A long, lanky and talented Marist team was too much for the Phoenix boys' basketball team in the first round of the state playoffs. Appearing in the 4A Round of 16 for the first time since 2020, the Pirates were outscored 35-8 over the second and third quarters in a 59-30 loss to the Spartans in Eugene on March 1. Phoenix (which ended the season 16-7) got a strong start from Robin Trenbeath, as the senior guard scored all of his team's points in the first quarter. From there, Marist took charge and never looked back to advance to the OSAA State Tournament in Forest Grove this week. Dylan Harper added seven points and Brayden Decker five for Phoenix. PHOENIX (30): Trenbeath 13, Pyeatt 0, Ponce 3, Decker 5, Dobbins 0, Williams 2, Hernandez 0, Harper 7. Totals: 13 1-4 30. MARIST (59): Guerrero 10, Anderson 3, Tyner 4, Holmes 7, Andrus 0, Hudson 13, Erlenbush 12, Rinck 0, Lemley 0, Iverson 6, Relling 2, Christian 2. Totals: 26 0-0 59. Phoenix 11 3 5 11 — 30 Marist 15 17 18 9 — 59 3-point goals — Phoenix 4 (Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Decker 1, Harper 1), Marist 7 (Guerrero 2, Anderson 1, Holmes 1, Hudson 1, Iverson 2).  

The Phoenix boys continued a memorable basketball season, narrowly missing out on a share of the Skyline Conference basketball championship in the process. The Pirates dropped a 53-51 decision at Henley on Feb. 20, completing the conference season in the process. Henley won the conference with a 7-1 mark while PHS finished 5-3 in Skyline play. Despite the loss, Phoenix's season continues as the Pirates (16-6 overall) will visit Marist in an 4A OSAA State Playoff Game on March 1 in Eugene. Phoenix battled throughout the conference finale in Klamath Falls, rallying in the fourth quarter after leading 29-26 at halftime. The Pirates knocked down 10 three-point baskets in the game, including six by senior guard Robin Trenbeath who finished with a team-high 22 points.  Brayden Decker added 13 points and Dylan Harber 11 for Phoenix. PHOENIX (51): Trenbeath 22, Ponce 0, Decker 13, Dobbins 0, Williams 3, Hernandez 2, Garcia 0, Harper 11. Totals: 20 1-4 51. HENLEY (53): J. Janney 0, Hayes 5, Harper 9, Frank 3, C. Janney 2, Bennett 5, Montag 2, McCreadie 27. Totals: 22 7-12 53. Phoenix 16 13 7 15 — 51 Henley 14 12 12 15 — 53 3-point goals — Phoenix 10 (Trenbeath 6, Decker 3, Williams 1), Henley 2 (Frank 1, Bennett 1).  

The Phoenix boys' basketball team has figured out how to win close games. The Pirates continued their memorable season, edging rival Hidden Valley 51-48 on February 13. The victory improved PHS to 5-2 in the Skyline Conference, ensuring at least a second-place finish for Coach Troy McNichols' team. Phoenix (16-5 overall) can earn a share of the conference title with a win at Henley on Tuesday to close the regular season. Unlike earlier in the season when it had to rally past Hidden Valley, Phoenix led from the outset, building a 29-21 halftime advantage. The visiting Mustangs briefly took the lead in the second half only to have host Phoenix close out the win. Senior Robin Trenbeath scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half while Diego Hernandez added five of his nine points in the game in the final quarter. Brayden Decker added nine points, Dylan Harper eight and Amaru Williams seven for the Pirates, who won for the 12th time in their past 14 games. HIDDEN VALLEY (48): Isley 13, Norris 0, Brierty 5, Stone 4, Iwamizu 22, Noga 2, Mendez 2. Totals: 18 6-6 48. PHOENIX (51): Trenbeath 12, Ponce 3, Decker 9, Dobbins 0, Williams 7, Hernandez 9, Garcia 3, Harper 8. Totals: 16 2-5 51. Hidden Valley 9 12 16 11 — 48 Phoenix 17 12 9 13 — 51 3-point goals — Hidden Valley 6 (Isley 3, Brierty 1, Iwamizu 2), Phoenix 5 (Ponce 1, Decker 2, Williams 1, Garcia 1).

