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Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections The Culture Society's "Just One Africa" Event By Cody Sung Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Just One Africa The Culture Society is a club that is about sharing and learning about cultures from around the world. The club tries to widen your view of the world, and widen your understanding about different cultures. During the pandemic, virtual presentations have been done over Teams to replace in-class presentations. The Culture Society holds a lot of events about different cultures and holidays, and other events, such as an event called Just One Africa . Just One Africa is a nonprofit organization that mainly aims to provide communities in Kenya with clean water, in case they don’t have clean water. A lot of communities in Kenya don’t have water without diseases. They assist by providing communities with special portable water filters and hygiene lessons to prevent the spread of diseases. They also provide lessons on how to use the water filters. Unlike other nonprofit organizations who just give the water filters and then leave, Just One Africa checks up on the communities they touched and provide help and support in case something went wrong while they were away. Clean water helps the communities focus on other issues, not just finding clean water. It also helps communities be healthier and less vulnerable to disease. The Culture Society invited Just One Africa to do a presentation about their work and how to help and make a difference. The presentation was amazing. We got to watch videos on Just One Africa ’s work, got to see the filtering system and the technology in action, and the change it made in the communities and people’s lives. At the end, we learned how to help, and that was just by spreading the word about the water crisis in Kenya and what’s going on there. Two follow-up meetings were held. One of them was a bracelet-making session, with supplies from Just One Africa. The other was a meeting on what a “Water Ambassador” was and how to become one. Overall, I’d say that was an amazing and interesting presentation that really opened my mind to problems around the world, and how we can easily help others. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Athlete Spotlight: Naomi Gonzalez (Interview) Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Naomi Gonzalez Naomi Gonzalez, a member of our wrestling team, is one of many exceptional athletes at Valley Stream North. She started wrestling when she was six and is now coming on ten years. I had so much fun interviewing her and getting to know more about her journey. What do you like most about wrestling? “I like the people and the environment because it’s a very nice and relatable area to be in.” Why do you want to wrestle on our school team? “I love the sport of wrestling and I have been doing it for so long and I’m good at it and I love my team!” How have challenges impacted your motivation to play sports? “I don’t stop and if something’s wrong I figure out how to work on it. I’m a perfectionist, but for wrestling.” Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past. “Last year in 9th grade I got second place in Folkstyle Wrestling State for Women. In summer I was qualified for the Fargo Freestyle Nationals for Women, and I would have become All- American, but I lost my fourth match, it was a 10-2 fall. This year I placed 6th in Folkstyle Wrestling State for Women tournament because of a medical forfeit. I have won Queen of the Mat two times in a row and last year I won the County Championship. I placed first in the Bayshore Tournament this year.” What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to 10 years? “I wish to improve and just be even better in this sport both mentally and physically as they both play an enormous part in your performance.” Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete? “I am determined and motivated to give my best. I take accountability when I’m wrong and try to improve.” Which sport is your favorite to play and why? (Other than wrestling) “Lacrosse because it’s active and fun. It’s a district sport so I can interact with other schools.” Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why? “I met Kylie Welker and I think she plays in 170 pounds criteria on the Ohio Women’s Wrestling Team. She is honestly good and cool. She placed a lot in different tournaments.” What do you look for in a great coach? “Someone who is supportive, the worst thing you can have in a coach is just telling you what to do and who’s not supportive whatsoever. I had to cut 15 pounds in a week, and I had 5 pounds to go in one more day and dropped 4.4 pounds. I didn’t make weight, and I was crying but my coach (Mr. Pingatore) held my hand and ran with me to the stadium trying to cut weight.” What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches? “If you take a shot run them into the stance, don’t care about the circle.