Marlee Smith is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day School for AZPreps365.com

"Winning cures everything" written on the PCDS locker room whiteboard. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Despite the locker room message, Phoenix Country Day started slow and never recovered in a 71-44 loss to Rancho Solano Prep Friday.Sophomore Tanti Felli (22) scores a layup in game against Rancho Solano. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365) 

The 11-5 Eagles got off to a rocky start with only 10 points in the first quarter. Senior Daniel Gomez had five points to boost the team. Gomez added another five of the team’s 10 points in the second quarter. Headed into halftime, the Eagles trailed by 17 points. 

Sam Steiner (24) goes for a layup in the second quarter. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The Eagles came out hot after halftime with 17 points and five 3-pointers. Junior Will Miraglia drained two three-pointers. The roll came to a sharp halt when the team only scored seven points in the last quarter. 

PCDS students grabbed pom pons during the game to cheer on the team in the absence of a spiritline. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Gomez led the team with 13 points. Miraglia followed with four three-pointers.

Senior Daniel Gomez (11) dribbles past defenders during the third quarter. Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Friday's game was also senior Griffin Freret’s first game back in almost a month due to an ankle injury. Coach Shane Lewis’s largest concern: injury. “We had an injury in warmups. It’s happened twice this year. I think it might be a state record,” he chuckled.

Senior Griffin Freret (10) dribbles between the legs during the third quarter. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Even though the team lost, Lewis is confident going into Senior Night and postseason. “They’ll bounce back,” he said. “We move on, wins or losses. We don’t have highs and lows. We stay constant where we’re at. And we move on.” 

Head coach Shane Lewis instructing players during the fourth quarter. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Sophomore Sam Tepper had his second start this season. “He didn’t play scared, he went for it,” said  Lewis. Tepper only scored four points, however. “They’re a young team. Every night is a new experience” said Lewis. 

Sophomore Sam Tepper (5) analyzes the court in the third quarter .(Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The young team is looking forward to Senior Night and postseason. “We’re hoping Gomey [Gomez], one of our seniors, gets to 1,000,” said Tepper. "That would be huge. We would all go insane if that happens on Senior Night. We’ve been looking forward to that all season.” 

"1, 2, 3...Together." (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)The team takes on Cicero Preparatory Academy on Tuesday for Senior Night.