Eight seniors took the court for the last time as an Eagle for Phoenix Country Day Friday but it was the junior Daniel Gomez who provided an early spark in a 71-39 loss to No.1 Scottsdale Christian.

Although Gomez did not start, he finished with 13 points in a game that saw Scottsdale Christians (18-5) pull away in the second quarter.

“They are just a really good team,'' said Phoenix Country Day coach Shane Lewis. "They are number one for a reason. They are well coached and shoot well.”

PCDS's defense kept the game close for much of the first half. Senior captain Ty Rodin showed off his defense with an early steal that saw him go coast-to-coast for an easy layup. He finished with seven points.

The Eagles took their only lead of the night with 5:17 left in the third quarter after Gomez drilled his third 3-pointers.

But Scottsdale Christian nailed four 3-pointers in a row to finish the first half with a 38-24 lead.

“We need to keep our energy. We are a team that loves to scrap and loves to fight,” said Gomez.

With 6:17 left in the fourth quarter and the score 62-30, both coaches pulled their starters

With the loss, PCDS (15-6) and Scottsdale Christian could meet again. PCDS will likely move down from its projected 14 seed placement, which could set up an early-round rematch in the post season.

“We have to get healthy and we have to peak at the right time and hope for the best,” said Lewis.