16

SPORTS & 

FITNESS 

& LIVING

 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, March 22, 2025

LA SALLE OVERCOMES EARLY SEASON OBSTACLES, 

DOMINATES FIRST LEAGUE MATCHES

La Salle wrapped up its preseason with a hard-fought 12-6 victory over Arroyo High 
School, a team that reached the quarterfinals last season. "It was a good match to finish 
off the preseason," Coach Djeu said. "We almost played each other in the semifinals 
last year, and even though both teams lost key players, it was still a competitive match."

However, the start of league play didn’t go as planned, with La Salle’s first two matches 
getting rained out. "It's very frustrating to have yet another week lost to rain," Coach 
Javier admitted. "We've had such a bumpy start to our year, and every time I feel like we 
are settling into a groove, something else comes up."

Once the rain cleared, La Salle made a statement with back-to-back 18-0 victories over 
Amat and Cathedral. Despite both opponents being short on players, the Lancers maintained 
their focus and professionalism. "One thing that makes me so proud of my team 
is how we treat others," Coach Javier said. "Luckily for me, our league has great coaches 
that all get along and respect each other. No one likes to show up to a match short-
handed, but we made it work and played all the matches with respect."

With the regular season now in full swing, La Salle is looking to use these matches to 
fine-tune their game. "Since our preseason had its issues, now we have to try and use the 
regular season to work things out," Djeu explained. "It creates another level of pressure 
as the stakes are higher, and we plan to make another deep playoff run. It's not ideal, but 
as I mentioned before, our word for this year is 'pressure,' and we are going to lean into 
that pressure every step of the way."

As La Salle continues its season, the team remains focused on consistency—both in 
their strokes and mental ap-proach. With their championship mentality and a hunger 
for success, the Lancers are ready to take on whatever challenges come next.


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.
com. Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

MUSCLE SCRAPING

What the heck is muscle scraping? Although it may sound like 
torture, it's really a simple and effective recovery technique that 
many athletes, physical therapists, and fitness enthusiasts swear 
by. Whether you're dealing with sore muscles after a workout 
or just looking for a way to relieve tension, a muscle scraper 
could be a great addition to your self-care routine.

Also known as gua sha tools or soft tissue scrapers, these handheld 
devices are designed to improve circulation, ease muscle 
tightness, and break down scar tissue. The technique, called 
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), has 
roots in ancient Chinese medicine but has gained popularity in 
modern sports recovery. 

Olympic marathon runner Molley Seidel is a huge fan. Sara 
Hall, another long distance runner, has been using muscle 
scraping for years not just for recovery but as a valuable way 
to get thoroughly warmed up and improve her performance.

How Does It Work? Using a muscle scraper is simple, but technique 
matters. By applying gentle, controlled pressure to the 
skin, this tool helps relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility. 
Some even use it to manage chronic conditions like tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, though results 
can vary depending on the severity of the issue.

The basic principle behind muscle scraping is that it stimulates circulation and breaks up adhesions 
in the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding your muscles. This helps release built-up tension and 
can make muscles feel more flexible and mobile. Many people describe the sensation as a mix between 
a deep-tissue massage and a mild scraping feeling on the skin.

How Do You Use One? To get started, apply a bit of oil or lotion to help the scraper glide smoothly over 
your skin. Then, hold it at a slight angle and move it firmly in one direction over tight areas—avoiding 
bones and joints. A minute or two per spot is plenty; pressing too hard or scraping too long can 
cause bruising. The goal is to increase blood flow and loosen up tight muscles, not to dig in so hard 
that you're in pain.

Some redness is normal, but if you're experiencing deep bruising or sharp pain, you're pressing too 
hard. Stick to bigger muscle groups like your legs, back, and shoulders, and avoid bony areas like your 
spine, elbows, and knees. Muscle scraping works best when combined with other recovery methods 
like regular stretching, proper hydration, and adequate rest.

What Kind Should You Buy? Muscle scrapers come in a variety of materials, shapes, and price points, 
making it easy to find one that suits your needs and budget.

• Plastic and Resin Scrapers – Lightweight and budget-friendly, these are great for beginners but 
may wear down over time.

