NBA Playoffs Preview

After the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets treated fans to one of the
craziest Game 82s in recent memory, the first round postseason matchups are set.
After an extended regular season, the most exciting time of the year is here: NBA
Playoff Season. Naturally, with excitement comes a thirst for predictions. That’s what
we have here today. Here is who will win in each first round matchup.

(1) Raptors 4-1 over (8) Wizards

The 1-8 matchup in the East features the best team in the franchise history
of the Toronto Raptors against the Washington Wizards. Historically, the Raptors
have struggled in the playoffs. Other than a sweep in the Eastern Conference
Finals, the Raptors have failed to compete in the second round. Nevertheless,
they keep bringing back the same two guys as their best players. Kyle Lowry
re-signed this past offseason, one year after DeMar DeRozan re-upped for
another 5 years. This season the two hit a stride. DeRozan is an MVP candidate
and Lowry is an elite point guard. The Raptors may be ready to go the NBA Finals.
Washington’s entire season was based on the health of star point guard John
Wall. Wall missed a huge stretch of games from December to April and only
recently returned to the lineup. In last year’s postseason, the Wizards were one
game away from the Eastern Conference Finals last year until Kelly Olynyk, then
of the Celtics, took over in the fourth quarter. They have the same roster this year
and a first round upset would not be surprising.
Still, I’ll take the Raptors in five games, with the Wizards winning Game 1.
The Raptors seem to lose Game 1 every year at home, I’ll keep the streak alive.
Out of the remaining four games, two will be close and two will be easy Raptors
wins. The series will feel closer than 4-1, but the Raptors take it and advance to
the second round.

(2) Celtics 4-2 over (7) Bucks

Despite being the two seed, the Celtics enter the playoffs hobbled and missing players.
They will be without star point guard Kyrie Irving and All-Star forward Gordon Hayward for
the entire postseason and Sixth Man Marcus Smart for the first round. However, they have
an advantage no other team possesses: Brad Stevens. The only reason the Celtics are still
the favorite in the first round is what he can do with any roster. Boston looked competent
even without star players and I expect that to continue into the playoffs, at least in the first
round.
Milwaukee’s success in the playoffs is almost solely on the shoulders of MVP candidate
Giannis Antetokounmpo. All season, he has carried to the Bucks to wins. Despite poor
defense and a coaching change, the Bucks stayed afloat enough to earn the seven seed.
Still, the coaching mismatch is too great to pick the Bucks. Interim Milwaukee Coach Joe
Prunty is a rag compared to the riches of Brad Stevens.
I expect the Celtics to prevail in six, with the home teams winning each game in the
series until Game 6. Boston may not have the talent advantage, but the intelligence of their
players and staff is far superior.

(3) 76ers 4-3 over (6) Heat
The 76ers ride a 16-game winning streak into what will be the first postseason for nearly
every player on the roster. In the last month, they have looked like the best team in the
league. Young stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid combined with defensive stopper Robert
Covington and veteran shooter JJ Redick will prove a tough matchup for any team. Embiid
is expected to miss one or two games, but once he comes back the Sixers should pull out
a win for Philadelphia. Behind strong interior and perimeter defense and above average
transition and halfcourt offense, they might just earn their first series victory since the
infamous Derrick Rose injury in 2012.

Yet, as I just mentioned, no key players besides JJ Redick have played significant or
any playoff minutes. And there is no better team to take advantage of that than the Miami
Heat. Erik Spoelstra is a great coach and is someone who coached in four straight NBA
Finals this decade. He knows how to run a team to win in the playoffs. That is why I think
Miami gives this 76ers team a real test in the first round. With Embiid sitting out at least
Game 1, the Heat can take advantage and steal a game on the road. However, if this comes
down to a Game 7 like my prediction, the advantage goes to the Sixers. The city of
Philadelphia is too hot to lose in the first round.

(4) Cavaliers 4-2 over (5) Pacers

At the beginning of the season, many picked the Pacers to be at the bottom of the Eastern
Conference. After trading away Paul George for what seemed like a poor return, Indy looked
to be heading for the race for the number one pick instead of the playoffs. The return was not
poor. In return for George, the Pacers got Hometown Hoosier Victor Oladipo. He has turned
into a star in just one season with the Pacers and is a virtual lock for Most Improved Player.
Behind him, the city of Indianapolis and the Pacers have not lost a step. Always electric, their
crowd is ready for the postseason. Make sure to tune in to Games 3 and 4 in Indiana. You
won’t be disappointed.

