The University of Arizona held its annual, Martin Luther King Basketball Classic on Monday, January 21 at McKale Center. The all-day event pits Tucson-based basketball teams (both boys and girls) against each other. I covered the girls basketball game against Sabino at 6:30. During halftime, our very own Mr. Hislope was awarded with the Martin Luther King Jr Award.

Mr. Hislope says that the award was for, “Teaching the ideas of MLK, and my years of service here at Sahuaro.” Mr. Hislope has been teaching English at Sahuaro for over 15 years. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Hislope said that he feels, “excited, humbled, flattered, and it was the highlight of my career.” The MLK Award was about diversity, and according to Mr. Hislope, diversity has increased. Mr Hislope even has advice for people who need help being more tolerant of others, “realize that experiences are valid, and have patience.” For anyone who needs help with learning how to be non-critical and more accepting of those who are different from ourselves, he says, “Use it as a teaching opportunity to respect views, and hope that by doing this people will become more tolerant.” Make sure that whenever you see Mr. Hislope, you congratulate and thank him for all he has done here at Sahuaro as this is his final year with us.  Mr. Hislope plans on retiring in May.

The basketball game got off to a fast start. Sabino took control in the game early and never seemed to let go of that control. However, Sahuaro was able to get the lead after the first quarter 13-11. Although, that was the only lead the Cougars were able to hold for the remainder of the game. Sabino had momentum for the rest of the game and Sahuaro unfortunately lost the game, 62-50.