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch, and Martin Ganda By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by I Will Always Write Back I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch, and Martin Ganda is an inspiring true story about a girl from the United States who writes to a boy in Zimbabwe, in Africa. Caitlin and Martin are very different. Martin comes from a poor family. He can barely afford basic necessities, let alone school. On the other hand, Caitlin comes from a wealthy family. She can afford basic necessities and go to school. For example, she has plenty of food, clothes, shoes, and clean water. In the book, Caitlin is supporting Martin by sending him money for school and necessities. At first, she sent money to Martin by mail, but that wasn’t a good idea because the money kept getting stolen. Caitlin and her mom made Martin a bank account so that it would be easier to send money to him. There are many themes that are shown in the story. First, we should not judge a book by its cover. We don’t know what people are going through or what their life is like, so we should not judge them very quickly. Second, a little bit of kindness and generosity can go a long way in changing someone’s life forever. Caitlin helped Martin turn his life around and now he is successful. Third, we should not take what we have for granted. When Caitlin found out that Martin was poor, she realized that she was lucky that she had all these things. It is important to be grateful for what we have. Finally, friendship is forever. Caitlin and Martin’s friendship stayed strong for their whole lives. That is a magnificent example of a long-lasting relationship. Caitlin felt like Martin was her “brother”. Martin felt like Caitlin was his “sister”. This book would be interesting and memorable for people who have liked books like Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. I would recommend this book to people who like non-fiction and reading about true stories. The authors did an amazing job describing what their characters’ lives were like and how writing to each other changed both of their lives forever. I like how they included real pictures because it added a nice touch to the story. As I was reading, I felt happy, upset, concerned, cheerful, nervous, amazed, inspired, hopeful, and motivated. All in all, I loved most everything about this book, and it changed my perspective of life and relationships. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art Back to Sections UNESCO’s Updated Cultural Heritage List By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Pinterest UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) annually updates its list of unique cultural items. For 2021, 43 new item selections were announced on December 16, 2021. UNESCO is dedicated to preserving heritage and tradition around the world. Its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list now includes 630 items, events, or practices from 140 countries that help build awareness of other societies and carry great cultural significance. I would like to mention a few new and interesting selections: Haitian joumou soup : (or “freedom soup”) is known as a “symbol of freedom and liberation from slavery” after Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. This soup is made from a pumpkin called “ giraumon , vegetables, plantains, meat, pasta, and spices” and is a really flavorful dish that contains the authentic taste of Haiti. It is a celebratory dish that “promotes social cohesion and belonging among communities”. It is consumed the first of January (Haiti’s Independence Day), when it constitutes the first meal of the year, and also serves as traditional Sunday breakfast. Arabic calligraphy (knowledge, skills, and practice): this form of decorative lettering which is a sacred part of the Saudi, Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan culture. The “artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner conveys harmony, grace, and beauty”. This script provides a variety of different possibilities “since the letters can be stretched and transformed in numerous ways to create different motifs”. Palestinian embroidery (called tatreez): patterns and images are hand-stitched onto clothes, with a variety of symbols including birds, trees, and flowers. This tradition “traces back centuries and was revived in 1967, when Palestinian refugees wore the colorful designs to show their national and political identities”. Women in Palestine try to gain their family’s income and do this by creating embroidery and other artwork which is a “social and intergenerational practice”. Belgian stilt jousting: this game is played on stilts, dating back to the 1400’s. During a joust, “participants attempt to knock all the members of the opposing team to the ground”. Jousts usually take place during festivals in the streets and squares of Namur. This sport is extremely popular and many fans and spectators enjoy coming to the jousting zone, watching and cheering for their favorite teams. Italian truffle hunting and extraction: truffles are a type of fungi that are considered delicacies. With the help of a dog, the truffle