By Jeanne Flores Fans and students of San Dimas High School watched on from the stands in anticipation as their favorite celebrities and staff members ran onto the court during the introduction on Wednesday, November 6, 2002. R&B singing group 3rd Storee took center court and sang the National Anthem. Fans were impressed by the five-member group and screamed their lungs out in hopes to get their attention. “I thought they were really good,” said Yvette Valdivia, freshman. The game was on its way with Josh Henderson, Cylk Cozart, Dion Basco, Wesley Jonathan, and Thad Luckinbill as the starting line up. Anthony Montegomery told Lil J to “Scoot over” and took a seat next to his long time friend. David Nicoll, Dejai, and D-Smoove, Jay-R, and J’Son (of 3rd Storee) looked on as the Knights led over the faculty. Power 106 blazed “Bonnie and Clyde” by Jay Z. and Beyonce, and David Nicoll’s “Serious”. San Dimas students followed Charles and DJ Speed throughout the stands as they gave away shirts, pictures, stickers and other items. Fans were excited to see the DJs giving away Nike shoes, but the luckily recipient had to fulfill one requirement–have size 10 ½f eet. If you want free stuff given away by DJ Speed and Co., be hyped up, that’s what he looks for, and maybe next time you’ll be lucky enough to snag something. Danielle Mitchel, a junior, gushed about Josh Henderson, as well as Shayla Matthews, a junior, Tatiana Zane, a sophomore, and Breana O’Connell, a freshman, who said, “I think he is so cute, and a really good basketball player.” Half time came around fast with the Knights leading over the San Dimas faculty.The Knights reported back to the locker room to listen to Coach Smith, while Lil J was the first of two performers to take the court for the half time performance. Fans stood at the edge of the stands to watch Lil J sing “I Didn’t Know.” Half way through the song, he ushered out one lucky girl in a denim jumpsuit to dance with him as he serenaded her. After he kissed her on the cheek, she ran back to her friends who looked on in awe at their squealing friend. We’ve all known Lil’ J as the host of TeeNick, but what most people don’t knowis that he has been rapping for 11 years. He started as a young tike, at the age of six. He claims there is no difference between performing and being a host on TeeNick, because both deal with entertainment. “The TeeNick thing I love doing, you know it’s a really cool experience for me, because it was the first time I got to host a TeeNick concert series. This right here performing in front of people is my life, it’s what I’ve been doing.” I asked Lil’ J if he was still involved with Nickelodeon, and he revealed that he may be in a few more shows, but it was a summer thing, which he would like to do more of. Lil’J had a choice between hosting, performing, or playing basketball, and responded by saying, “I love it all, but first of all performing, it’s what I love doing, I get a chance to go out there and show my talent.” Fans of Lil’ J would be pleased to know that he enjoys interacting with fans, by bringing them out during his performance. His album “ALL ABOUT J”. His second album is already in the works, and is scheduled to drop in 2003. As soon as Michael Mirisch introduced 3rd Storee, the gym was filled with screaming girls as they watched Gavin, J’Son, Kevontay, Jay-R, and D-Smoove, of 3rd Storee, dance and sing to their single “Get With Me.” The screaming grew louder when one of the members of lifted his shirt and excited every girl in the building. I was able to pull each member aside and ask him several questions. Me: What is it like to perform in front in smaller crowds, such as high schools, versus bigger crowds, like you did for Nsync and Britney Spears concerts? Gavin: Basically, it’s almost the same because we get the same amount of love everywhere. It doesn’t matter about the amount of people that are there. J’Son: Well, let’s see, with the smaller crowds you get to be a little personal, you get to look in each of everyone’s eyes, you get to see what they’re thinking, you get to feel the energy. And with a big crowd, it’s like an adrenaline rush, because there are so many people. It’s overwhelming, like a tidal wave. Jay-R: A little people, a lot of people, it’s all the same. We get the same thing at the end of the night. D-Smoove: The difference is that in a venue like this it’s much more intimate, I mean, you get to shake hands, and like see everybody, and everybody get a chance to meet you. In a bigger venue, where it’s 15 to 20 thousand people, the people back in the stands, don’t get to touch hands or see you. I like smaller venues, because it’s more intimate. Kevanty: With larger crowds, means more excitement. With little crowds,you get to see everybody’s eyes. And to see what they’re thinking, basically we feed off of that. Me: How hard is it for you guys to sing and dance simultaneously? Gavin: Honestly, it’s a challenge. Not every artist can do it. That’s the things about 3rd Storee, we bring back the