Sports Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, November 23, 2016 A11 DANCERS Continued from Page A10 “It lends itself to more cre- ativity,” she said. She added judges will look at individual skills and give more weight to projection and expression. Another big change this season: Judges won’t have ac- cess to teams for consultations and critiquing prior to the state competition. Piazza said it was difficult in previous years for judges to connect with the Eastern Ore- gon team. “We have things in our fa- vor,” Piazza said. Two girls on this year’s team are new to dance, and one foreign student, is new to the team, but has been dancing for several years. “They are really passionate about dance and highly com- petitive,” Piazza said of the team. Reannah Lemons, the sole senior on the team, has been dancing since age 6. “I’m excited because we have a lot of new girls this year,” she said. “I’m also sad because this is my last year, and I’ll miss the team and the The Eagle/Angel Carpenter New Grant Union head boys basketball coach Kelsy Wright visits with assistant coaches Brandon Culley and Steve Speth, who was previously the head coach. PROS Continued from Page A10 The Eagle/Angel Carpenter The Grant Union Gold dancers take their starting position in practice. The team was working on its Holiday Showcase routine in practice last Thursday. In front are Emilie Uptegrave and Shanniyah Hall, right. friendships we’ve made.” Dana Schajor, a sophomore from Germany, said she’s been involved in a private ballet pro- gram in her home country for nine years. “I’m so excited to spend this season with this amazing team,” she said. “It’s so sad that I only get to do that once (for one year).” Sophomore Ali Chobo said there are great dancers on this year’s team. “I’m really excited for com- petition season and going to state,” she said. Freshman Shanniyah Hall said she was also looking for- ward to the season. “I really enjoy having Kat- tie as my coach,” she said. “She has been really support- ive and helped us through tough times.” Fans of the dance team can look for them as they give halftime performances at some of the Grant Union basketball games. The top two teams in league will advance to state. Wright said he’s excited to be the new head coach. “I’m glad I have the oppor- tunity to show what I have and to help them succeed, not just on the basketball court, but in life decisions as well,” he said. Prospector players said they’re excited for the season. This year’s sole senior Jack Gentis is in his third year playing for the team. “I’m looking forward to hopefully going to districts and winning state,” he said. “It’ll be fun.” “Even though we don’t have numbers, we’re still go- ing to have a great season this year,” said Duane Stokes. Weaver said he likes the group of athletes on the team this season. “We have great potential, and I hope we can fulfill it,” he said. Grant Union will host Burns for their first nonleague home game at 7:30 p.m. Tues- day, Dec. 13. 13) Washington vs Washington State WEEK 11 OF 13 5) Chargers vs Texans 14) Ohio State vs Michigan 7) Chiefs vs Broncos 12) Alabama vs Auburn 9) Stanford vs Rice 2) Bengals vs Ravens 6) Seahawks vs Buccaneers 15) Oregon vs Oregon State 4) 49ers vs Dolphins 10) USC vs Notre Dame 3) Giants vs Browns 8) Kansas State vs Kansas Java’s special $2.00 off Hempz lotion 1) Titans vs Bears Congratulations to Bob Buckhaults for winning this week’s football contest with 12 correct picks 11) Nebraska vs Iowa Cheryl Hoefler & Seth Cooksey were hot on his heels with 11 correct picks. Good luck next week!