Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer
Branson’s student-run newspaper
Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer
Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer
Shun Graves

Shun Graves

Shun Graves served as editor-in-chief and first joined The Blazer in 2019. He covered Branson sports, local government and transportation. His work has won several awards and also appears in the Marin Independent Journal.

All content by Shun Graves
Branson’s Dylan Whisenant, right, looks on as opponent Monte Vista makes a shot at College of Marin, May 5, 2023. Branson and some other area schools have built beach volleyball programs.

Bulls make mark on beach volleyball scene

By Shun Graves • May 6, 2023
Low-stakes and low-key, the NorCal beach volleyball scene has offered Branson’s girls volleyball team a chance to make a mark in the sand.
Branson attacker Jackson Hoeveler passes the ball during the game against Urban on March 29, 2023. Branson boys lacrosse defeated non-league Urban 12-5.

[Photo] Varied scoring key for boys lacrosse win vs. Urban

By Saylor Mullarkey • March 29, 2023

Branson attacker Jackson Hoeveler passes the ball during the game against Urban on March 29, 2023. Branson boys lacrosse defeated non-league Urban 12-5.

The former student lounge area by the commons on March 15, 2023. The school intends to bring back the student lounge in spring 2023.

[Photo] Commons’ student lounge to return with gusto

By Cooper Tenney • March 15, 2023

The former student lounge area by the commons on March 15, 2023. The school intends to bring back the student lounge in spring 2023.

Antwan Williams works with a camera near the gym complex on March 2, 2023. He’s one of the two E.E. Ford Fellows working on a documentary project.

[Photo] Fellows use film to break down post-prison mission

By Alexa Warrin • March 4, 2023

Antwan Williams works with a camera near the gym complex on March 2, 2023. He’s one of the two E.E. Ford Fellows working on a documentary project.

Branson forward Riley Pearson and Marin Academy’s Chloe Swindle eye the ball during the NCS final game at Branson, Feb. 24, 2023. Branson defeated MA 3-1 after a strong first half. (Courtesy Robert Duran)

Girls soccer blasts MA defense to claim NCS title

By Shun Graves • February 24, 2023
Branson notched another title after defeating Marin Academy 3-1 for the NCS final showdown.
Students must clean up, Ben Boas writes. He found plenty of trash near the Snack Shack in late January.

[Photo] One man’s trash is everyone’s neglect

By Opinion Submissions • February 15, 2023

Students must clean up, Ben Boas writes. He found plenty of trash near the Snack Shack in late January.

Impossible burger patties line the buffet in the commons on Feb. 13, 2023. Meatless Mondays have continued for a year despite initial claims that it would last for a month.

Quick takes: End Meatless Mondays, freshmen should behave

By Shun Graves and Cameron Aryanpour • February 13, 2023
Blazer editors sound off on Meatless Mondays and bad behavior by students.
Malik Ali looks over a sophomore history class in February 2023. Another Ali class, History of Hip-Hop, will become a cross-registered course.

English, history to blend in new ‘cross-registered’ classes

By Shun Graves • February 13, 2023
Starting this fall, students can choose whether to credit such classes under English or history.
Cars sit in the parking lot in February 2023. Seniors could see expanded exit privileges after a pilot program over two weeks in January.

[Photo] January trial examines restoring complete senior privileges

By Adeline Newby • February 12, 2023

Cars sit in the parking lot in February 2023. Seniors could see expanded exit privileges after a pilot program over two weeks in January.

Branson girls varsity soccer celebrates after Riley Pearson (6) netted the winning goal in overtime at San Rafael High School on Feb. 11, 2023. Her goal clinched the title at the MCAL final against rival Redwood. (Courtesy Robert Duran)

Girls soccer’s late push takes revenge on Redwood for MCAL title

By Shun Graves • February 11, 2023
Riley Pearson made the winning goal during extra time, securing the MCAL title for Branson.
Will Ashley, right, counts as one of the Branson seniors who filled out a ballot in November. Some seniors got their first chance to vote during the midterm election.

[Photo] Branson seniors complete ballots during midterms

By Sadie Winter, Samara "Sam" Lehman, and Ashley Vela • February 7, 2023

Will Ashley, right, counts as one of the Branson seniors who filled out a ballot in November. Some seniors got their first chance to vote during the midterm election.

