A long trip against the defending state champions proved to be a task the Phoenix girls' basketball team wasn't afraid of.

The Pirates put up a huge effort in a 53-44 loss to Baker in Baker City in a 4A play-in game on Feb. 24.

Last year's 4A state champions, the host Bulldogs rolled out to a 16-5 lead after one quarter. Rather than back down, Phoenix countered with a 20-point second quarter and trailed 26-25 at halftime. 

The Pirates (who finished the season 13-11) continued their impressive play, leading the game midway through the third quarter. Baker eventually cashed in on a tired PHS team, taking advantage of 29 Phoenix turnovers in the game and claiming the nine-point win. 

Anabell Delgado garnered 13 points and four steals and Alissa Alvarez collected 12 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and three assists to lead Phoenix (13-11).

Lillianna Quintero provided nine points and four of Phoenix’s 17 steals overall, and Mae Woodward had eight points and six rebounds. 

PHOENIX (44): Quintero 9, Carrithers 0, Woodward 8, Delgado 13, Alvarez 12, Jacobs-Grigsby 2. Totals: 14 10-15 44.

BAKER (53): Gentry 10, Spike 0, Dalton 12, Whitford 1, Chandler 12, Myer 3, Rasmussen 8, Robb 2, Gulick 3, Schwartz 2. Totals: 22 7-14 53.

Phoenix 5 20 8 11 — 44

Baker 16 10 9 18 — 53

3-point goals — Phoenix 6 (Quintero 1, Woodward 2, Delgado 2, Alvarez 1), Baker 3 (Dalton 2, Myer 1). Fouled out — Alvarez, Chandler.