Against the Celtics or the 76ers, I would pick the Pacers to win. But they are not beating
LeBron James in the first round. I really wish it was possible for LeBron to lose, and I will be
rooting for it, but it just won’t happen. Especially against this Pacers team who he has
dominated in recent years. It’s probably too generous to give the Pacers even two wins.

(1) Rockets 4-0 over (8) Timberwolves

This series should not be particularly interesting. The Rockets should easily handle an
inexperienced Minnesota team that lacks the ability to stop anything they do on offense.
James Harden should have his way with anyone besides Jimmy Butler and Chris Paul can
run circles around Jeff Teague on the offensive end. I don’t trust Andrew Wiggins or
Karl-Anthony Towns to even get close to matching the flamethrowing Rockets offense.
Houston will continue to shoot threes, make them, and win each game by a score of
something like 132-115. The Rockets will be cruising into the second round.

(2) Warriors 4-0 over (7) Spurs

Much like the Rockets, I expect the Warriors to cruise in their first round matchup. I get it,
in the regular season, the Warriors looked far worse than in 2017. Even when fully healthy,
which was rare, the team lacked a fire after winning a championship. But now that they are
back in the playoffs, I think that fire is coming back. Kevin Durant alone could win this series
against a Spurs team without Kawhi Leonard and once Steph Curry comes back the Warriors
will look as unstoppable as ever. The top two seeds in the West should be looking forward to
a few days of rest in late April.

(3) Trailblazers 4-2 over (6) Pelicans

This is a tough pick. The Pelicans will have the best player in the series, the Blazers have
a better home court, the Pelicans play better defense centered around Anthony Davis, the
Blazers have a better coach, the Pelicans will have old friend and Celtic legend Rajon Rondo
in the playoffs, the Blazers have a dynamic duo in the backcourt.

At the very least, this series should be fun to watch. Two young teams who overachieved
playing in the first round always makes for a great two and a half hours. For the pick, I’ll take
the Blazers. Anthony Davis may be the best player in the series, but Damian Lillard is very
good in his own right. The Pelicans play better defense, but the Blazers are no slouch with
Nurkic in the post and Al-Farouq Aminu and Mo Harkless on the wing. The Pelicans do have
Rajon Rondo, though. Everyone in Boston remembers Games 1 and 2 in last year’s playoffs.
If he does that again, the Pelicans have a real chance. For now, the Blazers are a safer pick
in six games.

(5) Jazz 4-3 over (4) Thunder

For my only upset of the first round, I’ll pick a 5 seed that shouldn’t be seen as an
underdog at all. Other than Philly, they ended the season as the hottest team in the NBA.
Defensive superstar Rudy Gobert missed time and rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell took
time to settle in early in the season. But once they did, the Jazz took off. Yet, there are a few
things that could haunt them. Losing home court advantage in the last game of the season
was a big loss. Both of these teams have great crowds that could single-handedly carry them
into the second round, and Utah could struggle to win on the road in OKC.

Also, the Thunder have enough talent to surpass the Jazz. For yet another postseason,

Russell Westbrook will be tested on his ability to let off the gas a little bit and sacrifice in order

for the team to reach its maximum potential. Westbrook and his triple-doubles are great, don’t

get me wrong, but that style of play doesn’t win in the playoffs. I’ll take the Jazz in what I

predict will be the closest series of the playoffs. Carmelo Anthony misses a buzzer beater

in Game 7 and Utah escapes Oklahoma with a first round series win.

Second Round Predictions:

East:

(1) Raptors vs. (4) Cavaliers
(2) Celtics vs. (3) 76ers

West:

(1) Rockets vs. (5) Jazz

(2) Warriors vs. (3) Trailblazers

--Submitted by Dylan Woods, Staff Writer

Students taking a stand

by Emma Mari

       This Wednesday, the 14th of March, Woburn Memorial High School, along with
countless other schools across America will be taking a stand for Congress to pass
stricter gun laws. The walkout will begin at 10AM and conclude at 10:17AM. The
reason for the date and time is that this will be the exact one month anniversary of
the tragic school shooting at Marjory StonemanDouglas High School in Parkland,
Florida. The walkout will end at 10:17AM in honor of the 17 lives which were lost in
the shooting. Though, this walkout is voluntary so any student or teacher who does not
want to participate is welcome to stay in the school and will be directed on where to go
during the walkout. Also, any student or teacher who wishes to speak during the walkout
may do so as long as they let their advisory teacher know beforehand.

       On March 24th there will be a march in Boston commencing at 12PM in the Common
and will go until 5PM. There will also be speakers at the march to inspire and show
support for stricter gun laws.

       It is not often that teenagers are allowed to voice their own opinions, so WMHS
students should take their beliefs into account and do what they think is right for
our school community, and beyond.