Dylan Harper delivered in leading the Phoenix boys’ basketball team to yet another big win. The senior guard scored a career-high 40 points, leading the Pirates past Klamath Union 73-71 in overtime on Friday night in Klamath Falls. The win improved Phoenix to 15-5 overall and 4-2 in the Skyline Conference. The Pirates return to action Tuesday when they host Hidden Valley before closing the regular season at Henley on February 20 in what could be a battle for the Skyline championship. Harper came up big on a back-and-forth night as the Pirates and Pelicans exchanged leads throughout the contest. Phoenix led by as many as nine points (51-42 after three quarters) before KU closed and forced overtime, tying the game at 66 at the end of regulation. Harper scored all seven of Phoenix’s points in the extra session as the Pirates survived without starters Brayden Decker and Robin Trenbeath, who both fouled out of the game in regulation. Harper connected on six three-point baskets while Amaru Williams hit four three-pointers on his way to 14 points in the game. Trenbeath added 13 points for PHS, which moved up to ninth in the OSAA rankings with the road victory. PHOENIX (73): Trenbeath 13, Ponce 0, Decker 2, Dobbins 0, Williams 14, Hernandez 4, Garcia 0, Harper 40. Totals: 27 8-14 73. KLAMATH UNION (71): Matheney 14, Spooner 3, Witherspoon 2, Hayes 2, Watah 14, Geraud 5, McKay 18, Lassett-Hawkins 0, N/A 6. Totals: 26 12-16 71. Phoenix 12 17 22 15 7 — 73 Klamath Union 16 15 11 24 5 — 71 3-point goals — Phoenix 11 (Harper 6, Williams 4, Trenbeath 1), Klamath Union 7 (Matheney 2, McKay 2, Hayes 1, Geraud 1, Lassett-Hawkins 1).

Dylan Harper delivered in leading the Phoenix boys’ basketball team to yet another big win. The senior guard scored a career-high 40 points, leading the Pirates past Klamath Union 73-71 in overtime on Friday night in Klamath Falls. The win improved Phoenix to 15-5 overall and 4-2 in the Skyline Conference. The Pirates return to action Tuesday when they host Hidden Valley before closing the regular season at Henley on February 20 in what could be a battle for the Skyline championship. Harper came up big on a back-and-forth night as the Pirates and Pelicans exchanged leads throughout the contest. Phoenix led by as many as nine points (51-42 after three quarters) before KU closed and forced overtime, tying the game at 66 at the end of regulation. Harper scored all seven of Phoenix’s points in the extra session as the Pirates survived without starters Brayden Decker and Robin Trenbeath, who both fouled out of the game in regulation. Harper connected on six three-point baskets while Amaru Williams hit four three-pointers on his way to 14 points in the game. Trenbeath added 13 points for PHS, which moved up to ninth in the OSAA rankings with the road victory. PHOENIX (73): Trenbeath 13, Ponce 0, Decker 2, Dobbins 0, Williams 14, Hernandez 4, Garcia 0, Harper 40. Totals: 27 8-14 73. KLAMATH UNION (71): Matheney 14, Spooner 3, Witherspoon 2, Hayes 2, Watah 14, Geraud 5, McKay 18, Lassett-Hawkins 0, N/A 6. Totals: 26 12-16 71. Phoenix 12 17 22 15 7 — 73 Klamath Union 16 15 11 24 5 — 71 3-point goals — Phoenix 11 (Harper 6, Williams 4, Trenbeath 1), Klamath Union 7 (Matheney 2, McKay 2, Hayes 1, Geraud 1, Lassett-Hawkins 1).

