![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)
Deep into their season, the Phoenix girls basketball team was pitted against the Dominion Titans for a district-defining game. The clash took place on Feb. 12, and pushed both teams to play aggressively and capitalize on each other’s mistakes. Despite the Titans’ advances, the Phoenix ultimately soared to victory with a final score of 35-25.
As the first quarter began, the Phoenix were quick to secure a tight grip on the lead. After gaining six points, the Phoenix switched to the best defense: a good offense. Phoenix players began closing in on the Titans’ net, constantly passing the ball to each other to catch their opponent off guard. Providing constant support while keeping the pressure going, senior Cora Bowen stayed to the corners of the Titans’ net in order to be a safe and open person to pass to for the Phoenix.
After ending the first quarter with a lead of 6-3, the Phoenix continued to utilize this defensive strategy into the second quarter; however, the Titans were alert and quick to capitalize off of any bad pass made between Phoenix players. The first half ended with the Phoenix still in the lead 13-7.
Halftime ended and the Titans came back with a vengeance, opting out of their slow-paced and methodical playstyle to instead pressure the Phoenix as much as they could. Bolder moves were made, and the Phoenix had to adapt quickly to match the Titans’ energy. Junior Kalen Walker noted that the team had to coordinate in order to counter the Titans’ new energy. “I think we’re really just focusing on building off of people’s skills,” Walker said. While the Titans were being bolder, it allowed the Phoenix to penetrate their defense. Because of this, the Phoenix was able to keep hold of their lead, ending the third quarter up 26-22.
As the last quarter of the game started, both teams knew that the score gap was closing in after each play. However, it all came down to the last five minutes of the game as the Phoenix managed to score on three consecutive possessions unanswered, expanding to a 10 point lead. The game ended with a score of 35-25.
