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Longwood University Digital Commons @ Longwood University Rotunda Library, Special Collections, and Archives 1-27-2020 Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 13 - Jan 27, 2020 Longwood University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda
The
ROTUNDA Celebrating the life of Kobe Bryant since 1920
NEWS PAGE 2
After multiple shootings,
authorities announce reward
FEATURES PAGE 5
Virginia author Beth Macy
speaks on the opioid crisis
SPORTS PAGE 11
Softball learns their JANUARY 27, 2020
preseason fate VOL 98. ISSUE 13
I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y A N G E L I L E O N G
02 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com
L
ast Tuesday afternoon, one thing we can be confident
EDITORIAL BOARD 2019 members of the Farmville
town government with
in is that with the public's
assistance, the investigators
campus and community law involved in this case can bring
TJ WENGERT enforcement stood alongside those people to justice and
editor-in-chief a representative from the additionally prevent any of
Richmond Field Office of the these future shootings from
ANGELI LEONG Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, voccurring.”
managing editor Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Also present was Farmville
to announce a $5,000 reward Town Mayor, and former
JEFF HALLIDAY, CLINT WRIGHT, ASHLEY for information about what Longwood University graduate
JONES & DR. ALEC HOSTERMAN they believe is a pair of related David Whitus who asked
organizational advisers shootings. for the public’s assistance in
The Town of Farmville and solving this case and strongly
NEWS ROTUNDA STUDIOS ATF are each contributing encouraged anyone w ith
ALLISON TURNER ELLIE STUCK $2,500 (totaling $5,000) to information to come forward,
staff
assistant editor
ADDIE CLARKE
fund the reward, according to saying the incidents are of “great
staff an announcement during the concern” for the community.
A&E SUTTON REEKES conference from Farmville In an exclusive interview
JACOB DILANDRO
staff
editor
LIAM WELLS
Chief of Police Andy Ellington. with The Rotunda after
LEDANIEL JACKSON According to a press release the conference, Ellington
staff
staff
RYAN CROW
JENN HALL given to The Rotunda before the said investigators had been
staff
staff
NICK LIONE
conference, law enforcement concerned with the lack
staff agencies are look ing for of information given from
OPINIONS AIYSHANTI GREEN two suspects who were each individuals involving the
TAIYA JARRETT staff
assistant editor DYLAN MCKERCHER
described as black males who incidents.
DAVINA APPLEWHITE staff appear to be within the ages of “Nobody seems to want to
staff 18-30. cooperate with law enforcement,
social media staff
LAYOUT “To say these incidents are and that’s very alarming to us,”
LAUREN QUEZADA
SPORTS assistant editor
disturbing is an understatement, said Ellington.
KURT MARTIN MASON VEST and we have a zero tolerance The most recent incident took
editor staff policy for such violence in place on January 12 outside of
editor-in-chief pro-tempore MELANIE LEWIS
PATRICK SANDERSON staff
this town,” said Ellington. “If the McDonald’s restaurant,
staff you have information on who located at 306 South Main
NICK ROBINSON PHOTO
staff TAYLOR O’BERRY
editor
EVENTS
RENEE COTTON
JACOB PUTERKO
staff
“To say these incidents
coordinator CARRIE BAILEY
staff
are disturbing is an
BUSINESS KC MCALLISTER
staff
understatement, and we
IRIS HAMMOND
manager JESSICA PAQUETTE
staff
have a zero tolerance
FEATURES
SHANNON HENSHAW
staff
policy for such violence in
VICTORIA THOMPSON
staff
JESSICA BOGGS
staff
this town...”
AMBER SYKES
SOCIAL MEDIA staff - Farmville Chief of Police Andy Ellington
MIRANDA FARLEY
editor
TAYLOR JENNINGS
assistant editor may be involved, please come Street in Farmville, where
forward to contact your police at approximately 9:12 p.m.
department and help us solve authorities responded to a call of
this crime. The results of these shots fired. According to a press
two shootings could have been release, no one was injured, but
FOLLOW US @longwood.rotunda so much worse, and individuals two vehicles were damaged in
responsible need to be stopped.” the shooting. In the aftermath
ON SOCIAL @longwoodrotunda ATF Resident Agent in charge of the incident, witnesses said
MEDIA
&
@rotundaphotos of the case Scott Fulkerson they saw several black males
said, “We are asking for the running south on Main Street.