A big night of three-point shooting spurred a serious comeback for the Phoenix boys' basketball team on January 26. The visiting Pirates trailed host Hidden Valley by seven points in the third quarter before rallying for a thrilling 59-57 Skyline Conference win in Murphy. Phoenix improved to 13-4 overall and 2-1 in the Skyline as it heads into a showdown with rival Henley on Friday night at PHS. The Pirates are currently ranked ninth in the state. Sophomore Amaru Williams was the catalyst behind the three-point barrage, knocking down six long-range baskets, including five in the second half. Vinnie Ponce and Dylan Harper added two three-point baskets apiece as Phoenix utilized a strong dribble penetration game to open up the perimeter opportunities. Harper and classmate Robin Trenbeath were the main instigators in the offensive attack. Harper finished with 14 points and Trenbeath 13, both setting up Williams in the victory. PHOENIX (59): Trenbeath 13, Ponce 6, Decker 3, Dobbins 0, Williams 18, Hernandez 5, Gracia 0, Harper 14. Totals: 23 3-8 59. HIDDEN VALLEY (57): Isley 12, Klingler 5, Brierty 0, Stone 12, Iwamizu 19, Noga 5, Montieth 0, Walker 0, Mendez 4. Totals: 21 9-20 57. Phoenix 9 19 14 17 — 59 Hidden Valley 14 17 14 12 — 57 3-point goals — Phoenix 10 (Williams 6, Ponce 2, Harper 2), Hidden Valley 6 (Isley 3, Klingler 1, Iwamizu 1, Noga 1).

After one winning streak ended, the Phoenix boys’ basketball team started a new one in a 58-49 win at Yreka on January 22. The Pirates had won seven straight games before dropping a 57-53 decision to Klamath Union on Jan. 19 in Skyline Conference play. The Pirates bounced back at Yreka, taking down the Miners in a game postponed due to weather a week earlier. Seventeen points from Dylan Harper, including three three-point baskets, set the scoring pace for the Pirates who got 12 points from Ethan Dobbins and Brayden Decker and 10 from Robin Trenbeath in the win. Phoenix trailed 12-10 after one quarter before outscoring Yreka 22-5 in the second quarter on the way to improving to 12-4 on the season. The Pirates return to action Friday at Hidden Valley. PHOENIX (58): Trenbeath 10, Pyeatt 2, Ponce 0, Decker 12, Dobbins 12, Williams 5, Garcia 2, Harper 17. Totals: 20 6-12 58. YREKA (49): McEwen 7, Dunbar 6, McFall 10, Fitzpatrick 5, Hale 0, Vann 0, Zediker 5, Davis 2, McClane 14, Croy 0. Totals: 20 5-10 49. Phoenix 10 22 19 7 — 58 Yreka 12 5 12 19 — 49 3-point goals — Phoenix 6 (Harper 3, Decker 2, Williams 1), Yreka 4 (McFall 2, McEwen 1, Fitzpatrick 1). KLAMATH UNION 57, PHOENIX 53: At Phoenix, Brayden Decker scored 18 points but Phoenix was unable to keep its seven-game winning streak alive in the Skyline Conference contest. The Pirates (11-4, 1-1 Skyline) also got 12 points from Robin Trenbeath, and Amaru Williams scored 10 points. Jeffery Spooner led Klamath Union (6-8, 1-0) with 17 points and DayQuan McKay added 14 points. KLAMATH UNION (57): Matheney 7, Spooner 17, Watah 10, Geraud 3, McKay 14, Lassett-Hawkins 6. Totals: 20 13-20 57. PHOENIX (53): Trenbeath 12, Ponce 5, Decker 18, Dobbins 0, Williams 10, Garcia 0, Harper 8. Totals: 18 9-13 53. Klamath Union — 57 Phoenix 15 14 15 9— 53 3-point goals — Klamath Union 4 (Lassett-Hawkins 2, Matheney 1, McKay 1), Phoenix 8 (Decker 3, Williams 2, Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Harper 1).

