Midwest Point Guard Takes His Game to The Chi

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/MidSouth Editor

November 6, 2007 - Gary, Indiana point guard Phillip Williams has transferred from Westside High in Gary to Hales Franciscan in Chicago for his senior season.

“My wife Patricia and I, along with Phillip, sat down as a family and discussed what would be the most comfortable situation for him, both academically and athletically, as he enters his final year of high school,” stated Don Williams, Phillip’s father.

Williams has yet to receive a scholarship offer, despite averaging 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals per game last season, leading Westside to a 14-7 record and a playoff birth.

Colleges such as Oregon, Iowa, Stanford, Illinois State, Howard, Lehigh and High Point have all shown interest; with Howard and High Point recruiting him the hardest.

Phil Williams, in summer action with Meanstreets.

“Howard and High Point have contacted us pretty regularly, but neither has offered to this point,” said the elder Williams.

Phillip also played for the Mean Streets AAU club this summer and when given the opportunity he made the most of his chances to display his basketball skill.

While not being counted on for much scoring, Williams is a true point guard; displaying quickness, acumen and breakdown ability in all of the Mean Streets contests.

“He was forced to play out of position when they traveled to Peach Jam due to numbers, so he wasn’t able to show all the skills that he has.”

“Previously in Nashville he ran the point and that’s when a lot of coaches got the opportunity to see what he can do,” exclaimed Williams.

Williams will join small forward Matt Humphrey and power forward/center Josh Crittle to form a potent Spartans attack.

Patricia Williams lastly opined, “It was a difficult decision to move him, but we wanted him to play the best possible competition, while maintaining the high level of academics that he’s accustomed to.”