By Jeanne Flores Wednesday, March 5, 2003 was THE GAME OF THE YEAR as the Hollywood Knights returned to Burbank to face off against the Bulldog faculty. Fans flooded the entrance, hoping to get into the sold out game, and for those who got in, signs like “Mr. Abdou is a sexy gorilla!” supported their home team. Michael Mirisch announced the Knights roster as the players ran around the court. Alfonso Ribeiro did his famous ‘Carlton dance,’ followed by Dion Basco, the Goodfellas, Eric Winter, Mike Mizanin, Arlen Escarpeta, Wesley Jonathan, Thad Luckinbill, Kiko Ellsworth, Josh Henderson flipped down the court, Dante Clark, Cylk Cozart, and Trevor Penick (O-Town) kept the crowd screaming his name. With a large roster, there was an even larger guests list which consisted of Josh Keaton (The Stevens Get Even movie), Mischa Mandel, Chrystee Pharris, Sarah Ramos (American Dreams), Jeff Licon, Alvin Alvarez (Greetings from Tuscon), Sarah Paxton (Greetings from Tuscon), Christy Romano (Even Stevens), Alisa Reyes, David Hanson (Hang Time), Pablo Santos, Jillian, Lalaine, Alexis Lopez, Ryan Starr, and Howie Dorough (Backstreet Boys) topped off the all-star list. Getting such a large list for this game was easy, according to Drina Mohasci, HK talent coordinator, “It’s really easy, because it’s in Burbank, everyone wanted to do it!” Michael Mirisch said “We have tons of press here tonight eager for photos of our amazing list of stars. This was the hot spot of celebrities, so the paparazzi came out in record numbers.” Ryan Starr started off the night by singing the National Anthem. It was her first time singing in front of the public since she got off the American Idols tour. “It was kind of weird because I haven’t sang the National Anthem since I graduated high school. But I’ve sang in front of over six million people live now, and on t.v. live, so it wasn’t too bad. There are some great kids, and it was a great crowd. It was a good show. I like it out here,” said Ryan Starr. With DJ Speed spinning the music, the game was on the way. Fans yelled their heads off in hopes to win free shirts and cd’s that were thrown into the stands. Trevor kept the fans extra excited by giving quick hugs and autographs whenever the ball wasn’t at his end of the court. Aline Amirn, freshman, was the envy of every girl when referee Stoney Jackson plucked her out from the stands to inbound the ball to Trevor, and he threw her on his shoulder and tried to run with down the court.. A wave of “oh’s! filled the gym when Mike completely blocked an attempted shot from Ms. Mills. “I know when you put The Miz inside a basketball court, and you put a girl in there you think, ‘Oh, The Miz is going to be nice and dandy to her.’ I don’t think so. I’m going to stop her like a boy or a girl. Any person that you put in there The Miz will take them out!” exclaimed Mike. Half time came and guys whistled when Lalaine, best known from the show “Lizzy Maguire” came out with her dancers to perform for the half time show. Following Lalaine, was Jillian who sang two songs. Finally the autograph signing came and one had to fight through the expanding crowd to get pictures and autographs from people like Howie D., Trevor, and Lalaine. It was pure pandemonium with a gym of over 1500+ fans competing for the prime spot of being first at the tables to take photos, chat, and get autographs. “They got some players over there. I’ve played with a couple of them before at the park. They play some good basketball,” commented Rickie Hawthorne, girl’s basketball coach. The second half came and the guys huddled to listen to Coach Smith give instructions while bouncing around to Missy Elliot’s “Gossip Folks.” More free stuff came the fans way when two hand-wrestled to win a pair of orange action shoes. A special announced told fans that the first 150 to visit the Hollywood Knights website could sign up and attend a performance by J.Lo and L.L. Cool J. “I work in production and somebody called me, and said that they were doing ‘Top of the Pops’ with J.Lo and L.L. They’re doing a two to three song performance, and they need an audience of 150 people, and we just got that today, and because we have a game today I figured we should just do it here, and its in Burbank and everyone is going to email me,” explained Drina. The last minutes came down when the faculty tied the Knights. Fans cheered on their home team and even attempted to distract Cylk when he was at the free throw line. However, the Knights captain came through with several crucial free throws, and the Knights won 82-78. This game of the season definitely lived up to the hype. “I thought it was a good game, usually there’s always one team better than the other, but this one, it came down to the last couple of seconds,” said Pablo Santos. Seyone Keshishia, freshman, began, “I thought that the game was really super, and I’m happy that the celebrities won, but I’m also sad that the teachers didn’t win, but it was good, and I enjoyed it a lot.” Emma Ogancsyan, freshman, added, “My favorite part of the whole night was when they were giving away prizes. The celebrities were really nice, and they would sign everything. The music, everything.” One on One First off, all the fans want to know when are the Backstreet Boys going to release another album? Howie D.: We came back together at the end of March. So we’re writing and recording for the new album. So what have you been doing, while you guys have been on break? Howie D.: I’ve been doing a lot of work for my Dorough Lupus Foundation. It’s a personal charity foundation that I have close to my heart; remember my sister passed away four years ago. As well, I’ve been doing some acting here, taking some acting classes, and doing some writing as well. Are there any shows that we can see you on? Howie D.: I’m just going through auditions right now, I haven’t gotten anything