know because Blue Ivy is only eight- may never encounter in real life. happening to adults, like Williams and years-old and has been experiencing Unfortunately, this becomes a breeding Lennox. Beyonce Knowles-Carter’s featurism for such a long time and will, ground for destructive comments and daughter, Blue Ivy, has been under most likely, continue to face it as she the people who post them. criticism from many due to her strong grows older. Singer Ari Lennox was a recent features that resemble her father’s, Even more to the point, featurism victim of some of the Internet’s hateful ever since she appeared to the public. is something that doesn’t just occur words this January. She was repeatedly Similar to Ari Lennox, Blue Ivy was in Hollywood with celebrities, but it bullied on Twitter, specifically about criticized for the size of her nose. also occurs in everyday situations and her nose. Various Twitter uses likened especially on social media. the artist to a dog and called Lennox Featurism and the comments that dehumanizing names. "Microaggressions come along with them are a form of Seeing their comments, Lennox took microaggressions. Microaggressions to Instagram Live to express her feelings are closely are actions or words devised to towards the issue. Lennox talked associated with underhandedly insult or put down vehemently about the underlying self- minorities. hatred within the black community and racism, as well. Microaggressions are closely the negative comments she’s received. It Therefore, the associated with racism, as well. even brought her to tears. Therefore, the issue of featurism can This entire situation sparked a issue of featurism easily and eventually grow to the same discussion about an underlying form of severity as racism. racism, recently identified as featurism. can easily and Knowing about featurism can help to Featurism is a budding social eventually grow to further prevent the microaggressions term that essentially means societal that come along with it. Furthermore, preferences over certain features and the same severity featurism should be addressed when the discrimination from which it arises. as racism." recognized. If we refuse to hold people Lennox isn’t the only celebrity who has accountable for their inappropriate been attacked online for her features. comments on other’s natural, In 2017, Serena Williams received an Just recently, Vanity Fair film critic K. unalterable features, we perpetuate the extensive amount of hateful comments Austin Collins tweeted about Blue Ivy, growth of featurism, and in turn, we in regards to her build and facial unrightfully critiquing the child’s facial perpetuate racism. features. Williams was called “a gorilla,” features. Violet Lucca, a web editor for among other awfully demoralizing Harper Magazine, responded to this

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDIUM.COM FEB. 3, 2020 A&E 07 Mac Miller continues his legacy with "Circles" by LeDaniel Jackson | A&E Staff | @xidjoker500

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER RECORDS.

ac Miller is one of the most The rapping feels a little out of place his singing doesn’t mesh together peculiar rappers in the hip- since Miller sings well throughout the with the beat at all. At some points, M hop genre. He has always first two tracks. While his rapping is he even sounds out of tune which is switched his style when it comes to his impressive, he would have been better disappointing since this song sounds mixtapes and albums. Unfortunately, he off continuing his amazing singing amazing. passed away before he could showcase performance. “Woods” describes Miller’s previous more of his talent in the hip-hop genre. “Good News,” the first single from relationship and how it’s beyond fixing. However, before he passed Miller the album, finds Miller talking about Similar to “Everybody,” the production was in the process of making an album how his friends always want to himself includes heavy influences of old R&B. called “Circles,” which recently released positively. However, Miller finds this Miller does a better job with meshing posthumously not only to pay homage hard with negative emotions continually well with beat and subject matter. The to the deceased rapper but to also credit surrounding him.The production of the only issue with this song is it does his singing and rapping skills. song is very soulful with piano playing drag, as the production can sometimes The title song “Circles” begins the lightly in the background. Miller's tone become repetitive. album with soft guitar playing in the matches really with the production and “Hands” is an interesting track since background while Miller sings about the topic he’s trying to convey. it’s the most hip-hop influenced on his life having no direction. His “I Can See” brings in a psychedelic this album. Miller discusses how he performance is really impressive on this atmosphere with Miller discussing how questions his own behavior. His flow track with his soft vocals. It’s a great his peers can finally see the pain he is on this track is very impressive and intro and it leads perfectly into the next goes through. Production-wise, the it meshes well with the beat. Unlike track. song combines elements of alternative “Blue World,” Miller seems more “Complicated” lightens the mood and R&B to create one of the best comfortable with rapping on the track with a slow and soulful alternative sounding songs on the album. and it shows he can still put together a beat. Miller talks about his life and “Everybody” begins with a beautiful good rap performance. the complications that comes with it. solo while paying homage to the 1972 Overall “Circles” is a great send-off for He does a good job of conveying this classic “Everybody’s Gotta Live” by Mac Miller. The emotions he displays message with vocals matching the Arthur Lee. Throughout the song, the are impressive and do a good job with energy of the beat. instrumental builds up to a classic R&B storytelling as well. Vocally, Miller has Mac Miller showcases his rapping type beat. The only downfall on this some missteps but they’re minimal. skills with “Blue World.” He discusses track would be the vocal performance the tribulations throughout his life. by Miller. Unlike his previous songs, AAAAA4.5/5 08 A&E TheRotundaOnline.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORNANTE TELEVISION, BOXER VS. RAPTOR, SHADOWMACHINE, AND NETFLIX.

