After a busy and productive summer, Clarkrange Lady Buffaloes basketball player Lydia Phillips is entering this season to help the Lady Buffaloes complete their quest for a championship run.
The senior forward has not had much downtime. In June, Phillips helped her AAU team capture the Miracle National Championship, and in July she joined Clarkrange seniors Sophie Sitton and Katelyn Cottle at the Run for the Roses showcase in Louisville, Kentucky.
Phillips said for her, the summer was not just about competition. It was about recapturing the spark the Lady Buffaloes discovered late last season.
“Towards the end of the season when we were working and stuff, like it hit us like ‘Hey, we actually had a shot at this,'” Phillips said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get to where we wanted to but I mean it did hit us like ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a few more seconds in the region championship game.’ ‘Oh my gosh, it’s about to start the sub-state game,’ so we definitely got that feeling a little bit there.”
Clarkrange finished with 22 wins last season and returns the bulk of its roster, looking to stabilize under head coach Lamar Rogers. Phillips said with that experience comes expectations, something the Lady Buffaloes have taken strides in achieving.
“We got flaws that we got to perfect,” Phillips said. “Obviously Coach [Lamar] Rogers will definitely get us into shape and help us with our mistakes and run our butts off if we mess up but we’re preparing for the season and we’re really excited.”
Phillips said she looks to impact every game in ways that will help the Lady Buffaloes.
“In the game, I’m not really focused on who’s watching or what schools. I’m really into the game and trying to figure out what next play to make instead of really paying attention to who’s watching,” Phillips said. “My goal during the game is to win and, how can we work together better as a team to help prepare for the season.”
Phillips begins her senior season for Clarkrange focused on improving those late season moments. Phillips also committed to the future ahead, recently signing to join the East Tennessee Air Tornadoes basketball team after her graduation.
