By Jeanne Flores Without their team captain Cylk Cozart in attendance, would the Knights be able to break their losing streak? “I feel like each game, we’ve got to come out and give our best. Tonight I feel like all of us have a lot of energy, and we’re ready to do it,” said Lil J during warm-ups. Thursday, February 6, 2003 brought James Hyde, Andrew Walker, the Goodfellas, Lil J, Ron T, DJ E-man, Sammy Lopez, Anthony Harrell and Arlen Escarpeta to St. John Bosco “Braves” in the city of Bellflower. The players were also accompanied by a busload of guests, which included, Lalaine, Jeff Licon, Alisa Reyes, Alexis Lopez, Ryan Starr, Soluna, and Mischa Mandel. Tonight was a special night for two of the Knights who grew up around Bellflower. “I grew up in this area and hung out with a lot of people. I had a lot of friends back in the days that went to Bosco. My family went to Bosco, so I’m having a great time out here,” said DJ E-Man. Alexis was also another local, “You know what, it’s great because my high school is actually just up the street. Some of these people I haven’t seen in a while and it’s just great to come out here and make them feel like I’ve accomplished something. I feel really good about it.” Soluna were the special guests this evening as they sang a heartfelt National Anthem. Junior Mark Nieto, and Senior’s Joe Cowan, Mike Velasquez , and Jaime Camadio commentated for the game and even referred to Romeo as “Allen Iverson.” The Knights effectively played in zone defense to prevent the Braves from scoring, but was it enough? Second quarter was still a back and forth game. While the game continued, Michael Mirisch gave away Power 106 shirts to hype up the crowd, and Ryan and the girls of Soluna were conversing on the sidelines. The packed gym contained many students anticipating to meet their favorite entertainers during half time. “I like Ryan Starr,” began Mike Paz, senior, “She’s really talented and pretty.” Senior’s Christian Cubacub, Henrick Devilla, and Kyle Venus were all interested in a different Knight, “Lalaine, because she’s really pretty and we’ve watched all her shows … Lizzie Maguire, You Wish, you name it.” Lalaine gave a special treat for these fans as she sang “You Wish” straight off of her Disney movie. She also gave an insight on her nerves just before she was about to step onto the courts, “I’m not that nervous because mostly everyone here is my age, so it’s like my friends, my peers. I think it makes me a bit calmer actually.” Anthony was accompanied by JR and showed off their rhymes to “Make the Lady Say Oh.” The performances didn’t stop there. Last, but not least was Lil J who continued to swoon the ladies during his performance. Finally, fans rushed to the tables to grab their signatures during the autograph sessions. While all of this was going on, Romeo gave his insight on the difference between this game and their two previous losses. “I think what’s going on right now is that the first half we played well. We still have a couple of new players playing for the first time, but if we hustle on both ends, we’ll pull this off,” Romeo jokingly added, “…and if they give me the ball. GIVE ME THE BALL!” Even though the game wasn’t on a normal Wednesday schedule, as promised, Arlen finally arrived for the game, fresh off the set of his show, American Dreams. “Oh my gosh! That’s why I was late because I was filming. I found a little bit of time to drive all the way over here and I rushed really, really fast and drove over here on the freeway. I’m hoping to go to the game on Saturday because it’s so much easier.” Second half kicked off and the Knights needed to find a steady lead over the Braves, but the Braves took over. James gave some words of inspiration to the Knights during one of their huddle in hopes to win this game. Sammy executed an around the back pass to James to be finished with a lay-up, but the Knights were still behind. So, will the Knights win their next game on Saturday? Coach Smith said, “We just need to come out a little stronger. We haven’t been coming out strong in the second half, and that’s what’s hurting us.” One on One What do you think makes a good team on the courts? Romeo: A good team on the court is one that shares the ball and plays together. One man cannot win a game. The game of basketball is a team effort. Imagine yourself back in high school, which entertainer would you like to see a part of the Hollywood Knights? Alisa: I want to see Madonna play some ball. Because when I was in high school around ’95, ’96, ’97 – around those years, Madonna was really hot, and Brandy and Usher, and all of them. Oh! And I would love to see TLC – God rest her soul – play some ball, all three of them. But definitely Madonna! Andrew: I would like to see Will Smith. Good guy, and I think he would make a really good basketball player. (Side note…Will Smith played on the Knights back in the Fresh Prince days!) What motivates you to come out here and watch the games? Alisa: Well I think it’s really important to come out here and be one on one with out fans; to give them a chance to meet us, because this is more of an intimate setting. It’s not like a crazy concert. We’re able to talk to them, and I think it’s really great for other actors that are new and up and coming to come out here and meet them. And there is also the girl from Lizzie Maguire [Lalaine], who is able to come out here and show her fans what she is like musically. As a moviesurfer, what did you think about Lalaine’s movie “You Wish”? Alexis: I actually liked it. It had a good message. What is your favorite place that you movie surfers have been able to go on location? Alexis: The Pirates of the Caribbean. I got to interview Orlando Bloom, which is Legolas from the Lord of the Rings, and he was amazingly handsome. That was the best interview and best set that I’ve been on. What is your favorite Disney movie? Alexis: I think it’s called “Wish Upon A Star.” It’s with these two girls and they switch places for a day. That is my all time favorite Disney movie. I LOVE IT! Usually, you’re out there with the fans, but what was it like playing your first game? Ron-T: It was fun, interesting, it kind of takes me away of what I would love to do, which is being with the crowd and giving away everything. But, it was fun being out there with the guys.

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