Kobe out?

Los Angeles Laker, Kobe Bryant suffered from a fracture in his left knee in Tuesday nights game against the Memphis Grizzlies. After the MRI showed the fracture doctors said Bryant would be out for six weeks without play. Bryant later tweeted that day "#BrokenNotBeaten" to show that he isn't giving up and is trying to do everything he can to improve his knee and get back into it as soon as it heals. The team took a low blow not knowing that this would happen to one of their best players, in replacement is Kendall Marshal helping the team out when Kobe is injured. The coaching and training staff feel for Bryant. Says Coach Mike D'Antoni "You hate it for Kobe. He worked so hard to get back. But he'll be back in six weeks, and we'll deal with it and weather the storm until he gets back." Bryants coaching support definitely have so much faith and hope in him after signing him for a two-year $48.5 million contract extension. After still playing after he was injured he felt fine, until after the game was over he knew something was very wrong. When interviewed Kobe wants to get back into it as soon as possible but is willing to do the physical therapy and completely heal so there are not more possible injury risks."All I can do is do the work. And do everything I can to be back at the highest level." Kobe is projected to be 
back and ready to go in six weeks or less.

Experience the Patriots

     The new class at Norton High School, known as Sports Reading and Writing took a field trip over to Gillette Stadium to experience the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. The students who attended were more than happy to go and get an inside look at the winnings and history of this local team. Getting to meet the recently new player Steve Beauharnais, the students were involved on a live TV screening of a local talk show called "Pats Chat," that was hosted by Kiss 108's host Romeo. This interactive question and answer session with  Beauharnais,  intrigued the teens to find out more about him. In the process the students got an inside look on how a TV show airing would go.

     With specific instructions made by the director and camera crew, the kids got an inside look on how things work on set. Before the meet and greet the students were brought into the Patriots Hall of Fame filled with many interactive activities involving the players and history of the team itself. Following the Hall of Fame there was a film that highlighted the growth of the Patriots from what they were to what they are now. The film showed how the Patriots and their fans were dedicated to the game and never gave up. Doing this was completely worth it for the growth of the team in the end. It was a very inspirational video that showed that many things can happen to one team that believes in themselves and shows perseverance to achieve a common goal.

     The students got to experience something special to the New England community. The fans and supporters of the organization made the time a very memorable moment for the teens showing them that any goal you have can be achieved if you put your heart, mind and soul into it. It doesn't matter what the activity could be sports, school work, or regular goals; if you strive for something and don't give up on it you will succeed.

Will Vonn See the Slopes Again Anytime Soon?

Lindsay Vonn, 29 year old Olympic Gold medalist skier re injured her knee Tuesday afternoon while practicing for the up coming Sochi Winter Olympic Games. The games are less than 3 months away when she crashed on a training run. She suffered from a mild strain in her right knee, a somewhat tear to her ACL nothing too serious but enough to make her take a break for a few days and also minor facial abrasions and contusions from her fall.

Doctors told Vonn she would need to take a few days off to be able to rest her knee. Lindsay Vonn is a very persistent athlete who plays through pain and wants to win. Christine Brennan says "from the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. In training for the women's downhill, she suffered a serious crash (of course), was airlifted off the mountain and spent the night in a hospital. Two days later, she was back,skiing 70 miles per hour and finishing eighth in the Olympic downhill." Vonn has completed 59 World Cup victories along with completing many goals set for herself. This week she will be attending intense physical therapy to reduce pain and injury.Vonn is predicted to be back into Olympic training mode sometime within the next week.

Norton Girls Varsity Basketball Preview

The Varsity Girls Basketball team is looking to improve their last years season significantly. There are 5 returners 1 being a starter from last year. Captains Meghan Pestana and Samantha Lang are looking to improve their record from last year by working hard and taking it game by game. There are big looks for incoming freshman Maddie Murphy, who is talked about tremendously. Captain Meg Pestana says "there's only 5 returning players that are upper class men while the rest are freshman. Even though we're probably going to have a young team I think we have a shot this year, and things have potential to go good. A lot of freshmen are really talented and could have a big impact on helping our team this year."

The Lancers have a young team with only 4 Juniors including Ashley Pelletier, Marisa Amato, Chloe Gill and Amy Pereira, with only 2 seniors.  The girls are coached by Mr. Langmead for the second year in a row. He has high hopes for the team and the goal is to make it to the state tournament, for the first time in many years. The open gym option and  practices held are improving the team in significant amounts, improving skills and speed. The team is looking to go far this season and get to the state tournament.

Wrap Up for the Norton Varsity Girls Soccer Team

Last Saturday the girls varsity soccer team saw their last game against league rival Dover Sherborn. The girls fought a close battle with the high seeded team. The Lancers fell in the second half due to a late goal by Dover Sherborn's forward. The 1-0 loss kicked the Lancers out of the tournament ending their season. The Lancers finished the season (8-5-6) killing last seasons loosing record. The girls also finished with 21 points towards the tournament also beating last years goal.  Many goals were accomplished this year proves the Lady Lancers soccer team.

