Gulf High basketball star follows in dad's footsteps

2022-06-25 03:05:59 By : Ms. Betty Li

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While being the coach's kid has its tough moments, it’s also a lifelong bonding experience for both Joe and Trent Phillips.

The pair hopes their partnership can lead the Buccaneers to their first championship title in 20 years. School may be out for the summer, but for them, that’s when the hard work begins 

“That can make a difference between a decent and a good player cause that 3 months off, it catches up to you,” Trent said.

Picking up his first ball when he was 6 years old, the sport came naturally to him. 

“It kinda just like fell in place," Trent said. "I didn’t really think I would play honestly”

Growing up hearing the stories of his father playing the game, changed that for him.

“I just seen him, and then I kinda just picked up the ball and fell in love with it,” Trent said.

He’s been playing ever since.

The Gulf High senior wants to leave it all on the court just like his dad did in the early 2000s. 

“It’s hard to put it into words but it’s almost like a dream come true," Joe said. "Just watching him play on the same court that I played on and just to watch him grow and mature over the years, it’s amazing to watch.”

Joe played for the Buccaneers from 1999 to 2003. The point guard led the team to a championship title in 2002, their first since 1963.

The team hasn’t won one since but Joe says it’s very possible this year.

“Basketball is our life," he said. "We revolve around that — school first, he’s a great student in the classroom, and then basketball comes next.”

@gulfhighschool basketball star @Trent_Phillips3 has a goal...leave it all on the court in his final season and play at the professional level. He has his father and coach, Gulf High legend, Joe Phillips right by his side. Watch his full story tonight on @SpecSports360 pic.twitter.com/xKdBYqHnoY

Trent currently averages 15 points per game, leads his team in scoring, and he is currently second in the conference in 3-pointers made. 

Joe finished his career averaging 25 points a game, with five assists, and he led the county in scoring average and 3-point shooting. The school retired his number 3 in 2003.

Trent, while he hopes to pass his dad, says he doesn’t let that pressure affect his game.

“It motivates me a lot," he said. "It shows me that it’s really possible to get up there and do it knowing someone and being able to work with someone who’s done it, you know. It’s really inspiring to see.”

While having your record-breaking coach as a father has its challenges, Trent said he wouldn’t trade the experience.

“He really wants to see me succeed," Trent said. "He genuinely wants to see me do better than he did and that pushes me a lot to work hard.”

The school also plans on celebrating its 100th birthday in September.