The Chargers baseball team have had three games since the last sports update. Their first game was an away game against West Georgia Tech on May 3, which they lost 8-2. The Highlands Chargers then lost their next game against West Georgia Tech on Friday, May 6, with a final score of 6-5. The team then turned around and defeated West Georgia Tech on Saturday, May 7, with a score of 6-4.

Going forward, the Chargers are slated to compete in the GCAA Playoffs, which begin on Wednesday, May 11, and continue until Saturday, May 14. The Chargers will play their first game in the playoffs against Gordon State College from Barnesville, Ga. If they win, the team will then play against the #1 seed Darton College. Should they defeat Darton, the Chargers will be on their way to winning the tournament.

Should they win the tournament, the Chargers will then advance to the East Central Super Region on Thursday, May 19.

Softball

The Chargers softball team wrapped up their season on Friday, April 29. The team had an overall record of 27-33 and a GCAA record of 7-7.

The Chargers managed to make it all the way to the GCAA Region XVII Tournament, which began on April 29. With a double-header that began at 1 p.m., the team won their first game against East Georgia College with a score of 6-0. However, the Chargers victory was short-lived, as they narrowly lost their second game to South Georgia State, 5-4.

The team is currently preparing for their next season.

Baseball

The Georgia Highlands baseball team is nearing the end of their season. Currently, the team has an overall record of 26-26 and a GCAA record of 11-13.

The Chargers won their most recent game on April 30 against Gordon State College with a final score of 8-3. Their next game is scheduled for May 3 at 1:05 p.m. at West Georgia Tech in Barnesville. The team’s next home game will take place on May 6 at 6 p.m.

The team is also scheduled to participate in the GCAA Playoffs beginning on May 11 and lasting until May 14. Should they win, the Chargers will then advance to the East Central Super Region on May 19. If they are successful, the team will participate in the NJCAA World Series beginning May 26 and continuing until June 4.

Basketball

This past year at Highlands, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams had successful seasons.

The men’s team went undefeated for over 30 consecutive games, and had an overall record of 33-2 and a GCAA record of 16-0. The team hosted and won the NJCAA Region 17 Tournament, and advanced to the National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., where they were defeated in the Elite Eight by Ranger College.

The women’s team had an overall record of 26-10 and a GCAA record of 14-2. The Lady Chargers also advanced to the District J Championship, where they defeated Spartanburg Methodist College to advance to the National Tournament. The team won their first round game against Gillete Community College with a score of 72-53, but were defeated in the second round of the tournament by the #1 nationally ranked Gulf Coast College 71-64.

Both teams are currently recruiting and preparing for next season.

As a movie I’ve been looking forward to for some time, I can honestly say The Jungle Book met all of my expectations. Director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Marks have done an impeccable job adapting the old Disney adaptation into a CG fueled extravaganza. However, this still may not be the version for fans of the book, as it more closely resembles the Disney classic than Kipling’s narrative.

The plot itself was obviously meticulously mulled over so the writers could find the best parts to make more emotionally investing and tense. As such, a lot of liberties were taken with the original adaptation of the work. Shere Khan, the vicious tiger hunting Mowgili (and voiced by Idris Elba), has more screen time this time around, and has a stronger and more dangerous presence. One sequence in which the villain hunts the protagonist in an open field shows how much of a threat he really is (and also features a small Easter egg for fans of the book).

The creative team was also able to make the story more mature, adopting a darker tone and more thrilling atmosphere. There’s even some subtext the film has to offer (Mowgli’s inner struggle, the role of man in nature), paving the way for discussions with others who have watched it. However, it should be noted that the narrative isn’t the deepest in film, or even that a Disney film has to offer. It’s still the very direct man vs. nature story from the book and 1967 movie. Nonetheless, fans of the older works should have no qualms with the narrative.

The cast is truly incredible. Disney recruited some of the biggest names in acting to fill the roles of the characters. The Jungle Book features the talents of Lupita Nyong’o, Giancarlo Esposito, Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, and Scarlett Johansson, to name a few (or all of the main characters). All of the actor’s do a remarkable job of making their characters come to life. However, the bulk of the film is carried by child actor Neel Sethi’s portrayal of Mowgli. It amazes me that a child was able to make me believe he was truly interacting with these animals, despite the fact that he was acting with props and they were added in later.

From a purely technological standpoint, the film boasts some of the best effects to date. Light and fur move on characters such as Baloo (Bill Murray) and Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) in realistic ways, and the animals themselves move and behave in believable manners. This aspect of the film is fully realized in the sequence with King Louie, voiced by Christopher Walken, in which the monkeys sing and dance without breaking the immersion of the live-action aspect of the film.

While being a much smaller presence than the original with only two songs, the way the musical aspect of the film is introduced is clever as well. The music comes in to play about halfway through the film, where Baloo makes the remark, “Everybody’s got a song.” Next thing you know, the characters are singing the classic “Bear Necessities,” which has always been the film’s theme since the original in 1967.

