by Layla Milic
Back in December of 2024, we had another legendary Staff vs. Student game—basketball, to be specific. Last time we faced off against the teachers, we triumphed in victory. But did we win against these rusty stars again? The short answer is no.
Sports aren’t just about physical skill—they’re a mental challenge too. We realized that most when we played against these barbaric and competitive teachers. Naturally, we had to interview them after the game to see what they had to say. We pulled a few teachers and students to get their thoughts, and here’s what we got:
Our first victim, Mr. Torres, was very monotone. When asked why he participated, he simply said he “felt like it.” But let’s be real—we all know it was to redeem himself from the volleyball disaster. He denied the allegations and stuck to his story, but he did admit one thing: he hates losing. “I hated losing the last volleyball game, and I hate losing in general.” That might explain why he came prepared—he has about twelve years of basketball experience. What an advantage!
He revealed that he used the way students looked and moved to calculate his next plays. (We should’ve known we were up against an actual strategist.) Basketball also happens to be his favorite sport at the moment, so it makes sense why he went all in. We ended the interview with a motivational quote from him: “Practice.” A man of few words, indeed. “Practice.” he repeated, as he rode away into the sunset…
Next up, Mr. Barnard. We started his interview with a motivational quote from him. He struggled to find the words at first, but when he did, he said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” His message? Not everything is about you—sometimes, you need teamwork to succeed.
Then, out of nowhere, Emilio Medina crash-joined the interview and shared his own wisdom: “Make sure the person you’re doing everything for is also doing everything for you.” Basically, don’t waste your time giving your all for someone who wouldn’t do the same for you. A solid life lesson.
Coach Barnard shared that he’s been playing basketball for over 20 years, but he’s also played hockey, football, and soccer. Safe to say, the man knows his sports.
Unfair advantage!!
Emilio, on the other hand, has been playing basketball since fourth grade—so about four years. He had experience, but clearly, it wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, Coach Barnard said the teachers went in with a game plan and executed. Okay, sergeant?! He said the secret to winning is understanding that basketball is a team effort. It’s not about being flashy or scoring the most points—it’s about working together and having fun.
Emilio’s approach? The huzz (which he supposedly meant as the bruzz—to impress his bros) and playing flashily. Maybe that’s why the students lost.
It was a mutual agreement among the teachers that Mr. Torres and Coach Morgan were the MVPs of the game. Emilio, on the other hand, came to a different conclusion: the students played, but not the way they were supposed to. In other words… students went rogue!!
Our final contestant is… drumroll please… Ms. Davis! When asked for an inspirational quote, she simply said, “The students are losers, period.” Well… that’s not very inspirational, but thanks for the feedback.
Ms. Davis has been teaching at this school for six years and confidently stated that the staff has won every basketball game they’ve played. “This win feels like any other win, any other year because… we’re winners,” she humbly informed us.
During the game, she admitted she felt very, very tired. (Her words, not ours.) “I’m realizing that I’m getting older and my lungs are getting very, very tight, and my knees are not working the same. I was very tired.” Not exactly the best realization to have mid-game. She regrets not stretching beforehand. Lesson learned.
Her secret to winning? “Just be good.” Honestly, wise words. Not everyone is naturally skilled, but if you are, just be good at whatever you choose to do.
Final verdict: The teachers may have won this round, but we’ll be back. And next time, we won’t let them out-strategize us.
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