Works Cited

Shapiro, Emily. “Everything to Know about the National School Walkout on March 14.”
ABC News. ABC News Network, 11 Mar. 2018. Web. 11 Mar. 2018.

DeCosta-Klipa, Nik. “3 Things to Know about Boston’s March for Our Lives.”
Boston.com. The Boston Globe, 23 Feb. 2018. Web. 11 Mar. 2018.

Game Report Somerville .vs. Woburn 2/26/18

On Tuesday, Woburn’s boys varsity basketball took part in the game of the year. A rowdy student fan section and a large crowd of Woburn supporters backed the seven players that played for Woburn during the game. This was a playoff game for Woburn but the intensity wasn’t there to start the game. Sommerville jumped out to a quick lead, taking the crowd temporarily out of the game. After the first quarter, Sommerville led 24-16 after the first quarter and opened that lead up to a 12 point deficit by halftime. Woburn looked like a team whose season was a quarter from being over when they opened up a 16 point lead in the third quarter. That was when the comeback started. The Tanners cut the lead in half and were down by 8 entering the fourth quarter. Trailing by 12 early in the fourth, Woburn gained momentum thanks to a couple of timely steals leading to easy layups for Austin and Brett Stachowski. Senior Isaiah Cashwell Doe had the ball in his hands down by 6 as the halfway point of the quarter passed. He pulled up for three to make it a three point game and on the ensuing possession stepped back for a crazy three to tie the game and send the Woburn fans into a frenzy. Senior captain Matt Juko and junior guard Ryan Ludwig came up big in the final two minutes, grabbing rebounds and nailing their foul shots. Woburn ended the game on a 20-6 run and won by a final score of 66-62. On Saturday, Woburn will take on the number one seeded Beverly at Beverly High School in the second round of the playoffs.

Submitted by Robert Dickey: Sports Editor

18 and counting- Another school shooting devastates the nation

by Sumeya Abrar

On February 14th 2018, at least 17 people passed away from the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. With over 3,000 faculty members, this was one of the largest high schools
in the nation and was chosen as the 15th most safest high school last year, but things took a drastic turn on Wednesday.
It all started a year ago when 19 years old Nikolas Cruz got expelled from the high school for disciplinary reasons
and Cruz obtained a AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle. About 6 months ago, Cruz commented on a YouTuber’s
video stating, "I'm going to be a professional school shooter.” The youtuber reached out to the FBI about the
comment and they reached back to him and conducted an in-person interview with him to interrogate him on any
information on Cruz, however he had none so they took a screenshot of the comment and then left. Six months
later, Cruz had become exactly what he had predicted on the YouTube video which led to 17 devastating deaths.
It is said that Cruz took an Uber to the high school, entered the building, and then started the shooting. An hour
later, Cruz blends in with students and exits the high school stopping by Walmart and Subway before getting
caught. Many students also described Cruz as a person who seemed lonely and weird as he always talked about
weapons and talks about wanting to be in the military. The questions that face our nation now is what can we do to
prevent this? Do we outlaw guns? Create greater security within schools? Solely in 2018, 18 school shootings have
occurred which is approximately 2 shootings per week, so something must be done. These students were just like us,
yet some of them had to take their last breath because a mentally ill mandecided to shoot others. Change must
occur for this to end, and that means talking to your government officials to see what they can do, and to make
sure they are aware. Our nation has been through so much, and we must join together to pray for those who passed
away. A vigil was held last night for the 17 people who are killed, and thousands came by. To show our respect and
condolences, The Bull’s Eye staff asks all of you to read the following names and give them a moment of silence
for their bravery and selflessness.

Jaime Guttenberg, 14, Nicholas Dworet, Martin Duque, 14, Meadow Pollack, 18, Cara Loughran, Alaina Petty, 14,
Joaquin Oliver, 17, Luke Hoyer, 15, Alyssa Alhadeff, 15, Gina Montalto, 14, Carmen Schentrup, Peter Wang, 15,
Alex Schachter, 14, Peter Wang, 15, and Helena Ramsey, 17

Game Report: Varsity Boys Basketball Reading vs Woburn 2/9/18

On Friday, Woburn High held their annual senior night for all of the seniors playing their last home game at the school. Seniors Austin Stachowski, Brett Stachowski, Blake McDonald, Matt Juko, Isaiah Cashwell-Doe, Amari Lolai, and Nick Metrano put on the jersey for the last time in a regular season home game. The ceremony to honor the seniors took place before the game against the rival Reading Rockets. Woburn was wide awake early, as they jumped out to a very quick 12-0 lead in a game where a blowout looked inevitable. The Rockets scored thirteen in the first though, making the game close again. By halftime, junior Ryan Ludwig had taken over dropping 12 points on the Reading defense and leading the Tanners to an 8 point halftime lead at 34-26. Woburn sustained the lead through the third quarter and although Reading continued to get close, Woburn never let them get dangerously close. By the fourth quarter the game was no longer in doubt and Woburn held on to beat Reading 62-51. Every senior got a chance to play in their last home game. Ludwig led the Woburn scorers with 21 points followed by Brett Stachowski (17) and Matt Juko (13). The Tanners close out the regular season with two road games before the playoffs.

