![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 Take Flight Against the Falcons in a Double Header Matchup
On Monday, Jan. 9, both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams went up against the Briar Woods Falcons in a double header game. The game ended with the Phoenix girls team coming up short with a score of 61-14, and the boys team winning 61-48.
Junior Cora Bowen dribbles the ball towards the basket, following a turnover that led to Phoenix possession.
January 31, 2023
On Jan. 9, the Phoenix girls and boys varsity basketball teams came out at home and played against the Briar Woods Falcons. Senior team captain, Sruthi Dacherla, gained the Phoenix their first points with a three-pointer during the first quarter. The girls continued to play hard with great energy, but the first quarter ended with 3-18, Falcons in the lead. “[I think I bring] more energy and positivity [to the team],” sophomore shooting guard Kalen Walker said. The Phoenix scored 11 more points by the end of the game, but lost against the Falcons, with a score of 64-14.
With a relentless drive and passion to win, the Phoenix boys put up 61 points against the Falcons. From the tipoff, senior Basit Quadri, junior Kyle Desai, and sophomore Mekhi Motilewa got points on the board for the Phoenix. “A lot of the stuff that I did [last night] didn’t show up on the stat sheet but I was able to open stuff up for other guys,” senior power forward Nick Canfield said. “And I think I played my best defensive game of the year last night.” From the bench to the starting five, they were able to stay on top by ending the half with 33-15. Even though the Falcons made their efforts to push the Phoenix down, they were still able to rise and come out on top. The Phoenix boys kept up their hard work throughout the game and ended with a score of 61-48.
![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)