hunters (called tartufai ), identify areas where underground fungus grows. “They then use a spade to extract the truffles” without disturbing the soil conditions. To be successful in truffle hunting, this task requires “a wide range of skills and knowledge related to the management of natural ecosystems”. Netherland flower and fruit parades: in Corso culture, this annual Dutch parade is a “competition of elaborate floats or boats decorated with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and people in costumes”. This practice is great for the social economy because “groups of friends or entire neighborhoods may spend months preparing gigantic floats”. The parade also includes band and theater performances. Denmark/Finland/Norway/Sweden/Iceland Nordic clinker boat traditions: these small, open wooden boats are made of “thin planks that are fastened to a backbone of keel and stems, and the overlapping planks are fastened together with metal rivets, treenails, or rope”. These coastal clinker boats are between five and ten meters long and are used in Nordic region festivities. Democratic Republic of the Congo, (Congolese) rumba: this musical genre and dance is used in formal and informal spaces for celebration and mourning. It is an “urban practice danced by a male-female couple”. The rumba is passed down through generations from neighbors, clubs, formal training and schools and is known as a integral part of Congolese identity. Peru’s pottery: pottery is an example of one’s harmonious relationship with nature. The process of preparing the pottery consists of the “collection of materials, modeling, firing, decorating, and finishing”. The process of pottery has specific stages with different meanings that leave great value to the people of Peru. The pots created are used for cooking, drinking, eating, and serving food, rituals, and ceremonies. The “pottery designs are also used as a means of expressing personality”. Ecuador’s pasillo, song and poetry: the pasillo is a “fusion of elements of indigenous music (like the yaravi) and dance genres (like the waltz, minuet, and bolero)”. The music is also played with the rhythm of other guitars and is performed in ballroom dances, public events, and outdoor concerts. The lyrics are a “musicalized poem relating to love, homeland, and daily life”. Denmark’s Inuit drum dancing and singing: “drum dancing and drum singing are traditional forms of Inuit artistic expression in Greenland”. They are featured in celebrations and social events and can be performed by an individual or group. When a drum dance takes place, “the drum is moved in different directions and its frame is struck to produce a sharp, echoing beat”. The song is a combination of lyrics that express daily life. Together, they represent a sense of community for the Greenlandic Inuit”. Austria/Belgium/France/Germany/Ireland/Italy/Poland falconry: this is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons and other birds of prey. Falconry was originally used as “a means of obtaining food but has been integrated into communities as a recreational practice and a way to connect with nature”. Most falconry today focuses on “safeguarding falcons, quarry, and habitats as well as the practice itself”. I think this cultural information is very interesting and educational, so I wanted to share my research and findings. It is wonderful that UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee recognizes and safeguards many cultural heritages and traditions from around the world. Website Used: unesco.org BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Tales Through Time: Lewis and Clark Expedition Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by the Library of Congress Painting of the Lewis and Clark expedition in a canoe meeting some Native Americans (1905), by Charles Marion Russell Background In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States asked for $2,500 to send an officer and a dozen troops to explore the Missouri River, establish diplomatic relations with Indians, increase the American fur trade, and find the Northwest Passage. The voyage became significant when the United States consented to the Louisiana Purchase, which involved Napoleon selling 828,000 square miles of French land for $27 million. Jefferson nominated Meriwether Lewis as expedition commander, who gathered weaponry, built a keelboat, and obtained smaller boats. William Clark, his military superior, was appointed as co-commander. Congress sponsored the expedition before the discussions with France were finalized. Lewis and Clark shared equal responsibilities and were given the opportunity in 1796 to embark on a historic journey that would help shape the country. The Expedition The expedition, including four dozen men, traveled 10 to 20 miles every day. Lewis discovered 178 new plants and 122 animals, naming them Philadelphus lewisii , Lewisia rediviva , and Clarkia pulchella . The expedition met enormous herds of animals and ate well, despite the Lakota tribe's unwillingness to compete with Americans. Despite suffering from diarrhea, venereal