Branson’s Ally Hsieh makes a shot at San Marin, Jan. 3, 2023. Girls varsity soccer kept its MCAL-leading position with a 3-0 win. (Courtesy Robert Duran)

Slick defense aids girls soccer in sweep of San Marin

By Shun Graves • January 3, 2023
Girls varsity soccer outpaced San Marin 3-0, and the team showed why it leads the MCAL.
Dylan Whisenant, who won a game award, hugs Celia Tolmie (14) after girls varsity volleyball won the Division I state championship, Nov. 18, 2022. The five-set title game, held in Orange County, concluded a historic season for the team.

Champs! Division I state title caps off historic volleyball season

By Shun Graves • November 19, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball triumphed in a nail-biting, five-set Division I state title game to conclude a historic season.
Outside hitter Sadie Snipes makes a shot at the Division I state championships in Orange County, Nov. 18, 2022.

[Photo] Live updates: Branson wins D-I state championship

By Shun Graves • November 18, 2022

Outside hitter Sadie Snipes makes a shot at the Division I state championships in Orange County, Nov. 18, 2022.

Girls varsity volleyball celebrates its three-set victory at the Division I NorCal final, Nov. 15, 2022. The team heads to Orange County for the state championship Friday.

Time for state: Branson clinches Division I NorCal title

By Shun Graves • November 15, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball will head to the Division I state championship after clinching the NorCal title.
Girls varsity volleyball warms up ahead of the Division I NorCal game in Stockton, Nov. 15, 2022. Branson faces St. Mary’s in the historic showdown.

[Photo] Live updates: Branson wins Division I NorCal final

By Shun Graves • November 15, 2022

Girls varsity volleyball celebrates a point during the second set against St. Mary’s, Nov. 15, 2022.

Girls varsity volleyball marks a point against Marin Catholic, Nov. 12, 2022. Branson heads to the NorCal finals after defeating Marin Catholic at College of Marin.

Branson downs Marin Catholic, heads to NorCal finals

By Shun Graves • November 13, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball heads to the NorCal finals Tuesday for the first time since 2015 after defeating Marin Catholic.
Girls varsity volleyball warms up before the NorCal semifinal against Marin Catholic, Nov. 12, 2022.

[Photo] Live updates: Branson defeats Marin Catholic in NorCal showdown

By Shun Graves • November 12, 2022

Logan Tusher sets the ball as Branson faces Marin Catholic, Nov. 12, 2022.

Right hitter Eva Lacy jumps for a shot against Salinas, Nov. 10, 2022. Branson won the Division I NorCal game in three sets and will face Marin Catholic Saturday.

Branson notches another win in home roller coaster

By Shun Graves • November 10, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball coasted to an early lead over Salinas, but the NorCal opponent pushed a tight third set.
Setter Logan Tusher looks on as Branson faces Pitman at home, Nov. 8, 2022. Tusher contributed 14 digs as girls varsity volleyball won its first NorCal Division I game in three sets.

Offense makes splash as Branson advances in NorCals

By Shun Graves • November 8, 2022
Branson defeated Pitman in three sets. A creative offensive effort circumvented the middle attack of girls varsity volleyball’s first opponent in the Division I regional playoffs.
Outside hitter Sadie Snipes jumps for a hit against University, Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] Branson claims another NCS title in three-set win

By Shun Graves • November 5, 2022

Outside hitter Sadie Snipes jumps for a hit against University, Nov. 5, 2022.

Archie Williams’ Elsa Snipes jumps for a shot as Branson’s Sadie Snipes, right, seeks to block. Branson won the Nov. 2, 2022, girls varsity volleyball game in three sets.

In NCS semifinal, Snipes sisters face each other for final time

By Shun Graves • November 2, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball’s NCS victory against Archie Williams marked the last time the Bulls’ Sadie Snipes faced Elsa Snipes on the other side of the court.
Maura Vaughn, Branson’s theater director. The fall musical premieres Nov. 10.

[Photo] Preview of ‘Legally Blonde’: A conversation with Maura Vaughn

By Josie Hohenrieder • November 1, 2022

Maura Vaughn, Branson’s theater director. The fall musical premieres Nov. 10.

Calistoga readies for a snap during Branson’s homecoming game, Oct. 29, 2022. The Bulls defeated Calistoga 42-12.

Photos: Football defeats Calistoga at homecoming

By Shun Graves and Jeffrey Huang • October 31, 2022
Branson football soundly defeated Calistoga at home 42-12 as the calendar nears the playoffs.
Frances Dillon high-fives the brand-new bull mascot in October. She assumed the interim athletics director post this year.

[Photo] Director position marks return to a ‘first love’ for Dillon

By Saylor Mullarkey • October 29, 2022

Frances Dillon high-fives the brand-new bull mascot in October. She assumed the interim athletics director post this year.

