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Rating Crumbl Cookie Flavors

By: Morgan Aycock

I will be starting a series of rating the Crumbl Cookie flavors of the week. As many know, Crumbl Cookie has soared throughout the internet and blown up all around the US. The company, founded in 2017, was recently deemed the fastest-growing chain of dessert shops in the US. This viral sensation is popular for their weekly-changing menu which consists of six cookies. The company uses social media to acquire customers and gets customers to purchase when their favorite flavors are available and plays on the fear of missing out. My ratings are solely opinion based.

This week’s menu items (September 2-7):

Semi-sweet chocolate chunk

The afterlife cake

Banana bread

Churro

Strawberry shortcake cookie

Triple chocolate chip

Strawberry shortcake cookie

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A cakey cookie topped with silky whipped cream, freshly chopped strawberries, and a house-made strawberry jam. (4.4 stars)

I have not tried this cookie, however, I think I would like it the most because it has whipped cream and not their traditional icing with the strawberries on top.

Semi-sweet chocolate chunk

Crumbl Cookies’ description: Chocolate chip, but make it chunky—a delicious cookie filled with irresistible semi-sweet chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. (4.6 stars)

Crumbl has this flavor every week. Although some say it gets old, I believe that it is a classic and Crumbl has yet to fail with this cookie.

Triple chocolate chip

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A chocolate cookie packed with semi-sweet chunks, creamy white chips, and milk chocolate chips. (4.3 stars)

I have had this cookie numerous times, and it has been pretty good every time. It is a little boring as a whole, but there is not much to mess up on, and I like how warm it is.

Churro

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A warm cookie bursting with cinnamon flavor and topped with a swirl of smooth cinnamon buttercream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. (4.5 stars)

I also have not tried this cookie, but I think I would like how it is served warm. I have watched reviews on this cookie from numerous people, and they have all said that it tastes almost exactly like a real churro. However, I think the immense amount of cinnamon would overpower the cookie and I do not think I would like it.

The afterlife cake

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A ghostly two-tiered dark chocolate cake layered with vanilla and dark chocolate cream cheese frosting, NATURALLY colored by rich dark cocoa, and finished with sprinkles and a special-edition topper. (4.3 stars)

I do not think I would like this cake and I also think the idea of a Beetlejuice cake is not popular. Many people have said that the cake is bland and dry, and I do not like the dark chocolate and vanilla mix. I think it should be a more interesting cake and have more flavors.

Banana bread

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A fluffy banana bread loaf topped with a crunch of brown sugar and cinnamon-packed streusel. (4 stars)

With this being the most on average lowest rating of the week, it obviously had to be last. I think that Crumbl should stick to only selling cookies, and after watching many reviews on this bread, many have said it is bland and dry. I have also heard that it had no banana flavor in it.

What are the best dogs?

By: Olivia Cogswell

Golden retrievers and german shepherds are two of the best dog breeds for families and individuals. These types of dogs are good for first time pet owners, families with small children, and older people to take care of. They are one of the most intelligent dogs which make them quick learners. Golden Retrievers have a kind and friendly temperament which allows the owners to take them out in public to socialize. The dog breed makes good companions for walks, runs, swims, and even hunting activities. Golden retrievers make very loyal and protective companions.

This dog breed tends to be an expensive breed, and could come with many possible health issues such as: allergies, hip dysplasia, and skin issues. They also tend to not be very good guard dogs due to their loving and open personality, they will greet anyone. Along with the fact that they are a very high maintenance breed due to grooming, high exercise needs, and the need for socializing. If time and energy are given to a golden retriever, they will make great, loyal companions.

German shepherds are very attractive dogs that make great family pets. They are very protective of their owners and have great instincts. However due to their very protective nature they can be violent with strangers who they feel threatened by, making it hard for the owners to take them out in public. Although due to them being very easy to train, you can train them not to be so territorial and aggressive. This breed also tends to be healthier than others, which prevents expensive vet visits. While this breed can be good for all types of pet owners, they do require a more active lifestyle. If they do not get enough exercise they become bored, anxious, and even destructive. Considering this, these dog breeds make good companions for everyone.

Bryce Young and the Panthers will prove all the haters wrong

By: Knox Buxton

The 2024-2025 NFL season started on Thursday, September 5th and there is much excitement about this season. Lots of NFL fans and analysts have been counting Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers out, but I do not think they should be doing that quite yet. The Panthers open their season on Sunday, September 8th in New Orleans against the Siants. The Saints are favored to win, but I don’t think it is as easy of a pick as people make it seem. Last season, the Panthers did go 2-15 and finished with the worst record in the league.

