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Inkspot
The Unit 5 Board of Education will vote on the proposal to add two IHSA sports at the high school level on Sept. 17.[Photo Illustration]
District to vote on adding girls flag football, boys volleyball
Principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek and his wife hold their first grandchild, Oaklynn Raye Zbrozek, born Monday, Aug. 18, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 18 inches. Zbrozek joked that Oaklynn “already has more hair than me” after driving to Texas for her birth. Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Adam Zbrozek
Zbrozek returns after missing first week for granddaughter’s birth
A mockup of the video scoreboards being installed in the East Gym over the summer. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics department // Used with Permission
New digital scoreboards to be installed in East Gym
Community’s bass fishing team poses after winning the inaugural Big 12 championship. Coach Derrick Schonauer said the sport is rapidly growing, adding a conference and regional tournament this season. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Derrick Schonauer // Used with Permission
Community wins Big 12 bass fishing title, falls short at regional
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
TikTok trend promotes Chromebook vandalism, raises fire safety concerns
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli
Top 5 Studio Ghibli films
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Tyler, the Creator served as "Chromakopia's" producer, writer and arranger. Among some of the features on the album's 14 tracks are Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Wayne and Santigold. Album Art Courtesy of: Columbia Records
Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ delivers bold introspection, evolution
"Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, it's what I love to do," Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned 'American Idol' drop out wasn't so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
WWE RAW Raw debuted on Netflix in early January as part of a $500 million agreement between the TKO Group, the parent of WWE, and Netflix. Graphic Courtesy of: TKO Group
From Body Slams to brand deals: WWE’s Netflix era leaves some fans tapping out
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Connections, the newest of New York Times' game offerings, is the best game you aren't playing, according to the Inkspot's B.J. Dumas. Screenshot // New York Times
Finding ‘Connections’: the best game you aren’t playing
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Establishing the ground game, Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said, will be a key to a win against West. Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Chili Bowl clash: Ironmen, Wildcats square off with Big 12 title stakes on the line
The Ironmen opened their season at the Crimson Classic Tournament Aug. 29-30 in Aurora, going 4-1 on the weekend. Photo Courtesy of: @nchsironmenvb // Instagram
Iron volleyball opens season with renewed focus on mental skills
Head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz addresses the Ironmen after a dominant team effort, highlighted by touchdown catches from three different receivers and a pick-six in the lopsided win.
Ironmen open season with balanced offense, stifling defense in win over Richwoods [photo gallery]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Establishing the ground game, Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said, will be a key to a win against West. Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Chili Bowl clash: Ironmen, Wildcats square off with Big 12 title stakes on the line
The Ironmen opened their season at the Crimson Classic Tournament Aug. 29-30 in Aurora, going 4-1 on the weekend. Photo Courtesy of: @nchsironmenvb // Instagram
Iron volleyball opens season with renewed focus on mental skills
Head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz addresses the Ironmen after a dominant team effort, highlighted by touchdown catches from three different receivers and a pick-six in the lopsided win.
Ironmen open season with balanced offense, stifling defense in win over Richwoods [photo gallery]
As a senior, Walker averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game—and shattered two program records. His 24-rebound night against Richwoods set a single-game record and his 426 rebounds on the season broke a record that stood since 1972. Image Courtesy: Kobe Walker // X
Basketball standout Kobe Walker commits to Valparaiso after Central Michigan coaching shake-up
With a 27-7 finish and a return to the IHSA 4A Sectional Semifinals, this year’s Community squad stepped out of the shadow of the past and forged a new identity. Photo Courtesty of: Charles Green
Iron forged: Girls basketball exceed expectations with fourth-straight Sectional Semifinal berth
Junior Wade Pyle took home two State medals and set new school bests at the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Finals in February. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics Department
State swimming: Wade Pyle cracks top-eight in two events, breaks records
Kobe Walker was a standout this season, slamming home 34 dunks and setting the program record for single-season rebounds. Walker finished the year fourth all-time in career rebounds, with 764, despite just one season as a starter. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron resolve: Community defies rebuild talk; Repeats as Big 12 champs
In his lone season as a starter, senior Kobe Walker has been a prolific scorer, totaling 631 points. He ranks second in program history for most points in a single season, trailing only Dick Metzger, who recorded 719 points in 1953. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen, Blue Devils set for Sectional Final rematch
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Chapman earns 400th win
Max Heineman leads the team in extra base hits with seven doubles and three triples. The junior is second on the team in home runs (3). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge to 24-4 record behind dominant junior class, midseason chemistry
Senior leaders Ava Prevo (second from left), McKenna Baughman (third from left) and Tatum Yokley (far right) have anchored Community’s turnaround this season—Prevo in the circle, Baughman with her power at the plate, and Yokley leading the Iron in RBIs and extra-base hits. Photo Courtesty of: Tatum Yokley
Softball improves to 10-9 with win over Danville, takes Big 12 lead
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
The six-member counseling team—Mrs. Addie Ince, Mr. Ryan Short, Ms. Carlie Newton, Mrs. Jenn Giermann, Mrs. Kristi Chase and Ms. Brooke Bollmann—helps guide over 2,000 Community students through academic planning, mental health support, peer and family conflict, standardized testing and post-secondary prep. The group's largely unsung role? Offering stability in moments of crisis and clarity in times of uncertainty.
The counselors who carry it all
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
The Inkspot's Cutest Canine Contest
The Inkspot’s Cutest Canine Contest
Prom dinner choice trivia
Prom dinner choice trivia
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 21
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Licensed Image: Envato
Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?
The top 5 hottest presidents
The top 5 hottest presidents
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Discovery
Top 5: Most mind-bending ‘Rick and Morty’ episodes
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz addresses the Ironmen after a dominant team effort, highlighted by touchdown catches from three different receivers and a pick-six in the lopsided win.
Ironmen open season with balanced offense, stifling defense in win over Richwoods [photo gallery]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
Inside the Paint is a roundtable discussion where the Inkspot's basketball beat reporters dive deep into the Ironmen boys and girls basketball seasons. Zachary Knox-Doyle, B.J. Dumas, Bella Green and Ben Kerber offer a courtside pass to all things Ironmen basketball, breaking down the season so far. Digital Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Inside the Paint: Talking March Madness, post-season Ironmen basketball
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
February 2023
February 2023
December 2022
December 2022
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
February 2022
February 2022
January 2019 Inkspot Print Edition_Page_01
January 2019
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