public's assistance in finding Per an January 13 article
these people responsible for this from The Farmville Herald,
shootings, and folks, this is your authorities were eventually able
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER community, that’s why we are to arrest Javon Rashad Brooks,
http://tiny.cc/longwoodrotundaonline
asking for your assistance. The 19, of Farmville, as was charged
JAN. 27, 2020 NEWS 03
Local authorities offering
$5,000 reward for
information on shooters
by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14
with carrying a concealed weapon and enforcement to take immediate action suspects and remove the persons or any
reckless handling of a firearm, both in response to the Longwood University other possible threat from campus.
class one misdemeanors, and will have campus. Beach said due to the males “When you have a campus this size
his hearing date on February 10 in the who fled from the scene, coupled with and you have any in our society and
Prince Edward County General District their last-seen course on foot, which our culture, an open community with
Court, according to public record. was towards the Curry and Frazer people coming and going and so forth
According to Longwood University residence halls, authorities had verified in open areas, you know, (it would) be
Police Department (LUPD) Chief of and credible information that there were nice if, like we’d had during the (U.S.
Police Col. Robert Beach, Brooks was possibly armed persons on the campus. Vice Presidential) debate, we had a big
found “probably an hour or so” after the In response, Longwood University fence that we could just lock all the gates
incident took place, in a wooded area entered a Threat Level Alert One: Code and keep everybody in and out, okay, but
behind the Pino’s Italian Restaurant and Red condition at 9:38 p.m. According to that’s not the way it is,” said Beach.
Pizzeria in Farmville. a policy from the Environmental Health He said securing the campus is a
Authorities believe this month’s and Safety office, a level one alert “poses “trained and methodical process” to move
shooting is related to incident that an imminent and severe risk of danger through and make sure the imminent
took place nearly a month before, on to the safety and security of the campus threat of harm is eliminated.
December 16, 2019, while students of community and may result in a campus After receiving five text and email
Longwood University were on winter closure or building lockdown.” LUPD alerts throughout the situation, at 11:10
p.m. the Longwood University campus
community received a notification that
said the campus had been secured.
Beach said the university has learned
a lot since the incident involving a man
with a gun in the Longwood Village in
January 2019 as far as keeping the campus
community alerted of the developments
in the situation and which level of alert to
place the campus under. “We’ve learned
by that, we have a great protocol in place
of how that is going to work,” he said.
Beach joins local and regional law
enforcement representatives when he said
even the smallest bits of information are
vital in a police investigation, and there
are hopes the reward will attract those
SUTTON REEKES | THE ROTUNDA
who have information to come forward.
Local law enforcement offers a $5,000 reward for information during their conference with ATF He added for students to be not be
last Tuesday.
fearful in this situation, but rather to be
break. That shooting took place at will then take an array of measures “vigilant” and if they see something that
approximately 9:30 p.m. at the Days Inn including a siren and voice alert, text seems wrong in a particular instance to
hotel, located at 2015 South Main Street messages along with emails detailing the call LUPD at {434-395-209} or use the
in Farmville, where, according to a press situation and also activate the Longwood LiveSafe app.
release, multiple shots were fired from Crisis and Emergency Communication The Rotunda will continue to update
multiple firearms, one of which grazed an website, according to the policy. this story. Follow us on Twitter (@
individual, and caused damage to three The next step, according to Beach, is long woodrotunda) and Facebook
vehicles. to use the LUPD staff and other law (longwood.rotunda) for news and live
While LUPD responded to both scenes, enforcement to secure the campus, which coverage.
the McDonalds’s shooting caused law means they are looking to apprehend the
04 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com
In SGA
Swearing in of new
officials, SGA spirit night
by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner
I
n this week’s Student Richmond. There will also be a
Government Association Student Democracy Summit on
(SGA) meeting, two Feb. 15 at Piedmont Community
students were sworn into office. College. Students interested may
SGA President Haleigh Pannell contact her for more information.
officiated the proceedings as In the President’s Report,
Sophomore Class President Haleigh Pannell announced
Claire Lesman and Resident & there will be presentations on
Commuter Life Advisory Board each SGA position throughout
(RCL) Representative Kateleen the month of February. For
Concepcion took the oath. students interested in becoming a
The students will now assume Senator or Class Representative,
their roles after being sworn in there will be a presentation at the
and will begin their positions SGA meeting on Tuesday, Feb.
effective immediately. 25. All students are welcome to
In Open Forum, Graduate attend.
