When senior forward Faith Phillips entered the high school basketball ranks as a freshman she told herself ‘I’m going to do whatever helps the team out the most.’ Her role was unknown. As time passed, her ability to put the ball in the basket from different spots on the floor became the spade of her game.
A sweet touch shot over the middle gave the senior her 1,000th career point Tuesday night in the midst of a 61-38 blowout win over San Antonio Highlands (0-4) inside the Snake Pit.
The unknown became a motto for the senior’s time in San Marcos. Unknowingly, her longtime friend, senior guard Kayla Presley, would join her in her junior season. Unknowingly, she would commit to St. Mary’s to continue her basketball career. Having her role as a freshman would lead to this accolade in her career but she conquered each goal and is ready to exceed in more ways.
“It feels pretty good but now. I’m just set on getting 1,000 rebounds and I’m almost there. So that’s my goal now,” Phillips said.
Head coach Veronda Kendall knew what was at stake for Phillips and Presley, as both were in reach of joining the prestigious scoring club. It affected the mentality of her game plan but overall, she was focused on keeping the team undefeated this season.
“I had to relax a little bit because I know what’s on their mind. At the same time, I have to try to keep in mind that we have to still focus on execution and staying sharp. That’s how my coaching changed,” Kendall said. “I have to understand it’s on their mind. But I also have to keep in mind that it can’t be our focus. We’re focusing on all we can do to win games.”
One of the key scorers for this team has been junior point guard Angelina Sotelo, who’s worked her way into the starting lineup. San Marcos struggled against Highlands’ 2-3 zone from outside early but found the lefty whenever they needed a shot made from the perimeter. Last season her scoring was off the bench. This year it’s a new role and it’s given her the confidence to shine in big spots.
“Oh yeah, definitely, I can show more as a starter,” Sotelo said. “And like I said, my game and confidence has come up and improved tremendously. Coming off of the bench last season, I was kind of beat about that but I’m so glad I got to start this year. It’s a whole different feeling. I feel like a new me.”
The new Sotelo started the second half with a string of 3s, both assisted by Presley. Phillips, only two points away from the career achievement, scored a few plays later, making the score 36-14 with 4:24 left in the third.
In the fourth, the hosts were trying to find ways to get Presley the ball in scoring fashion. She knocked down a mid-range jumper from the right side of the floor with 15 seconds left in the game. Unaware of her foul situation, the senior intentionally fouled stopping the clock, earning her fifth and final and subbing out in the win.
The Rattlers coach said following the game it haunted her that Presley fell one point short of recording her 1,000th point as well.
Presley finished with a game-high 19 points, three assists and three steals, followed by Sotelo’s 15 mostly from perimeter play. Phillips chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds.
With the win, San Marcos (4-0) has now started 4-0 or better in its last three seasons. From there, it’s been trying to keep that momentum heading into district play and with this year being one out of the spectrum of being normal, distractions are sure to come. It’s what the team does with them that counts.
“Keeping our mental focus, because there’s just so many distractions all the time,” Kendall said. “Just trying to keep them focused mentally on what our task is in what we have to do to accomplish that task. And the big one is how to minimize all those distractions.”
San Marcos travels to play Lake Travis (6-4) in the first district contest at 6:30 p.m. this Friday looking to keep their record spotless.
