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The State of Clemson Football

By: Landon Miller

Many people are wondering what happened to Clemson football these past five or so years. Personally, I feel like I know some of the problems that have caused such a downfall. First off, since NIL and the Portal have become such a huge part of college football, it has shown to affect the Clemson organization, specifically Dabo Swinney. What I mean is Dabo is trying to be old fashioned and totally rely on recruiting to build a powerhouse and stay relevant with the big teams of today such as Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, Miami, etc. (all of these teams use the portal very frequently). This decision by Dabo is very honorable but it just hasn’t been working. Another reason Clemson has been on a downward slope is the coordinators for Clemson, specifically Garret Riley. I specifically remember the Clemson Vs Texas playoff game in 2024 where, besides the first drive, it was just a horrible showing and Garret did not know how to use Kade Klubnick at all or draw up plays to work against real powerhouse opponents. More on Dabo, I think he’s not a good coach when it comes to play calling, drawing plays, or things like that. Dabo is more of a motivator and talking type of coach in my opinion. Now onto this year, I don’t think it’s gonna be any different, we might even be worse than last year. I say this because we graduated several players, only dipped into the portal a handful of times, and have inexperienced quarterbacks that have really never played. Hopefully, in the future, Clemson football can make a comeback.

Sumter Little Theatre and What It Provides

By: Keighan Norton

Since 1939, Sumter Little Theatre has built a strong community theatre to boost engagement in the performing arts, bringing in many people wanting to try out acting for themselves. If you decide to join any of the various opportunities that SLT offers, you too can find yourself gaining more from the experience than just acting. SLT’s acting classes not only teach you how to act, but also teach you great improv skills that can be used outside of the stage. Improvisation is a key element to everyday conversations with strangers and being comfortable and able to come up with ideas that build off what someone else says can greatly improve your confidence in speaking. Participating in the classes also brings many people with a similar interest in theater together, giving you the opportunity to build good friendships that can last longer than the classes. However, if you’re already well versed in acting, then auditioning and taking part in an SLT is great too. Going to rehearsals is a fun way to spend time engaging with others while getting to know the cast and people in the theatre. The more time you spend at rehearsals getting to know the people at the theatre, the more it allows them to see your range of acting, as well as how you engage with others. This could land you more roles and opportunities in shows inside, and possibly outside of the theatre. Over all, engaging enough in the Sumter Little Theatre is a good starting point to getting yourself out there socially and in the world of acting.

Why Jalen Brunson Should be on the NBA 2K27 Cover

By: Johnny Lauzon

Why is Victor Wembanyama on the cover of NBA 2K27? I get it, he is supposed to be the future of the NBA but, Jalen Brunson had one of the most impressive seasons last year and led the Knicks to their first Championship in fifty three years. He won a championship, finals MVP, Eastern conference finals MVP, the NBA cup, NBA cup MVP, All NBA second team, and he is a three time all star. Now Victor Wembanyama’s list of accomplishments is also impressive, so why is Jalen Brunson’s season more impressive. Well, he beat Wemby in the NBA cup and in the NBA finals, and he also had won one of, if not the greatest post seasons of all time. He scored over five hundred points collectively throughout the playoffs, he swept Philadelphia and Cleveland, he averaged over thirty points in the finals series versus the Spurs, and he helped his team break the record for largest playoff point differential at two hundred eighty three. Not to mention his clutchness. He led an insane fourth quarter comeback against Cleveland in game one. He also led the greatest finals comeback in history being down twenty nine points. He also had to persevere through bad referees, dirty physical plays from the NBA’s golden boy Victor Wembanyama, and a broken shooting hand. None of that stopped him though. I thought for sure he would be on the NBA cover this year after making history and breaking records last year but no. They gave it to Victor Wembanyama. The seven foot four center who thinks he is a guard, and the man who sold by missing two free throws in a row at the end of game five versus the Knicks.