However, the film wasn’t without its flaws. The most glaring of these are pacing issues in the film. For instance, the scene in which they introduce Kaa, the rock python voiced by Scarlett Johansson, feels tacked on. Although Johansson’s performance is spot on and her seductive and hypnotic voice work truly fits the character well, Kaa serves no real purpose besides introducing a plot element and explaining Mowgli’s backstory. Her scene is at most a minute and a half long, and ends by introducing Baloo. Afterwards the film swings back to its focus, and the characters seem to ignore or forget Mowgli’s encounter with Kaa, as she is never mentioned again.

Another problem I have is the use of all CG. Although I’ve praised it up until this point, CG is a tricky subject for films. While The Jungle Book does feature some of the best effects I’ve ever seen, the characters and setting are still clearly CG. As such, part of me worries that this film won’t be the timeless classic the original is, and rather a product of the time. I constantly found myself wishing that certain parts had been practical. However, the film truly is a beautiful and colorful work with a fully realized world.

All in all, director Jon Favreau and his team have done a magnificent job turning the beloved animated classic into a more mature and visually beautiful live-action/CG film. The creative direction and faithfulness to the source material are admirable, but the film also goes a long way in establishing itself as its own entity rather than just a straight adaptation. The Jungle Book is sure to entertain both young and old film goers with its unique setting and characters and immersive storyline.

“Online is the fastest growing campus, and it is the largest in the summer,” said Diane Langston, dean of academic elearning.

Many students have enrolled in some form of elearning classes but do not necessarily know the differences between the types of classes or the options related to online courses. Highlands currently offers four different types of elearning classes: WEB based, eCore, eClassroom and hybrid learning.

Chart by Tyler Wright

WEB based courses are taught and participated in strictly by Highlands staff a completed entirely online. Online exams may employ the use of Respondus, a program geared towards the prevention of cheating.

ECore courses are similar to WEB based and are completed entirely online. ECore also features its own version of Respondus, called ProctorU. However, eCore classes can be instructed by any teacher from the University System of Georgia, who may not necessarily be a professor from Highlands. These courses cost more, but usually have free textbooks. Students who enroll in only eCore classes will also receive a fee break.

EClassroom courses require students to tune in to and participate in video chats with their instructors and fellow students on a regular basis.

Hybrid learning is a middle ground between traditional and online classes, being anywhere from 50 to 95 percent online and requiring some class meetings throughout the semester. Langston pointed out that students in the hybrid classes tend to be more successful than those in other elearning courses.

All options require the student to attend a testing center in order to take midterms and final exams. Testing centers are not necessarily at a GHC campus. Locations range anywhere from a public library to a Sylvan learning center eliminating the worry of planning a road trip to take exams.

Leslie Tyrell-Payne, senior academic adviser of elearning, stated that several degrees can actually be completed entirely online. Highlands’ current four-year programs in nursing and dental hygiene can be completed online, but only after the student receives their associate degree in dental hygiene or nursing, respectively.

ELearning is also a huge contributor to the Nights, Online and Weekends (NOW) program, which aims to get adults back in school to complete their degrees. With the slogan of “go back, move ahead,” the NOW program incorporates various online and hybrid classes in its efforts.

Tyrell-Payne also explained that Highlands has a partnership with the University of Georgia that allows students to receive a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from UGA entirely through online courses. According to Tyrell-Payne, UGA wants students who have already completed their associate degree to enroll in this program. All students enrolling must also meet the standard requirements for admittance to UGA as well as have at least a 2.8 GPA.

The Chargers lost their quarterfinal game against Ranger College with a final score of 81-91.

The team suffered from a slow start in the first half of the game which they were not able to recover from.

Despite making a strong comeback in the last half, the Chargers were unable to pull ahead.

With this loss, the Chargers are out of the NJCAA National tournament.

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UPDATE

The GHC Chargers advanced to the next round of the NJCAA Nationals with a win of 83-69 against Northeast Oklahoma on March 16.

The Chargers maintained a lead at the half of 48-33, which they carried into the second half.

The Chargers next game will be Thursday, March 17 at 9 p.m. Live streaming of the game can be found at njcaatv.com. There will be big-screen viewing of the game at the Floyd campus library’s Three Rivers Room. The viewing will also happen Friday and Saturday as long as the Chargers continue to win. 

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Kyvon Davenport jumps in an attempt to score against Chattahoochie Tech. Photo by Daniel Smith

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The Chargers are competing for the second consecutive year in the NJCAA National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas. Competing as the 3^rd seed, the Chargers first game is scheduled for March 16 at 7 p.m. For updates, head to sixmilepost.com.

The GHC Chargers are the NJCAA Region 17 champs for the second year in a row.

The team defeated the Central Georgia Tech Titans 78-72 Saturday March 5 in the Floyd campus gym to take the championship title. This victory guaranteed the Chargers a seat in the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Due to the Chargers’ successful record, the NJCAA Region 17 Tournament was hosted at the Chargers’ home court.

The Chargers started off the tournament with a 104-95 victory against East Georgia State on March 1. The team then advanced to the semi-finals March 4, where they defeated Chattahoochee Tech 100-79.