yet. What do you think of the HK as an organization? Howie D.: It’s a really great cause; you can see kids get into the spirit. There are a lot of people out here, entertainers, the whole high school, because they’re all raising money for their own school. How did you sign on with HK? Howie D.: I actually knew Traci [Szymanski, HK Talent Recruiter]. They’ve asked me several times to come out, and my schedule has finally worked out, so I was able to do it. Can we expect you at any more games? Howie D.: I’d love to come to another game, if my schedule works out. How is the clothing line coming along? Ryan Starr: The clothing line is going good. Haven’t started anything yet, still designing. Everything I wear is for my fans and stuff like that. I’m working more on my music than I am on my clothing line How is that going? Ryan: The singing thing is taking off right now. I’m in the studio working with the top producers. So an album should be out around next year in May. Have you been able to catch the second season of American Idol? Ryan: I haven’t been able to catch the second season at all. I’ve been in the studio every night, so on Tuesdays and Wednesdays I haven’t been able to watch it. Do you have any advice for those that want to be a singer? Ryan: I think from what I learned from being on American Idol and being in the public eye, you have to feel it in your gut. You have to feel it, they want real people, and they don’t want fake people. Try your hardest and you have to work on your vocals, on your guitar, work on the dancing, everything that is music. This being your first HK, what do you thinks of tonight’s crowd? Christy Romano: The crowd is totally jazzed! The team is awesome! The faculty of Burbank High is bringing it! I think it’s really positive. I mean, I go to school now at Columbia University in New York, so it’s great to come back to L.A. and meet all my fans and spend time with them at half time and sign stuff. Can you reveal anything about the upcoming Even Stevens movie? Christy: We have some people here from the movie. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be hyped up a lot. It’s going to be a funny movie. Anyone who watches Even Stevens would know what to expect. The plot has to do with reality shows and being stranded on a deserted island. Are there any projects that you are currently working on? Christy: Well I’m doing Kim Possible; I’m the voice of Kim Possible, and there’s a lot of stuff going on with that. We have a lot of toys coming out. Otherwise, I’m just doing my thing, and I’m going to college. Other than the difference of being on screen as opposed to being off the screen, what other differences are there between being Ren Stevens and Kim Possible? Christy: The different are live action is totally different than voice-overs. They’re not as difficult as each other. There’s a skill that you have to have to be in animation. Ashley, a sophomore, asks, “Do you have any tips on getting into the business?” Christy: Be really committed, it’s a lot of work. Have fun with what you’re doing, there’s nothing better than doing what you love. You’re doing your passion, and you get paid for doing it at the same time. Stick in there, and make sure you diversify yourself. There’s a lot of stuff going on, so get a manager. Can fans expect you at upcoming games? Christy: Yeah! Absolutely! I totally show my support for these guys. It’s so rare for you to come out these, so what about the organization keeps you coming back? Alfonso: I love playing with Michael and Knights. And the guys are great, it’s all about coming out and helping to support all the schools, and all of their studies, and it’s about the fans and the kids. High school kids have it hard enough, and to have something like this to go on in your school is great a thing to them, and they’ll remember it for years to come. It’s very funny because Trevor from O-Town we played at his school several years back, and now he’s playing with us, and he remembers that, it’s those memories that stick with you for a long time, and it’s fun for these guys. It’s all about having a great time. What have you been up to as of late? Alfonso: I’ve been directing things. That’s pretty much where my focus has been. How did you sign on with HK? Trevor Penick: I met someone, and they were telling me about it, and I was like of course I wanna play basketball. This is a great opportunity to get out here and play, and it reminds me of high school basketball. Speaking of high school, Alfonso mentioned, you remembered HK coming out to your school, so what it is like now to play for them? Trevor Penick: It’s so weird, because I was Senior Class President, and I set up the whole thing and everything, and they came and played a game against our teachers, and we won. Now here I am six years later, and I’m playing. What has O-Town been doing lately? Trevor Penick: We’ve been doing a bunch of shows, like in Philly, Washington, Texas. Our new single has just come out, and in April or May we’ll hopefully go on tour. Seyone Keshishia, a freshmam, wants to know what’s going to be O-Town’s next single? Trevor Penick: After “I Showed Her,” I don’t know, maybe “Craving,” or “Favorite Girl.” What is it like to interact with the fans in such an intimate setting? Trevor Penick: It’s the best! Because when you’re on stage, they’re so far away, they can’t really get to you. Here I can sign an autograph or take a picture, with the people that buys your albums and come see your show, it’s the least I could do. Can we expect you at any more games because the fans love you?! Trevor Penick: I’m really going to try to make it to Alta Loma, because I went to Rancho, and they were my rival high school. If I could play in that gym, I will go to like 50. Quote of the Knight: “Do you want 'The Miz' to come out tonight?!” – Mike “The Miz” Mizanin hyping up the fans.

