![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)
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.
![On Monday, Dec. 16, the Rock Ridge Phoenix boys varsity basketball team faced the Unity Reed Lions in a close-knit battle, where the Phoenix prevailed 59-56.
The first quarter started slow, with both teams focusing on strong defense. Even with sophomore Filippo Gomes leading the first with two three-pointers, the Phoenix were still down three at the end of the quarter, leaving a 15-12 lead for the Lions.
The Phoenix amped up their offense considerably for the rest of the game. During the second quarter, the Phoenix scored 20 points, allowing them to grow the point gap between them and the Lions’ score, finishing the quarter 32-23 Phoenix. The third quarter was neck-and-neck as the Lions found footing again, but the Phoenix persisted and gained 14 points, ending the third quarter with a nerve-wracking 46-45 Phoenix lead. “I was a little nervous, I’m not gonna lie,” senior Akash Kulkarni said. “But just staying confident, making good passes, and listening to [Coach] Geyer [got us through].” Both teams fought tooth-and-nail for the fourth quarter, utilizing fouls, free throws, and timeouts to their advantage, but in the end, it was up to Phoenix defense to ensure their win. Ultimately, the Phoenix triumphed, with a winning score of 59-56.
After the game, the Phoenix basketball team awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) belt to the player who worked diligently behind the scenes senior William Beck. They awarded him MVP for his team leadership and playmaking throughout the game. “It feels good, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Beck said.
✏️ and 📷 by Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)