The team is loosing 11 seniors this year which include Kelsey Sousa, Kaitlin Murrin, Krista Woodworth, Ashley Cibotti, Lauren MacGray, Kathy Remick, Kaleigh Schleicher, Micayla Valeri, Alison Dufault, Courtney Shively and Jenn Kilburn. All of which contributed so much to the team that will be missed significantly. Senior Krista Woodworth says "we had an overall great season and I couldn't thank my team mates enough for making my senior year amazing." The team next year will be led by the amazing juniors now who will step it up and show everyone the true meaning of soccer by making it to tournament again and playing hard every minute they're out there. 

Tournament Bound

The Girls Varsity Soccer team has made the State Tournament this year with the ending record of (8-5-5) in their regular season. The girls racked up 21 points toward the tournament which helped them gain the 10th seed ranking in the division. The girls are projected to play inter-league rivals Dover Sherborn. Where in the regular season lost 3-1 and tied 0-0 the second time playing them. The girls look to advance far in the tournament, beating Dover Sherborn would then give them two higher ranked teams in the league to play. Senior Krista Woodworth has high hopes about going far. She says "Dover Sherborn will be a tough game, but we will definitely get revenge, we are due for the win." The girls head to Dover Sherborn this Saturday at 4pm.

Norton Girls and Boys Soccer Recap

The Norton Lancers Boy's soccer team buried opposing Westwood with a victory of 2-0. Senior captain Wayne Belcher did plenty for the Lancers scoring one of the two goals along with creating the second goal made by Freshman Jordan Lach off of Senior Cody Shannon's throw in. Goal keeper Joe Mia had about 10 saves for the Lancers causing the shut out. Captain Wayne Belcher says "after our first loss against Holliston, we did a nice job bouncing back against Westwood." The Lancers who are now 11-1-4 are in second place in the TVL standings.  The Lancers still have hope to clench the title who is currently held with a tie between Holliston and Medway. Senior Cody Shannon says "The win against Westwood was a very important game against one of the top teams in the league, a must win for the shot at the TVL title."  The Lancers host Bellingham home October 23 at 6:30.

The Norton Girls Soccer team ties Westwood with a score of 0-0. Senior Jenn Kilburn makes 8 saves to allow no goals. Senior Kaitlin Murrin says "Westwood had beat us that first game 3-1. We should not have lost that game, the team came in strong the second time playing them to prove ourselves." The girls have 20 points toward the TVL tournament and keep progressing forward. The girls travel to Bellingham on Friday at 3:30.

Boys and Girls Soccer Recap

The Norton Boys Soccer team destroyed Millis with a score of 8-0.Senior Kevin O'leary produced a hat trick along with Jon Lach who scored two goals. Single goals by Matt Bukowski, Cody Shannon and Wayne Belcher also put the team in good condition. Sophomore Jon Lach says "we came out strong and went up 6-0 at half and got some momentum going for our game against Holliston." Senior Josh Stern started in goal and only had to make 7 saves throughout the whole game. The boys now have 24 points already qualifying for the TVL State Tournament. Tied for first place with opposing teams Medway and Holliston, the Lancers are willing to shine through and clench the title. The Lancers travel to Holliston this Thursday at 3:30.


The Girls Soccer team fell to Millis with a score of 2-0. Senior Ashley Cibotti says "We played well with them the whole first half but got caught up in the second half." The defense who was pressured the whole game played very composed and were able to hold the Mohawks till the very last minutes in the second half. The girls need one more point to qualify for the TVL tournament. Senior Krista Woodworth says "On Thursday we will redeem ourselves, and reach tournament." The Lancers host The Holliston Panthers at their home field Thursday night at 6:30.

Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer Recap

The Girls Soccer team played a hard game Monday October 8th against the first placed team, Dover Sherborn. The Lancers managed to pull out a tie with a score of 0-0. The strong defense of Norton was able to hold the forceful offensive line with goalkeeper Jenn Kilburn to keep the score to a minimum of 0. Senior Captain Kaitlin Murrin says " we played really well, more like a unit rather than individuals and we stayed in the game and played tough until the final whistle blew." The Lancers proceeded with their 4-3-3 record to Hopkinton on Wednesday and pulled out a win with a 2-1 final score.Freshman Haley Elliott scored the 2 goals. Earlier in the season the girls beat the Hillers 7-2 in the second season opener. Coach Everett Clark says " this was a wake up call," describing that this game was not one of the girls best games. Senior Ashley Cibotti also says "I mean we definitely did not play our game, but we still gained the two points for the win and will try our hardest with Ashland and move on from there." The Lancers who now have a record of 6-3-3 host Ashland this Friday at 3:30.


