![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.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 Battle the Pride During First Double Header of the New Year
On Jan. 3, the Phoenix girls and boys varsity basketball teams clashed against the Heritage Pride for their first home game in the new year. The Phoenix girls lost 64-10, and the boys won 59-37.
Senior Basit Qadri sprints down the court, weaving through defenders as he looks for an open teammate.
January 27, 2023
Fresh off the end of winter break, the Phoenix boys and girls varsity basketball teams went up against the Heritage Pride for the first double-header home game of 2023 on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Students from both schools packed the gym as the games played out, each side on the edge of their seats creating an exciting yet tense atmosphere.
At the commencement of the double header, the Phoenix girls took charge and started off strong, scoring a basket against the Pride girls. However, as the game progressed, it quickly turned into a one sided fight, as the Pride dominated the court,taking the lead early on with point after point and ending the first quarter 13-1. The Pride girls relentlessly held on to the lead, consistently playing aggressive on both offense and defense, and won with a final score of 61-10. “I think we need to communicate more, on and off the bench, I really think that can help us, and maybe help us win the game next time,” senior Mehma Kathuria said.
After the conclusion of the girl’s game, the Phoenix boys seized the court, winning the tip-off against the Pride boys and starting off strong by taking the lead with a score of 14-13 by the end of the first quarter. This wasn’t a surprise to both the boys and coaches. “The last two weeks during break were kind of a restart for us, a refresh…trying to be the best version of ourselves that we can,” coach Jason Geyer said. The team prepared over the few weeks of winter break and played games and scrimmages, all while building upon both defensive and offensive strategies.
Spirits high, the crowd was on the edge of their seats as the second quarter kicked off. Keeping their momentum, the Phoenix boys kept the lead through the whole game, making sure to work together as a team and communicate, as well as stay aggressive on both offense and defense. They ended the fourth quarter and won with a final score of 59-37. Senior Stephano Stathis had his first game back after an ankle injury, and managed to make an impact on both ends of the court not long after he was subbed in.“I think [the injury] made me push myself more, made me hustle more,” Stathis said. He believed that the Phoenix boys played well, but could have improved on their communication.“We could have talked more on defense, but that’s it,” Stathis said.
Although the Phoenix girls ended up losing their game after a hard fought battle, the boys ended up taking the win, celebrating as they exited the gym. “Everybody is starting to find their role and everything, so hopefully, we’ll have a good second half [of the season],” Geyer said.
The Phoenix’s next home game was on Thursday, Jan. 5, against the Brentsville Tigers.
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-600x400.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_0057-600x331.jpg)