Coming off a win against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs, the Phoenix boys basketball team went against the Broad Run Spartans on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in another close road game. However, the Phoenix eventually fell to the Spartans with a score of 56-48.

At the starting tipoff, the Phoenix kept a solid momentum, scoring six unanswered points. However, the Spartans quickly took the reins, ending the quarter up 15-8. Junior Daniel Okoye noted this shift in the team’s  play. “I feel like [we could have shared] the ball [better], there were points where we fell into their defense and how they wanted us to play…I feel like we need to calm down, share the ball, and relax, use all five people instead of relying on a few people,” Okoye said. As the game progressed, so did the Spartan’s flow, and they ended the first half with a score of 27-20.  

Following the halftime break, the Phoenix entered the third quarter with a relentless drive, eventually bringing the score to a tie of 27-27 midway through the quarter. Nevertheless, this admirable effort was quickly put down, as the Spartans countered by sinking multiple three pointers, ending the quarter 41-30, Spartans in the lead.

Sophomore Mekhi Motilewa, who accumulated 21 points during the game, was put under immense stress.  “[The toughest part about playing against Broad Run was] the pressure they put on us, definitely,” Motilewa said. “[They] got us out of composure, made us speed up on some plays and their fans were loud [which] disrupted our communication and our plays.” This energy continued for the remainder of the game, and the Phoenix returned home following a loss of 56-48.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Sarah Baig

Senior Basit Qadri prepares to lock down the Spartan point guard.