![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Boys’ basketball advances to next round of CCS
Srivinay Irrinki (11) shoots a three-pointer in the game against Carmel High School. The team won 46-40.
For its first CCS game this year, the boys’ basketball team beat Carmel High School 46-40 to advance to the top eight in CCS.
Although the team was down by one point at the end of the first quarter, it had gained a lead by halftime that kept the eagles going through the second half.
“I’m really glad we got the win, but this definitely isn’t the best we could play,” team member Srivinay Irrinki (11). “We could play a lot better, and we’re going to pick it up, and we’re going all the way this year.”
Srivinay Irrinki was named the player of the game for his 19 points. Throughout the game he made 5 3-pointers.
Head Coach Butch Keller echoed similar sentiments about the team not playing up to its usual standard.
“We looked like we hadn’t played in a week, which we haven’t,” he said. “We didn’t play very well, but to win you’re always excited. I’m excited to get to the elite eight of CCS, and hopefully tomorrow we’ll practice hard and play better on Saturday.”
Despite a Thursday night game, many students came to cheer the boys on. Cheers of “I believe that we will win” echoed throughout the gymnasium towards the end of the fourth quarter when victory was in sight for the Eagles. Most students were enthusiastic about the win.
“I think it’s really nice because Harker often has this image of a weaker sports program, but it’s not as weak as people think, we’re actually pretty strong,” Naomi Molin (10) said.
Brandon Aguilar (11) was impressed by the spectator turn-out.
“I thought it was really great. The Harker community came out to support the team even though it’s a school night,” he said. “I know it’s tough, but people came out, and it’s great that our boys are moving on and representing the school in a positive manner.”
The school’s mascot even made an appearance rallying the crowd with wing flapping and dancing.
“I love the crowd. It was a real basketball crowd, and I appreciate everyone being here,” Keller said.
The next game, against Soquel High School, will take place at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Saturday.
Alyssa Amick (12) is the Co- Editor in Chief of Harker Aquila. She has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite part of...