Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Kaedon Phillips, Sterling senior basketball player

Name: Kaedon Phillips

School: Sterling

Sport: Basketball

Why he was selected: He scored a career-high 31 points in a 91-74 win over Rochelle on Saturday, Jan. 4. He followed it up with 22 points in a win over LaSalle-Peru and 28 points in a win over Galesburg. He is averaging a team-high 18.8 points per game with a 46.1 field goal percentage, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Sterling (10-7) has won seven of its last nine games after a four-game skid.

Sterling coach Ryan Vasquez says Phillips' “relentless will to compete at a high level” stands out.

“The young man is a competitor through and through, always striving to win at all costs in anything he does,” he said. “KP has helped elevate the team by setting the tone at practice. As one of our senior leaders, his voice commands the gym, and his effort and energy are always aligned with his words. This has pushed his teammates to embrace discomfort, ultimately making them better basketball players.”

Phillips has stepped into a larger scoring role this season. He has filled it well.

“KP is a dedicated teammate who deeply cares about everyone on the team. He’s always willing to do whatever it takes—whether for his own growth or to help his teammates succeed," Vasquez said. “As a senior leader, he has fully stepped into the role, guiding and motivating the team through his work ethic and commitment.”

Phillips is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into basketball and what or who helped you get into it?

Phillips: I first got into basketball at the age of 3 and was introduced to it by my dad.

What do you like about basketball? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Phillips: I love that basketball is a fast moving game and creates a lot of exciting moments. I feel like my strength is driving to the hoop and creating space for my teammates. I have worked on my FT shooting and left hand dribbling this year.

You have been on a roll scoring the ball and setting your career high multiple times recently. What do you attribute your success to and increase in scoring?

Phillips: Putting work in the offseason has helped me improve my scoring, and gaining the trust from teammates has helped me gain confidence with the ball and to go score.

The team has won seven of its last nine games. How do you feel about this year’s team through the first half of the season? What stands out?

Phillips: This year’s team is great, I love the group of guys we have and the chemistry we have. We are a fast team and young team and use that as an advantage to get transition buckets.