Monterey Wildcats guard Xavier Phillips is closing out his second varsity season with confidence, and with the ball in his hands more than ever.
Phillips is entering the final month of his sophomore year on the Wildcats’ varsity roster, but his basketball journey stretches well beyond that. Now in his fifth year playing the game, Phillips said his love for basketball started simply by following family to the court.
“My cousins and stuff, we used to go up to the courts and play,” Phillips said. “I just figured I’d get into it.”
That casual beginning turned into a commitment as Phillips bounced around schools during his younger years. After coming to Monterey in middle school and later attending Wilson Elementary, Phillips said he found his rhythm back on familiar ground, the Monterey courts and recreational center.
Phillips said he spent nearly three hours a day at the recreational center, four days a week, scrimmaging and getting as many reps as possible.
“It just got me into it and taught me the game,” Phillips said. “If it wasn’t for that I probably wouldn’t be playing.”
This season marks Phillips’ first year as a starter for the Wildcats, and he has embraced a larger role as the team’s primary facilitator. A natural point guard, Phillips said passing is what he takes the most pride in, a strength that has led to a career-high average in assists this season.
His playmaking ability was on full display in a win over Boyd Christian, when Phillips recorded a career-best nine assists while also scoring 15 points, another personal high.
“It means a lot to me knowing I can help the team when I’m playing good,” Phillips said. “If we just continue to work as a team, I think we’ll get better.”
With a strong foundation built from years of work at the rec center and now two varsity seasons under his belt, Phillips continues to develop, not just as a player, but as a leader for Monterey’s future.