The Phoenix boys' basketball team is showing signs that it's back.

After a fast start to the season, the Pirates found themselves in a four-game skid to close out 2022. Tuesday was an opportunity to get 2023 going on the right note and Phoenix did just that in a 76-53 win at Etna, CA.

The Pirates followed up a close first half by wearing down their hosts, outscoring Etna 42-24 over the final two quarters. Six different players hit three-point baskets in the game, including three by junior Dylan Harper, who scored a career-high 31 points on the night. Diego Hernandez put together his best night of the season with 13 points while Robin Trenbeath and Izayah Mooring both added eight points. Trenbeath had a season-high nine assists.

Senior Jackson Selden contributed in a variety of ways on both ends of the court as the Pirates improved to 7-5 on the season. Phoenix returns to action on Friday when it will take on Cottage Grove in the first round of the Skyline-SkyEm Crossover at Klamath Union High School (6 pm start). The Pirates also play Saturday, taking on Marshfield in an 11 am game at Henley High School. 

The Phoenix JV boys also won on Tuesday, downing Etna 69-37. Sophomore swingman William Pyeatt led the way, hitting eight three-point baskets on the way to a career-high 24 points. The win improved PHS to 7-6 in JV play.