![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)
Phoenix Basketball Soars Over Titans
On Jan. 6, the Phoenix boys varsity basketball team beat the Dominion Titans 73-55. The Phoenix controlled most of the game, maintaining a double digit lead en route to victory.
Double teamed by Titans, senior Bill Djan (22) looks for an open teammate to pass the ball.
February 10, 2022
Facing off against a 4A conference rival in the Dominion Titans on Jan 6, the Phoenix boys varsity basketball took an early double digit lead and never looked back. Senior Brett Suazo (11) started his first game of the season. Suazo scored six points, which were two three pointers in the first quarter, and senior Aditya Kamath (5) shot ten free throws, making ten of them and scoring an additional 17 points during play. Kamath scored 27 points in total and was the highest scorer of the game.
In addition, junior Basit Qadri (4) scored 22 points, including a free throw where he was fouled on a fast break layup off of a steal.
Spectator and special education dean Jesse Hudson liked what he saw from Qadri and freshman Trey Fitch (3). “My favorite moments in the game was the defense…particularly in the second half when [the Phoenix] started to get steals and get some breakaways,” Hudson said. “Basit did a great job of getting to the basket and shooting and Trey did a great job of rebounding and defending and putting [the ball] back up.”
The Phoenix won by a margin of 18 points, 73-55.
![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)