Hoopin’ It Up at ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School

ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois

News Bulletin January 15, 2009

Hoopin' It Up at ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez
Computer Science High School

Mirta Ramirez is proud to announce their very first Varsity team. The new team consists of senior leaders Marcus Dodson and Jonathan Valez; juniors Adam Rios, Joel Calderon, and Joshua Mercado; a strong sophomore group of Marcus Johnson, Angel and Marcos Mendoza, Javier Laboy, Demethrice West, Keith Polk, and Brian Minor; and freshmen Manny Martinez, Billy Reynolds & Marquez Johnson.

White Tigers Win
55 - 32

On December 2nd , 2009, the Varsity team claimed victory over the Chicago Bulls College Prep with a winning score of 55 - 32. Senior Marcus Dodson led all scorers with nineteen points and was a strong leader throughout the game. Sophomore Marcus Johnson followed with thirteen and sophomore Keith Polk dropped in eleven. Freshman Manny Martinez had seven points and sophomore Angel Mendoza five. That left the record for the MRCS White Tigers at 1-0.

Above: Junior Joshua Mercado fighting to get to the basket over great coverage.

White Tigers Drop Game to Noble Street Pritzker: 48-37

After falling behind 2-22, the Tigers scrapped their way up to a 8-32 halftime deficit. Despite playing at Pritzker, the team enjoyed a "home crowd" as seemingly half of Mirta Ramirez students showed up to cheer them on. With strong defense led by Mercado, Calderon, West, Dodson, and the rest of the guards, the team held their opponents to 16 points in the second half, outscoring them 29-16. Valez scored eight points in less than two minutes, knocking down two three-pointers from the corner and making his first layup of the season. Although a loss, the Tigers regained their fight in the second half and clawed their way to a respectable finish. Record 1-1.

Above: Fourth-year Aspira teacher and coach Cameron Louis, addresses the varsity squad after every game.

Morale Victory to be Found in 48-43 Loss to Rauner College Prep

With another "home" crowd (thank you Mirta Ramirez students!!!), varsity lost a thriller at Windy City Field House on Thursday, December 17th. Rauner, our opponents, typically beat up on all of the schools in the Noble League. The Tigers embraced the loss and found great satisfaction knowing that they played hard-nosed defense and disciplined basketball. Mr. Louis said "As a coach, I don't know if they could have played a better game." The Tigers took their only lead 19-18 just before the half and then kept the game within ten points for the entirety of the second half despite being outsized by four to six inches at nearly every position. Dodson led the team with eleven points and played though a second half injury. Marcus Johnson and West added eight each. Mercado dropped in five points including a three pointer. Polk, Laboy and Martinez netted four apiece. Laboy had three blocks in the second half and played like a beast. Everyone played like a beast. After the game it was clear that Mirta's White Tigers can hang with anyone. The loss left a bitter taste but encouraged the White Tigers to move on and look forward to their next matchup. Record 1-2.

Above: Sophomore Javier Laboy cleared the way for Demethrice West's high-flying third quarter attacks against UIC College Preparatory.

Tigers Trounce UIC College Prep: 53-36

January 12th (AP) - Varsity pulled even with a .500 record last night in a rout of UIC College Prep (Noble). The game was highlighted by two buzzer beaters by Marcus Dodson. Playing on the road , the Tigers shot extremely well from the perimeter, dropping eight three pointers. Dodson, Mercado, Valez, the Mendoza Twins, and Polk all hit from beyond the arc. West sparked a run in the second half with physical play down low. All fourteen players saw significant playing time. Billy Reynolds played well on defense in the fourth quarter. Marcus Johnson dunked in the halftime shoot-around, drawing a technical foul from the referees. The team's next game will be against Aspira Early College.

Upcoming Games!

The White Tigers will be playing Aspira Early College soon; stay tuned for dates. Senior George Moreno might make a guest appearance as El Tigre (the tiger mascot). In addition, a new Junior Varsity will be staring up later in January 2010, playing in the Bethesda League.

1711 North California Ave.

           Chicago, Illinois 60647
            (773) 252-0970 Ext. 310
          Fax: (773) 739-2330
         http://mrcscs.aspirail.org

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

School Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.