On top of that, they didn’t even have their first round pick because they traded it the year before for the first pick in the 2023 draft where they ended up taking Bryce Young. Bryce Young did not have a great rookie season, but I don’t think that it was all his fault. He was playing behind the worst offensive line in the league and also had one of the worst receiving rooms in the NFL. This offseason, the Panthers made it a point of emphasis to go out and sign offensive linemen and add receivers for Young. Carolina went out and signed Robert Hunt from the Dolphins and Damien Lewis from the Seahawks in hopes that it will boost their offensive line’s performance this upcoming season. They also traded up with the Buffalo Bills to draft Xavier Legette from the University of South Carolina with the last pick of the first round. Legette was a standout receiver in college and has all of the physical attributes to be a great player in the NFL. The Panthers acquired receiver Diontae Johnson from the steelers through a trade in March and he has potential to be elite in Carolina. Now that Carolina has made those moves this offseason, I am confident that the Panthers have set Bryce Young up for success in his second year as a pro and have the ability to surprise a lot of people this season

What Is F1 Compared to NASCAR?

By: Lottie Bynum

Many Americans don’t know what Formula 1 is, they usually refer to it as European NASCAR. While this statement is true, European racing, F1, is vastly different from NASCAR in terms of rules and the obvious car and race track shape.

Although racing of this type had been around for quite awhile before then, Formula 1 Racing was first named in 1946. The name Formula 1 came from the sport’s many rules and now continues in usage in the lower levels of the sport Formula 2(F2), Formula 3(F3), and the F1 Academy which is a junior level for girls.

Additionally F1 has vastly different standards than NASCAR in terms of cars. Most every car in NASCAR is exactly the same aside from the driver, however F1 is different. While F1 has regulations and spending caps for their cars to be uniform, the best teams have the most money to spend on their cars leading there to be continuous dominance of certain teams who can afford the best car and the best drivers. Teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren fall under this category while others such as Williams, Alpine, and Haas have less capital to afford the best car and drivers and therefore usually settle lower on points and scores in races. This is not to say F1 drivers don’t have to be skilled to drive because again the best teams usually get the best drivers too due to the amount they are willing and able to pay them to come to their team.

The physicality of drivers in both sports have different qualifications as well. Both F1 and NASCAR drivers have to maintain some level of fitness, reaction time, and spatial awareness, however each sport emphasizes different things. Since F1 is an open style car with the drivers being exposed to the air and lots of gravity they have to train to strengthen their necks and how to withstand G forces as pilots do. NASCAR drivers train for G force as well, although not as much as F1 drivers since they aren’t as exposed. NASCAR drivers do however need to be better at spatial awareness since they deal with more cars around them making it challenging to drive. Due to the difference in tracks where NASCAR drives in loops and F1 in different tracks every time, F1 drivers can memorize the tracks so they won’t crash on tracks where it isn’t quite clear or they have difficult turns such as Silverstone in the British GP or Monaco.

Wilson Hall Volleyball

By: Addie Griffin

One of the best things is volleyball. The feeling you get when you make a perfect pass off of a hard hit and everyone goes crazy. The feeling of serving an ace off of a team that is known for their serve receive. Cheering on your teammates whenever they have an incredible hit or get an impossible dig. These are all unbeatable feelings. However, Wilson Hall volleyball is so much more than just passing, serving, or hitting a ball. It is unlike any other volleyball program around, solely because of the people. Wilson Hall Volleyball is where you find girls you never thought you would be friends with. Where different grades and ages become one as a team, and you become closer than you could ever imagine. They even become some of your best friends. Wilson Hall volleyball is filled with love and laughter (only during appropriate times of course). Wilson Hall volleyball is where you learn the most about your teammates. Where you have the deepest conversations and hear the most shocking stories on the long bus rides back home. It is where you all share countless laughs about things only the team would find funny, and where you do stupid dances right up until the referee blows the whistle. Wilson Hall volleyball is getting a piece of encouragement or, “the quote of the day”, before every practice from one of your teammates, and everyone claps or sometimes giggles, depending on how poorly executed it might be. It might seem crazy, but these small details are what make Wilson Hall volleyball unlike any other. When all is said and done, you will not remember all of the good plays that you made or the games you won, but the memories that were made over your short years of Wilson Hall volleyball.

A Different Take on Senior Year

By: Lucy Buxton

Growing up, I’ve always been told that senior year is the most exciting year of highschool. I’ve never doubted that statement for a second, until I got here. I understand why many people feel this way because it is exciting. Senior year is the last year where everything is “normal”.