old, real dancing, real singing, we’re bringing all that back the way it used to be, like the Jackson 5, New Edition. But God Bless us we are able to do it. Me: Speaking of the groups that you’ve just mentioned, who do you guys model yourself after? Gavin: Actually that’s where we got our name from. Years ago when Storee first came out, people compared us to the Jackson 5 and New Edition. First there was the Jackson 5, then the was New Edition, and then there was the 3rd Storee. During half-time, I found Lil J talking with the girl he brought out during his performance and those that were swooned by 3rd Storee’s performance crowding to get in a picture with the guys. While some Knights were busy taking pictures and signing autographs, others were shooting around and warming up for the second half. The game continued and the San Dimas Cheerleaders and student body danced to songs such as Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You” and Clipse’s “When the Last Time,” which were all played by Power 106. Charles and DJ Speed continued to give away memorabilia while the Knights continued to lead over the faculty. Cheers erupted every time Josh made his shots. During the fourth quarter, Anthony took over the microphone and played DJ for the rest of the game. He ran back and fourth across the court and waving his towel encouraging the students to scream to support the Knights. At a later time, Lil’ J was found dancing on the sideline to Nelly’s “Hot Herre.” Finally, the game was over and the Knights won over the San Dimas faculty. Thad expressed his experience about playing against girls. “Actually, I have two older sister, so I’m used to it. It’s fun. I always let girls play basketball, so it’s not a big deal to me. But you have to be a little careful, because everybody hates the guy that takes the girl out. You don’t want to be that guy.” Dion also shared his thoughts. “In the beginning, I”ll let them shoot around, if I see they can’t play, I won’t guard them, I won’t touch them I won’t do anything. But if I see that they’re good, and we need to win the game, I will play them as if I was playing a man. Because you know I am small, so they probably bigger than me anyway. It’s a fair game.” Ryan Richard, a freshman, said, “It was a good fundraiser to raise money for the girls’ basketball team and other things for the school...and it was a better idea than anything I could think of.” Raymond Gonzales, a freshman as well, expressed his gratitude to the celebrities, for “taking time out to help the school.” I also had the opportunity to ask the Knights, “How important is it for you guys to be part of an organization, such as the Hollywood Knights?” Gavin: Well, actually, we love to give back. That’s what we do. We give back to the community, schools, churches, all of the above. That’s just what we’re about. We’re just like anybody else, we love to give back. Thad: I love anything I can do, you know, a charitable cause, it just happens to be that I love basketball so much, so it’s coincides. It’s perfectfor me. I can’t think of a better way to do something for a charitable event than play basketball.” Jay-R: I mean it’s a good charity for kids, you helping raise money for schools out here, so I mean, I feel like it’s a positive thing, and as long as it’s a positive thing, I mean, we’re positive people. We enjoy being apart of it. D-Smoove: It’s a beautiful thing. It’s a blessing most of all, because you’re able to interact with people, and just have fun. Again, the fans got a chance to interact with the sweaty Knights. It was time for the Knights to be treated to pizza, pasta, spaghetti, egg rolls, chips, cookies, Krispy Kreme donuts, other pastries and soda behind the stands for the after party. Those who had a hand on putting the event together were lucky the lucky students who got to interact with the Knights on a more intimate level. Thus, I decided to ask several of the Knights some questions that San Dimas students wanted to know. I found Dion chowing down on some pasta and chips as I congratulated him on not getting lost on his way to the game this time. Unfortunately, I was wrong and the poor guy got lost again, but at least he made it on time. He sat me down and I fired away: Me: Erik Morse asked, “Dion, how tall are you, and did you ever get picked on about your height when you were in school? P.S. I loved you on City Guys. I wish it was still on T.V.” Dion: I’m 5’5”. I am a really big 5’5”, huge! Not picked on, but singled out because of my size. Everyone was real cool with me. Fan: We’re gonna go over there and find a trash can. Dion: And there’s no trash cans. I never got put in a trash can. I was cool, kinda quiet and shy, but everybody looked out for me. No one tried scrub me about anything. We are [on TV] every Saturday. Me: Raymond Gonzales asked, “Dion, how do you keep your hair so sexy like that?” Dion: A whole lot of gel, and this is my trick..I put gel in my hair, I whip it up however I want it to be, put in some hair spray, and I sit in front a