Why I think Eric Brown could potentially make the NBA

By: John Land

I think that Eric Brown could potentially make the NBA because he is a very skillful guard big man. Eric who is commonly known as E, Big E, Big Red, Air Head, and Caric. Eric stands out above the rest because of his elite ball handling skills. When I watch Eric take the ball down the court and make multiple defenders miss, I think to myself, “How can someone even handle a ball that well, let alone with such swagger.” And the secret is in the sauce, Eric has not only the best work ethic on the Wilson Hall varsity boys basketball team, but I’d go as far to say that he is the hardest working hopper in Sumter county. My reasoning for this is because Eric, being one of my good friends every time I go to his house, he is in the driveway putting up shots and dribbling around cones. Eric averaged roughly 7-8 points per game last basketball season and was very disappointed with his performance and is looking to greatly increase that number for the upcoming season. With Eric’s unique play style and work ethic, I do not see any possible scenario where Eric is not dropping at least 35+ points per game. If Eric can reach this goal for next season and show out in front of recruits in games, then there is a chance that Eric could be the next Lebron and not play in college and go straight to the league. Personally, as a friend and a fan of Eric Brown, I believe in him and his journey to the NBA and look forward to watching him ball out this upcoming season.

Why Bryce Young is the Best QB in the League

By: Gray Sanders

He is so good at throwing deep balls, he was 22nd in the league in deep balls, but number 1 in my mind. He lit up one of the best defenses in his first playoff appearance, he threw for 264 yards and 2 total touchdowns. He was also the only QB last year who had 5 total touchdowns in one game vs the Falcons. And to go along with that game he threw for 448 yards. He also had another classic Bryce Young performance throwing for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns vs the Cardinals. He gets a lot of hate for his rookie year which was not very good because his team was terrible, and his Head Coach was fired mid season. So he had to adapt to a new offense mid year. Now he has a good head coach and had a good season. Now he is prime to have an MVP year, due to his elite receiver core and we have to see how the O-Line holds up with all the injuries. So this year Bryce Young is gonna lead the panthers to a 11-6 record and win his first MVP while also leading the panthers back to the superbowl for the first time since 2016. Week 1 vs the bears he will throw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, while adding 1 on the ground.The panthers are gonna win that game 28-24 and start the year 1-0.

Pizza toppings

By: Christina Osgood

There are lots of topping options you are able to put on top of pizza. Everyone has their favorites, but here are my top 5 pizza toppings. Starting off, number 5 is sausage. Sausage is an average pizza topping, but it is a good one. The sausage adds extra protein to the pizza, and more flavour that goes well with the cheese on it. Then we have number 4, which is mushrooms. Mushrooms are able to bring a savoury flavor into the pizza and add a nice, unique texture to it. They are chewy and soft, making them highly underrated as a pizza topping. Up next, number 3 is bell peppers. The bell peppers can really switch it up with the crunch that they can bring to the pizza. The bell peppers can also bring a fresh and sweet flavor into the mix. It is a good one to put on as a topping if you are trying to switch it up a little bit. Runner-up, number 2 is bacon. It is a little underrated in pizza toppings but it can offer a delicious crunch and smoky flavour that sausage could not bring to the pizza. Finally, last but not least, number 1 is pepperoni. Pepperoni can do nothing wrong on a pizza. It is the classic topping you see everywhere, and the flavour and texture compliment the pizza better than any other topping on this list. Ultimately, my five favorite pizza toppings are well thought out, highly researched, and highly recommended.