Student Association (GSA) In the Treasurer’s Report,
Representative Brandon Mills Samuel Torpy said Student
announced that there will be an Finance Committee (SFC)
SGA spirit night on Monday, meetings will now take place at
Jan. 27 from 5-9 p.m. at the 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
Fishin’ Pig. The next SGA meeting will
C O U R T E S Y O F M AT T H E W T. A L E X A N D E R
VA21/SCHEV State take place on Tuesday, January 28
President Haleigh Pannell announced there will be Representative Amelia Graves at 3:45 p.m. inside of the Wilson
presentations throughout February on every SGA position for announced the Virginia Lobby Chamber at the Upchurch
any interested students to attend. Day will be Feb. 11-12 in University Center.
FRONT
The
ROTUNDA Keeping our heads above water since 1920
ROTUNDA Expanding our knowledge since 1920
A WHIMSICAL
PERFORMANCE
TS: Jeremy
Jacquier brings national
experience to LU
NEWS: Hurricane
FIND YOUR VOICE. PAGE 3
NEWS: White
nationalist postings
resurface on campus
PAGE 5
A&E Review: Snowy
kid’s flick tackles
GAINING
RECOGNITION
TELL THEIR STORIES.
Michael touches societal truths & Yetis
PAGE 6
OPINIONS: New
A&E Review: Myer’s obelisk in right
40 year follow up is a direction but
OCTOBER 22, 2018 OCTOBER 1, 2018
VOL 97. ISSUE 8 could improve VOL 97. ISSUE 6
The
The
ROTUNDA
Join The Rotunda on Mondays atrespecting ROTUND Running out of bonus dollars since 1920
Congress shall make no law
an establishment of religion, or pro-
5:30 pm in Upchurchhibiting
204 the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or
the right of the people
for more information, email rotundaeditor@gmail.com
peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the
Government for a
redress of
grievances. FREEDOM
OF SPEECH
University’s bias reporting LEA
system suspended due to
First Amendment concern Dr
NOV. 27, 2017
VOL 96. ISSUE 12
GR APHIC BY L AUR A GOTTSCHALK
M AT T A L E X A N D E R | T H E R O T U N D A (F I L E)
JAN. 27, 2020 FEATURES 05
Beth Macy
sparks discussion
of opioid crisis
by Victoria Thompson | Features Staff | @longwoodrotunda
J E SSI C A PAQ U E T T E | T H E R OT U N DA
Beth Macy speaks to Longwood and the community about the opioid crisis our nation is facing.
T
oday, people are becoming more As a former reporter for The Roanoke At first, one might think that drug
outspoken about their beliefs Times, Macy uses her voice as both a abuse is specifically a crisis that occurs
and exercising their American journalist and author to help address in large cities, but small rural towns,
right to speak their minds. specific issues the opioid crisis inflicts, not unlike Farmville, have the same
Some people even make the most in addition to helping those left behind problems when it comes to drug abuse.
out of the strength of their voices by by loved ones who were lost to drug Beth Macy’s first book titled "Factory
talking about the tough topics that abuse. Man", deals with the concept of
others might not be willing or ready to After all, the teenagers that are businesses, such as industrial factories,
openly discuss in public. For instance, being given or giving out drugs are so closing in rural areas and what struggles
the complex topic of substance abuse. much more than their problems with happen to the people who worked in
On Thursday, Jan. 23, Virginia author addiction. those places.
Beth Macy spoke about the opioid crisis Macy’s presentation also highlighted When it comes to the opioid crisis,
affecting families on a massive scale in how they are human beings with Macy’s work takes a logical,yet personal,
America. She was the second speaker parents, siblings and friends, and approach in terms of her writing and
in the President’s Lecture Series for the deconstructed the preconceived ideas research. For example, her books will
2019-2020 school year. that some people may have about those often focuses on families in small rural
The large audience in attendance suffering from addiction. towns that face these issues.
included current students, alumni, When asked what about how the As for the future, Macy wants to
faculty and people who may be opioid crisis specifically made her concentrate on figuring out long term
personally affected by this issue. decide to write a book, Macy said, “The solutions for the opioid crisis in her
Macy began by explaining how she fact that life expectancy was going next book.