By the numbers: Lady Iron basketball v. U-High Pioneers [video]

Inkspot Staff
Nov 19, 2021
The 1-0 Lady Iron basketball team takes on the U-High Pioneers in their second game of the Intercity tournament. See how the teams compare.
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Students, staff ‘Sound Off’ on their favorite Taylor Swift songs [video]

Charlotte Calmes and Nayonika Banerjee
Nov 12, 2021

Community students and staff  'Sound Off' on their favorite Taylor Swift songs in honor of "Red," Swift's fourth studio album, being rereleased on Friday, Nov. 12.

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Students wet their arms and hands with copious amounts of water to absorb the heat created when the methane gas was lit, protecting them from burns.

Mad scientists: Chemistry teachers demonstrate Halloween-themed experiments [photo gallery]

Victoria Wilson and Dylan Wehmeyer
Nov 9, 2021

Mr. Jeff Christopherson and Mr. Mike Roller demonstrated Halloween-themed experiments for their chemistry classes on Friday, Oct. 29, scaling the annual event back from previous years. In his 5th-hour Honors Chemistry class, Christopherson exploded jack-o'-lanterns, lit students' hands on fire, and...

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The girls and coaches celebrate the end of the K-8 girls wrestling clinic.

Community hosts K-8 girls wrestling clinic

Laynee Scheck, Print Editor
Nov 8, 2021

The IHSA announced the innugrual girls wrestling season with a state series on June 14. To help grow the sport, Normal Community and West collaborated to hold a girls wrestling clinic for students K-8 on Oct. 18 at Community. At the clinic, 17 girls showed up to participate in wrestling drills...

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Volleyball faces Edwardsville Tigers in Sectional final; By the Numbers match preview

Dylan Wehmeyer, Senior Staff Reporter
Nov 3, 2021

The last time Community's Lady Iron met the Edwardsville Tigers in post-season play was Nov. 3, 2016. Five years ago to the day, Community defeated Edwardsville in two sets to win the Sectional Final. Community has not faced the Tigers since. Max Preps ranks the Tigers 10th in the state, taking...

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By the Numbers: Football vs. Jacobs High School Golden Eagles (Algonquin)

Dylan Wehmeyer, Senior Staff Reporter
Nov 3, 2021
Community will face the Jacobs Golden Eagles in round 2 of the IHSA playoffs on the road. See how the two teams match up.
Read Story
Chaos ensues on stage as the seven mini-plays collide towards the end of the show.

Theatre program jumps back into action with fall comedy ‘Zap!’ [review and photo gallery]

Nayonika Banerjee and Charlotte Calmes
Nov 2, 2021

80 minutes, give or take, is the time it takes to watch two episodes of Netflix's "Squid Game," ½ of "Titanic," or to listen to 25 Taylor Swift songs. 80 minutes of "Squid Game" delivers suspense and drama. "Titanic" provides viewers with romance and tragic adventure. T. Swift packs hours of tears,...

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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Moline Maroons

Inkspot Staff
Nov 1, 2021
The second seeded Lady Iron volleyball team takes on the top seeded Moline Maroons in Sectional Semifinals on Nov. 1 in Pekin. While the Moline has the better season record and the higher seed, two of the Maroons losses were to Normal West and U-High, each in two sets. The Lady Iron were victorious over West in their last matchup and defeated U-High in Intercity play.
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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Bradley Bourbonnais

Dylan Wehmeyer, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 28, 2021
Take a look at how the Lady Iron volleyball team compares to Regional Finals opponent Bradley Bourbonnais
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By the numbers – NCHS vs. Blue Island Eisenhower

Eli Schneider, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 26, 2021
Take a look at how the Ironmen stack up against their first-round opponent Blue Island Eisenhower in the IHSA 7A football playoffs.
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By the numbers: NCHS vs. Normal West

Inkspot Staff
Oct 19, 2021
Take a look at how the undefeated Ironmen football team matchup against cross-town rivals the Normal West Wildcats in the final game of the regular season.
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By the numbers: NCHS vs. Champaign Centennial

Eli Schneider, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 13, 2021

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By the Numbers: Week 7 – NCHS vs. Granite City

Dylan Wehmeyer, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 6, 2021

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Juniors win powderpuff [video]

Nayonika Banerjee and Jonah Kramer
Sep 30, 2021
The juniors won the 2021 Powderpuff tournament -- watch the video coverage now
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Since the seniors had five teams compared to the junior's two, they had time in between games to spectate. Nayonika Banerjee

Juniors win powderpuff [photo gallery]

Nayonika Banerjee and Jonah Kramer
Sep 27, 2021
The annual Homecoming Powderpuff game was held at Dick Tharp Field on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. This year's Powderpuff tournament took a different format than in year's passed because of a low turnout of junior players. Two junior teams played a best-of-three series, while the five senior teams competed in bracket-style play. The winner of each level faced off in the championship game.
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