Submitted by: Robert Dickey Sports Editor

Keep It on the Court - Game Report: Varsity Girls Basketball Woburn vs. Reading February 9, 2018

Woburn beat Reading 53-41 in a hard fought battle on Friday night. After three highly
contested quarters, the Tanners avoided the upset and advanced to 13-1 on the year.
Once again, Woburn showed their ability to win close games and play strong defense
when needed. In the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, Woburn broke the game
open. After the win, Boston Herald now has them ranked at number three in the state.
Hopefully, the Tanners can keep up the good work and maintain their high position
until the playoffs in just a few weeks. There is no doubt that they should be a favorite
to win it all.

However, the biggest story from Friday was not the excellent play of the Woburn
Tanners. Following the game, at 6:28 P.M., the Woburn Girls Twitter account posted
the following: “Woburn spoils Reading’s senior night with a 53-41 Win. After 3 close
quarters Woburn pulls away late in the 4th. Record now 13-1. Donahue 19, Rufo 12
and Pacheco 11 lead the way.” Understandably, the Woburn faithful was ecstatic over
the win. But the Reading account fired back with, “So proud of our girls tonight,
especially our seniors - never felt like our effort or our night was “spoiled” - just need to
keep working harder. These are great kids and great seniors.  So proud to be a Reading
Rocket!”

What we have here is a clear example of a sore loser. Reading was incapable of
taking the loss and decided to change the subject. All Woburn was trying to do was give the
unfortunate fans who could not attend the game a brief look into the excitement that is
Woburn Girls Varsity Basketball. Very well done, if I do say so myself. But then,
Reading comes out of nowhere and acts like Woburn meant anything by using the
word “spoiled”. Maybe you should focus on the other words in the tweet like
“Woburn”, “win”, and “Woburn pulls away”. Don’t hate us ‘cause you ain’t us. Try
winning and then you can attempt to reply. Right now, no one is proud to be a Reading
Rocket.

Woburn plays Lexington on Tuesday. Maybe this time we can avoid the
Twitter drama.

Submitted by: Dylan Woods, Staff Writer

Game Report: Boys Varsity Basketball Arlington vs Woburn 2/6/18

Coming off a tough week for the team, the Tanners looked to rebound against arguably the best team in the league, Arlington. Hosting the game gave Woburn a possible advantage as the Woburn fans showed up to support their team. Arlington started the game on a quick 8-0 run causing the Tanners to use an early timeout. Battling back like always though, the boys were able to take the lead in the first half. Down a few points in the third quarter, senior Isaiah Cashwell-Doe hit a few tough threes which accounted for most of his scoring for the night. Unfortunately for Woburn, Arlington began to pull away during the fourth quarter. Going on another quick run and effectively making free throws, Arlington stretched the lead to 10+ points. Despite the efforts of the offense to get back into the game, the Tanners ended up falling by a final score of 60-49. Cashwell-Doe led the team in scoring with 13 and Austin Stachowski put up 11 off the bench. Next up for the Tanners is senior night on Friday in what will be a huge game for the team.

Submitted by: Robert Dickey Sports Editor

Game Report: Girls Varsity Basketball Woburn vs. Wakefield 1/26/18

Woburn (8-1) and Wakefield (12-0) faced off on a crazy Friday night here at the high school. With six seconds left, the game was tied and the game was on the line. In a game between two top teams in the state, the last few moments could determine a lot later in the season.

Throughout the entire game, the two teams battled neck and neck. At points, it seemed like Woburn
was ready to make a run. Then, Wakefield would surge and it seemed they would be the ones to come
out on top. There were many ties and lead changes, especially down the stretch. The intensity could
be felt in the stands as much as on the court. Eventually, one great team would have to beat the other.
But whoever lost would definitely being going home a lot more sad then when they arrived. There
were no moral victories at stake.