has spoken out about the opioid crisis down and stigma, as well as losing more The opioid crisis is a concept that has
many times, especially through her American lives on such a large scale, only been an open topic for discussion
New York Times bestselling book, just the urgency of [the opioid crisis].” for a few years now. Discussing harsher
"Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and Another book that Macy wrote called topics is becoming a more prominent
the Drug Company That Addicted "Finding Tess: A Mother's Search role in casual conversation in society
America". for Answers in a Dopesick America" today, and this openness to address
‘Dopesickness’ is a term used when revolves around a young woman named issues like the opioid crisis may serve
a person who uses substances is Tess Henry who was a friend of Macy’s as a stepping stone to understanding
going through withdrawal, having a that had substance abuse problems. change, figuring out what solutions
sick feeling as a result. Macy’s book During the presentation, Macy there are and how to achieve them
primarily focuses on families dealing played an audio clip of Henry properly. If you or someone you know
with substance abuse issues and how comparing addiction to being chosen is going through drug addiction, please
drug companies are turning a blind eye by the Dementors in the Harry Potter speak out.
and acting like these problems are not franchise. Unfortunately, Tess Henry
happening. passed away in 2017.
06 OPINIONS TheRotundaOnline.com
Is Populism even popular and prevalent?
by Taiya Jarrett | Assistant Opinions Editor | @ohsoootay
Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
A
pproval. Acceptance. crutching domino effect of reflection into this upcoming 2020 Presidential
Attention. This trifecta is the and perception through media and Election.
outcome to the exaggeration politicians for the public eye. With the likes of the remaining 15
of the not so complex approach of Paired with the ideologies of the candidates running, five Democratic
persuading like-minded individuals to socialist or conservative, populism Presidential candidates have created
adhere to their political concerns that has evidently worked its way into the a name and platform for themselves
likely go blatantly unnoticed by elitists White House and has further trickled solely based on a four-letter word.
and is a more commonly used tactic down into Virginia politics. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren,
than you may think, especially for the According to the Washington Post, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, and Andrew
political climate of Virginia. “In a district where Trump won 48 Yang, ring a bell yet?
Termed "populism", this colloquial percent of the vote— four points better These candidates have maneuvered
expression does not have an exact than he fared in Virginia — Bob Gray, through the concept of popularism
definition, but is an ideology within whose campaign slogan was “America by allowing their name to speak for
the realm of politics that seeks to First, Conservative Always,” won only themselves and essentially to the public.
undermine society by any means in 11 percent in the primary, which had Entailed, with reinforcing
efforts to meet a particular political 11 Republicans on the ballot. Overall conversations via left-wing ideals
agenda. Deriving from the prefix term in that race, the more a candidate was ranging from strengthening economic
of popular, populism is exactly what aligned with Trump, the worse he did.” stability and free college tuition to
you may be thinking, except less covert Unknowingly supporting the objective accessible Medicare and dismantling
with its intentions. of the concept, people tend to associate political corruption, yet in the same
From the frequent phrase of “fake certain individuals with certain policies token curtail the influence of “the
news", actively used by number 45 to due to their affiliation with a particular billionaires,” is very interesting.
mask rhetoric that may have not been in party, which may or may not be that While these candidates are utilizing
his favor, has essentially displayed a beneficial or keen to the masses. this attractive strategy to appeal to their
glimpse into what the concept Inadvertently, populism works for the audience as personable, it’s ultimately
of populism is: a general welfare of others but at the disingenuous.
expense of corruptive elitists. Therefore, the question arises over
Considered the People’s time of whether these candidates are
party, populism has aware that the policies they are in
further stretched opposition of actually happen to be
itself what they benefit from. The idea
of populism has become a more
frequent tactic used either
against or for the public, and,
quite frankly, people have
become desensitized to it.
JAN. 27, 2020 OPINIONS 07
Social media and the feeling of FOMO
by Davina Applewhite | Opinions Staff | @longwoodrotunda
Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
S
ocial media has given us access to For example, a lot of people will be to handle feelings of FOMO because
view what everyone is doing 24/7, said to experience FOMO if they are social media and social networking are
and while this can be a good way at home and see what their friends are going to be around for an extremely
to stay in touch with friends, it can also out for the night, via a social media long time, if not forever.
negatively affect our mental health and network. This could trigger feelings of The most important thing to
daily lives. regret for not going out or just feeling remember when you find yourself
It’s no secret that social media has excluded in general. experiencing FOMO is to change your
been a prevalent factor within the past The phrase, however, can also be perspective. Find time to take a step
decade and has created a plethora of used in a sense that someone, perhaps back and remember that everyone is just
terminologies with its existence. wealthier than you, is experiencing life choosing to show their “highlight reel”
One terminology that is often in a different, more exciting way that on social media. This essentially means
emphasized on social media is causes this feeling of missing out in the that although someone may appear to
"FOMO" or the “Fear of Missing Out.” greater sense of living life. be having a fun night out on the town,
The term first appeared in 2000, coined Unfortunately, while the term is it could be very possible that they had
by Harvard University graduate Patrick catchy, it’s a term that should be taken wished they stayed home that night.