I saw a quote once that said, “The good news is, it doesn’t last forever… the bad news is it doesn’t last forever”. I couldn’t describe how I feel about senior year better than that. I love the thought of new beginnings and meeting lots of new people but then I begin to think about all that I’m about to leave behind and it seems to cancel out all the “pros” about this being the last year of “normal”.

Change has always been pretty hard for me. I remember crying about leaving fourth grade because that meant I would no longer have recess on the playground. I remember the pit in my stomach when I realized eighth grade was coming to an end, which meant soon I would become a freshman. Change used to really bother me and I didnt know why. Everyone seems to be excited about new beginnings but to me, new beginnings have always felt like a punishment.

Why do I dread leaving this chapter behind? I used to ask myself this all the time but as life has gone on, I now know why this is. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a twin brother, Knox. Yes, he gets on my nerves all the time but over the years I’ve found myself thanking God more and more for giving me someone to experience every moment in life with. I used to look at having a twin brother as a curse. I have always had to share my birthday. For example, When I wanted a dance party and he wanted a football party, We had to compromise and have a football game with a halftime show, I’ve had to hang out with all of his friends which meant lots and lots of tackle football, and everytime someone thinks of one of us, they always think of the other.

Now, I look at my brother as one of my biggest blessings. I’ve never felt lonely in my life or at least not for long. I hear loneliness is what makes the “high school experience” so hard for some people. I’ve always had him or one of his friends watching my every move and although that hasn’t always been ideal, it has probably kept me out of a lot of trouble.

How do I leave him in a year? We’ve never been separated for more than three weeks and that’s because my parents used to send him to sports camp for three weeks in Virginia. He’s been by my side as long as I can remember. Literally. We were born one minute apart and since then we’ve only ever been a Jack and Jill bathroom apart. How are we going to survive in different cities or even states? What am I going to do when I’m bored at night and he doesn’t barge into my room? This is the final year of all of that. This could easily be the last year we both live under the same roof. As years go on and we start to live separate lives from each other, people will know us but not as “Lucy’s brother” or “Knox’s sister”. The sound of that is completely foreign to us. I’ve taken the title of being a twin for granted and now I only have a couple months to soak it all up.

After taking all of the upcoming changes into mind, I have really realized how lucky of a girl I am to have something so hard to leave behind.

Top NBA Games for April 29-May 5

By: Andrew Brown

Monday 29, 2024

Thunder vs Pelicans 8:30pm

West 1st round – Game 4, OKC lead series 3-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. The Pelicans have had no answer for this young and talented team. Without Zion they can’t really do much. For the Thunder they have to finish this out and carry their momentum to the next round.

Lakers vs Nuggets 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game 5, DEN lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: Nuggets. Lebron has to carry this game. He is the key to them winning this game/ possibly the series. Denver needs to just play them like they usually do. they are 11-1 against this team so whatever they are doing shouldn’t change.

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Tuesday 30,2024

76ers vs Knicks 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game 5, NY lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: 76ers. With Embiid not at 100% the 6ers have been struggling offensively. If Embiid was at or at least close to a 100% this series would be closer, they might even be ahead. For the Knicks Bruson has been on fire and has to stay that way or they might be in trouble. Their defense against Embiid is very good. As soon as he touches the back there are at least 3 people on him or 4 people ready to pounce when he drives.

Pacers vs Bucks 9:30pm

East 1st round – Game 5, IND lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: Pacers. With Giannis and Dame out there is no excuse for them to lose. The Bucks lost to basically the G-League Grizzlies twice with Dame and Giannis playing, it will be embarrassing if they lose. They also have one of the best offenses of all time with them having the second best offense rating of all time, another reason why the Pacers shouldn’t lose. The Pacers do not need to play like it’s a guaranteed win, they need to fight hard from the start to the end. For the Bucks they just need to come out and play hard. If they want any chance of winning Middleton needs to have a huge game. Their bench needs to be ready too.

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Wednesday 1, 2024

Heat vs Celtics 7:30pm

East 1st round – Game 5, BOS lead series 2-1

Who’s going to win: Celtics. Ever since Jimmy Butler got injured this series was already over. They probably had a chance to win the series with Butler healthy but still would’ve lost. For the Celtics with Porzingus out this game but they should still easily win. Last game the Celtics played mad especially Derrick White who had 38 points (career high) was greening 3 and dunking on everyone. He only had 13 dunks in the regular season but for that game he had two big contested dunks with a nasty one over Bam the big man. If they play like that the whole playoffs nobody will beat them.