The winning streak reached seven games as the Phoenix boys' basketball team opened Skyline Conference play with a gritty 57-48 win at Mazama on January 16. The Pirates improved to 11-3 in the process and are ranked eighth at the 4A level heading into their home conference opener on January 19 against Klamath Union. Robin Trenbeath scored 20 points, Amaru Williams 11 and Diego Hernandez nine as Phoenix outscored the host Vikings 16-11 in the final quarter to secure the win. PHOENIX (57): Trenbeath 20, Ponce 3, Decker 7, Dobbins 0, Williams 11, Hernandez 9, Garcia 0, Harper 7. Totals: 20 10-19 57. MAZAMA (48): Nanni 21, Melgoza 2, Hunt 2, Baker 0, Ulloa-Ford 4, Beals 11, Carter 4, Hayden 4. Totals: 20 8-9 48. Phoenix 12 16 13 16 — 57 Mazama 13 12 12 11 — 48 3-point goals — Phoenix 7 (Williams 3, Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Decker 1, Harper 1). Fouled out — Beals, Harper.  

With a key player missing for the rest of the season, the Phoenix boys' basketball team is looking for players to step up. Amaru Williams did just that on Tuesday night, leading the Pirates to a 64-36 non-conference win at South Umpqua. The 6-foot-3 sophomore hit five three-point baskets and scored a career-high 23 points in the victory at Myrtle Creek as Phoenix improved to 10-3 on the season. The Pirates are scheduled to open Skyline Conference play on Friday at Mazama. Phoenix led 23-13 at halftime before pulling away over the final two quarters. Dylan Harper added 12 points while Vinnie Ponce and Brayden Decker chipped in nine each as the Pirates won their sixth straight game and improved to eighth in the OSAA Class 4A rankings.  PHOENIX (64): Trenbeath 2, Pyeatt 5, Ponce 9, Decker 9, Dobbins 2, Williams 23, Hernandez 2, Garcia 0, Harper 12. Totals: 30 3-5 64. SOUTH UMPQUA (36): Wilborn 14, Cole 0, Kon. Lussier 2, Burnett 11, Wells 2, Kor. Lussier 2, Kaae 3, Esterbrook 0, Elrod 0, Earls 2, Fisher 0, Heze 0. Totals: 16 3-8 36. Phoenix 16 7 19 22 — 64 South Umpqua 6 7 14 9 — 36 3-point goals — Phoenix 7 (Williams 5, Ponce 1, Decker 1), South Umpqua (Wilborn 1).

The Phoenix Pirates earned a “ship”, taking honors in the Christmas Classic in the process. Phoenix put together a 3-0 record to win the championship at the eight-team event at Cascade Christian High School December 21-23. The three-game sweep improved PHS to 7-3 on the season, hiking the Pirates to sixth in the state Class 4A rankings in the process. Solid defense and team-first offense sparked the week’s effort, which included match-ups with a trio of teams ranked in the top 10 of the 3A classification. After an overtime win against 5A Ashland on December 16, the Pirates dropped a 10-point decision at Douglas before running off the trio of wins in the Classic. The Pirates closed 2023 with a 68-36 cruise past visiting Etna on December 29. The win improved Phoenix to 8-3 heading into 2024 when it will hit the road often, including trips to Cottage Grove on January 2 and a visit to top-ranked Junction City on January 6. Following are game summaries from the Rogue Valley Times. Subscribe to the Times here.  PHOENIX 49, HARRISBURG 39: A third-quarter surge helped Phoenix separate from Harrisburg and secure the championship title in the Christmas Classic at Cascade Christian High on December 23. Tobias Akpan led the Pirates (7-3) with 22 points and Robin Trenbeath added 11, with Vicente Ponce knocking down two 3-pointers during a 20-13 run in the third quarter. HARRISBURG (39): Herrera 3, Crabb 3, Baker 0, Lidbeck 24, Baird 0, Davis 4, Bellinger 5. Totals: 15 5-10 39. PHOENIX (49): Trenbeath 11, Ponce 6, Decker 2, Williams 0, Hernandez 0, Harper 8, Akpan 22. Totals: 18 10-12 49. Harrisburg 14 4 13 8 — 39 Phoenix 17 5 20 7 — 49 3-point goals — Harrisburg 4 (Lidbeck 2, Herrera 1, Crabb 1), Phoenix 3 (Ponce 2, Trenbeath 1).   