By Gary Curreri

All season long, Blanche Ely boys basketball coach Melvin Randall thought he had a special team.

He was right. The Tigers won the Class 7A state title with a 72-60 victory over Kissimmee Osceola in the Class 7A state championship at The Lakeland Center on Saturday and continued to make history.

Ely (28-0), ranked No. 5 in the nation by USA Today, won its fifth state title overall and third in the past four seasons. It is the school’s fourth title since 2007.

“I can’t say they are one of the top (teams at the school),” said Blanche Ely coach Melvin Randall. “They are the top!”

Blanche Ely is ranked the highest it ever has been in school history and became the first by a Broward County public school and second in county history following Sagemont’s undefeated run last season. It is the first time the Tigers finished the year undefeated.

“It wasn’t a pushover schedule that we had,” said Randall, who also won state titles in 1997 with Deerfield (Class 5A) ,and his win in 1999 (Class 6A) came at the expense of his current school Ely, 77-69. After moving over to Ely, Randall won state titles in 2007 (Class 6A), 2012 (Class 7A) and 2013 (Class 7A).

“We played some teams that really pushed us,” added Randall, whose previous high national ranking was 12th in the country in 2013. “The way this team played is surprising because when you are ranked that high in the country, you are looking to have maybe four or five Division 1 players or Top-100 players on the team, which we don’t have. These kids played with a lot of heart and played together. They enjoyed playing with one another and that is what makes it good. For the most part, they listen.”

The Tigers are now tied with Ft. Lauderdale Dillard for the most state titles by a Broward County school.

Blanche Ely opened the game on a 7-0 run and led 13-2 at one point. The team stretched the lead to 13 before Osceola (26-6) clawed its way back to grab a 39-38 advantage with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

Senior Therrell Gosier Jr., who was a part of Ely’s two state championship teams as a freshman and sophomore, helped the Tigers erase that brief deficit and closed the game out with 20 of his 27 points in the second half. He also had eight rebounds.

Senior Laquincy Rideau had another balanced effort with 10 points, six assists, six rebounds and five steals, while senior guard Javon Heastie scored 19 of his 21 points in the first half. Randall said he is hopeful of a bid to the Dick’s Sporting Goods National Invitational in April in New York.

Randall said the “formula” to being successful was a simple one.

“I take it as a blessing,” Randall said. “I learned from the best – Greg Samuels, Butch Ingram, John Keister, Wade Edmonds, and I have a little bit of them in me, and I really studied them and took notes. I want to win with class and that is what is taught here. You can win, but we teach our kids the right way; they win with class.”

Randall said there is another thing on his bucket list that he would like to accomplish.

“I never met Louise Crocco from Cardinal Gibbons and I know it is another sport, but she has won championships and I wanted to know what she is doing,” Randall said referring to the volleyball coaching legend, which amassed 1,132 victories and 18 state championships in a stellar 40-year career. “I never had a chance to meet her, but I will.”

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

You can add Whiplash to the list of Oscar-nominated films that may be better than the actual winner [Birdman]. This is a very simple film in which young Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a first year drummer at a prestigious New York musical conservatory. The John Houseman of all educators, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) is a scary influence who wants gifted drummers to be great. Thus, the road to hell is paved with misguided intentions between a student and his mentor.

The intensity of Neiman’s drive and the darkness of Fletcher’s motivation provide an epic quality to this simple story. Whiplash forces you to rethink what it means to be successful. Young people might sympathize with young Andrew’s drive, while a former teacher might agree with mastermind Fletcher’s methods of developing talent.

Paul Reiser portrays Neiman’s loving, but ineffectual father. Reiser’s few scenes emphasize the importance of family values over ephemeral success. When accepting his Oscar for his role as Fletcher, Simmons ignited social media with his acceptance speech that supported this subtle theme of Whiplash.

He said, “Call your mom, call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call ‘em. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call them on the phone. Tell ‘em you love ‘em, and thank them, and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you.”

Mr. Kaplan opens tomorrow. This film was the official submission of Uruguay to the best foreign language film category of the 87th Academy Awards. Told in Spanish with English subtitles, this film provides serious themes about aging, the Holocaust and deadbeat dads, while creating some humorous moments.

Jacob Kaplan (Héctor Noguera) is the aging oddball of his community. Concerned that he might hurt himself, the family provides an assistant to drive Mr. Kaplan around town. While listening to the news, he learns that former Nazis have settled in his community. A child of the holocaust, Mr. Kaplan believes he has spotted a Nazi tormentor. With his befuddled assistant Contreras (Néstor Guzzini), Mr. Kaplan decides to kidnap the Nazi and send his tormentor to Israel.

Taking a cue from Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, Mr. Kaplan walks a fine line between comedy and tragedy. Not until the final scene does one realize that Mr. Kaplan is either heroic or delusional, but at least he managed to enjoy another adventure with his Sancho Panza.

[Note: Speaking of Don Quixote, the play Man of La Mancha is currently showing at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton through March 28. Info: www.thewick.org.]