J. McGinnis. a bit more seriously when looking at its Not everything on social media is as it
Originally used as a means to describe effects. seems and the fear of missing out relies
business endeavors, FOMO made its The fear of missing out is usually heavily on that to make an individual
way to the Internet and popular culture, rooted in jealousy and can even cause feel as though they are lacking
where the term was then altered to fit a issues that intertwine with social something.
different context. anxiety, in some cases. While FOMO may be around for
FOMO, in the sense of social media, Verywell Mind even states that a long time, the feeling of FOMO
can be described as the feeling that FOMO can cause high levels of stress is essentially temporary and can be
others are partaking in more exciting and can be directly linked to lower life experienced by all, which in itself is
endeavors and living better lives than satisfaction. a comforting reminder that you are
you are. It’s especially important to learn how enough..
08 A&E TheRotundaOnline.com
Eminem delivers
a petty crime
with "Music To Be
Murdered By"
by LeDaniel Jackson | A&E Staff | @xidjoeker500
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F A F T E R M AT H E N T E R TA I N M E N T, I N T E R S C O P E R E C O R D S A N D S H A D Y R E C O R D S .
D
etroit rapper Eminem is comfortable with his versatile f low describes how the criminal ends his life.
considered a legend by most of and aggressive delivery. However, the “Darkness” is one of the best songs on
his fans in the hip-hop genre. vocals by Nikki Grier were not needed this album and It shows how Eminem
His first few albums sent shockwaves at all on this track. She only had one can still write about controversial topics
through the rap game and showed verse and it’s hard to gauge her talent and make them into a great song.
the talent that he possesses. However, with a limited role. “Yah Yah” picks up the pace with
recently Eminem has released a mixed “Premonition” serves as a decent an old school hip-hop beat. This time
bag of music, from “Kamikaze” to even intro track and it leads nicely into around Royce da 5’9, Black Thought
“Revival.” Despite this, Eminem still “Unaccommodating” which marks the and Q-Tip join Eminem to deliver an
remains one of the most interesting first collaboration with Young M.A. impressive lyrical performance. Royce
artists in the genre. The production is decent with a dark starts with a short verse where he
Now he’s surprise released “Music trap beat while Young M.A, discusses talks about inspirational figures MLK
to Be Murdered By,” his 12th studio how she handles pressure from her and JFK. Black Thought comes in to
album, inspired by the Alfred critics. She delivers an impressive first compare himself to popular figures
Hitchcock compilation verse. Her smooth f low and gritty like Pernell Whitaker and Slick Rick.
album of the same delivery mesh really well with the Eminem delivers a solid last verse,
name released in production. Eminem also delivers a however it does not match the intensity
1958. decent verse with his fast flow. It’s a that Royce and Black Thought provide
The album starts good song with some impressive flows on this song.
with “Premonition” from the two artists. “Stepdad” explains Eminem’s issues
which is talking “Godzilla” is an interesting song with stepdad and how he would abuse
about his career as a where Eminem and Juice WRLD him and his mother. Unlike “Darkness,”
whole. Eminem make comparisons to the kaiju this song is poorly put together with
sounds very creature. Eminem’s performance really the chorus sounding like Eminem did
stands out with his fast flow and witty not put in any effort. While there are
lyricism. Juice WRLD provides a some decent storytelling moments here
melodic hook with Eminem providing the poor lyricism overshadows it.
the ad-libs. While Juice WRLD’s hook Overall “Music to Be Murdered by”
sounds very good, he disappointingly is a decent album. On some songs,
does not have a verse on this song. Eminem really showcases why he’s
“Darkness” is the main single where still one of the best rappers to grace
Eminem raps from the viewpoint of the mic. However, on other songs, it
Stephen Paddock, who committed the shows that he is definitely out of touch
biggest mass shooting in U.S history. with the current rap genre.
During the beginning, Eminem
discusses how he deals with anxiety
and depression. The production is very
dark with small hints of “The Sound
of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel.
