![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)
On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Phoenix girls basketball team went against the Annandale Atoms for their first home scrimmage, kicking off the preseason. As it was not a regular season contest, the game was split up into typical four quarters; however, the score was reset after each quarter ended.
The game quickly gained momentum in the first quarter with the Phoenix leading 8 to 6. This was due to a couple of free throw opportunities and teamwork to keep the ball moving and increase their shot opportunities. The second quarter, however, brought some challenges for the Phoenix. The Atoms led this quarter 11 to 8, but quickly fell behind once again in the third quarter. This trend followed until the final buzzer, with the Phoenix out-scoring the Atoms 13 to 2 in the third and 12 to 11 in the fourth.
The team had their best moments both on and off the court. “After the game [we] celebrated. We were all happy [that we won],” freshman point guard Eryn Chemoiwa said.
With a new season, many challenges and victories arise. “I would say last year our team was mostly centered around one person, [but] this year we are using everyone’s strengths to build the team up,” junior small forward Kalen Walker said.
Last season’s starting five was mostly seniors, which was hard for the team to lose, but as they move forward, the team has begun to play off each other’s strengths. “I think [one of our biggest strengths is that] we are communicating well,” Chemoiwa said. “When we have good communication you can see it on the court, [and] it’ll translate to when we are playing.”
“I think the team this year has more potential and we get along as a group,” sophomore Lucy Cho said. With tryouts only being a few weeks prior to the game, the team was still getting to know each other. However, their playing style on the court started off strong at the beginning of the scrimmage.
This season started off on a strong note with this scrimmage being one of the first games that ended up in a victory. “We were all really pumped up [during] half time and just feeling each other’s energy,” freshman Simone Diby said.
The Phoenix girls basketball team will next play at home on Dec. 1 against the Gar-Field Red Wolves.
