Despite a trio of losses, the Phoenix High School girls' basketball team showed signs of promise during a holiday tournament at Cascade Christian High School.

After a tournament-opening loss to eventual champion Crater, the Pirates matched up well with both St. Mary's and Santiam Christian,  losing to the two private schools by a combined 10 points over the final two days of the tournament.

The best PHS effort came in the final game of the tournament on December 23 when the Pirates dropped a 56-53 decision to Santiam. Phoenix (1-7 on the season) led 33-28 at halftime and 41-39 after three quarters. Santiam caught the Pirates in the final quarter.

The backcourt combination of Taylor DeVry (16 points) and Maggie Carrillo (14) led the way in scoring while Bella Lopez added 14 points. DeVry connected on three three-point baskets while Carrillo added two.

A day earlier, Phoenix was close throughout the contest but could never quite catch St. Mary's in a 34-27 loss.The Pirates trailed 28-24 after three quarters but managed just three points over the final quarter. Lopez and Delani Parent both scored six points for Phoenix, which got nine rebounds from Brooke Kentner.

On December 21, the Pirates weren't able to match up with Crater, which went on a 41-6 scoring run over the second and third quarters. Lopez led PHS with six points.