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

His team greeted Phoenix Country Day coach Shane Lewis with cheers as he entered the locker room  before Wednesday's play-in game against Sedona Red Rock.

Lewis reminded the Eagles of the reality of what's ahead. “It doesn’t matter about anything you’ve done up to tonight,” said Lewis. “Anything can happen, that’s the thing. It’s playoff time.” 

PCDS players warm up before play-in game. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

For the 11th straight season, No. 9 Phoenix Country Day earned a spot in Prescott for Round 1 of the 2A state tournament with a 62-32 win over No. 24 Sedona Red Rock.

PCDS players listen to assistant coach Sean Newland before play-in game. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“The team with the most heart is going to win this game,” Lewis told his team before the game. “I’ve challenged you in so many ways this year. Tonight it’s all you.”

Coach Lewis watches his team warm up. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The Eagles opened with an explosive 20-point first quarter.

“I think I just played hard,” said senior Daniel Gomez, who ignited the start with six of his 17 points. “Results just came. I was hitting my shots today. I had one deep and I was happy with it.”

Gomez shoots a 3-pointer. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The Eagles continued to show energy in a 15-point second quarter. Junior Will Miraglia drained two 3-pointers and finished the night with 17 points. 

Miraglia shoots a 3-pointer. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“You can’t win this game with just offense. It’s payoff time. Play defense” said Lewis at halftime. “This game is far from over. Bury this team right now.” 

Lewis addresses the team. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Sophomore Tanti Felli and Miraglia led the team with six points each as the Eagles (13-5) opened up a 20-point lead in the third quarter.

Felli makes a layup. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“Samuel was huge on defense for us,” said Gomez. “I don’t know how many points he had but it doesn’t even matter. He shut down their best scorer. If he can do that, we can do our job.”

Samuel Steiner guards a Sedona Red Rock player. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)In a fourth quarter in which the Eagles held the Scorpions to two points, every player on the bench made an appearance on the court, including sophomore  JV player Matthew Santos.

Junior Matthew Linhart chipped his tooth in the fourth quarter. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“Playoff wins are hard. That’s your taste,” said Lewis after the game. “They’re not easy. Teams are good now.”

PCDS players react to a shot in the air. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

For all but Gomez, this is their first experience in the playoffs for the younger players.

PCDS and SRR players battle for the ball on the court. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“Friday and Saturday make sure you give 100%,” said junior Ben Brodsky. “If you’re not, you’re gonna have regrets. Let’s go see what we can do.”

Brodsky shoots free throws. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The Eagles will play a familiar opponent - Arizona Luthern Academy - in the first round Friday at 2 p.m.  The teams faced off in December with the Eagles winning 51-43. 

PCDS players celebrate a 3-pointer. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“We just gotta go out and play well,” said Miraglia. “We have to play our game.” 

 

PCDS players on the bench celebrate their teammate making a layup. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“The elevation in Prescott is much higher. Start drinking water now,” said Lewis. “Together on three.”