[PHOTOSTORY 2: BASKETBALL SHOOTAROUND

 By: Cody Tran

Jack Ballard is a former high school basketball player. He is at the Arbor's neighborhood basketball court to get some shots in.

Jack Ballard tying his shoes before heading onto the court. He doesn't wear them before getting onto to court to prevent bringing anything like rocks from getting onto the court.

Christian Whitlock is joining Jack Ballard for his shootaround. Whitlock is working on his free throw shooting while Ballard is close to the goal to warm up his form.

Jack Ballard is warming up his shot by practicing free throw shots. "You want to make sure for free throws you line up your right side to the middle of the goal" said Ballard.

Jack Ballard is continuing to shoot free throws to warm up his shot. In this angle you can see how his right side is lined up with to the goal.

Christian Whitlock misses his free throw attempt. Jack Ballard is moving out the way to retrieve the ball.

Jack Ballard is now moving to shoot his shots to the elbow of the court while Christian is dribbling at the corner. Jack Ballard made his shot from how the net is moving.

Christian Whitlock and Jack Ballard starting a 1v1 game. Whitlock is dribbling the ball to try and get some space from Ballard.

Christian Whitlock is able to find some space from Jack Ballard and attempts a right hand layup. Jack Ballard is trying to close the gap and contests Whitlock's layup.

Jack Ballard and Christian Whitlock both look to see if Whitlock's layup is successful. In the meantime while the ball is in the air, Ballard positions himself for a potential rebound.

Christian Whitlock's layup is no good. Jack Ballard is in position to rebound the ball and take it outside of the three point line to attempt his shot now.

Jack Ballard is now in possession of the ball and makes his move. Ballard tries to drive to the basket with Christian Whitlock on his right side.

Jack Ballard pivots from driving into the paint and steps back for an open jump shot. Christian Whitlock wasn't anticipating for a step back jump shot and gives up a lot of space for Ballard.

Christian Whitlock checks the ball back to Jack Ballard at the top of the three point line to resume play. Ballard quickly shoots a deep two seeing that Whitlock is too far away to contest.

Christian Whitlock is in line to get a rebound after Jack Ballard tries to go for a fast layup. Ballard is now not able to position himself for an offensive rebound.

Christian Whitlock is able to secure the rebound with Jack Ballard out of the picture. Whitlock now has an opportunity to score.

Jack Ballard is giving Christian Whitlock space for him to drive closer to the basket. Whitlock will now try to get to his spot and score a basket.

Jack Ballard is able to close in on Christian Whitlock making Whitlock second guess his shot. Whitlock now has both of his hands on the ball and can't dribble to reposition himself.

With no where else to move, Christian Whitlock has to force up a shot. Jack Ballard doesn't have to contest this shot too much as Whitlock is off balance.

After the 1v1 game, Ballard heads to some shade and drink some water to keep himself hydrated. A nice reward after winning the game against Christian Whitlock.

[PHOTOSTORY 2: MOTION] Still in the swing of things

By: Kathryne Davis

Conner Thompson is opening the gate of the tennis courts. Thompson was there to get some extra practice in before he begins hosting tennis lessons to a few middle school aged kids at the end of July.

The rules for the tennis courts at the Screven County Recreation Department are hanging on the fence. These courts were built four years ago.

Thompson is doing some arm stretches. In high school, he played tennis and baseball, but now in college he helps kids from Screven with both sports.

Thompson is doing leg stretches. In the past, he only played second singles during matches, but he always loved practices where he got try doubles.

Thompson is hitting the tennis balls to the back of the court. "I always start out hitting at the baseline and then I'll move closer to the net and practice at the service line," says Thompson.

Thompson is boucing the ball up and down to warm up his grip on the racket before starting. Players will usually bounce the ball a few times before setting up a to serve.

Thompson is tossing the ball up for a serve. If a toss is not where the player wants it, then they can catch it and try again with no penalty, as long as they do not drop it on the ground.

Thompson hits his serve and makes the ball fly to the other side of the court. When serving, the player gets a first and second serve, but if neither goes in, that is called a double fault.

Thompson is watching the ball and in the process of hitting it. The swing he is doing is called a forehand, which only uses your dominate hand.

Thompson hits his forehand to the opposing side. Players always aim for the side of the court diagonal to them to make their opponent run and get tired out.

A few of the tennis ball are sitting at the net. These balls were the ones that Thompson failed to get over the net.

Thompson is practicing more of his serves. Players start out being taught to serve in two motions, but as you get more experienced it becomes one fluid motion.

Thompson hits his serve diagonally. During a serve, the player must stay behind the white base line or they will receive a foot fault.

Thompson is taking a water break to cool down. Usually, he likes to practice just before the evening because the courts become packed with pickleball players when it gets dark.

Both of Thompson's rackets are propped up against the net. The orange racket is his main, while the white racket is a backup in case any strings pop while he is playing.

Thompson is stepping up to the net with a ball. At the net is where players will volley the ball with powerful swings.

Thompson is hitting a forehand volley. The three main types of volleys are forehand, backhand and overhead.

Thompson is picking up the balls that he hit into the net. "Picking up the balls at the end of a practice has always been my least favorite part," says Thompson.

Thompson is walking to get a ball he hit over the fence. When a ball is hit outside of the lines or the court, then the opposing player can yell "out" or hold up one finger.

Thompson has grabbed his stuff and is walking out of the gate. His practice took just under 45 minutes.

[PHOTOSTORY 2: MOTION] Bonfire Event

 By: Peter Heissenbuttel

Residents gather around one of the 2 fire pits and roast marshmallows during a bonfire social at Revelry on Friday night. The event gives students a chance to meet neighbors and spend time together outside of class in a relaxed setting.

Maya Thompson, right, roasts a marshmallow while Nathan Cruz, center, looks at a phone beside the courtyard fire pit. Small moments like these helped turn the bonfire into a casual social event where residents could unwind and connect.

A large group of residents fills the courtyard as the bonfire event draws students outside for food, drinks, and conversation. Community events like the gathering help create a more social atmosphere and encourage residents to get to know one another.

Residents continue talking and relaxing around the fire pit as the bonfire social carries on into the night. The event brought together students from across the community for an evening centered on food, conversation, and a shared outdoor space.

Students sit around the fire pit, eat snacks, and talk with friends during the evening bonfire. Organizers use events like this one to help residents build friendships and feel more connected to the apartment community.

Tyler Brooks, right, and Marcus Hill laugh while sharing snacks near the bonfire Friday night. Their interaction reflects the lighthearted atmosphere of the event, which encouraged residents to relax and socialize.

Residents gather closely around the fire pit as more students join the bonfire social in the courtyard. The growing crowd shows how community events can turn a common outdoor area into a place for residents to connect.

 Residents warm their hands and roast marshmallows over the fire while talking with friends. The bonfire served as a central meeting place for students looking for a simple way to spend time together on campus housing grounds.

 Students spread out across the courtyard, with some gathered at the fire pit and others talking at nearby tables. The layout of the event gave residents space to either join the larger crowd or have smaller conversations with friends.

A smaller group remains in the courtyard near the fire pit as the night grows later. The quieter scene shows how the event moved from a larger social gathering to a more relaxed close among friends.

 Ethan Lopez, left, and Caleb Martin, right, smile toward the camera while sitting near the bonfire with other residents in the background. The photo highlights the laid-back atmosphere that made the event feel welcoming and informal.