![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Bulldogs Threaten Phoenix Territory
On Friday Dec 3, the Phoenix had their first varsity boys basketball home game against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. The Bulldogs beat the Phoenix by only 3 points, ending the game 46-43.
![Junior Basit Qadri dribbles through sophomore Bulldog Omar Abushaban´s defense in an effort to score. ¨[A big student section] gets me more into the game. [Also] working with my team, keeping the ball moving.¨ Qadri said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_0165-1-e1643841758750-600x900.jpg)
Junior Basit Qadri dribbles through sophomore Bulldog Omar Abushaban´s defense in an effort to score. ¨[A big student section] gets me more into the game. [Also] working with my team, keeping the ball moving.¨ Qadri said.
February 2, 2022
Decked out with their suits for a ¨strictly business¨ theme, the students in the Phoenix pit eagerly waited for the start of the first home game of the season against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs on Dec. 3. After winning their scrimmage against the battlefield bobcats, the Phoenix were in high spirits. The score remained tight throughout the game, with the Bulldogs leading 9-8 in the first quarter and 17-15 in the second. The Phoenix took the lead in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs ultimately held on to win, ending the game 46-43.
Junior Nick Canfield kicked off the scoring in quarter one and the Bulldogs immediately responded, putting the team in a back and forth battle throughout the game. At the end of the first quarter, one three pointer put the Bulldogs in lead with Phoenix close behind. Both teams kept a slim point margin between them throughout the game, and with 1 minute left in regulation, the Bulldogs made 3 key shots, narrowly winning by 3 points.
![In a historic presidential election, voters nationwide turned out to make their voices heard. Virginia’s 10th congressional district had three key national positions up for election: president, senator, and representative.
In the race for the House of Representatives seat previously held by Democrat Jennifer Wexton, the Republican Party nominated Mike Clancy, while the Democratic Party put forward Suhas Subramanyam, a former Virginia General Assembly Senator. Subramanyam won the seat with a 52% majority.
For one of Virginia’s Senate positions, Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao faced off. Kaine took the position with a 54% majority.
For the White House, current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump fought to obtain the 270 electoral votes needed to get the bid. News outlets worldwide tracked the results live, with close attention to seven key battleground states: Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Trump ultimately crossed the 270-vote threshold early on Nov. 6, with the swing states playing a pivotal role in his campaign’s success.
This election was the first presidential race for many Gen-Z voters, who entered a sharply polarized environment. Adela Booth, mother-in-law of Representative-Elect Subramanyam, traveled from Connecticut to support his campaign, encouraging young voters to engage in the political process. “Vote,” Booth said. “Get involved in politics. Even [if] you don’t think it applies to you, it applies to you. You will carry this debt. It will affect your grandchildren and you have to do something about it. You can’t sit back and watch anymore.”
✏️ and 📷 by Shivu Sathe](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)