In the end, Woburn’s stout defense and offensive persistence paid off. Marina Rufo’s shot with six
seconds left gave the Tanners a two-point lead and a steal as time expired clinched the win. Unlike
in the NBA, the Warriors were going home empty-handed.

Senior Kelsey Qualey finished with 19 points and Ashlyn Pacheco had 15 in Woburn’s 9th win of
the season. With just one loss, the Tanners are poised for yet another deep postseason run. Don’t
be afraid to show up to the games and support another great Woburn Girls Basketball Team!

Submitted by Dylan Woods, Staff Writer

Game Report: Boys Varsity Basketball Woburn vs Watertown 2/2/18

Coming off a tough 61-57 loss to Belmont on Thursday, the Tanners were looking to bounce back against Watertown, but unfortunately that was not the case as Woburn was no match for Watertown as they got blown out 85-57. Ryan Ludwig had a stellar 20 point game, which unfortunately did not seem to matter as Watertown’s offense and defense were way too much for Woburn to handle. The lockdown defense of Watertown caused Woburn to turn the ball over a lot which resulted in easy fast break offense for Watertown. If the boys want to get to the Garden they are going to have to tighten up on the turnovers and get rid of this losing streak as soon as possible. Their next game is on Tuesday, February 6th and will be there biggest game of the season thus far. It is do or die from now until the end of the season if they want to play at the Garden.

Submitted by Jack Raithel, Staff Writer

Game Report: Woburn Varsity Boys Basketball January 23, 2018 Woburn vs. Stoneham

After a 4 game winning streak was snapped Sunday against Arlington, Woburn (9-3) looked to bounce back against Stoneham (3-8). From the start, it didn’t look very promising. Woburn was not boxing out and gave up too many easy second chance points. Add in some sloppy turnovers and the Spartans took a 16-11 lead heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Stoneham continued to out rebound the Tanners and Woburn’s defense
got worse. They were gambling too much on the perimeter and their only hope of getting the
ball back was a turnover or a missed shot. Luckily, they were able to force a few turnovers
and get some easy putbacks on the offensive end. After one of those rebounds, Matt Juko
gave Woburn their first lead at 27-26 and the game was tied at 29 at halftime.

To start the second half, Woburn and Stoneham decided it was time to put some points on
the board. The Tanners started by hitting three straight threes by Blake McDonald, Matt
Juko, and Ryan Ludwig. Just like that, Woburn had a nine point lead and seemed to be
running away with the game. But to close out the quarter, Stoneham made a few threes
of their own. When the dust cleared, Woburn led 51-47. Both teams were moving the ball
well and it seemed like we would have a game that came down to the wire.

That feeling would last for about two minutes. Woburn started to run away, hitting shot after
shot and getting stop after stop. They went on a quick 10-2 run to start the quarter headlined
by a nice block by Matt Juko that sent the crowd into hysterics. Halfway through the quarter,
Woburn had already outscored Stoneham 26-7 and it was clear Woburn would go home with
a win. The starters got some rest and Woburn would go on to win 84-58.

Even though Woburn has to be happy with a 26-point win, you have to wonder: why can’t
they play like this the whole game? The Tanners have now played a few of these games
against lower opponents where they don’t get going until late. Hopefully, in their next game
against Wakefield, we will see a strong, wire-to-wire performance.

Submitted by: Dylan Woods, Staff Writer

Game Report: Boys Varsity Basketball Winchester vs Woburn 1/20/18

Game Report: Boys Varsity Basketball

Winchester vs Woburn

1/20/18

The long awaited rivalry game between the Woburn Tanners and Winchester Sachems was
played to perfection by the team that hosted. The Sachem’s traveled over town lines and into
enemy territory into the Woburn High Gym this past Friday night and walked out with a loss.
Woburn took the lead early and never looked back in a game mostly dominated by the starters.
Four out of the five starters reached double figures in scoring. Junior guard Ryan Ludwig and
Senior captain Matt Juko putt up 16 points each while Senior guard Isaiah Cashwell-Doe and
Senior captain Blake McDonald added 12 and 10 points respectively. Off the bench, Austin
Stachowski provided a jolt of scoring hitting multiple three pointers and adding fourteen points
to the Tanner lead. The game was close after the first quarter, where Ludwig put up 7 of his
16 points on route to a 17-13 lead. Defense led the way in the second and the Tanner offense
stayed consistent enough to take a 39-26 lead into halftime. The second half wasn’t close as
Woburn stretched the lead out to 24 points. Woburn ended the game winning by a score of
78-55 improving to 9-2 on the season, a massive improvement over last year. Woburn travels
to Arlington on Sunday for a tough matchup over town lines.

Submitted by: Robert Dickey, Sports Editor