Positive force jolts Osseo

When Osseo junior Phillis Webb steps on the basketball court, she brings a desire to learn and the craving to maximize her ability.

"She goes up and beyond of what normal high school kids do," head coach Joey Waters said. "She's at the gym working on her jump shot, working on other things outside of practice after having a two-hour practice. Every day she wants to get better."

Being a gifted athlete also helps.

The 5-foot-10 forward has speed and a jumping ability that sets her game apart from other high school athletes. A varsity starter since eighth grade, her athleticism and learning desire are reasons she was named to the Star Tribune All-Metro third team as a sophomore.

"There's always room for improvement," Webb said. "I like to improve my game because it helps your team. Me making myself better, helps make my team better."

This year Webb is averaging a team-high 13.1 points per game for the first-place Orioles (21-5, 17-3 Northwest Suburban Conference). Last season Webb led the team in scoring at 15.5 points per contest, just one year removed from missing nearly all of her freshman season due to a stress fracture in her right leg.

"She brings that positive energy, and she is always supportive," said friend and teammate Annie Schoeben. "She's always positive. I never really see her negative."

Despite missing most of the season, Webb called it "a great year because I learned a lot because you're sitting on the bench just observing."

At the same time, she said, "Just wanting to step on the floor, just the burning desire to play is so heartbreaking. All you can do is cheer your team on."

Waters said Webb "really absorbed and asked questions. She wasn't a passive kid that said, 'I'm out, well I'm not going to contribute.' She learned what she needed learn so that when she came in last year, it was like she never missed a beat. I don't know if you can say that about a lot of kids."

Webb, who still plays high school volleyball and also runs track, uses her speed to help the Orioles' transition offense move effectively, and also to cut to the rim and create scoring opportunities. "I've heard that I'm a slasher, which means you're quick to the basket," Webb said. "My strong point is quickness."

On defense, Webb's jumping ability helps her defend against taller post players. Her quickness allows her to cover and match a guard's speed.

Webb says she has had coaches from Division I and II schools watching her since she was in seventh grade. She hopes to play Division I basketball, where she likely would play guard, she said.

"I like how they're (Division I schools) always on the move on the court," Webb said. "I like the excitement they have every day, every game and even in practice."

Osseo has four players with Division I or II credentials, including University of Minnesota recruit Mikayla Bailey. The star-powered team has designs on reaching state after losing to Maple Grove in the Class 4A, Section 5 finals last season.

"We were disappointed last year when we didn't make it to state," Webb said. "My goal is to help our team on that journey to the big stage."