AAA 3/5
Eminem’s storytelling is amazing
especially towards the end where he
JAN. 27, 2020 A&E 09
THE REEL LIFE Movie reviews by Jacob DiLandro | A&E Editor | @spongejay1
W
hatchu gonna do when Yet, screenwriters Joe Carnahan movie cliché, but they pull it off
t he y c ome for y o u ? (“Smok in’ Aces,” “ T he Grey ”), better than most.
Because t hey ’re bac k . Peter Craig (“ The Town,” “ The Leading this team is the extremely
Will Smith (“Men in Black,” “I, Hunger Ga mes: Moc k ing jay – charming Paola Núñez (“Reina de
Robot ”) and Mar tin Law rence’s Part 1”) and Chris Bremner (“The corazones,” “The Son”), who’s no
( “ B o o m e r a n g ,” “ D e a t h a t a Wedding R inger”) make sure the nonsense demea nor a nd casua l
Fu ne r a l ” ) d y n a m ic duo h av e f ilms’ ample downtime is used to nature with Mike steals the show.
returned, 17 years after Michael great effect. The action scenes are Joe Pantoliano (“ The Fugitive,”
Bay’s cult classic sequel. With new thrilling, but ironically the f ilms’ “The Matrix”) also returns as the
directors, could this be the best of best moments come from scenes chief and is as humorous as one
the “Bad Boys”? of honest chats between Mike and would expect, as are the handful
There’s plenty of action to be had Marcus. The pair debate things of cameos from the likes of D.J.
here, but it doesn’t feel nearly as l i k e ret i rement , non-v iolenc e , Khaled to Michael Bay himself.
archaic or nihilistic as before. Some different approaches to their job, It isn’t revolutionary, but the f ilm’s
w il l likely long for the spastic, family life and grow ing beyond love of Miami is in f ul l effect,
incoherent nature of Bay’s directing their angry, overly masculine ways with multiple characters casually
style, but the Belgian duo of Adil throughout the f ilm. These also slipping in and out of Spanish and
El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (“Black,” aren’t just one-off conversations, as blending cultures left and right.
“Snow fa l l ”), k now n as Ad i l & they’re integrated into the plot in The locations are gorgeous, with
Bi la l l, g rou nd t he ac t ion a nd meaningful ways. a slight tint bathing Miami and
carnage in a thankfully intelligible Smith is as charming as he’s ever Mexico City in an orange glow. In a
way. been, though this f ilm also allows world of whitewashed and lukewarm
W hile there a re stil l some of him to examine new depths with the white action heroes, the f ilms heavy
the classic 360 Bay shots, like bad ass bad cop Mike. Meanwhile emphasis on Latinx culture lends
“Bumblebee” these younger Martin Lawrence is mostly a comic it a kind of freshness akin to last
directors take the foundations that foible, but he also gets his own year’s “Terminator: Dark Fate.”
Bay laid and clean them up. It moments of surprising depth when Rea l ly, thanks to an engaging
makes the entire f ilm much more examining his own life, mortality, supporting cast, a more focused
satisf y ing (and easier) to watch. and k a rma. Jacob Scipio (“ The stor y a nd sense of ac t ion, a
No longer is there fear of motion Outpost ”) who plays the v il lain su r pr isi n g le v el of emot ion a l
sic k ness due to t he sheer Armando gets some great moments depth, and the always charming
number of cuts, and the of true menace here, and even his duo of Smith and Lawrence, it is
plot moves a long fairly stor y isn’t as surface level as the no stretch to call this the best f ilm
coherently, even if it isn’t previous f ilms’ baddies. None of in the series. Granted, it still isn’t
a ny t h i ng pa r t ic u l a rly the three are doing groundbreaking anything award worthy, but given
new. Someone is out for work, but its solid across the board. the typical cliché of January f ilms
revenge, someone who It ’s t he suppor t ing cast t hat and the previous t wo in the
k now s ou r heroe s rea l ly shines. Vanessa Hudgens series, its an accomplishment
a nd t hey have (“High School Musical,” “Spring to label these bad boys as
to solve the Brea k er s”), A le x a nder L udw ig pretty good.
case before (“Lone Survivor,” “The Final Girls”)
its too late. and Charles Melton (“R iverdale,”
Classic
and
“The Sun Is A lso a Star”) are a
group of younger, more tech sav v y
AAAAA
3.5/5
cliched special unit cops; the young team vs
stuff. the veterans is a well-worn action
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F C O L U M B I A P I C T U R E S , 2 .0 E N T E R TA I N M E N T, D O N S I M P S O N /
J E R R Y B R U C K H E I M E R F I L M S , O V E R B R O O K E N T E R TA I N M E N T, A N D S O N Y P I C T U R E S10 SPORTS TheRotundaOnline.com
Women's basketball
even-splits week after
Saturday home win
by Nick Robinson | Sports Staff | @longwoodrotunda
SHANNON HENSHAW | THE ROTUNDA
Freshman guard Kyla McMakin (basketball in hand) currently sits second in the Big South Conference in scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game.