Mavs vs Clippers 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game 5, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Clippers. The Clippers have more experience on their team than the Mavs do. With them having Harden, George, and Westbrook they all have the capability of scoring. For the Mavs with Luka being on the injury report as a Game Time Decision (he’ll most likely still play) it’ll be hard for them to win if he is out. If he is out Kyrie will be the leader of this team and will have to give it all that he got.

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Thursday 2, 2024

Games TBD

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Friday 3, 2024

Cavs vs Magic Time is TBD

East 1st round – Game 6, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Magic. I believe the Magic have the capability of winning this series. Franz Wagner looks like the number one option it’s all up to him if they will win it or not. Banchero has also been playing very well. For the Cavs the key to them winning is Darius Garland. He needs to be a scorer and not just sit in the corner. If he gets more involved they will win the series.

Clippers vs Mavs 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game 6, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Clippers. I feel like in this game the Clippers are going to run away with it as it’ll be an all around team effort. There is just too much talent for them to lose. For the Mavs Luka hasn’t been on his best game. He even admitted it as he said he felt like he was letting Kyrie down with his bad performance. This game I think Luka will go off but it will not be enough for the win.

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Saturday 4, 2024

Games TBD

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Sunday 5, 2024

Games TBD

NBA Picks for this week

By: Andrew Brown

Wednesday 24, 2024

Heat vs Celtics 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game two, BOS lead series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Celtics. With the heat without Jimmy Butler and Rozier it’ll be hard for them to win against this Celtics team. For the Celtics they need to play like they’ve been playing this whole season. They cannot get into the one on one game they’ll need to pass the ball and create/look for mismatches.

Pelicans vs Thunder 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game two, OKC leads series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. With Zion out players like Trey Murphy need to step up for Zion’s absence. The Pelicans were also one of the best teams scoring in the paint but it’ll be hard doing that without Zion. For the Thunder they should easily win the series unless Shai gets injured. With them being the youngest team in the league they need to use their young energy to beat out their opponents.

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Thursday 25, 2024

Cavs vs Magic 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game three, CLE lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Magic. In my opinion I think the Magic will come back and win the series. If they want any chance of doing that they have to believe they can. At the start of the season they were on fire. If they can play like that then they will easily make the conference finals and maybe the championship. The only 2 things that come down to them winning is hard defense and Jalen Suggs stepping up. Palo and Wanger can’t be the only two scoring. For the Cavs they can’t let them come back. If they end up losing this series they will have a lot of things they have to do in the summer. The key to winning is Darius Garland. Garland has been in a shooting slump and needs to get out of it before it’s too late.

Nuggets vs Lakers 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game three, DEN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Denver. Last game the Lakers had a 20 point lead and still lost. If they can’t win games when they’re up by 20 then they aren’t winning the series. Darvin Ham needs to make some serious adjustments to win. Lebron and AD also need to finish out games and hope they can come back. For the Nuggets they need to play like they have been every time they play this team. They have won 10 straight and will probably get 11. They have a good chance to sweep them too.

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Friday 26, 2024

Bucks vs Pacers 7:30pm

East 1st round – Game three, series tied 1-1

Who’s going to win: Pacers. After the last game it looked bad for the Bucks. The pacers were just getting everything they wanted on offense. Sikam also looks like the best player in the NBA. For the Bucks Lilard has to carry the load now that Giannis is out. On defense They need to box out and stop them from getting offensive rebounds. Either the Bucks win the series or at least keep it close for Giannis to return.

Clippers vs Mavs 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game three, series tied 1-1

Who’s going to win: Clippers. With all their talent how can they lose. Also with Kawaii coming back they should be better all around. They need to all use their experience to win the game and the series. For the Maverick it all starts with defense, especially Luka. If Luka plays hard defense and doesn’t let players blow by then it’ll make winning easier for them. With the Clippers having the big 4 you have to pick your poison because you can’t and won’t defend all of them.

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Saturday 27, 2024

Thunder vs Pelicans 3:30pm

West 1st round – Game three, OKC lead series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. Without Zion they’ll probably get swept. Shai (who has a chance of getting the MVP) has to lead this team to the next round. He cannot slack off now, he has to finish the job and go to the next round. For the Pelicans at this point they have to hope they are shooting well and they aren’t.

Nuggets vs Lakers 8:30pm

West 1st round – Game four, DEN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Lakers. If they lost their last game then this is make it or break it time. If they get a 10 point lead it’ll probably only goi u p from there. With his career potential in the line Lebron will give it his all and will break the losing streak against Denver. For the Nuggets they have to expect that they won’t go down without a fight. They need to match their energy and go on to the next round. If the Laker wants to go on they need to pay like their life is in it because most of them are. For the Nuggets to win they have to play like they have been this whole season and not let them gain confidence.