disease, boils, tick bites, and bruises, only one person died. The expedition conducted conferences with Native Americans, offering commerce and food. The Lakota tribe tried to stop the expedition from moving upstream, but Chief Black Buffalo's diplomacy calmed the situation. The expedition landed in Mandan and Hidatsa settlements near Bismarck, North Dakota, and prepared supplies for Jefferson. In June 1805, the expedition group arrived at a river fork and elected to take the south branch, which was thought to be the main route. They named the north fork Maria's River and arrived at the Great Falls. The portage was difficult given the rough terrain, prickly pear cactus, hailstorms, and grizzly bears. The crew landed in Knife River Village in what is now North Dakota. They encountered Sacagawea, a Shoshone Native American woman, and her fur trader husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, who accompanied the expedition as interpreters. Sacagawea assisted the crew in obtaining necessary supplies, identifying edible plants, and avoiding conflict with neighboring tribes. The group moved west at 15 to 20 miles per day and landed near the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. The Return In 1806, the Corps of Discovery departed Fort Clatsop, traversed the Missouri River Basin, and broke up at Lolo Pass. Lewis and Clark's crews investigated the Maria’s River and the Yellowstone River, with Lewis's group building Pompey's Pillar, which was named after Sacagawea's son. The corps landed in St. Louis in September 1806 and departed for the Pacific Ocean in November. Due to heavy storms, they were forced to build Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon. They intended to return via the Columbia and Missouri rivers but encountered neither. They broke into parties to investigate the region and two important Missouri River tributaries. In March, Sacagawea and her husband were brought home to North Dakota before continuing their journey. Later the groups rejoined and traveled downstream to complete their quest. The Legacy Despite various obstacles, Lewis and Clark completed their goal to explore the Louisiana Territory from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean in 1806. They traveled over 8,000 miles, created informative maps, and established friendly connections with Native American groups. Both earned double salaries and 1,600 acres of land in exchange for their services. Lewis was appointed Governor of the Louisiana Territory, while Clark was named Brigadier General of Militia and federal Indian Agent. Despite Lewis's terrible death in 1809, Lewis's expedition is still one of America's most renowned. The Corps of Discovery Expedition carved out a primitive route to the Pacific and laid the groundwork for the nascent nation's westward expansion. The mission gave major geographic and scientific information about the West, helped to expand the fur trade, and enhanced the United States's claims to the Pacific. Sources: Lewis and Clark: Expedition, Purpose & Facts | HISTORY Lewis and Clark Expedition | Summary, History, Members, Facts, & Map | Britannica Lewis & Clark Expedition | National Archives Lewis and Clark's Expedition ( nationalgeographic.com ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Powerful Women throughout Culinary History By Christina Ossa Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by the James Bear Foundation The culinary industry, as with any other industry, has been known to favor men while pushing women off to the sidelines. Men have predominantly been more recognized and well-known throughout culinary arts while women who achieve just as respectable and amazing goals as men do not receive the same level of recognition. As we celebrate powerful women who have paved the way for the ambitious younger generations that exist today, here are a few extraordinary women who have made amazing progress throughout culinary history. Buwei Yang Chao (1945) : Have you ever wondered how Chinese dishes such as the delicious “stir-fry” have become so widely popular in our country? Well, the best answer to that is because of the progress Buwei Yang Chao made in terms of having more Chinese cooking easily accessible to the U.S. population. She was born on November 25th, 1889, and in 1945 first coined the names of Chinese dishes like “stir-fry” and other recipes in her Chinese cookbook How to Cook and Eat in Chinese which was published in the U.S. While Chao did not even know how to speak English, with the help of her husband and daughter’s translations, she was able to make previously inaccessible Chinese dishes available to the wider English-speaking population. Earning critical acclaim from The New York Times who reportedly called it “an authentic account of the Chinese culinary system”, Chao was able to make a huge splash with her first Chinese cookbook while not even being able to speak the language of her audience! She continued her great influence on Chinese cooking-culture in the U.S. through her next Chinese recipe book called How to Order and Eat in Chinese to