One of the biggest risers in this update was Phillips and it was due to the way he took advantage of the increased opportunity on a McNamara team that went through a bevy of injuries. As Phillips’ minutes increased, his role blossomed into a consistent starter who touched many categories on the box score. His scoring opportunities come within the flow of the offense, making himself available in the right spots at the right time or putting his head down and sprinting the lanes in transition. As the season progressed, we began to see his value off the bounce as a downhill threat where he could finish the job through contact or make the right read as a passer processing rotations. Defensively he was a versatile piece that could switch 1-4 and make things easier from a schematic perspective for his coaching staff. One of the better connectors to emerge in the DMV this season.

Another sophomore who’s been asked to step up down the stretch of the season due to injury, Phillips continued to show himself as a valuable Swiss-army weapon on both ends of the floor. He provided a key spark for McNamara on Tuesday with his rim pressure both as a dribble-drive threat or slipping downhill as a timely cutter. His energy and intensity helped set a tone and give his team life to come all the way back from a 19-point second-half deficit. Phillips’ versatility along the perimeter should be a primary selling point as he starts building a case as a mid-to-high major prospect.

10p 8r 4a 1b 2s 5/6 FG vs Georgetown Prep

-Phillips’ coachability, motor, durability, and versatility have been particularly impressive to our scouts down the stretch run of the season as a prospect that has really bought into being a defensive stopper and glue guy on a team full of scorers. Phillips crashed into the paint to tip out missed shots to collect several assists off of offensive rebounds to shooters on the perimeter. He’s looking more and more comfortable as a driver in tight spaces, finding opportunities within the flow of the game to attack the paint from the wings and maneuver around the help defense to score at the rim with some high pickups or euro steps in the lane. Once he smoothens/quickens the load-up on his jumper off the catch to have consistent follow-through at the top, he will be an extremely valuable 3+D guard that should have a more prominent role next season with the graduation of several key rotation players.

As McNamara’s starting five has been riddled with injuries, Phillips has been one that has taken full advantage of the opportunity to not only get more minutes, but win out a starting spot late in the season. The 6-foot-4 guard/wing checks plenty of boxes, but most importantly on this team, can generate opportunities and points for himself off pure hustle plays. Whether that means crashing the offensive glass with aggression, creating deflections for runouts or staying on his toes and making sharp cuts as others penetrate, Phillips has embraced the low-maintenance approach and as a result, become a player that is now relied on to produce consistently. McNamara’s lackluster start against The St. James dug an early hole that they weren’t able to get out of despite a huge push in the fourth quarter, but Phillips effort and energy were consistent as he finished with 10 points.

19p 3r 3a 2s 8/10 FG 1/2 3P 2/3 FT vs Rainier Beach

-By far the most well-rounded performance that I’ve seen out of Phillips as a dynamic 2-way wing that guarded the #1 player in the country for most of the night. It was his offense, however, that was crucial in keeping McNamara in the game as the sophomore wing made his first 7 baskets of the game. Phillips was cutting along the baseline to create a passing target for easy layups at the rim, moved the ball well in the halfcourt to find his shooters, knocked down a corner 3 to stop a Rainier Beach run, and made life difficult for his matchup both on the perimeter and inside the arc by poking out the ball or getting a good contest on his shots. His 2-way impact

Between Khyair size, skill, and athleticism, it’s easy to see his array of appealing tools. Phillips showed the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers at a consistent rate, both off the catch and dribble. He’s a scrappy defender with physical tools and instincts to cause problems for opponents. Phillips also has the size to make his presence felt on the glass. Phillips is a good athlete but needs to improve his motor. He plays with minimal effort at times yet can impact the game. Solid shooting threat but needs to work on his ability to move without the ball to find open opportunities. Has the tools to be a really good player.” Phillips enjoyed a solid showing throughout the summer comfortable playing on or off the ball. Khyair is an intriguing prospect that has legit college level skill set. Look for Khyair to be a useful piece for Coach Jay Gavin and Bishop McNamara for the next three years.

Smooth and effective, Khyair Phillips Khyair Phillips 6'4" | SG/SF Bishop McNamara | 2028 State MD is a two-way guard whose balanced approach to offense and defense makes him a standout. His ability to score, defend, and maintain composure promises a bright future ahead.