#1StudentNWI: Marsch Madness

La-Lumiere-1Student-November-2016_01 We’re Back
Blue and white paints are lined meticulously side by side along with beads and streamers of the sorts. The smell of nachos and popcorn wafts through the air as the gym opens up before you. Cheering fans and pounding feet fill the gym to the brim with excitement. The sweet squeaking of basketball shoes against the wooden floor chants a single message: basketball season is here.

To kick off the season, La Lumiere hosts a large pep rally in which the players and cheerleaders get to strut their stuff and show off for the rest of the school. The cleverly coined “Marsch Madness” gets its name from the gymnasium itself, Marsch Gym. Each member from girls basketball, Varsity Blue boys basketball, and Varsity White boys basketball gets a special introduction to the crowd with their picture proudly displayed on a large screen. The cheerleaders perform a dance routine after the introduction, and the basketball teams compete in mock games against each other.

A hush fell over the crowd as a video played before Varsity White’s introduction. Stoic faces observed the screen as black and white footage displayed the team’s crushing defeat in the championship round at Dick’s National Tournament last year. It was a passionate reminder of what Varsity White is playing for this season: to be crowned the best high school team in the country. Currently ranked #1 in the country, the boys team has been working hard to convey a particular message ever since that heartbreaking loss at Madison Square Garden: we are back.

La-Lumiere-1Student-November-2016_02 What’s Happening
As the cold creeps in and animals make their way to their hiding places for a long winter nap, La Lumiere becomes busier than ever. The girls basketball team started their season away from home, securing the win against Calumet Christian. They kept up the streak, this time securing another win at home against Andrew’s Academy, making their season 2-0. Meanwhile, Varsity Blue opened their season at home with a win against Andrew’s Academy also. Varsity White, ranked #1 in the country by USA Today, has started their season off with a bang holding a record of 5-0.

A Thanksgiving dinner was held for the boarders, cooked by the wonderful Chef Hale. The students begin Thanksgiving break on November 18th and were instructed to go home and relax before finals. Sacristan Prefect Griffin Carlson held a Thanksgiving celebration to remind everyone what the holiday is about. Even though break is just beginning, the Christmas buzz is alive and well amongst the La Lumiere community. Students have the Toys For Tots game, the Christmas concert, and the Christmas dinner to look forward to when they arrive back on campus.

La-Lumiere-1Student-November-2016_03 Teacher Spotlight: Chris Ciambarella
The passion that fuels hard work can be difficult to come by; however, that is exactly what Chris Ciambarella pours into his girls basketball team everyday. Mr. Ciambarella has been the head coach for La Lumiere’s girls basketball team for three years and an assistant for one. He assisted Don Brooks, whom he states he learned the most from.

“I have always loved playing and coaching basketball. I have coached both boys and girls varsity basketball,but I enjoy coaching girls varsity the most. I find there is more team-oriented playing and coaching in girls basketball than boys basketball, which can be more individual- focused.”

Besides putting in long hours after school in the gym with his team, Mr. Ciambarella also teaches World History II. Alice Paul - an esteemed leader of women’s rights - is whom he has listed as his historical influence. His enthusiasm and love for his job makes him a popular teacher among the students.

Mr. Ciambarella’s excitement is palpable when asked about this year’s upcoming season.

“ As I often tell this year's girls team - this is the best basketball team I have ever coached. I am not exaggerating. This year's team has the talent and experience to be one of the great La Lumiere sports teams. We have five returning seniors this year that have played on the Varsity team since they were freshmen. In addition to four senior starters, we also have junior Lily Kennedy, who was our leading scorer last year with about 12 points per game average. I have high expectations that this year's team could win the ICST State Championship. So to prepare we are playing the toughest schedule we have ever played including road games against Chicago Latin School and Gary Roosevelt and two double headers with the La Lumiere boys team against big schools DePaul Prep in Chicago and Lighthouse Christian from Tennessee. It should be an exciting year. If people want to watch excellent girls basketball, check out our game schedule on the school website and come watch.”

The girl’s basketball team is currently 2-0.

La-Lumiere-1Student-November-2016_04 Student Spotlight: Pantelis Xidias
The sun has barely begun to rise over Lake La Lumiere, yet there is commotion coming from the weight room. It is the Varsity White boys basketball team utilizing another morning to prepare for the upcoming season. Among them is senior Pantelis Xidias, a new member to the team and also captain of Varsity Blue. After this early workout, he will head to school and then return for afternoon practices. This is the life of a dedicated La Lumiere basketball player.

“Basketball has always been a support system for me through everything and anything. Whenever I have a bad day, I know that I can leave my problems at the doors of the gym the second I step through them,” says Xidias when questioned why he chose basketball.

Xidias makes sure to be front row for every other basketball game that does not involve him. He is often the loudest member of the crowd cheering on JV and Varsity girls. Besides basketball, he is also an active member of the chess club and loves to volunteer for the Salvation Army.

“Being a part of the #1 team in the country is truly a surreal experience. Every day is an adventure, and I’m blessed to be a part of such a great group of guys who all have the same goal in mind, to hang a championship banner in the Marsch Gym. As a Blue team captain I hope to work as hard as I can in order to help the team win as many games as it possibly can and be in the best position to win the state title at the end of the year. We’ve only had one Varsity Blue game so far, and the team is already locked in and has matured greatly since official practice started a few weeks ago, which is a great thing to be part of,” Xidias elaborates. He aspires to take his passion for basketball to Indiana University next fall.