Get the Best Meal in a Chinese Restaurant . Chao’s story is extremely inspiring, especially for women of color who have similar situations to Chao and wish to achieve great feats in the culinary industry. Buwei Yang Chao not only influenced Chinese cuisine in the United States to the point it has achieved today but also paved the way for future generations of young Chinese and other minority girls to achieve their dreams of finding success in the culinary industry. Ruth Fertel (1965): Ruth Fertel was a single mother who had high ambitions and a courageous personality which helped her to achieve her culinary goals. She was born February 5th, 1927, and is the founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House which today is an extremely well-established restaurant chain known for its delicious, juicy steaks. Aspiring to send her sons to college in 1965, Fertel took a risk and bought a restaurant for sale in New Orleans where she opened Chris’ Steak House. After finding success with her locals, one local in particular named Thomas Moran was handed the Ruth’s Chris franchise which he expanded by opening several other locations which today stands at 80 different locations. Until Fertel became ill in 1999, she continued her powerhouse journey in the culinary industry and found great success as an extremely successful franchise owner. So, if you ever find yourself near a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, location now you know the history behind Ruth Fertel’s inspiring career. While Ruth is no longer with us, she will continue to be an inspiring role model for younger generations and older generations looking to establish a career in the culinary industry. Susan Feniger/Mary Sue Milliken (1999): When Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken first settled as chefs into the Las Vegas strip, it was primarily marketed toward men and had a predominantly male workspace. Feniger was born in 1953 and Mary Sue Milliken was born in 1958, and this powerful duo began their careers in Chicago at the restaurant Le Perroquet. After their time at Le Perroquet, they chose to join together in LA which led them to achieve outstanding goals with one another. They’ve led extremely successful careers since their kick-off in the 1970s, and have won awards from the James Beard and Julia Child Foundations, Food Network shows, have had radio appearances, and even a Top Chef Masters win. But one of their most influential feats was when they opened their Mexican restaurant Border Grill in the Las Vegas Strip during 1999, which as I mentioned before was a male-dominated area. However, they experienced great success becoming the first women to run an extremely and high-profile restaurant on the strip. This duo also began their own foundation to encourage women to continue achieving great accomplishments in the culinary world, named the Women Chefs & Restaurateurs and Chefs Collaborative. 15 years after the duo’s achievements, Giada de Laurentiis and today Lorena Garcia, the first Latina to open a restaurant on the strip, established highly successful restaurants on the strip as well. Feniger and Milliken’s achievements throughout their careers have certainly paved way for new generations of women and younger girls to establish their careers in the culinary industry and their achievements will continue to influence young women to chase their dreams! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Badminton Season Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Coach Croce The badminton season started, and the team has new players and captains this year. With tryouts from March 18th to March 19th, Coach Croce has chosen the 19 best players who will positively impact the team and its performance. I had the lovely opportunity of interviewing some of my teammates and asking them about their hopes and aspirations for the badminton season. COACH CROCE: “My hope for this badminton season is not only just to win our matches, but continuing to build relationships with the team, while helping them become even more successful scholar-athletes, always improving their skills. This is a special group that I have this season, and I believe, whether we win or lose, we will have an impactful, positive, and memorable season.” Captains: MELANIE CEVADA: “I hope that this year, now that we are more educated in badminton, we can grow as a team and get better. We have a lot of girls who have great potential and show great sportsmanship that I have a lot of faith this year. I believe that our entire team can achieve the best of their skills and prosper with our abilities.” REHMAT KAUR: “My hopes for the team are that we discover our potential and get a lot of wins. Last year was a tough one, but I am very hopeful for this year. We have many new talented players that have a lot to offer to the team. For me as a player I have gotten better with both my strokes and movement since last year, still a lot to work on but I’m welcoming this season with a ton of positivity!” ALISSON ALAS: “I hope that this year we become a stronger team not only physically