In the championship game, the Chargers suffered from a slow start. The team was down by 12 points during the first half. However, by halftime, the Chargers had managed to tie the game 37-37. They then pulled ahead during the second half, winning and advancing to the national tournament.

Guard Tylik Evans shared his thoughts about the team. “I’m really proud of my teammates. Without our teamwork, we wouldn’t have been able to make it this far,” Evans said.

This marks the second consecutive year the Chargers have made it to the national tournament. Last year, the team was able to make it all the way to the Final Four, a feat which they hope to achieve again.

At the end of the Regional Championship game, Phil Gaffney, GHC head basketball coach and director of athletics, was presented the award for Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association 2016 Division I Coach of the Year. (Insert quote)

Several members of the team have also received GCAA awards.

Doniel Dean was named NJCAA Region 17 Tournament MVP. Dean also received Defensive Player of the Year and was added to the GCAA All-Defensive and GCAA First teams.

Evans was awarded Division I Freshman of the Year and was named to the GCAA All-Freshman team. Evans was also named to the GCAA Second team, an honor he shared with teammate Kyvon Davenport.

The team, which is ranked #2 nationwide, was undefeated in conference play and has an overall record of 32-1 for the season.

The Chargers are competing for the second consecutive year in the NJCAA National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas. Competing as the 3^rd seed, the Chargers first game is scheduled for March 16 at 7 p.m.

The Lady Chargers lost their second tournament game against Gulf Coast State. The final score was 71-64.

The team was behind for most of the game and despite making a comeback in the last quarter, where they were down by just 2 points with 1:31 to go, they were unable to take the lead.

With this loss, the Lady Chargers are out of the tournament.

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The Lady Chargers huddle up during a time out. Photo by Taylor Barton

Georgia Highlands Lady Chargers won their first NJCAA Division I Women’s National Tournament game against Gillette College with a final score of 72-53. The Lady Chargers opened up the game with a 14 point lead at the end of the first quarter, which they were able to carry throughout the game. Their next game is Tuesday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

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The Lady Chargers are competing for the first time as the 16^th seed in the NJCAA National Women’s Championship in Lubbock, Texas. The team won their first game on March 14 against #17 seed Gillete College, 72-53. The NJCAA Championship is a 24-team tournament made up of the best teams in the nation.

After winning the regional championship, the Lady Chargers, with a conference record of 14-2, won the NJCAA District J Championship game against Spartanburg Methodist College March 5 with a final score of 76-43. This win secured the team a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament.

The Lady Chargers started off their tournament play by competing in the NJCAA Region 17 Women’s Tournament. The team won their quarter-final game Feb. 23 against East Georgia College at home with a final score of 78-52. The team then travelled to Americus on Feb. 26 to take on Darton State, winning the semi-final game 75-59.

The Lady Chargers won the Region 17 Women’s Championship in a close game against South Georgia Tech on Feb. 27 by a score of 65-63, becoming the first GHC women’s basketball team to win the tournament.

After the game in Spartanburg, S.C., Coach Brandan Harrell shared his thoughts on his team’s performance. “We really played well,” Harrell said, “especially in the second half.” Harrell went on to discuss his sophomore players. He said, “I can’t say enough good things about them and their work ethic and leadership. All six were huge contributors to our success.”

Individual team members received awards this season, as well. Kayla Carter and Deashia Jones were named to the 2016 GCAA All-Tournament team, with Carter receiving the title of Tournament MVP. Carter and Deana Blankinship were also named to the GCAA First Team and Second Team, respectively.

With a final score of 100-79, the Chargers defeated Chattahoochee Tech and will advance to the NJCAA Region 17 Championship.

After a slow start at the beginning of the first half in which the Chargers were down by 10 points, the team was able to close the gap and finish the first half with an eight point lead of 43-35. The Chargers maintained and grew this lead throughout the second half of the game.

The Chargers were led by Kyvon Davenport with 27 points, Doniel Dean with 22 points and Tylik Evans with 21 points. Evans shared his thoughts about the game and said, “I’m proud of my teammates. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to make it this far.”

The Chargers next game is Saturday, March 5, at 4 p.m. against Central Georgia Tech, a team which Phil Gaffney, head basketball coach and director of athletics, said “has done historically well against us.” Gaffney went on to say, “With our current record, I think we’re definitely going to be in the national tournament. Hopefully, we’ll win this next game and be guaranteed a spot.”

Justin Bridges soars off the ground as he attempts a shot for the Chargers. Contributed photo

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The Chargers won their first tournament game against East Georgia State with a final score of 104-95 on Tuesday, March 1.

The team was led by Tylik Evans scoring 26 points and Kyvon Davenport scoring 23 points. The Chargers finished the first half in the lead with 49 to 46, and were able to extend that lead into the final half.

Phil Gaffney, head coach of the men’s basketball team and director of athletics, said, “It was one of our best games offensively, and one of our worst defensively.” Kyvon Davenport shared this same thought and said the game “was one of our worst defense games.”

This victory will lead the Chargers to host the NJCAA Final Four, with their next tournament game on Friday, March 4 against Chattahoochee Tech at 7:30 p.m.