fan, not a blow dryer, but a fan. Then, I cool off, and it just whips it up. Next, I found Anthony, who jokingly screamed, “No more questions! You told me that was your last one!” and dragged him to Lil J, who was talking with several students, to ask them both some questions. Me: At the beginning of the game, you guys seemed pretty tight. Could you explain your relationship to me? Anthony: [Jokingly] I can’t stand him, eww! Lil’ J: [Jokingly] Me, neither! You got the kooties. Anthony: No, you’re stupid! You got kooties! Lil’ J: I’ll see you at lunch. Anthony: We don’t even eat lunch. Lil’ J: Actually, we went to grade school. Anthony: See, J and I haven’t talked about in a long time... Suddenly Anthony took the tape recorder from my hand and in his words, “Now it’s time for me to ask you some questions.” So I was bombarded by questions about if I had Lil J’s album, why I didn’t have Lil J’s album, and if I had seen Anthony on Enterprise (note to the fans: he’s not on Star Trek: Enterprise, it’s just Enterprise). Fans who looked on at all the screaming joked around saying that they had Lil J’s album and suddenly all the attention was focused around Anthony and Lil J, with me in the middle of it all. Ifinally got my tape recorder back and continued with the questions. Anthony: How J and I met, actually, was before his album ever came out. We met in Orlando, where a friend of mine, who was producers for J. And we kinda just stayed friends. I haven’t seen J, in literally, three years. My next fan based questions were aimed towards Wesley’s direction, who happened to be standing by Dion. “Why were all my questions from guys?” Dion asked as I interviewed Wesley. Me: Lynsey Emilio asked, “What’s the most memorable thing about high school (that you remember)? Wesley: Could I say junior high school? Because during high school, I had home study. In ninth grade talent show, I impersonated Michael Jackson. Me: Erik Morse asked, “Wesley, how did you get into acting, and what drives you to keep doing it?” Wesley: I was about eight years old, so I’ve been doing it for about 15-16 years. I just wanted to be like a dancer or singer. I had a female cousin in the industry, knew the ins and outs, knew who to take me to. I finally got signed by an agent. I worked with 21 Jumpstreet, didn’t know anything about acting, didn’t take no acting classes. And then one thing lead to another, then I went from 21 Jumpstreet to Baywatch, NYPD, etc. I just grew a love for it. Me: Lyle Martinez asked, “Wesley, how are you such a pimp? ...Teach me ya game.” Wesley: I’m not really a pimp. I’m just Wesley, doing my thing. Just beyourself, be real, focus on your career, or whatever it is you wanna do in life, and by being successful in life, everything comes along with it. The last of the questions were for Josh Henderson, who was with a friend as they filled their stomachs with food. Me: Yvette Valdivia asked, “Josh, how old are you? Do you have a girlfriend? Josh: I just turned 21 last week. Me: How did you celebrate your birthday? Josh: I was in Austin, actually, celebrating for Jessica and Nick’s wedding. Me: Do you have a girlfriend? Josh: Yes, Ashlee Simpson. 7th Heaven, check her out, she’s adorable. Me: Breana O’Connell asked, “Josh, what characteristics do you like in a girl?” Josh: Like to have fun, good personality, somebody you could just hangout with, and not have anything else to do, and still have a blast. Sadly, Michael Mirisch announced that the tour bus was on its way and the Knights had to leave. Fans got in their finals words, pictures and autographs with the celebrities and another night of excitement was over with the Hollywood Knights. So, what was your highlight of the night? ”My highlight of the night was just watching the game, seeing all the stars playing, and seeing Lil’ J perform. That was pretty cool.” - Brittnie Simpson, sophomore ”My best part of the night was when D-Smoove, after the after party, was kissing me, and he gave me his doorag and everything, he was hugging me the whole time. It was so cool.” - Yocheded Solomon, junior

By Sue Kim The Hollywood Knights ’02-’03 season keeps rolling and our next stop was at San Dimas High School. Tonight the Knights kept the Saints faculty on their toes as they played game four on Wednesday, November 6. The worthy cause being benefited tonight was the San Dimas High School girls’ basketball team. As fans made their way into the stands, the faculty and Knights got ready for the anticipated game by warming up. Proudly representing the Knights, as they always do, at tonight’s game were Wesley Jonathan, Thad Luckinbill, Dion Basco, Lil J, 3rd Storee, Cylk Cozart, Anthony Harrell, David Nicoll, Josh Henderson, Dejai, and Romeo. Twelve members from the San Dimas H.S. faculty participated in tonight’s game with most players coming from the school’s athletic department. All in attendance at tonight’s game rose for the national anthem sung by 3rd Storee. First out for the Knights were Dion, Cylk, Thad, Wesley, and Josh. Cylk went in for the first shot in just thirteen seconds into the first quarter but unfortunately missed. The ball then went to Saints number 50 Tendrick Williams. Later at 9:08 in the first, there was a little collision on the court between Tendrick Williams and Josh Henderson…just a little entangling of the legs- nothing serious. Saints faculty member number 23 made an empty pass soon after, which went out of bounds. At 7:44 left in the period, Josh was tripped again by faculty member number 4 but managed to get in two points for the Knights plus going to the line to make a good free throw. 