but mentally. I hope we get more wins than last year and to just grow together as a team. As for me after 11 years of playing badminton as this is my last year playing, I want to make this year count and to be as successful as possible with the team. I hope to become a better player and fulfill my role as one of the captains to my best ability.” RICHMIA ERISNOR: “My goals for this badminton season are to not only get better as a player but get better as a person. I hope that with the experience that I'm getting from the team and all the different aspects of this season, my performance skyrockets. I also hope that I can receive more smashes and drop shots. I hope that the girls and I continue to stay friends, even after the badminton season ends. I hope that I can be a good role model for the upcoming girls as their captain.” Players: SAHAR ALI: “This badminton season, I hope to make a contribution to the team and myself as well. We have a strong team with strong players, who have each other's back; even if we lose, we learn from those mistakes to improve. I look forward to what the rest of the season has to bring!” IMAN ALI: “My hopes for the season are to have at least three or more wins as a team and beat teams. We lost to last year. I also hope that we can improve on our weaknesses and perfect our techniques.” JESELYS VAZQUEZ: “My hopes for me are to become a better player than last year and learn new techniques and master them. So far, I have been seeing well progress with my teammates' support and kindness, making it feel less embarrassing. As a team, my hopes for the badminton family are to grow, stay supportive, maintain a safe place for all the practices, become a better version of ourselves and be top 3 of the school’s team and win a lot of games with our hard-working players and new members.” NAVROSEDIP KUNDLAS: “My hope for the season is to improve from last season. I feel we have a really strong team this year, and by learning and improvising, we can achieve all our goals. Personally, I would like to move up on the lineup with my doubles partner and win as many games as possible. By working on my drop shots and smashes, I hope to improve my own skills. I can't wait to see what comes next!” AVA HINSON: “My hope for this season is to become a stronger player and to be more involved. I hope that our team wins a lot of matches and that we become a tight knit group.” HIBA KISHORE: “My hopes for this badminton season are improving as a person, as a player and helping my teammates get better. We are not just a sports team but a small family that helps get better as a community practice after practice and game after game. Hopefully someday the VSN Badminton Team will win a conference, but step by step we’ll get there.” These are the goals and aspirations of the badminton players and the coach for this season. Hopefully, we can achieve them and make the year memorable! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Cross Country By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by NBC News Close your eyes Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth Call out your goodbyes And then head out south That's how we run in Cross Country. 2.5 miles or 3.5 miles? Locals or perimeters? None of those bring out smiles Each step feels like 5 kilometers But what can I say? That's what we do in Cross Country. Core every day Doesn't matter what you say Boyens always on your back But I trust him when it comes to Track, Living Environment, or Cross Country? What he'd choose is a guess too easy. In our team, there are no walkers After all, we do have energy from all those crackers Motivation flows through our veins It doesn't matter how much it pains After all, if there is no pain, what did we gain? Close your eyes Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth Call out your goodbyes And then head out south That's how we run in Cross Country. We have the best coach If I had problems, he’d be the one I approach Runs with us every day It doesn't matter if the destination is far away We're all as tough as rock It'll take a lot to get us in shock. We've got the hardest sport It doesn’t matter that we don’t have a court Football, volleyball, soccer, tennis and more All got nothing to damage our score Some days I really want to cry But I never did, since Boyens wouldn’t even let me try. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections My Predictions For The New York Knicks 2024-2025 NBA Season Yusuf Hamid Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Predictions for The New York Knicks 2024-2025 NBA Season As the 2024-2025 NBA season starts, I wanted to share my prediction for the Knicks’ upcoming season. The Knicks made huge moves this current off-season by trading two superstars, Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns, and Jalen Brunson’s selfless move to take a $113 million pay cut (Brener, 2024). Their expectations, not just for Knicks fans, but for all NBA fans, are tremendous. It is vital to talk about the Knicks’ last season. The Knicks finished their regular season with a record of 50-32 and the second-best team in the east. While this is upstanding news, there was a “bitter pill” the Knicks had to swallow along the way. The Knicks’ starting power forward, Julius Randle, injured his shoulder on January 27th against the Miami Heat (Sam, 2023). Randle was not able to play for the rest of both the regular season and post season. This was devastating news to hear as a Knicks fan because Randle plays a key role on the team. Randle averaged 24 points, 5 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game. To lose such a player like Randle felt like blowing out a tire while racing the Daytona 500. Luckily, the Knicks had a spare, Josh Hart. When Josh Hart was pushed to the starting role for the Knicks, he averaged 11.