The Phoenix boys’ basketball team has been the proverbial rollercoaster to open the season, riding a wave of peaks and valleys along the way.

The Pirates closed December with a 6-5 record…solid but looking for answers after opening with six wins in the first seven games. Phoenix lost four straight games along the way, losing its way offensively during the stretch. Phoenix averaged over 60 points per game during the first seven games but has since put up less than 50 per contest. The Pirates lost two contests by a combined five points during a holiday tournament.

Looking to get back on track, Phoenix is turning to its full-court pressing defense as 10 players see varsity action on a regular basis. Coach Troy McNichols is looking for that defense to again ignite his team in transition, as was often the case during the early-season surge.

Senior Julius Bolstad and juniors Robin Trenbeath and Dylan Harper are the team’s top scorers. Senior Izayah Mooring and sophomore Brayden Decker join Bolstad on the frontline while senior Isaiah Ayala-Talbott is a strong scoring threat from the perimeter. Seniors Jackson and Jenner Selden, junior Vincent Ponce and sophomore Diego Hernandez all bring energy on both ends of the court.

The Pirates will match up with teams from the SkyEm League on January 6-7 in Klamath Falls before opening Skyline Conference play on January 13 when they host Mazama.