“Don’t Stop Dancing ‘til the Curtain…”

by Jacob DiLandro | A&E Editor | @spongejay1 t had to end this way. Partly was one of the best things about the to save each other.” Despite its deft and unfulfilling, but what finale isn’t? first season. cynical view of celebrity, Hollywood, IThere’s that dread of knowing you’ll If things are coming to a close, it’s accountability, trauma, and a whole never be able to spend another moment important to address the dangling bunch of other terrible things, the with these characters again. Sure, you threads. However, Raphael Bob- legacy of “Bojack Horseman,” the could relive the stuff from before, start Waksberg and his crew of insanely animated show about a horse-man who the whole series over again, but it won’t talented writers know that addressing was in a 90s sitcom, living in a world be the same. Like the best shows before these darker moments, both currently of humans and animals, will be one of it, “Bojack Horseman” knows this. happening to these characters and that redemption. Despite the massive feeling of dread have happened before, isn’t enough. Back in the 90s, Bojack was in a very that most fans might have going into Just because someone’s sins have been famous TV show. But now that cliché, this season, things haven’t been rushed addressed doesn’t mean they’ve been the joke of “I’m Bojack…Horseman, at all. Each character continues on their put to rest. Addressing them is not the obviously you knew that,” is the last journeys in ways that make sense and same as atoning for them. It’s painful thing on the show’s mind. There’s so are true to the spirit of the show. Some to watch, but it’s what needs to happen. much to resolve in the lives of these of them are more comedic than others, That’s what makes “Bojack Horseman” characters that it is sometimes jarring. but it never feels inconsistent or fake. end so gracefully. It uses so many It’s natural that some of the subjects Every silly moment of animal word different and complex emotional layers addressed are less crucial than others, puns that directly follow an earth- to get at one specific point. In between leading to a bit of tonal inconsistency shattering emotional revelation feel like all the exposes, the interviews, and the when flipping in between plots. But it something only this show could do. hundreds of Frito pies, there’s this sense never feels forced, more like a respite. Without spoiling anything, suffice that nothing will be able to recapture A safe haven away from the depression. it to say that the darkest moments of those moments again. In order to None of this matters. Yet, it all the series lie here. It’s a testament to succeed, these characters must move matters. “Bojack Horseman” is one of the skill and raw talent of the voice beyond who they used to be. those shows so excellent that it makes cast that none of their performances Hell, there are multiple conversations me question the point of even reviewing ever waver. Will Arnett (“The LEGO where the characters themselves seem it. The state of bizarrely hopeful Movie,” “Arrested Development”), to address that their relationships could melancholy it left me in as credits Alison Brie (“Community,” “GLOW”), never go back to where they used to be. rolled on the 16th episode of season 6 Amy Sedaris (“Strangers With Candy,” It won’t be the same. Yet, there are also are unlike anything I’ve experienced “The Mandalorian”), Paul F. Tompkins just as many moments of unknowing. before. “Bojack Horseman” is a show (“Mr. Show with Bob and David,” One of the biggest emotional breaking that legitimately changed me and how “There Will Be Blood”) and Aaron points of this season is something that I approached my own life. Paul (“Breaking Bad,” “The Path”) likely won’t ever be revealed, to anyone. Yet, some people will never see it never falter for even a moment in their And that lack of closure is essential because it’s that animated adult show delivery. here as well. on Netflix with the talking horse. However, it’s the smaller roles that In the penultimate episode of this As Bojack himself might say, don’t pop up for one of two episodes that are final season, the show’s creative team worry about it. “Life’s a bitch and pure excellence. Arnett’s double role puts Bojack through one of the most then you die.” That might be true, as Secretariat and Bojack’s father is creative and tumultuous events of the but I won’t let this sleeping horse lie. simply astonishing, as is Kristen Schaal entire series. It’s a roadmap of the I won’t stop dancing; I won’t stop (“Gravity Falls,” “Bob’s Burgers”), show and himself, bullet pointed with shouting this show’s merits from the delivering one more run as Sarah Lynn song and speech and big fat salty tears. rooftops. Because, quite simply “Bojack in what is easily the finest performance Its virtually impossible to see how Horseman” is the greatest television of her lucrative voice acting career. someone could escape from something show of the 21st century. Stanely Tucci (“The Lovely Bones,” this searing and traumatic. “Spotlight”) also makes a long overdue One character, in the show’s finale, return, showcasing yet again why he says it best, “Maybe its everybody’s job FEB. 3, 2020 SPORTS 09 Longwood Basketball programs mourn loss of Kobe Bryant