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 10.3 rebounds (Stat Muse). This statistic clearly showed the proverb, when one door closes, another door opens. Some Knicks fans even talked about trading Randle overall because Josh Hart was doing a better job at power forward and the uncertainty of Randle’s shoulder injury and how it would affect his ability to play basketball. When the Knicks entered the post season, they had to verse the 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid, and a menacing 76er team in the first round. It was a “dog fight” between these two teams, but overall, the Knicks beat the 76ers in 6 games. Beating the 76ers was a magnificent accomplishment for the Knicks, but they suffered injuries to Mitchell Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby. This hindered the possibility of the Knicks' chances of winning the NBA Finale. The Knicks then had to beat the Pacers in the second round. During this series, even more Knicks players got injured like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Even after facing these difficulties, the Knicks were able to take the Pacers to seven games, where they eventually lost and were eliminated from the playoffs. This was devastating news as a Knicks fan, knowing that the Knicks were expected to, at the bare minimum, make it to the Easter Conference Finals, but were affected immensely by how many key players were injured on their team. The Knicks were simply dealt a bad hand. This current off-season, the Knicks made two huge trades for two huge superstars. The Knicks first traded away Bojan Bogdanovic, Mamadi Diakite, Shake Milton, and an astonishing five first round picks to the Nets for Mikal Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, and a second-round pick (NBA News Service). Mikal Bridges is a 6’6 small forward who is averaging almost 20 points per game. The Knicks then traded away Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, other small role players and a second-round pick for Karl Anthony Towns. According to USA Today Sports basketball section, HOOPSHYPE, Karl Anthony Towns is the fifth best power forward this upcoming NBA season. And the “cherry on top” was Jalen Brunson’s selfless act of taking a $113 million pay cut so the Knicks could afford all their players. With their star-studded line up, the Knicks were one of the four teams that were predicted to win this season’s NBA championship (Cluff, 2024). Overall, this could be the Knicks’ year as they went through immeasurable mishaps last season. The combination of Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns will be one of the best all-star duos in the league. Plus, the chemistry of this team overall is significant. Nerveless, there is always the chance of the unpredictable, but as for right now…expect in June to see Jalen Brunson holding the NBA Finals championship. Sources: - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiJ-9fSxJuJAxUqFlkFHVfiAEIQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statmuse.com%2Fnba%2Fask%2Fjosh-hart-stats-without-randle-on-knicks&usg=AOvVaw2blqFcryiwYoo-g4RGatoX&opi=89978449 - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjHnPu_v5uJAxVoEFkFHYWxLcgQFnoECBMQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F10136150-knicks-rumors-julius-randle-expected-to-return-from-injury-for-start-of-nba-season%23%3A~%3Atext%3DRandle%2520injured%2520his%2520shoulder%2520during%2Cseason%252Dending%2520procedure%2520in%2520April.&usg=AOvVaw0XxY3bmVwBcOBJryWn-LFd&opi=89978449 - New York Knicks Legend Carmelo Anthony Addresses Jalen Brunson Contract ( si.com ) - 2023-24 New York Knicks Roster and Stats | Basketball-Reference.com - Knicks acquire Mikal Bridges from Nets for haul of picks, Bojan Bogdanovic | NBA.com - Knicks acquire Karl-Anthony Towns in 3-team trade | NBA.com - NBA ranking: The Top 24 power forwards for the 2023-24 season ( hoopshype.com ) - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjg9oyD55uJAxVKKlkFHcHVNDcQvOMEKAB6BAgOEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2F2024%2F10%2F18%2Fnba-championship-odds-celtics-thunder-knicks-76ers-2024-25-season%2F75737066007%2F&usg=AOvVaw1e6tWZjGXP6dUmO9ja7T6r&opi=89978449 BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Amna Faisal - Memory Project By Amna Faisal March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6