![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 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.