C
oming off a tough loss to High women that have produced consistently. streak.”
Point two Saturdays ago, the Every team has to face adversity at a Facing adversity coming into the
Longwood women’s basketball certain point in the season, and we game, with junior transfer point guard
team made a road trip to Rock Hill, need people to be ready. I think we Tra'Dayja Smith being out due to a
South Carolina, this past Tuesday, have women who are ready.” minor injury and the aforementioned
to take on the Winthrop Eagles, a In 39 minutes for freshman guard Kyla losing streak, bounce back is what the
team that, like Longwood, is trying McMakin, she racked up 17 points and Lancers did, as they were able to handle
to navigate the log jam that the Big 12 rebounds, her first ever collegiate the Bulldogs for a 73-56 victory.
South conference has been this season double-double. The team got hot in the third quarter,
for women’s basketball, as the second Tillett said, “She was such a prolific outscoring Asheville 25-11 in the
through seventh place teams are all rebounder in high school. To get 1,000 period and propelling the team forward
within one game of each other in rebounds in a high school career, that’s to their fifth conference win, pushing
conference play. really difficult to do. So for her to get their record to 9-9 (5-4 Big South).
The Lancers matched the Eagles a double-double, to her it feels like Led by 25 points from McMakin,
stride for stride in the first quarter as herself. She’s someone who can really the Lancers were able to solve the
the period ended deadlocked at 14. rebound that basketball and our team second leading scoring defense in the
However, Winthrop would catch fire in needs it.” conference who came in only sacrificing
the second, outscoring Longwood 25- McMakin is currently second in the just over 55 points per game.
16 to take a 39-30 lead into the locker Big South in scoring this season (17.3 In a post-game interview with
room. After making adjustments at points per game) and is one of two Longwood Athletics, McMakin said,
halftime, the Lancers would grab the Lancers in the top three, with Dayna "We definitely came out here with a
upper hand in the third, outscoring Rouse being the other (15.5 points per different mindset, especially losing our
the Eagles 23-17. But on this night, game). starting point guard, and we came out
after cutting the lead down to only two “The scoring part is easy, it’s doing the here ready to defend and that's really
points, the home team would have the little things that makes it hard. When what changed the game..."
final say and clinch a 74-63 victory. people are doing the little things, Tillett said, in an interview with
The Lancers were only able to muster you’ve got to give them the praise," said Athletics, the team responded with an
ten points in the fourth quarter, which McMakin. "Our team has struggled "attacking mindset" since the moment
had its hand in allowing the Eagles to with rebounding, so I’d like to be able they heard they would be without the
pull away late. Head coach Rebecca to help in that area.” services of Smith. She spoke highly of
Tillett spoke on her team's struggles in McMakin gave much praise to her the performances of Anne-Hamilton
the fourth quarter. teammates and coaches and said they Leroy (14 points and zero turnovers),
“It hasn’t been a consistent concern assist her in getting the opportunities Dayna Rouse (15 points) and the
for us. I do think we need to find ways she receives. aforementioned McMakin, while also
to come from behind and win, or just Next up for the Lancers was a home crediting her team's defense for forcing
keep the lead and win. When we have date with the UNC Asheville team 20 UNC Asheville turnovers.
the lead, we’ve been pretty successful who came third in the Big South She also said the bench had a great
towards the end of the game.” Conference. performance as far as contributions and
Longwood’s starters played significant McMakin, after the Winthrop game, energy provided.
minutes as four out of the five who said, “We have to come out ready to The team will have a quick turnaround,
WBB
began the game played 36 minutes or fight. We’ve been in this position before as they will travel to Hampton and take
more. this season, and we’ve been able to on the Lady Pirates on Tuesday evening
Tillett said, “In these tight conference bounce back. The last couple practices with a 7 p.m. tip.
