By Kamilah Snyder

The long awaited student vs. staff basketball game drew more than 180 spectators. On Thursday March 5, the staff team narrowly secured yet another win, finishing the night with a score of 59-51. 

This year’s staff team was coached by physical education teacher and consistent MVP Robert Palafox, who once again led the team to victory. Known for his three-pointers, towering presence on the court, and strong leadership, Palafox has been a constant contributor to the staff’s success.  

“My favorite thing is seeing the excitement and energy from the students,” Palafox said. “At the end of the day, it’s about competing hard but also making sure everyone is having a great time.”

On the student side, the team was coached by Associated Student Body (ASB) President and girls varsity basketball player Isabella Estephan. Estephan trained the players for two weeks, leading up the event, preparing them for the highly anticipated matchup. 

“We held one big practice before the game,” Estephan said. “We worked on scrimmaging, team chemistry, four v. fours, and shooting to get into shape for the game.”

The staff came out strong in the first quarter, with the girls varsity basketball coach  Hayley Berfield sinking shot after shot and giving the staff an early lead. Having played Division 1 (D1) for High Point University, Berfield clearly came ready to compete. 

Also energizing the first quarter were MC’s social studies teacher Andy Kim and ASB member Marco Noel. Kim was especially memorable, keeping the crowd engaged with quick wit, sarcastic commentary, and playful roasts directed toward players on the court.  

The intensity carried into the second quarter, when student player  No. 11, Saad Khan  helped keep the game competitive with sharp passes and well-timed layups, and senior Kaspar Kromhout, No. 13, played hard on defense, keeping the staff team at bay. 

Halftime brought a performance by the GHC Dance Team, giving the crowd a moment of entertainment while the teams regrouped. Or rather, while one team regrouped. 

Estephan gathered the student players in a huddle to discuss strategy for reclaiming the lead, while the staff team appeared relaxed, confidently sitting back with no huddle in sight. 

The third quarter brought the game to one of its closest moments when student player No. 2 Cyrus Lewis sank a nearly tying shot, bringing the score to 27 staff, 26 students. 

From that point on, the game remained neck and neck. Both teams traded baskets as the clock continued to wind down. Each time the students threatened to take the lead, staff responded with a quick scoring shot, pushing themselves just ahead once again. 

 By the time the final quarter arrived, the intensity on the student bench was clear. Players carefully watched each substitution, strategized from the sidelines, and took every opportunity to close the gap. Senior and player No. 5, Taimur Khokaur, gave students a surge of hope after sinking a crucial three pointer midway through the quarter, bringing the score within reach.  

However, the momentum didn’t last long. Just as the students began closing in, the staff team responded with a renewed burst of energy, leaving many in the crowd wondering if they had been holding back earlier in the game. 

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 59-51, sealing yet another hard-fought victory for the staff team.