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Don’t you just want to throw a shoe at the cable news programs on TV these days? Regardless of your political preferences, the bulk of what we get is killing, savagery, partisan ravings, nit picking at insignificant nonsense, and how long can we prolong a “gaff” story. I know, I know, there’s still no law preventing us from clicking the power-off button, and I find myself doing that more and more often. But it’s the killing and savagery part that continues to haunt me – on screen, in print or dining discussions. And I’m thinking that so much of the casual killing that is in current trend began with the Big Bang of 1945, which is surely not to say that killing hasn’t existed since the dawn of time.

I just finished reading the intriguing, “The Wives of Los Alamos,” by Tarashea Nesbit. The title tells all and the ending was no surprise. The original small group of scientists and their wives, and families, were holed up for two years basically incognito, as the atom bomb was a-birthing. And then it was dropped — not once, but twice — causing incalculable horror, and producing a seismic change in the way foreign policy is conducted. Oh yes, it ended World War II and saved many lives, we were told. But hordes of people were haunted by the apocalyptic event and questioned the morality of this monstrous creation.

A Marine Corps officer wrote in Sunday’s New York Times about giving an order to kill a young boy who was seen at a distance in a battlefield to be digging into the ground, while holding an unknown object in his hand. Was he planting a grenade? Could he give the kid the benefit of a doubt? Did he have time to weigh the pros and cons? No. He gave the order to kill. But he was haunted by his action and questioned the morality of his deed.

And of course, The American Sniper had bouts of haunting misgivings despite the demands of survival, as he expertly plied his “trade.”

As I see it, the good people on this earth are living through a collective unconscious state regarding “killing.” Collective unconscious is a term of analytical psychology, coined by Carl Jung. It is proposed to be a part of the unconscious mind, expressed in humanity … and describes how the structure of the psyche autonomously organizes experience. Jung distinguished the collective unconscious from the personal unconscious, in that the personal unconscious is a personal reservoir of experience unique to each individual, while the collective unconscious collects and organizes those personal experiences in a similar way with each member of a particular species.

Slowly, and with each killing that we rationalize as being in self defense, the reluctance to take another life eases, becomes more acceptable, less immoral. We defer to Darwin, in the name of survival.

Is this as disturbing you as it is to me? We are fighting a true enemy of the mind and for a set of what we consider to be moral values — but when do WE feel forced, in essence, to become THEM?

I’m going back to Turner Classic Movies — the musicals!

DEERFIELD BEACH

Feb. 17 A person was issued a notice to appear in court after being detained by Tri-Rail security for transit fare evasion.

Feb. 17 A vehicle was reported stolen from 1471 SW 30 Ave.

Feb. 17 A truck was reported burglarized at 59 NW 45 Ave.

Feb. 18 A man reported his shoes stolen at 201 E. Sample Rd.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Feb. 17 Auto theft of a truck/bus took place at Powerline Industrial Park, 1471 SW 30 Ave. The dump truck was parked next to a dumpster at the rear of the business, and was last seen there on Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The vehicle was locked with no keys inside. Unknown suspect(s) stole the dump truck.

Feb. 17 Conveyance burglary occurred in Riverglen, at 59 NW 45 Ave. The victim’s truck was burglarized. The two front-door locks to the vehicle were damaged, but nothing was taken from inside.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Feb. 7 Someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle while it was parked in front of her father’s residence at 5230 NE 29Ave. The thieves stole a purse containing $1,448 in items.

Feb. 8 Someone attempted to file unemployment claims at 3701 NE 22 Ave. using the victim’s identity.

Feb. 9 Someone punched a hole in the wall of a restroom at a park at 4521 NE 22 Ave. The damage was $200.

RE: Election Here we go again

We all know by now there is an election coming up on Tuesday, March 10 for District 1 and 2. We have a mayor supporting a candidate for District 1 to replace [the current Dist. 1] Commissioner. This is certainly her right. The mayor sent out a letter to all the voters of District 1 that are members of St. Ambrose Parish supporting this candidate and bashing [the current Commissioner]. In doing so, they have left us with the opinion that St. Ambrose supported their view. Nothing is further from the truth. St. Ambrose responded to the letter at Tuesday night’s commission meeting, explaining that they do not support either person who is running for District 1.

Being a member of St. Ambrose, I take great displeasure with the mayor and candidate for making this happen. Shame on both of you for causing this unneeded negative attention on Father Dalton and St. Ambrose, who have done nothing but good for the city. Your actions clearly show that you will do whatever is necessary to get elected, even if it means making up stories and figures to confuse the voters.

I love the city and am hoping it will continue on the present course. The people who are up for re-election should be voted back in, so they may finish the good work they are doing with the help of the other commissioners.

Glenn Frazer

Deerfield Beach

• Lazer Lloyd concert

Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m.

Pavillion Grille 301 Yamato Rd. Boca Raton FL 33431

Hailed by the Jerusalem Post as Israel’s greatest guitarist, Lazer Lloyd will be bringing his unique fusion of Rock, Blues and Jewish soul for Purim concert. 561-417-7797 or www.ChabadBocaBeaches.com.