PHOENIX 49, PLEASANT HILL 43: Phoenix opened with a dominant first quarter and then held on to win the Christmas Classic semifinal at Cascade Christian High on December 22. Tobias Akpan scored 19 points and Robin Trenbeath added 13 points for the Pirates (6-3), who opened a 21-7 lead through one quarter. Phoenix will play Harrisburg at 7 p.m. Saturday in the championship game. Gavin Inglish scored 21 points for Pleasant Hill (8-2). PHOENIX (49): Trenbeath 13, Ponce 3, Decker 0, Williams 6, Hernandez 2, Harper 6, Akpan 19. Totals: 18 8-15 49. PLEASANT HILL (43): Neely 3, Nguyen 6, Melvin 10, Inglish 21, Dudley 3, Ireland 0, Hazel 0, Heacock 0. Totals: 16 6-7 43. Phoenix 21 7 11 10 — 49 Pleasant Hill 7 15 11 10 — 43 3-point goals — Phoenix 5 (Williams 2, Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Akpan 1), Pleasant Hill 5 (Melvin 2, Inglish 2, Dudley 1). Fouled out — Trenbeath.   PHOENIX 59, SANTIAM CHRISTIAN 41: Tobias Akpan led three Phoenix scorers in double figures with 19 points and the Pirates limited Santiam Christian to single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters to open the Christmas Classic at Cascade Christian High on December 21. Amaru Williams knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points for Phoenix (5-3), while Dylan Harper added 12 points to push the Pirates into the championship semifinals. Santiam Christian trailed 28-11 at halftime but was able to close the gap with a 21-11 surge in the third quarter, only to see the Pirates answer back in the fourth. Josh Riddle scored 12 points for the Eagles (0-7). PHOENIX (59): Trenbeath 5, Ponce 3, Decker 0, Dobbins 0, Williams 16, Hernandez 4, Garcia 0, Harper 12, Akpan 19. Totals: 20 13-18 59. SANTIAM CHRISTIAN (41): Fosdick 7, Rahn 5, Boshart 4, Riddle 12, Fitzpatrick 0, Slegers 9, Hill 0, Ball 2, Knox 2, S. Smith 0. Totals: 16 5-7 41. Phoenix 13 15 11 20 — 59 Santiam Christian 6 5 21 9 — 41 3-point goals — Phoenix 6 (Williams 3, Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Harper 1), Santiam Christian 4 (Riddle 2, Rahn 1, Slegers 1).   DOUGLAS 69, PHOENIX 59: At Winston, it was a battle of duos as a combined 42 points between Tobias Akpan and Dylan Harper were not enough for Phoenix to beat Douglas as Jace Page had a game-high 33 points and Dylan Manuel added 20 points on December 19. Akpan finished with 22 points while Harper supported him with 20 points for the Pirates (4-3), who led 16-9 through one quarter but couldn't sustain that edge. PHOENIX (59): Trenbeath 3, Ponce 0, Decker 3, Williams 4, Hernandez 7, Garcia 0, Harper 20, Akpan 22. Totals 23 9-15 59. DOUGLAS (69): Dunstan 2, West 8, Manuel 20, Driscoll 0, Rincon 4, Page 33, Stiler 2. Totals: 22 19-29 69. Phoenix 16 8 14 21 — 59 Douglas 9 16 24 20 — 69 3-point goals — Douglas 6 (Manuel 5, West 1), Phoenix 4 (Akpan 2, Decker 1, Harper 1).   