For Clarkrange Lady Buffaloes guard Lydia Phillips, the postseason is not just another stretch of games on the schedule. It is a return to a feeling, one that nearly turned into something unforgettable a year ago.
Now a senior guard for the Clarkrange Lady Buffaloes, Phillips enters tournament play determined to help finish what her team started last season. Phillips said it was late in the year when it started to click.
“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.”
That taste of opportunity has lingered. Under longtime head coach Lamar Rogers, Clarkrange has built its identity on discipline and postseason poise. Phillips said she has embraced the responsibility of steering the offense and setting the tone as the Lady Buffaloes pursue another championship run. Phillips said with experience comes expectation.
“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 handles the ball in crucial moments, directs traffic, and looks to create opportunities for teammates while remaining a scoring threat herself. In her career at Clarkrange, she has delivered standout offensive performances, including multiple 20-plus-point outings that showcased her ability to take over stretches of games. Still, Phillips said individual numbers are not what drive her.
“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.”
That mentality, team-first, play-by-play focus, mirrors the culture Rogers has instilled. For Phillips, the memories of those final seconds in the region championship and the buildup to sub-state have not faded. They have sharpened hers and the Buffaloes’ resolve heading into this postseason.
