![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)
The Battle of the Ridges
On Jan. 12, the Phoenix boys varsity basketball team and the girls varsity basketball team played against the Lightridge Lightning. The girls varsity basketball team lost 38-20 and the boys varsity basketball team won 70-46.
![Junior Deric Gomado (1) dribbles through the Lightning defense and makes a slam dunk, adding two points to the Phoenix’s score. “I was a little nervous [for our first home double header game], but no [that did not affect me],” Gomado said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_0222-e1643921652217-600x900.jpg)
Junior Deric Gomado (1) dribbles through the Lightning defense and makes a slam dunk, adding two points to the Phoenix’s score. “I was a little nervous [for our first home double header game], but no [that did not affect me],” Gomado said.
February 3, 2022
On Jan. 13, the “Battle of the Ridges” commenced with the Phoenix’s first at-home double header. The theme was “Blackout” and the Phoenix girls and boys varsity teams faced the Lightridge Lightning in two intense games.
The girls varsity team started off the double header. The score was close in the first quarter, with senior Aleeza Sadiq making a key shot late in the quarter. The first quarter ended with a score of 6-5 with the Lightning in the lead. The Lightning continued to lead throughout the rest of the game. Even with junior Sruthi Dacherla’s three point shot in the fourth quarter, the game ended with a Phoenix loss of 38-20.
After the girls varsity game ended, the varsity boys came into the main gym and students began to pack the student section. After warming up with drills, the boy’s game started and the Phoenix immediately took a quick lead with Bill Djan (22) making the first shot with a free throw.
The first quarter ended with a Phoenix lead of 9-4. The boys varsity team would continue to keep a strong lead through all four quarters with the help of senior Aditya Kamath and junior Basit Qadri. Together, both players scored a total of 44 points for the team.
With a strong lead, efficient teamwork, and an energetic student section, the Phoenix were able to win with a final score of 70-46. “I think we worked well as a team and we will continue to do so,” junior Deric Gomado said.
![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)