Feeling like maybe they fumbled away an opportunity Tuesday in a loss at Eagle Point, Phoenix’s boys basketball team was looking to get back on the right track on December 16 against Ashland at Lithia Motors Pavilion. The host Grizzlies, however, weren’t about to make that an easy proposition. Ashland shook off a late fourth-quarter deficit before overtime was forced during the nonconference affair. The Grizzlies, however, couldn’t hold off the Pirates in the extra session as Phoenix dug in for a 52-49 overtime victory. “Considering what happened on Tuesday, it was a great response,” said Phoenix head coach Troy McNichols. “We killed ourselves on Tuesday but I’m really, really proud of my kids for sticking with it today. I think that they showed a lot of composure down the stretch this game, and I think we learned from some of our mistakes.” Robin Trenbeath scored all five of his points in overtime for Phoenix (4-2), including a 3-pointer that offered the Pirates an early five-point advantage and put Ashland (4-4) in comeback mode. Dylan Harper also added four of his 15 points in extra time for the Pirates, who played without junior standout Tobias Akpan down the stretch. “Tobias had fouled out so we kind of rolled the dice in overtime and went with all of our kids who have played for us for the last couple of years,” McNichols said of the lineup. “We’ve been in that position before where it’s been close games, and they played great defense and they protected the ball real well and we were able to execute and got a couple layups out of it.” Ashland had the ball and a chance to possibly force a second overtime, but Phoenix defended the final stretch well and didn’t give the Grizzlies much room for an open look. “We were able to kind of clamp down on defense there at the end,” said McNichols. Quillian Tourzan scored 14 points and Jaydan Hermogenes added 11 points for Ashland, while Danny Cooper had seven of his eight points spanning over the fourth quarter and overtime sessions. PHOENIX (52): Trenbeath 5, Pyeatt 0, Ponce 5, Decker 5, Dobbins 0, Williams 6, Hernandez 8, Harper 15, Akpan 8. Totals: 22 6-12 52. ASHLAND (49): Harrower 4, Cooper 8, Marsdorf 3, Hermogenes 11, Hernandez 0, Bloodworth 3, Tourzan 14, Wieczorek 0, Rountree 6. Totals: 16 8-10 49. Phoenix 12 9 9 13 9 — 52 Ashland 10 15 8 10 6 — 49 3-point goals — Phoenix 4 (Trenbeath 1, Ponce 1, Decker 1, Hernandez 1), Ashland 6 (Hermogenes 3, Matsdorf 1, Bloodworth 1, Tourzan 1). Fouled out — Harper, Akpan.

The Phoenix boys' basketball team survived a couple of early tests to open the season with a 2-0 record. The Pirates are home again, hosting North Marion and Sweet Home on December 8-9. Here are recaps of both Pirates games courtesy of the Rogue Valley Times. To subscribe to the Times, click here.  PHOENIX 63, ST. MARY’S 56: At Phoenix, Tobias Akpan notched a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds and the junior forward finished 7-of-11 from the free-throw line to help close out St. Mary’s on December 2. Dylan Harper scored 22 points and snagged seven rebounds for the Pirates (2-0), while Brayden Decker added 12 points. The Crusaders (1-1) were led by Cannon Anderson and CJ Seggelink, who finished with 12 points apiece. Tai Zimmerman also contributed 10 points for St. Mary’s, and T.J. Flowers had seven points and eight rebounds. PHOENIX (63): Trenbeath 8, Ponce 0, Decker 12, Dobbins 0, Williams 0, Garcia 0, Harper 22, Akpan 21. Totals: 23 12-21 63. ST. MARY'S (56): Hensman 7, Flowers 7, North 3, Anderson 12, King 0, Zimmerman 10, Kranenburg 5, Seggelink 12. Totals: 22 6-12 56. Phoenix 17 14 13 19 — 63 St. Mary’s 13 15 13 15 — 56 3-points goals — Phoenix 5 (Decker 3, Harper 2), St. Mary’s 6 (Zimmerman 2, Seggelink 2, Kranenburg 1, Hensman 1).     