• Stainless Steel Scrapers – Durable, easy to clean, and often used by professionals. These can be 
more expensive but last longer and provide a smoother experience.

• Jade or Stone Scrapers – Popular in traditional gua sha therapy, these tools can be pricey but 
are valued for their natural feel and effectiveness.

• Some scrapers are designed with multiple edges or ergonomic grips, allowing you to target 
specific muscle areas with more precision. Others include heated features, which can further enhance 
muscle relaxation and recovery.

How Much Do Muscle Scrapers Cost?

When shopping for a muscle scraper, you'll find a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to 
high-end professional models. Ranging anywhere from $6 to over $200. My massage therapist has 
used the Achedaway brand heated scraper (looks like a triangle) and mini scraper (portable small 
stick) on me and I have to say they feel wonderful! 

When Should You Use A Muscle Scraper?

Muscle scraping isn't just for post-workout recovery—it can also be used before exercise to help prepare 
muscles for movement. A quick scraping session can increase blood flow, improve mobility, and 
warm up muscles, reducing the risk of injury. While they’re not a miracle cure for injuries or chronic 
pain, they can be a valuable part of your self-care routine.

Scraping is not for everyone though. If you have open wounds, a skin infection, or a blood-clotting 
condition, it's best to skip scraping altogether. Always listen to your body—if something feels off, ease 
up on the pressure or take a break.

But if you're looking for an easy way to relax sore muscles and keep your body moving smoothly, a 
muscle scraper might be just what you need. Pair it with other recovery techniques like foam rolling, 
percussive massage guns, and stretching for even better results. Used correctly, a muscle scraper can 
be a game-changer for warming up, recovery and mobility.


ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER


ON THE REBOUND:

 When It Comes To Brackets

I could have become a professional basketball player if not for my inability 
to score baskets.

And my inability to fake that I’ve broken an arm if I barely brush another 
player. And my inability to take pratfalls.

And, if you want to get technical about it, because you could peg my height 
somewhere between James Madison and Napoleon. That’s if you’re being 
generous.

On a normal day, some of these things are more important than others. But as it is basketball 
season, all of them are essential, all the time.

Some people don’t get what all the fuss is about. They don’t understand what charm there is in a 
sport whose origins lie in lobbing a leather ball into a fruit basket.

These people neglect the joyous bonding experience that basketball is.

On a cold winter day, there’s no better way to warm up and increase your heart rate than racing 
your family to the television and chucking your sister off the couch if she gets there first.

Of course, in my family, everyone supports different teams.

When things get heated, the men throw hard words at each other, and the ladies throw gardening 
implements.

In those situations, the only joyous bonding I do is with the floor.

As hedge clippers and pruning shears whistle overhead, I have a lot of time to think and jot down 
a winning bracket.

If I were in the big leagues, as I ought to be, I’d always put my team on top.

But as the NBA has not extended me any offers (for reasons I cannot fathom, because once in 
fourth grade, I beat the teacher in Knockout), I have to be more discerning.

I speak with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a gal who has previously lost 
a ridiculous amount of money to her sister on basketball bets and now writes for newspapers to 
prevent other people from losing ridiculous amounts of money to their sisters on basketball bets.

Writing a perfect NCAA Tournament bracket is a mixture of art and science.

Sure, you do your research on the teams and factor in interviews with the athletes and mark 
down anybody who says that this season is going to be the greatest yet. That’s one part of it.

But then you have to confirm that the players are wearing their lucky socks and that their mothers 
are attending the games.

While you’re at it, it’s best to read the entrails of a goat, just to be sure.

If all the signs are there, that’s when you know you’ve written a perfect bracket.

What Newton felt when he discovered gravity is probably a fraction of what you feel when you 
accomplish that.

Then, to maximize your team’s chances of victory, it is essential to channel moral support through 
the television.

This can be accomplished by yelling loud enough to be heard in surrounding states, because if 
your team can’t hear you cheering, those slackers will miss any free throw they’re inept enough 
to get.

But you know how it ends. During a pivotal game, some freshman who’s been questionable all 
season suddenly becomes the next Michael Jordan.

Or someone who is, well, you know — I am not naming names here, since everyone in basketball 
is bigger and stronger than me — plays like a rookie. Poof! There goes the bank account.


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