Girls varsity volleyball huddles during the second set against Sonoma Valley, Oct. 29, 2022. Branson quickly won its NCS quarterfinal in three sets.

Quick victory begins volleyball’s NCS run

By Shun Graves • October 29, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball quickly won its NCS quarterfinal in three sets after a first-round bye.
Ninth-graders working in the Branson commons. The Branson workload is a significant but manageable step up from middle school.

[Photo] Freshmen on first month at Branson: ‘Really good’

By Carly Lowe • October 24, 2022

Ninth-graders working in the Branson commons. The Branson workload is a significant but manageable step up from middle school.

Girls varsity volleyball celebrates its MCAL pennant after winning the league final against Redwood, Oct. 21, 2022. Branson avenged an earlier loss to claim the title in three sets.

‘So emotional’: Branson volleyball wins MCAL title

By Shun Graves • October 21, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball defeated Redwood in three sets, claiming the MCAL championship title.
Girls varsity volleyball huddles before the MCAL championship game against Redwood, Oct. 21, 2022.

Live updates: Branson defeats Redwood in MCAL final

By Shun Graves • October 21, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball defeated Redwood to win the MCAL championship.
Logan Tusher serves the ball during girls varsity volleyball’s game against Marin Catholic, Oct. 19, 2022. Branson defeated the MCAL rival in four sets.

Historic day as Branson defeats Marin Catholic

By Shun Graves • October 19, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball defeated Marin Catholic in four sets, marking a historic win as the team advances to the MCAL finals.
Logan Tusher serves the ball during the girls varsity volleyball game at Redwood, Oct. 14, 2022. Branson faced a four-set defeat but showed some offensive and defensive strengths.

Redwood defeats Bulls in tough four-set game

By Shun Graves • October 14, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball faced a four-set defeat at Redwood, but highlights included Elena Fisher’s double-double.
The Branson crowd cheers during the first set of the girls varsity volleyball game against Redwood, Oct. 14, 2022.

[Photo] Live updates: Redwood defeats Branson in tight game

By Shun Graves • October 14, 2022

The Branson crowd cheers during the first set of the girls varsity volleyball game against Redwood, Oct. 14, 2022.

Girls junior varsity volleyball team faces Redwood in Larkspur, Oct. 14, 2022. A tight second set nearly forced a third set.

Nail-biting second set concludes JV season

By Shun Graves • October 14, 2022
Girls junior varsity volleyball nearly forced a third set but ultimately faced defeat at Redwood.
Eva Lacy, a senior, serves the ball against San Rafael at home, Oct. 12, 2022. Senior night ended with a decisive win against the MCAL opponent.

Big day for seniors ends with big win

By Shun Graves • October 12, 2022
San Rafael faced a three-set defeat at the hands of Branson girls varsity volleyball, which marked senior night.
Girls junior varsity huddles during its home game against San Rafael, Oct. 12, 2022. The team quickly defeated San Rafael in two sets.

Win streak extended as JV defeats San Rafael

By Shun Graves • October 12, 2022
Girls junior varsity volleyball soundly defeated San Rafael at home in two sets.
Girls varsity volleyball gathers during its game against St. Ignatius, Oct. 8, 2022 in Stockton. The team faced four different teams during this year’s Varsity Stockton Classic.

Bulls face foes old and new at Stockton tourney

By Shun Graves • October 8, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball faced some familiar foes, as well as new ones, at the Varsity Stockton Classic.
Branson girls junior varsity volleyball huddles during its home game against Tamalpais, Oct. 7, 2022. The team won the game in three sets.

JV pulls ahead in another three-set game

By Shun Graves • October 7, 2022
Girls junior varsity volleyball ultimately defeated Tamalpais after a roller-coaster, three-set home game.
Anna Palfy and Elena Fisher during Branson’s home game against Tamalpais, Oct. 7, 2022. The Bulls won the game in three sets.

Branson pulls another win despite third-set scare

By Shun Graves • October 7, 2022
Though Tamalpais attempted to push the girls varsity volleyball game to four sets, Branson finally pulled ahead.
Eva Lacy jumps for a shot against San Marin, Sept. 30, 2022. In perhaps its swiftest victory this season, Branson girls varsity volleyball soundly defeated San Marin.

Varsity routs San Marin in swiftest victory yet

By Shun Graves • September 30, 2022
A 20-point lead in the second set underscored how quickly girls varsity volleyball defeated San Marin.
Girls junior varsity volleyball faces San Marin in Novato, Sept. 30. 2022. The game marked both the latest win and first three-set game this season for the team.