By Sue Kim With the star-studded line-up of Wednesday night’s game, it’s no wonder that the masses came out to Burbank High. Two of tonight’s favorite celebrities also happen to be new stars to this season: Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys and Trevor Penick of O-Town. Along with them were close to thirty celebrities that came out to support and play for the Knights. Ryan Starr had the honors of singing tonight’s National Anthem. It was then time for the Knights to take on the Burbank High School Bulldog faculty. Trevor, Kiko, Dejai, Romeo, and Cylk were on the court at the Knights at the beginning of the first quarter. The Knights were the first to put points up on the board with a three point shot. But the Bulldog faculty followed that shot with a three point shot of their own by economics teacher Mr. Pirayoff. Mr. Pirayoff lost the ball to Trevor as he was dribbling down court and then it was to Cylk for another three point shot. With a pass from Romeo to Kiko, Kiko made a two point shot putting the score at 7-13, Knights. Thad, Josh, Arlen, Wes, and Mike were rotated in the middle of the first. There was a pass from faculty member Mr. Krier to fellow faculty member Mr. Hawthorne that was somewhat short and passed into the crowds. Bulldog Mr. Krier made a two point shot through Thad and Wes towards the end of the quarter. Spanish teacher Ms. Mills went for a two point shot as the clock winded down to end the first quarter but was blocked by our very own Mike “The Miz.” At the end of the first the score was 18-17, in favor of the Bulldogs. Cylk, Dante, Dion, Alfonso, and Eric were on the court ready to play at the start of the second. Knights had possession of the ball first in this quarter. There was a foul called on the Knights’ Eric early in the period, which sent him to the free throw line. He made two out of two of his free throws which put the Knights at a slight lead (just by one point). Mr. Pirayoff went through the key to try and make a two point shot but before he could even get there, a traveling violation was called. Faculty member Hawthorne tried for a two point shot but missed and it was Eric for the rebound. Eric took the ball down court to make a two point shot for the Knights putting the score at 21-24, Knights. After Trevor made a clean three point shot, Thad and Bulldog Mr. Pando struggled to gain possession of the ball. From there it eventually ended up into the hands of our very own Romeo. As the buzzer sounded, it was Thad that made an attempt to make an unsuccessful last shot of the quarter. With the Knights ahead, 33-45, it was time to start half time. Halftime was crazier than usual as fans rushed the autograph tables after Jillian and Lalaine’s halftime performances. Order was soon called and the court was cleared to start the second half of the game. With another twelve minutes on the clock, it was time for the third quarter. Mr. Abdou of the Bulldogs came out strong in the beginning of this quarter with a two point shot to help the Bulldogs catch up to the Knights. But in this quarter, every time the Bulldogs got closer to catching up to the Knights’ score, the Knights just scored a few more points. At the end of the quarter, the Knights were still ahead, 50-67. With a pre-quarter huddle, the visiting team broke with “Knights!” before Trevor, Romeo, Kiko, Dejai, and Cylk were on the court to finish the game off. Cylk made the shot of the quarter with a three point shot even as he was block by Mr. Pirayoff. With an assist from Cylk to Trevor, Trevor made another two points for the Knights soon after. Credit must be given to the Bulldogs as they made points left and right in order to catch up to the Knights. Before anyone knew it, the score was 78-78 with only 17 seconds left in the quarter. Cylk broke the tie score as he made his technical shot. Mr. Pirayoff fouled Cylk, which sent him to the line making another two points for the Knights. The final score of tonight’s game was 78-82, Knights. It looks like the Knights might just be starting up another winning streak… to San Marino High School’s game on Saturday to find out!

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