The Boys Soccer team pulled out a win against the Dover Sherborn Raiders with a victory of 2-0. Goals were scored by Junior Matt Bukowski who was assisted by Senior Kevin O'leary and Elliot Ariola who was assisted by senior Wayne Belcher. The boys are now 9-0-2 on the season, where they are still undefeated in first place in the TVL. Sophomore starter Jon Lach says " We started off slow, giving up a few good chances and almost got scored on, but stayed focused the rest of the game and ended up with the win."The boys played Hopkinton on Wednesday where they faced a tie of 2-2. Goals were scored on a penalty kick made by Matt Erickson and an owned goal by Sophomore Jared Kahn. The undefeated boys team continues to strive to win the TVL and go all the way this year with the record of 10-0-2. The boys travel to Ashland this Friday at 3:30.

Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer Recap and Predictions

The Norton Boys soccer team won a thrilling victory over the Medway Mustangs 2-0 Tuesday October 1st. The boys are undefeated in their season with a record of (7-0-2). Senior Captain Wayne Belcher scored along with Junior starter Matt Bukowski to bring the team up to two goals. Senior Evan Winfield says "we struggled in the beginning, but got it together towards the end of the first half and went off for the rest of the game." The Lancers bounced back to get the win over the Mustangs after a lot of hard work. "9 more wins on the season and we win the TVL," says goal keeper Josh Stern explaining the teams goal for the 2013 season. The Lancers are now in first place throughout the TVL rankings and host Medfield this Friday October 4th at 3:30.

The Norton Girls Soccer team gained a riveting win over the second place Medway Mustangs 1-0 last Tuesday. Senior Ashley Cibotti scored in the second half in the 51st minute of the match, which put the Lancers on top. The Lancers strong defense and outstanding goal keeping by Jenn Kilburn kept the Lancers looking at a good position. The girls now have a record of 4-3-2 which excels last years record tremendously. Senior Krista Woodworth states " Medway was in second place so we knew it was going to be a tough game, however we kept our heads up and gave it our all, and the effort paid." The girls have high hopes to make the TVL tournament and even win it. Medfield is the next competetor of the Lancers who looks to be a good game. Senior Micayla Valeri confidently says "we are capable of beating the top team in the league! It will be a tough game but we as a team can do it." The Lancers head to Medfield Friday at 3:30.

Norton Varsity Girls/Boys Soccer Recap

The Norton Lancer Boys Soccer team is on a winning streak blowing Holliston;who was seen to be undefeated with a record of 5-0 out of the water with a whopping 5-2 victory. The Lancer goals were scored by Matt Bukowski (2), Kevin O'leary (2) and Wayne Belcher (1). Goals assisted by Sophomore starter Jon Lach with 2 assists, along with single assists by Cody Shannon and Matt Bukowski. The boys team right now is very high in the TVL rankings. Senior Kevin O'Leary relays that this was probably one of the best games that he has seen the team play. He also says "although we let them tie it up, we didn't hold back and came out and finished them off." The boys will continue to strive to reach their goal to win the TVL title and have a winning record. The Lancers play at Westwood Wednesday afternoon at 3:30.

The Girls Soccer team had a very close game with the Holliston Panthers. The Lancers ended up holding them to a 0-0 tie. The defensive line held the Panthers to not scoring with the pressure of goalie Jenn Kilburn in net. Offensively the Lancers put high pressure on Holliston's sweeper but were not victorious in scoring. The girls play Westwood home on Wednesday at 3:30.  

Norton High School Girls and Boys Soccer Overview

The Norton Girls Soccer team ended up defeating the Hopkinton Hillers last week September 12 with a whopping 7-2 victory. The Lancers were trailing the Hillers in the first few minutes with a quick goal. Soon afterwards the Lancers got on their feet and ended up scoring 7 goals to end the game. Goals scored were by Krista Woodworth (1), Lauren MacGray (1), Courtney Shively (1), Allie Freedman(1) and Marisa Amato (2). With two assists from Senior Ashley Cibotti. The Lancers now have a record of 1-1-1 which is a very good record compared to last season. Todd Kefor (assistant coach) says " With consistency and team work, I expect the team to end with a winning record and qualify for the state tournament." Head coach Everett Clark also has high hopes for the team to make it to the state tournament this year. His most famous line  "What the mind believes the body will achieve," motivates the ladies and puts them in the right mind set as to what they want; the state title. The Lancers play in Ashland September 17 at 3:30.

The Norton Boys Soccer team also ended up slamming Hopkinton in their third match of the regular season 5-2. Seniors Kevin O'Leary and Wayne Belcher scored lone goals, along with Junior Matt Bukowski who scored two goals and John Lach's penalty kick, put the Lancers on top with 5 goals to seal out the win. The boys and coaches both expect to make the TVL tournament and continue to improve as a team over the course of the year. The Lancers play at home September 17 at 3:30 against Ashland.