by Nick Robinson | Sports Staff | @longwoodrotunda

the basketball world that everywhere, he also made an impact have still not settled. on the WNBA and young girls Cintron said, “For everywhere. He was an outspoken the basketball proponent of women’s basketball and s world, it’s huge attended many WNBA and women’s A the because he college basketball games and his late men’s basketball changed the daughter, Giana, had aspirations of team prepared for game. He set playing in the WNBA. practice before their the tone for One young woman who is a fan of game against Radford, o u t- w o r k i n g Bryant’s impact on the women’s game senior guard Shabooty your opponent was senior forward Dayna Rouse. Rouse Philips entered the court and out-thinking said, “I respect him so much for trying wearing a pair of Kobe your opponent. He to popularize women’s basketball. He Bryant sneakers with was the ultimate did a lot to try to bring attention to and the words “R.I.P. Mamba” competitor and elevate women’s basketball in general written on them in marker. If that’s something he and that’s such a reason to respect him.” that is not a statement about took outside the Rouse said that she was in great shock the impact that Bryant had on court as well.” and disbelief at the news of Bryant’s young basketball players and While Bryant death and said that she was looking the basketball world in general, made an forward to seeing what he had to offer then I don’t know what is. impact on the in his post-retirement life. The sports world was shaken to NBA and One thing Philips, Cintron and its core last Sunday when a helicopter young boys Rouse mentioned was the legacy that carrying Bryant, his daughter Bryant is leaving behind. Philips said, Giana, and seven others crashed “Kobe let it be known that whatever in Calabasas, California, killing you do, work hard.” Cintron said, “I everyone on board. The impact will remember Kobe as one of the of that crash was felt all around greats. We use the reference G.O.A.T. the world, including right (Greatest of all-time) a lot but I think here in Farmville. he made us realize that we need to Phillips said when stop comparing and appreciate all of he heard the news, the great players that come through he thought it COURTSEY OF CLIPART.EMAIL the sport of basketball.” Rouse said, was fake at first. “He will always be someone to look “I couldn’t "THE BLACK MAMBA" up to. People can look to his mamba believe it, he BY THE NUMBERS mentality whenever they want to work was gone soon.” harder and push themselves further.” Philips said Bryant was loved by so many, and he NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS that Bryant was h i s 5 will be missed by many more, but one favorite player growing up and thing that he will never be, is forgotten, that he always appreciated the “mamba 15 ALL-NBA TEAMS whether by Longwood basketball mentality” that Bryant was famous for. players, or just people who throw a Another Longwood player who felt piece of paper into the trash and shout the impact of Bryant’s death was junior 33,643 CAREER POINTS his name. Taken from us at only forty- forward Jordan Cintron. Cintron said, one years of age, Bryant’s memory lives “Kobe Bryant, in my household, was on in the hearts of everyone who’s life the epitome of basketball. Growing 25.0 CAREER POINT he impacted. up with only brothers, I came to know AVERAGE that name at a young age. That was a name that was well-known whether you knew basketball or not.” ONE HISTORIC LIFE Bryant’s death sent ripples through 10 SPORTS TheRotundaOnline.com How a follow-up question can help turn the tide of a program Kyla McMakin currently sits second in Big South Conference in scoring by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14 n her career at Ocean Lakes High had so much confidence.” senior.” School in Virginia Beach, Kyla McMakin felt the program was moving Now looking back, she said she can barely I McMakin scored nearly 2,000 points toward a championship mindset, due to remember the game due to the fast nature (1,990 to be exact) and grabbed over 1,000 the pieces who had been recruited newly to of play, but despite this, she led the team in rebounds, but there was only one problem, the team, along with the players already in scoring with 17 points. it was starting to get late in the recruiting place inside of the program, and therefore Fast forward to today, it’s no longer a process and she had yet to commit to a decided to join the team. surprise to hear the freshman leading the school to continue her playing career. After she moved to Farmville in the team in scoring in a particular game, as “I thought of going closer near home, summer time, the real work began for the she’s accomplished the feat in seven of the like ODU (Old Dominion University). freshman. She said playing pickup games team’s 19 games to this point. For greater I had one from JMU (James Madison with her teammates outside of practice was measure, she currently is second in the University), like that…” said McMakin. the first real indicator of the change of skill Big South Conference in points per game, Now enter Longwood and second year level in Division I. averaging 17.1. head coach Rebecca Tillett, who, alongside “In high