By Kenna McMurray

Moapa Valley Progress

MVHS Debate team individual winners at recent Green Valley High School tournament included l to r Kenna McMurray, Jacob Allum, Tucker Abbott and Hannah Hendrix.

The Moapa Valley High School Forensics team dominated at Green Valley High School to successfully continue a winning streak the extends into last season. This debate only tournament allowed competitors to participate in only four events; Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Congress, and Public Forum.

Students competed hard on Friday, participating in two rounds of debate. They then returned early on Saturday morning to battle it out in another two rounds.

Results were then calculated to see who would be continuing on to quarter finals and who would be done for the tournament. Debaters needed to have a near perfect record to continue on in the competition.

Kenna McMurray continued on to various final rounds and took third place overall. Jacob Allum, Moapa Valley Forensics President, placed first overall in Varsity Senate Congress. Tucker Abbott placed first as well in his room of Varsity Senate Congress. Sophomore Hannah Hendrix placed second overall in Junior Varsity House Congress.

Many members competed well and had near perfect records, but were narrowly shut out of finals rounds. Senior JanaLee Weatherford won three of her four rounds and nearly entered finals, but was blocked out due to speaker points.

After all the points were tabulated, Moapa won first place as a team, with Virgin Valley placing third.

“This was the first debate tournament of the year and I couldn’t be happier!” said Team President, Jacob Allum. “We performed well and showed that Moapa continues to compete at the highest level. It’s going to be a great year and I’m excited for the upcoming challanges!”

After small school results were announced, a very momentous occasion occured. Long dominating host school, Green Valley High School, took second behind Palo Verde High School. Green Valley went undefeated last year, and is well known for having a reputation of being invincible.

MVHS Forensics coach, Jared Bushman, has had a goal of defeating Green Valley High School throughout his coaching career. This event has made that goal all the more possible, he said.

The Pirates are looking forward for a chance to prove this at their next tournament, held November 18-19 at Dixie High School. Tournaments are always in need of judges. No experience is required. If interested in supporting Moapa Valley Forensics, please contact any Pirate forensics student or Mr. Bushman at MVHS.