The leadership class started a new tradition called Battle Ball on Saturday, March 10. Teams of six or more met in the gym and the games commenced.

“I really liked hanging out with friends and throwing balls at people,” said junior Millad Nooristani, who was part of team YMCMB. “It really relieved a lot of stress from schoolwork.”

Battle Ball is similar to dodgeball. Six players stand on opposing sides of the court and balls are placed in the center. When the referee blows the whistle, players sprint to the center and then proceed to throw balls at their opponents.

“I thought it was good that everybody was hyped,” said junior Cindy Flores. “I think it would be great if more players participated next year.”

The winning team of this year’s competition was the Battle Ballers, consisting of sophomores Noah Kreider, Tyler Liboro, Jojo Kidane, Davey Elmer, Emanuel Coello, and Sammy Nazam.

“[Winning] was the highlight of my Battle Ball career,” said Kreider. “Next year we hope to take the championship again.”

“It was awesome winning,” said Liboro. “After the game, the girls loved us.”

Each player paid a $5 registration fee. All funds went to leadership.

“The idea was that we would like to present the school with an SGA gift,” said leadership teacher Michael Astudillo, “depending on how much money we raised throughout the end of the year.”

Leadership hopes to see an increase in participation in the next year’s Battle Ball tournament.

“I would love to see more spectators in the stands,” said Astudillo. “I think anyone that was there can tell you how much fun and how exciting it was to watch the live action.”

Astudillo said he was pleased with the spirit displayed at the Battle Ball tournament.

“The event was a tremendous success, especially given that this was the first year that the event was held here at South Lakes,” said Astudillo.