• Black Heritage, Women’s History Month Banquet

Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Leo J. Robb, Jr. Memorial Gymnasium Westside Park 435 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Soul food buffet and live entertainment by Deerfield Beach High’s Jazz band. Keynote speaker: WSVN-7 News Anchor Danielle Knox. Salute to Hometown Heroes in the following categories: Business Professional – Carrol Stubbs, Community Service – Avis Swenson, Educator – Roy Clark, Athletic Role Model – Lou Ellen Stallings, and Clergy – Bishop Patrick Kelly. Tickets: Johnny Tigner, Sr. Community Center at Westside Park, $30. African attire recommended, not required. 954- 480-4481 or visit www.deerfield-beach.com/bhwh

• About Boating Safely

Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33441

Topics include boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, aids to navigation, federal and Florida regulations, safety equipment, and more. $35. Bring lunch. R.S.V.P., 561- 391-3600 — leave a message.

• Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, March 7, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sands Harbor Resort & Marina 125 N. Riverside Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Lighthouse tour transportation is only by boat from the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina. Tour boats run hourly. Must wear fl at shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-flops or heels allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48” (4 ft.) tall to climb tower. No pets allowed. $25 per person; free for HLPS members. www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

• Dancing Through the Decades

Saturday, March 7, 6 to 11 p.m.

Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Soroptimist International of Pompano Beach Annual Spring Fundraiser. Live entertainment with 9-piece “Motowners” band. Dinner, dancing, raffles, auctions. $65 per person. 954-234-5339.

• Spring Family Fun Day

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Citi Centre 1955 N Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In partnership with Lowe’s. Build a garden. Kids get apron, goggles and patch. Live entertainment, raffles and more. www.PompanoCitiCentre.com.

• Farm Heritage Days

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House 450 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

See antique farming equipment, learn about agricultural roots of area; games, music, food, tours of the historic home, and more. $10 (Children 12 and under free). 954 691-5686.

• FREE iced coffee Monday, March 9, all day

South Florida Dunkin’ Donuts

Get a free 16 oz. cup of iced coffee at a Dunkin’ Donuts near you. Limit one per customer.

• Deerfield Beach Orchid Society Annual Auction

Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. SHARP (doors open at 7 p.m.)

Women’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hundreds of orchids up for auction. Guests welcome (first two visits to meetings free, charge after). deerfieldbeachorchidsociety@gmail.com or www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org

• 4th annual Bonefish Mac Attack on Cancer

Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 9 p.m.

Bonefish Mac’s 2002 E. Sample Rd. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Food, drink and raffles. Held by Team Healing Spirits of Relay for Life Deerfield Beach. Proceeds go to American Cancer Society. To learn more about our Relay For Life (April 18-19 in Quiet Waters Park), register a team or survivor, go to www.relayforlife.org/dblpfl .

On The Festival of Purim, the groggers, the noisemakers, were spun with glee. “Glee.” There is a TV show called “Glee.” It is about a group of young performers who love nothing more than to lift the spirits of their audience. They do so with their voices, their instruments and with their dance moves.

On Purim, we are supposed to be filled with “glee.” I looked up the word in a very old dictionary, a Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Edition and found these definitions: “entertainment”… “joy.”

But that just didn’t seem to do justice to the word, at least not at the times that I would say that, “I was filled with glee.” But, then, I saw the last definition given in that dictionary — “Glee – exultant, high spirited joy and merriment.”

After reading that definition, I think I am going to start using the word more often. I was in glee recently, as my congregation, Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach, had a wonderful Klezmer Band perform in our “On Stage” series. If you don’t know what Klezmer music is, you should be sure and hear some because, once you do, you will be hooked.

Klezmer music is filled with joy and, as you listen to it, your feet start stomping in rhythm with the music and, before long, don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting up out of your chair and dancing in pure delight.

By the way, there was something very special about the Klezmer group at our Temple. You see, according to their publicist, each member of the band is either a Holocaust survivor or the child of a survivor.

Yet, there they were on our stage playing Klezmer music and, even though many in attendance were up in years, by golly, they tapped their feet, and they got up and danced.

After the show, some of the Holocaust survivors who are members of my congregation were interviewed by the press.

While those interviews were going on, someone from the band asked me what my favorite part of the show was. I think he was asking me which my favorite song was. I told him that I loved all the music, and I loved the gleeful mood they had put the congregation into. But what I loved most about the concert was watching the faces of the band on stage.

These were individuals who lived through the horrors of the camps. So many people I know, after going through the horror of illness or of loss, be it of a loved one or of a job, or in the stock market, feel that they can never have joy in their lives again. Many even lose their faith.

But here were a small band of musicians who went through the horrors of Nazi Germany and, as they played their music, their faces began to light up with the brightest smiles you could ever hope to see. I could see the glee right there on their faces and that joy I saw in them … well, that was my favorite part of the show. The audience felt that joy and each of us was uplifted in spirit. We were all filled with glee.

As I write this, the Ramat Gan Dance Troupe is coming to us and I have no doubt that they, too, will lift our spirits. Most of us cannot dance like the members of that incredible dance troupe, but we can still get up and let the spirit move us. So, dance my friends, sing my friends. Let us sing and dance together and fill the world with glee.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach (201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442). Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m.