JV defeats San Marin in first three-set game

By Shun Graves • September 30, 2022
On the road, girls junior varsity volleyball defeated San Marin in three sets.
Sadie Snipes, fourth from left, faced her sister on the court Sept. 23, 2022. Branson won the home game against Archie Williams in three sets.

Snipes sisters on rivalry: Support, not beef

By Shun Graves • September 23, 2022
A home victory by girls varsity volleyball pitted Branson’s Sadie Snipes against Archie Williams’ Elsa Snipes.
The girls junior varsity volleyball team gathers during its victory against Archie Williams, Sept. 23, 2022. The win at home marked the second one that week.

Another win for JV in home game against Archie Williams

By Shun Graves • September 23, 2022
A two-set game at home against Archie Williams marked another victory for girls junior varsity volleyball.
Celia Tolmie sets the ball during Branson’s home game against Novato, Sept. 21, 2022. Girls varsity volleyball defeated the MCAL foe by double digits every set.

Novato takes shellacking at hands of Bulls

By Shun Graves • September 21, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball won every set by double digits against Novato at home.
Girls junior varsity volleyball faces Novato at home, Sept. 21, 2022. The team defeated Novato in two sets.

JV defeats Novato in thriller at Branson

By Shun Graves • September 21, 2022
A two-set spectacle at home overwhelmed Novato’s faltering defense.
Lauren Dignan and Anna Palfy dive for the ball during the Sept. 20 game at Marin Catholic. The game marked the first five-set game of the season.

Five-set nail-biter ends in Branson defeat

By Shun Graves • September 20, 2022
In the first five-set game of this season, Branson and Marin Catholic battled until the last two points.
Eva Lacy jumps for a shot against Marin Catholic, Sept. 20, 2022. Branson girls varsity volleyball faces the school in Kentfield for its second league game this season.

Live updates: Branson falls to Marin Catholic in five sets

By Shun Graves • September 20, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball faced league foe Marin Catholic in Kentfield.
Girls junior varsity volleyball plays against Marin Catholic in Kentfield, Sept. 20, 2022. Branson’s JV team fell to Marin Catholic.

JV falls to Marin Catholic in two-set away game

By Shun Graves • September 20, 2022
Girls junior varsity volleyball faced a defeat at Marin Catholic Sept. 20.
Branson girls varsity volleyball celebrates its three-set win against Terra Linda, Sept. 14, 2022. The team now heads to Las Vegas for a tournament.

Blowout win marks varsity’s first league game

By Shun Graves • September 14, 2022
Girls varsity volleyball swiftly defeated Terra Linda, its first MCAL foe this season.
Sadie Snipes makes a shot against Terra Linda, Sept. 14, 2022. Branson girls varsity volleyball faced Terra Linda for its first league game.

[Photo] Live updates: Varsity defeats Terra Linda in first league game

By Shun Graves • September 14, 2022

Libero Dylan Whisenant serves the ball in her court debut for Branson at Terra Linda, Sept. 14, 2022.

Girls junior varsity volleyball faces Terra Linda, Sept. 14, 2022.

Late rebound not enough for JV at Terra Linda

By Shun Graves • September 14, 2022
A string of points late during the game at Terra Linda failed to avert a defeat.
Sadie Snipes strikes the ball at a home game against Saint Francis, Sept. 10, 2022.

Varsity falls to Saint Francis in final non-league game

By Shun Graves • September 10, 2022
The team begins league play next week after the defeat Saturday.
Branson libero Lauren Dignan dives for the ball. The Sept. 10 game ended in a loss to Archbishop Mitty, but showed some growing strengths of the girls varsity volleyball team.

Mitty defeats Bulls varsity volleyball in tight 4-set rematch

By Shun Graves • September 10, 2022
A strong first set gave way to a close play-by-play defeat against Archbishop Mitty.
Elena Fisher faces Monte Vista players in Danville, Sept. 2. Branson’s first loss this season highlighted points for improvement, coach Michelle Brazil said.

Branson falls short in road loss to Monte Vista

By Shun Graves • September 2, 2022
A tough attack by Monte Vista tested Branson’s girls varsity volleyball team.
A kill by Eva Lacy against Monte Vista in Danville, Sept. 2. An energized offense pulled ahead of Monte Vista during the second set.

[Photo] Live updates: Bulls face road loss to Monte Vista

By Shun Graves • September 2, 2022

A kill by Eva Lacy against Monte Vista in Danville, Sept. 2. An energized offense pulled ahead of Monte Vista during the second set.

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Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion
Shun Graves