You hear many descriptions of Ta'Shia's game as being "old school" or "throw back", but as she develops her game
it may be Phillips will redefine the new school. A solidly fundamental back-to-the-basket game is mixed with
a body that adds finesse and ballhandling. A defensive stopper in the post that changes the way teams attack,
which is probably her greatest gift to a game. It is difficult for players to play around her. It requires
opposing coaches to coach around her presence. Always seems calm and composed, and not one to let her talent go
to her head. All-around great player.
As a junior, Phillips began to be the focal point of opposing defenses, partly due to the graduation of several
high-caliber starters the year before. She averaged 18 points and 13.5 rebounds while shooting 66-percent from the
field. Brebeuf was 13-10.
Her sophomore year, Phillips increased her averages to 19.9 points and 13 rebounds while blocking four shots
per game. Brebeuf was 19-6 and was beaten in the regional championship game by Mt Vernon.
As a freshman, averaged 14.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in helping Braves (26-3) to Class 3A state championship.
Shot 68-percent from the field and 63-percent from the line and had a game high of 28 points.
Phillips made an oral commitment to Purdue on February 8, 2004 while a freshman in high school. Following Kristy
Curry's move to Texas Tech in March of 2006, Phillips recinded her oral commitment to Purdue to compare Purdue
with other programs. Phillips has indicated she will wait until the late signing period in April 2007 to make a
decision.
Old Gold Free Press scouting report I from the 2004 Blue Star Elite Camp..."There is no one her equal
at this camp in terms of a classic low post player. Has a very polished, simple game. She knows what her
bread and butter is, and she does it to perfection. Granted there was no overly competitive matchup against
her until 6'6 Amber Harris went up against her, but Phillips does one thing very well -- posting up and
showing a big target, receiving the ball, pivoting, and shooting over her defenders. Very accurate because
she kept within 10 feet of the basket for most of the games. Didn't see her trying to be a perimeter
shooter, or impress anyone with her ballhandling ability (which is exceptional for a player of her size).
One of the finest low post players I've seen at this age. Too many blocked shots to count. Opposing
players seemed to have a good time trying to defend her. One forward, after several futile attempts to
keep her from scoring, trotted down the court, smiled to her coach and proclaimed, "Coach, she's abusing
me!" Very mild mannered character on the floor. A girl that just goes to work when on the floor."
(July 9, 2004)
Old Gold Free Press scouting report I from the 2004 Nike All-American Camp..."A back-to-the-basket,
old-school true center. No illusions here that she thinks she might have a better game outside. She knows
her game, and is very good at working on it. The perfect size for the low post, with some muscle yet not
much excess weight. Runs the floor very well, has good hands on the run, and keeps track of her defensive
assignment. She will see mismatches over some of the more bulky centers because she moves so well and
full-court games do not wind her as much as some of her opponents carrying some weight. Unlike those bulky
centers, she matches up well against the power-forward-turned-center players in the 6'2 to 6'3 and
athletic mold that are successful relying more on quickness than force. She demands respect from defenders.
Her footwork is excellent at this stage, although sometimes predictable, in her early high school career.
It is a tossup whether to deny her or play behind. She's good on the offensive boards, but an impressively
good passer. Displayed a nice hook shot here, something her AAU coach told me was developed playing
practice games against 6'6 AAU teammate Amber Harris. Tailors the arc of her hook to the ability of her
defender. Nice combination of agility and strength, and is an accomplished low post passer. Hard to
double-down on due to her fingertip passing. The only reason Phillips does not make an all-camp team is
she does not yet show the will to take over a game. A team player comfortable with her role on the team.
Phillips and Nike post teammate Star Allen made one of the best rebounding duos at the camp when in the
game together." (July 16, 2004)
Old Gold Free Press scouting report II from the 2004 Nike All-American Camp..."Ta'Shia is an acquired
taste. You have to be a real connoisseur of the game to appreciate what this quiet but powerful young
woman brings to a team. Though not as graceful as Amber nor the intimidating physical presence of Tina,
Ta'Shia is both athletic and highly skilled. An enforcer with finesse. She does not exude raw power but
she will alter your game whether you like it or not. She may not be a wild flurry of activity around the
glass but she will always come away with the board. She may not have much of a perimeter game but she can
score at will around the basket. She is a load down low but can outrun opposing guards to finish a break.
She is one of those rare individuals who generally both start and finish the same possession. And lest
you try to double down on her to stop that mortar of a jump hook, she will carve up your defense with her
precision passing. Then clean the boards and finish her teammates' errant shots. Her presence can often
go largely unnoticed. That is, until you check the stat sheet at the end of the game. She is truly the
silent assassin." (July 16, 2004)
Old Gold Free Press scouting report from the 2004 Purdue Team Camp..."A 6'4 center who, unlike some other
6'4 players, seems comfortable in polishing her back-to-the-basket game. Her pivots were smooth, but she tends
to like short jumpers off her post moves with a little fade. It's very possible she altered her game to consider
the jumping ability of Jernigan, but has an unlimited future if she pivots hard and goes for layups rather than
short jumpers. Phillips has improved her footwork in the very short months between the high school season and now.
You might expect a post of her size to try to just outjump her opponents for rebounds, yet I cannot remember too
many times where she went over the back of an opponent. She is quick-footed enough to slide into rebounding
position instead of just relying on her height. She looks to have a very good freethrow shot, which is a must
for any post player wanting significant playing time in college. Defensively, you can ask for little more
against other post players. The main weakness in her game is defending smaller forwards who draw her out of
the paint. Jernigan did this very well. Once you clear her wingspan -- which is impressive -- she does not
recover well against slashing forwards. Three more years of high school should help her in this regard."
(June 29, 2004)
Date Day Time Opponent
---- --- ---- --------------------
11/11/06 SAT 7:30P @ Fort Wayne Luers
11/14/06 TUE 7:30P @ Warren Central
11/21/06 TUE 7:30P University
11/25/06 SAT 2:30P Franklin Central
11/29/06 WED 7:30P @ Connersville
12/02/06 SAT 2:30P Heritage Christian
Marion County Tournament
12/05/06 TUE 7:30P Beech Grove (@ Franklin Central)
12/07/06 THR TBA TBA
12/09/06 SAT TBA TBA (@ Lawrence Central)
Marion County Tournament
12/15/06 FRI 6:00P @ Indianapolis Roncalli
Wawasee Shootout
12/23/06 SAT 12:15P Plymouth (@ Wawasee)
12/23/06 SAT 7:45P Wawasee (@ Wawasee)
Wawasee Shootout
12/27/06 WED 6:15P Indianapolis Cathedral
01/05/07 FRI 6:00P Indianapolis Tech
01/06/07 SAT 7:30P @ Martinsville
01/11/07 THR 7:30P Carmel
01/13/07 SAT 2:30P @ South Bend Riley
01/16/07 TUE 7:30P Lebanon
01/19/07 SAT 6:00P Guerin Catholic
01/26/07 FRI 6:00P @ Indianapolis Chatard
01/31/07 WED 7:30P @ Ben Davis
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