The Phoenix basketball team returned to the court on Dec. 20 after a long disruption due to Covid. The team traveled to Kalona for a contest with the hosting, Pathway Panthers.

METRO got off to a great start early with a couple of 3’s but the Panther pulled away late in the 1st quarter and took a 34-27 lead into halftime. METRO kept it close for much of the 3rd quarter but got into foul trouble and the Panthers lead ballooned by 11 by the middle of the 4th quarter. The Phoenix scored 7 unanswered points in the final 2 minutes but came up short, falling to the Panther, 49-55. 3 Phoenix players scored in double figures and the team combined for 52 rebounds. The Phoenix are coached by Akash Kesari and head coach, Ben Sparboe.