By STETSON TURNER

It's almost basketball season again, and this year's Fox Creek High School is fired up for its upcoming games. Bobby Herring said this season will be competitive and exciting. "When I get on the court, I put my A game on." Senior Cody Willing is equally anticipating the season. Cody has been a starter since his freshman year when he played with his cousin, Seth Bryant. Owen Jacobs, a junior who practices on his home court every day, can hardly wait to be back on the school court. Fox Creek's team has much more potential than previous years, and players are sure to dominate in many victories this year with coach Andre Baskett. The games will be held at the Sweetwater, and the first game will be on Dec. 2.

Fox Creek alumna and Miss Teen United States, Courtney Turner, will help assist the Miss Fox Creek pageant on Feb. 6. Courtney is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina majoring in multimedia and mass communications. She won her title this past July in Las Vegas and has been volunteering all around the community and the United States. The pageant's theme will be "Fun in the Fifties" with over 60 girls competing. Contestants say they are thrilled to compete, most for their first time in a pageant, but the experience will be worth it.

Swine flu is a big issue in public schools today. Even though there have been no reported cases in South Carolina, some schools in Newberry are canceling classes for fear of swine flu. Some schools are giving vaccines for the virus but many parents are worried because they fear the shots contain ingredients that can cause other health problems. There have been no official reports of swine flu in Fox Creek High School but students are still encouraged to take necessary precautions to prevent catching the virus. For some parents, precautions are not enough, and they are taking their children out of school if any flu symptoms are discovered.

Fox Creek's new facility is advanced but lacks a workout gym for athletes. In order for Fox Creek's athletes to be in the best shape, they have to use the workout facility of Gold's Gym. For the students to use the facility, they must pay $30 per month to use the equipment, but with the state-of-the-art machines, athletes can improve their strength, speed and skill more quickly than they could have done at Fox Creek's facility. The variety of machines and workout sessions will enhance athletic performance and could lead to Fox Creek winning games in all the sports competitions.

Be sure to stop by Palmetto Gym this Saturday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a huge yard sale sponsored by the seniors who are earning money for their senior trip to Universal in March. Also, stop by Sparkle Carwash on Highway 25 for a $9 wash and punch in 4488 to give seniors money toward their trip.