Top 5 best appetizers

By: Cameron Kohl

Chips and dip are a great choice for an appetizer because there are many options for dips that you can get with your chips. This would include fresh salsa, cheese dip, and guacamole. One of the perks about this appetizer is that many restaurants will give you free refills of chips and salsa. This is nice for when you are especially hungry when waiting for your food.
Charcuterie boards are great because of the many cheeses, meats, crackers, and jams that come with it. This allows for a wide variety of delicious combinations that can be made for people to enjoy. It is also one of the faster appetizers because there is nothing that has to be cooked.
Shrimp cocktail is another good option especially during the summer as it is a very refreshing choice. It is also great when paired with the cocktail sauce and a fresh lemon which adds more flavor to the dish.
South west spring rolls are another great choice because of the many flavors inside of the roll. This includes seasoned chicken, vegetables, and cheese. The rolls are even better when it comes with ranch for you to dip them in. By adding ranch to the rolls, it gives the dish an even better flavor.
Many people enjoy truffle fries. They are a fun spin on normal fries.The fries are covered in truffle oil and have parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of them. This allows for an even better flavor. These are better than normal fries because they allow for a more elevated taste.

Pros and Cons of being tall as a teenage girl

By: Beaty Zeigler

Many might think that being abnormally tall for a girl is a good thing. However, it has its downsides. For example, in Sumter, South Carolina, it is very rare that you may see taller girls in sports. By having that advantage in height, it can be beneficial in volleyball or basketball.

One of the biggest pros of being tall is definitely sports. In volleyball, being tall can help with blocking and hitting because you can reach higher than other players. It can also make you stand out on the court, which can be a good thing. Another pro is that people usually notice you more, which can be helpful in modeling or being in front of people. However, being tall is not always as great as people make it seem. Finding clothes for women that fit correctly can be difficult, especially when pants are too short. It can also be awkward when you are taller than almost everyone around you. Sometimes you feel like you stand out when you don’t want to. Pictures with friends can also be annoying because you are always the tallest one and can’t pose correctly.

Overall, I think being tall has both good and bad sides. I like that my height helps me in volleyball and can be an advantage, but sometimes I wish I could just blend in with everyone else. Being tall is something that I have learned to accept and embrace, even if it can be annoying sometimes.

My Day One Experience

By: Nathan Jones

On my first day at Wilson Hall, it was a very rough experience for me. The school is great, but the way that they drop new kids into the school is like how a fisherman tosses a helpless bait into the ocean. The classes were very welcoming and constructive but at the start of the day, break, drop off, pickup, and lunch I was so confused. During drop off, I went straight to the front and sat on a chair and awkwardly waited for 7:50 so I could go to homeroom. In the homeroom, I had no idea that there was going to be a pledge, devotion, and a prayer because of how different it was at my last school. I was so surprised when the prayer ended and everyone started standing up. Of course I followed their lead and stood up as well but then the allegiance started playing. I stayed up and just followed everyone else until I sat down.

Whenever break started I sat with the friends I already knew and just listened to the surrounding sounds such as people talking and every other cafeteria noise that you would normally hear. Lunch ended and I started towards my next class but of course I got lost almost every time I went to my next class as the halls are pretty turny and hard to follow. Finally, at pick up I went back to homeroom and picked my phone then headed towards the outer door and left.

Why in-store shopping is better than online shopping

By: Karsen Jones

To begin, shopping in a store saves you a ton of money rather than shopping online. When shopping online, the customer is not only paying for the item purchased, they are also paying for shipping fees, handling fees, transaction fees and much more that would not be a hassle if it is just bought in the store. Another reason that buyers should buy their items in the store is that the customer can physically see the item desired. When buying a piece of clothing, it is much easier to see the sizing, color, and the overall feeling of the attire when seeing it in real time rather than on a screen hoping it will look or fit right. Going off of that point, if the piece of clothing doesn’t look just right it is so much easier to just find the receipt and bring it right back to the store than having to go through all the trouble to ship it all the way back to the warehouse it was made. Shipping is a long process, the shopper would first need to go to the post office or personally buy a package for the item, schedule a pickup, and finally wait for the refund that goes through virtually.

Another point is that while shopping in-store the patron is having human interaction as opposed to sitting in a bed ordering off of a screen. Human contact is one of the few things that a person can experience off of a device. Having to talk to the cashier, people around you, and having the feeling of other bodies around you. Overall shopping in the store gives us so much more freedom instead of online shopping.