races, there definitely comes a time have been really good for this game
where you’re really reliant on those and we’re prepared to end this losingJAN. 27, 2020 SPORTS 11
C ARRIE BAILEY | THE ROTUNDA
Longwood softball receives
recognition in preseason polls
Reigning Big South Champions receive
eight of nine first-place votes in
preseason conference rankings
by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14
I
t’s almost like being told “the sky hander has shown over time and knows With six freshmen on the roster
is blue” when fans of Longwood Backstrom holds high expectations for coming into the season (Leigha Hill,
Softball hear the fact that the herself. Tanner Robertson, Kelly Park, Lauren
Lancers have once again (for the fifth “I feel like she’s taken ownership in Taylor, Breeanna Huggins and Nia
season in a row) been placed first in wanting to be a good player. She’s been Green) Riley said it was the off-field
the Big South Conference Preseason doing that for years, you know, wanting characteristics of each that received
Poll. With the level of excellence the to be as good as she possibly can be,” attention in the recruiting process.
program has shown throughout its said Riley. “So, you know, for me to “We look for that more in the way
history, instances like these are now add more pressure than she already has that they interact with their parents
commonplace. But for head coach established in a sense that she wants to and their teammates,” said Riley. “I
Kathy Riley, complacency is something be this best possible pitcher that she think it's more your value system. So
that will not be accepted and the can be, I feel like, again, it’s counter- what we look for a lot is, are you a hard
accolade is something that only serves productive. So I didn’t even bring it worker, and are you respectful of things
as a motivating factor, even coming off (the award) up with her at all.” and the people that you come into
of another Big South championship “She’s already doing the things we contact with and are you appreciative?
winning season only a year ago. want her to do, that’s come out every And if you can get people that are, then
She said she spoke to the team last day, trust yourself to be the best you naturally they’ll figure out how to enjoy
Wednesday, the day the rankings possibly can be, and I think she’s already each other’s company.”
were released and before she even working on that at a pretty high level,” The three-time Big South Coach of
knew the teams’ placement, to lay the Riley added. the Year feels this year’s team does not
groundwork on how the team should The head coach said the team has have a big talent gap, and she feels all
prepare mentally to be successful. trained a lot on the defensive end inside of the players on the squad are “pretty
“I just told them, you know, ‘if we a gym setting in the preseason due to good”. She said in years past that she
want to become good we have to work weather, which causes the players to would normally have nine set players
hard each day and let’s make that our be able to adjust to different hops of who would get a majority of the reps,
goal and that our focus, and if we did the ball and also provides valuable but she will look to change that this
do that, at the end of the season we repetitions to improve on angles and season.
would have an opportunity to be a arm strength. The Lancers placed fifth “I feel like it’s going to be shared
quality team’,” said Riley. “And in that in the Big South Conference a season throughout the season with some
way we are not creating an expectation ago in fielding percentage at 95.6 of these kids playing well at certain
level that is keeping more pressure on percent. points and other players playing well
us because we’re just trying to do our When mother nature allows for it, at different times,” said Riley. “So it’s
best each day that we come in and, Riley said the team shifts their focus to really kind of comforting in a way that
you know, some days we’re going to do the outdoors on the softball diamond we will be able to rely on more players.
great at it (and) some days we’re going where they will then focus on offense at In fact, I feel like I will play more
to do not so good. a higher rate. players off the bench than I have in the
“When we don’t do well, we’re just She said, “I would say that’s another past.”
going to have to get right back on the reason why we usually play better as The Lancers will begin their quest for
horse and do a really good job the next we go through the season, it’s because another Big South Championship on
day,” she added. we get more time outside, then we hit February 7 as they take part in the Elon
Junior pitcher Sydney Backstrom also a lot more, and switch the focus from Softball Classic, taking on the hosts
was recognized as Big South Preseason defense to offense.” from Elon with a 2:30 p.m. start. Home
Pitcher of the Year after a 2018-19 Catcher/Third baseman Alexis fans will get their first opportunity to
campaign that saw her lead the team in Wayland returns as the Lancers’ leading see the team in-person on March 11
innings pitched, complete games and bat from a season ago as she led the as the Rams from The University of
wins. Now, as former pitcher Sydney team in home runs with nine and was Rhode Island will come to Farmville
Gray has graduated, Backstrom now third in batting average at .270. When for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00
grasps the starting role in the circle for behind the plate, she will have large p.m.
the Lancers. shoes to fill as Kaylynn “Bug” Batten
Riley has noticed the growth the right- has now graduated from the program.Proud supporters of Longwood Athletics
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