The Phoenix boys' basketball team has sent the message loud and clear to the rest of the Skyline Conference...a little adversity isn't going to slow it down.

The Pirates scored pair of impressive Skyline wins in the first week of league play, downing both North Valley and Henley on the road. PHS is 2-0 and will open its home conference schedule on Friday night when it entertains Mazama.

Friday at Henley, the Pirates led the majority of the night before turning back a late Henley rally for a 54-50 victory in Klamath Falls. The game was tied at 50 in the final minute when Braeden Watts and Ethan Hutsell both hit a pair of free throws to seal the win. 

Hutsell led all scorers with 21 points while classmate Neco Ortega added 15. The Pirates connected on nine three-point baskets in the game, including four by Ortega. Phoenix hit 15 of 20 free throws in the game, including 10 of 12 in the final quarter. 

Three nights earlier the Pirates overcame an early 10-0 deficit to down North Valley 56-39. PHS led 28-27 at halftime before limiting the Knights to just 12 second-half points.

Hutsell had another big night, finishing with 23 points while Watts added 11, Ortega seven and AJ Stanfield six.