school you come from being ‘you This statistic, along with McMakin being her coaching staff and returning players, can take this whole team on by yourself’ near the top of the league in many other were looking to rebuild a struggling to ‘you need to watch everyone, because areas has led to her being named Big South program and find players who fit the mold anyone will take you to the basket’, so that’s Freshman of the Week on five different of what the new regime expected to form a when I was like ‘Wow, this is Division I occasions. championship-winning culture. basketball’, it felt good and I loved playing A stellar feat which is almost becoming Tillett tells the story of how the two with other great players,” said McMakin. commonplace each time the award became connected with a smile on her face One of those players whom she joined recipient is announced. to this very day, because, simply, fate is a in this journey, and met over the summer Tillett appreciates the constant effort crazy thing. is junior transfer point guard Tra’Dayja given for the accomplishments and said “She (Associate Head Coach and Smith, who was also new to the team. it’s “incredible” that McMakin is able to Recruiting Coordinator, Tiffany Sardin) Smith said those summer days were crucial maintain the play to receive the recognition. was calling about other players. She wasn’t to the development of team chemistry. However, she knows the freshman has calling about Kyla McMakin. And great “We spent so many days in the gym just bigger plans for the team as a whole. recruiters ask the question to coaches of ‘is getting up shots and then practicing,” said “She would way rather win a game than there anyone else I should know about?’, Smith. “I just knew she was good because get a Player of the Week honor, and when and that coach said ‘there’s this kid at she had 1,000 rebounds and almost 2,000 you’re around people like that, they are Ocean Lakes, Kyla McMakin, (I’m) really points in high school. So I knew she was an going to help elevate everybody around not sure why she’s not signed yet’,” said elite scorer for us and I want to give her the them because they care so much about the Tillett. ball at any time.” team,” said Tillett. After the outside recommendation, McMakin said while she is on the court, Moving throughout the rest of the an assistant coach was sent to see one of there is an all-business approach and season, McMakin still said she has room McMakin’s games, adding to the team's exchanging pleasantries can come after the for growth in a few areas to make herself a interest. Impressed by the information game. She added that she in-part modeled more well-rounded player. relayed, Tillett made the decision to drive her basketball mindset after the late Kobe “Probably defensively and internally. I’ve up to Virginia Beach to see the star player Bryant, who recently passed away in a sort of been able to bounce back after a in action. tragic helicopter crash. poor performance shooting, but I want to It was McMakin’s senior night, and after "When we're on the court, you're my be able to bounce back after getting shot the festivities, it only took six minutes of enemy. Afterwards I'll shake your hand on, or bounce back after (asking) ‘why game time for Tillett to ask nearly the and tell you 'good game, you played a great didn’t I get a foul call?’ and I still struggle same question which the recommender game', but on the court we're about near with that,” said McMakin. “Defensively, had asked, “How is Kyla McMakin still ready to fight," said McMakin. just moving (and) being faster. One of my available this late in the season?” But at the end of the day, practice biggest things that I want to be is an all- She mentioned calling Sardin after nearly repetitions are not game repetitions, and around player. I want to be able to score on eight minutes of the game to say she would it was finally time for McMakin to show one end and then come down and get a stop be offering that night, over the phone and off her skills for all to see in the team’s on the other. That’s a big deal for me.” that she felt McMakin could do “great opening contest against a daunting James Tillett said she feels McMakin will have things” at Longwood. Madison (JMU) team, all the way back in a professional career one day if she wants The feeling was mutual for Kyla, and November 2019. one, but knows the freshman is 100 percent she said she was attracted to Longwood When receiving the Dukes’ scouting focused on the here and now and, along from the first visit, coupled with the report beforehand, McMakin admitted with her teammates, is chasing the goal of “empowering” demeanor from Tillett. there were butterflies. a Big South Conference championship. “When she talked to me, she didn’t talk “I look at it and I see senior, senior senior The next contest for Kyla and the Lancers to me scared to say ‘championship’ or stuff {sic} and I was so scared and nervous,” will come on February 4, as they travel like that,” said McMakin. “She talked to she said. “And I was like ‘who am I?’ as to Asheville, North Carolina to take the me with so much confidence, and everyone a freshman to go out and guard a top kid Bulldogs from UNC Asheville. FEB. 3, 2020 SPORTS 11

