James Lee, Staff Writer
James Lee is a senior at Rock Ridge and this is his first year on “The Blaze” staff. The main reason he joined was because Ms. Greiner was one of his favorite teachers because of her energetic personality. In his words, a class with her will always be a fun class. James is also a part of the Rock Ridge wrestling team and participates in the Loudoun rugby club. James has played rugby since 6th grade and is planning on continuing this sport in college and playing D1.
![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)
![Sophomore Trey Fitch goes for a shot after making a steal. Fitch scored a total of thirteen points in the game. “I feel like I played alright, [I] could have done better,” Fitch said. “I was getting really pressed in the first half, I got led off towards the end. Individually, I did my contribution to the team, but it is a team effort.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DSC_0429-e1671222838619-900x860.jpg)
![The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC_0070-900x630.jpg)