6:51 - history teacher John Knott went in for a shot but it was stolen by Dion. Cylk intercepted a pass from Manny Lopez of the Saints and at 5:08, Cylk made two points for the Knights. Kevontay, D-Smoove, and Jay-son made their first appearance as players tonight and at 4:15 in the first, Kevontay was at the line and made one for 2 points. At 2:47, a time out was called. The last team to make their mark on the board was the Saints as faculty member number 23 was at the line at 56.1 in the first and made his freethrow. As the buzzer rang to end the first period, David unsuccessfully went in for a shot and the Saints had the board by one point with a score of 17-16. Thad, Josh, D-Smoove, Jay-son, and Cylk were up to start the second period for the Knights and for the faculty it was number 23, John Knott, Steve Orr, Tendrick Williams, and Manny Lopez. The ball was put into play as Saints cheerleader Audra Gibbsthrew in the ball. Tendrick Williams lost the ball as he was going in for a shot at 9:06 in the sixth but later made up for it as he made a three pointer at 8:54 making it a total of twenty points for the Saints. Jay-son kept the Knights right behind the Saints at 8:50 with a two pointer. Saints number 23 was at the line at 8:01 but he made one free throw while missing the second but it was Tendrick Williams that got possession of the ball and followed the one good free throw with a two point shot. Cylk was at the line at7:36 making two successful free throws making it 20 for the Knights. Dion stole the ball for the Knights at 6:22 and proceeded to make a two point shot. With a little help of Saints cheerleader Isabeau Brown throwing in the ball at 4:01, it was time to finish up the second quarter. With the clock winding down, Anthony made three points for the Knights while with 20 seconds remaining, Dejai went in for a shot but missed. At 2.8 seconds left, a foul was called for Saints number 23 and he put in the last point for the second period once again. At the end of the second, it was 40-34, Saints. Following halftime (which included encouraging fan participation performances by Lil J and 3rd Storee) it was time toget back on the court and have the Knights take the board back from the Saints. Just 11 seconds into the third quarter, Anthony was at the line and made two for two putting the Knights at 36 on the board. At 7:56, Jay-son made a nice three points for the Knights followed ten seconds later with three points made by Manny Lopez of the Saints. Josh put the Knights at 50 points in the third as he made one of two free throws at5:32. As the third quarter slowly came down to a close, Steve Orr made two free throws at the line at 1:42. With just 30 seconds left in the third period, Wesley made two points for the Knights leading them out of the third quarter and into the fourth with a score of 59-64. For the first time tonight, the Knights entered a quarter with control of the board. Josh shot the first shot of the quarter at 9:14. David Mish of the Saints soon followed at 8:39 with two points putting his team at 66. It was Josh racking up the points once again with a two pointer at 8:23. Cylk put the Knights at 77 points at 5:47 with a three pointer and then again with a three pointer at 4:45. As I sat behind the Knights on the sidelines, D-Smoove and Lil J made use of their time on the bench dancing during the last few minutes of the fourth; music procided by Power 106’s Carlos. Saints number 23 was at the line again at 2:22 tacking on another point to the Saint’s score. At 1:19, another time out was called and after a little strategy from Coach Andre Smith, the Knight’s broke with a “Win!” I’m sure that’s what Anthony had in mind when he went in to make a two point shot at 1:13 of the fourth. With just 53 seconds left, the score was 79-84 in favor of the Knights. Tendrick Williams was at the lines for the Saints but missed while Steve Orr was called on for traveling. Cylk was at the line with 21.2 seconds on the board but missed and at 17.9 seconds, a time out was called by the faculty (probably devising a plan to win the game). The game ended with a score of 79-84, another victorious win for the Knights. Cylk was the lead scorer tonight by making a total of 20 points with Jay-son and Josh behind him with 12. Three out of four isn’t bad at all... See if the Knights can make it four out of five this Wednesday at Van Nuys High School.

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