Men's basketball finishes week on high note at Gardner-Webb Lancers look to build off Saturday road win by Patrick Sanderson | Sports Staff | @psanderson20

KC MCALLISTER | THE ROTUNDA Sophomore forward Christian Wilson releases a free throw in the Lancers’ recent 67-55 home loss to the Radford Highlanders. ollowing an impressive double-digit would hop into the driver's seat, as they Webb would respond to tie the game at 68 win over Tubby Smith’s High Point kept their 30-22 halftime lead for the on a deep three pointer from Jose Perez F Panthers on Jan. 25, Longwood was rest of the game, en-route to the victory. with only 14 seconds to go. unable to replicate the same hot shooting Though only scoring 22 points in the first Senior guard Shabooty Phillips nearly performance this past Thursday night half, Aldrich was pleased with the effort won the game in regulation, but his shot against Radford, falling to the Big South offensively to move and find open looks. rimmed out as time expired, sending the preseason favorite, 67-55. “I thought for probably the first five or ten game into overtime. Backed by a 21-point performance by minutes [of the game] we did a really nice In the extra period, there were four preseason All-Conference selection senior job,” Aldrich said. “The ball was moving, lead changes in the first three and a half guard Travis Fields Jr., Radford held the there was good pace, we were getting some minutes, but the Lancers would get the Lancers to 31.6 percent shooting, with 41 really good open looks and then we stopped last laugh on a massive three pointer from of their 57 shots coming from beyond the cutting.” sophomore transfer guard DeShaun Wade arc. Fourteen of Longwood’s 18 made field The Lancers were led with 17 points from to give Longwood the lead, one they would goals were three-pointers. redshirt sophomore guard Juan Munoz, not sacrifice en-route to a 84-81 victory. The bulk of Longwood’s three-point with senior forward JaShaun Smith After the game, in an interview with attempts came in the second half, most following closely behind with 15 of his Longwood athletics, Aldrich said, "We coming in the final 13 minutes of the own. played hard. We played connected, for the game when Radford began building a lead, The loss saw Longwood fall to 7-15 on most part. I didn't like how we started the causing Longwood to become excited from the year and 2-7 in Big South conference game; we were a little tentative out of the long range. They took 17 threes in this time play with nine games remaining on the gate, and that wasn't what we wanted. But frame, which frustrated head coach Griff regular season schedule. Aldrich said the I do think we came back and for the most Aldrich who insisted the team needed to be key to consistent success on the court the part were the aggressor throughout the more relaxed offensively, especially in the rest of the way is being the aggressor in game. Even when they did come back, I second period. each contest. thought they had to make some big, heroic “You got to be composed and we need The team got off to a good start on that plays. We didn't get into the bonus until some guys to step up and calm us down trend this past Saturday as they travelled overtime. This was just a different game." on the court. We didn’t get that tonight to Boiling Springs, North Carolina to take As the Big South Tournament inches unfortunately,” Aldrich said, referring to on the defending Big South Champion closer and closer, the team will need to the pace of play down the stretch. Gardner-Webb Bulldogs. continue to build on performances like He continued, “We didn’t run our offense Just like the game before, the first half these to raise their standing. They will in the second half.” was a back and forth affair, but the Lancers have their next opportunity to do that on The first half was a back-and-forth battle would, this time, take a 38-35 lead into Thursday evening, as they will play host to between the two, as the lead changed six the halftime break. The same trend would the Bucs from Charleston Southern with a times, but the Highlanders eventually follow suit in the second half, but Gardner- 7 p.m. tip. Proud supporters of Longwood Athletics

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