Phoenix 62, North Valley 53: As far as season debuts go, Phoenix boys basketball coach Troy McNichols saw plenty of things to be pleased with Thursday night against North Valley on Nov. 30. You want a good start? The Pirates scored the first 12 points of the contest. You want to carry a good lead into halftime? Phoenix ushered itself into the home locker room up 30-14 at the break. Even the downside to the opener came with a bit of a silver lining after the Knights twice closed the gap to a two-possession game in the third and fourth quarters but the Pirates immediately responded to lay claim to an eventual 62-53 triumph. “I’m really, really pleased with the effort,” said McNichols. “We just need to clean some things up and we need to be a little bit more patient on offense.” “I’m liking the makeup of this group,” he added. “We didn’t shoot the ball well but we have capable shooters, and then to shoot as bad as we did from the free-throw line (9-for-23), that’s not going to happen many times for us. So we have a lot to be looking at as a positive.” Junior forward Tobias Akpan, who contributed a year ago among the South Medford rotation, was a force on both ends of the court. The 6-foot-4 Akpan posted a game-high 24 points to go with 10 rebounds and five blocked shots to pace Phoenix (1-0). When North Valley (0-1) was able to trim its deficit to 55-51 with two minutes to play, it was Akpan who drove to the rim for baskets on three straight trips down the court for the Pirates to stave off the comeback bid. “He was just all over the place,” said McNichols of Akpan. “I think what makes him so special is he’s just a great kid.” “When we needed something, he definitely came through for us,” added the coach. In similar fashion, Robin Trenbeath came up with key plays when the Pirates needed it most in the third quarter after North Valley stormed out of the locker room and outscored Phoenix 19-8 by the midway point of the frame. Clutching a 38-33 lead, Phoenix was able to gain a key basket when Trenbeath drove the lane and kicked out to Brayden Decker for a corner 3-pointer. After a defensive stop, the Pirates went up 43-33 on an up-and-under effort by Trenbeath to regain momentum. “Our kids definitely responded, so I’m pretty pleased with that,” said McNichols. Decker finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three blocks in what McNichols said was his best outing as a Pirate, while Dylan Harper scored 12 points and Trenbeath finished with seven points and seven assists. Cooper McCord scored 12 of his 20 points for North Valley in the second half, when the Knights were able to capitalize after the Pirates lost a little focus following a dominant first half. Stephen Lauby also scored 12 of his 16 points in the final 16 minutes for North Valley. “We were pushing the ball down and we got caught up in the excitement,” said McNichols. “We’ve got some new faces and we’re just trying to feel it all out.” “I just felt like it became an issue of just not running our stuff,” he added of the stage set for North Valley’s rally. “I think our guys were trying to compete a little bit too much with who gets to shoot. We had some kids go rogue just trying to do a little bit too much on their own and not seeing the next pass to make for an easier shot. Those are things that will get ironed out as we go.” NORTH VALLEY (53): Snodgrass 0, McCord 20, Kissel 2, Lauby 16, Gareau 6, Duran 4, Rubey 0, Crosier 0, Caballero 0, Smith 0, Dubowsky 5. Totals: 24 2-3 53. PHOENIX (62): Trenbeath 7, Ponce 4, Decker 13, Dobbins 2, Williams 0, Garcia 0, Harper 12, Akpan 24. Totals: 25 9-22 62. North Valley 8 6 21 18 — 53 Phoenix 16 14 15 17 — 62 3-point goals — North Valley 3 (Lauby 3), Phoenix 3 (Decker 2, Akpan 1). Fouled out — Smith. JV score — North Valley 70, Phoenix 35