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Sunday 28, 2024

Knicks vs 76ers 1:00pm

East 1st round – Game four, NY lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: If the Knicks haven’t won. game 3 then this is the last chance for the 6ers. Just like the Lakers situation they have to win to keep their season alive. With Embiid going batter and better each game expect him to have a big game especially if the Knicks are up 3-0. The 76ers need to use their strength and size down low offensively and defensively. For the Knicks they look like they’ve already won the series the way they played. If they keep this defense up then they should and easily sweep them. They have held the 6ers to under 100 points each game. If the Knicks want to win and possibly sweep then they cannot lack on the defensive side where they’ve been good at.

Timberwolves vs Suns 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game four, MIN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Timberwolves. If the Timberwolves won the last game then they should easily sweep the Suns. The Timberwolves are a total mismatch against the Suns. The Timberwolves can get anything they want offensively and then destroy them defensively. It also helps to have the best defensive team in the NBA. If this is possible the last game for the Suns then KD and Booker need to not pass the ball and only shoot. This team in the previous games looked like it had no idea what they were doing on the court. KD and Booker were missing and complaining while The Wolves stormed down the court and scored. If they want to win they need to lock in because this team showed throughout the season that they can beat anyone.

How to make sourdough starter

By: Luke Banar

Whole Grain flour
Filtered water

Before making sourdough bread you need to start by marking a sourdough starter to make the dough rise. A sourdough starter is like homemade yeast. You have to grow bacteria and yeast using flour and water. You need to have unbleached flour because it will not rise enough if the flour is bleached. You need a tall mason jar or any other glass container that can hold 16 ounces to put the flour and water and a food scale. On the first day you need to add 150 grams of water and 100 grams of the unbleached whole grain flour to the jar and mix until incorporated. Then lightly tighten the lid and leave at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours take half of the mixture out and throw it away then add in another 150 grams of water and 100 grams of the flour. Then leave it for another day at room temperature after putting on the lid loosely. Then the next day take 75 grams of the mixture from today and throw away the rest of the starter in the jar. Then add 70 grams of unbleached whole grain flour and 75 grams of water and let it sit for another day. For the next day you need to do the same thing as the last day. On day 5 you need to do the same thing one more time. On day 6 you need to add 25 grams of the starter and 30 grams of water into a separate container and 50 grams of flour. Every day after that you need to do the same thing every day after that to keep the starter alive.

Tips for sourdough starter

If you know that you are not going to be able to give the starter more flour and water then you can put it in the refrigerator to keep the starter from dying.
Before using the sourdough starter you need to give it more flour and water to activate it and make it rise. After giving flour and water, wait until it rises again and then you can use it.

Is Basketball or Golf a more enjoyable sport?

By: Clark Kinney

Golf and basketball are both sports I like to participate in, but I do not play on the teams for either of them at Wilson Hall. I played basketball growing up and all the way up until high school where I made the decision to put an end to my basketball career. My brothers and parents all played basketball and my dad actually was the head basketball coach at Sumter High School and won a State Championship there in 1985. Basketball definitely runs in the family; however, Golf also runs in the family. My grandma won the South Carolina Women’s Ametuer Championship and my older brother, William plays very often and is quite good. I also really enjoy golf to the point that if golf season wasn’t the same season of baseball, I would be on the team.

Overall, watching basketball is entertaining for me, but I think you can definitely tell that the players aren’t always giving 100% effort which makes it more boring as a fan in my opinion. The NBA regular season is pretty much garbage to me because no defense is played and the players do not seem to care all that much. NBA playoffs, college basketball, and high school basketball are all fun to watch and entertaining. I find golf entertaining to watch at times. The 4 majors and very exciting and I could watch those for hours. There are also some regular PGA Tour events that are exciting like but most of them are only entertaining during the final round on Sunday.

Playing pickup basketball with your friends is very, very fun and a very good workout. One of my favorite parts of the year is on Christmas break heading up to the Sumter YMCA to play pickup basketball almost everyday. The atmosphere in high school basketball games is crazy with fans that feel like they are on top of you and student-sections chanting for their team. Despite this, I still think pickup games are more fun in my opinion, sorry Coach Rip :). Although the atmospheres aren’t the same, Golf is very entertaining to play also. The thing about golf is that people can love it and play it with their best friends for their entire life which is unique. Golf is also very addicting. You finish a round and think about what if the ball would have bounced this way or what if I would have hit this club and it just makes you want to go play again.

Due to the more consistent entertainment and longevity of the entertainment I think Golf is a more entertaining sport overall. I do think basketball has its very entertaining moments though.