Winona's Phelps Continues Success on Court

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After receiving all-state honors as a junior, Winona High School's Holly Phelps is having an impressive encore. The unsigned 6-foot-1 forward is continuing to put up big numbers on both ends of the court.

Through 12 games this season, Phelps, who can score from the inside and outside, is averaging 17 points. She is also a monster on the boards with 14 rebounds per game, and she has had multiple contests in which she grabbed 20 or more rebounds. Last season, Phelps averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Winona head coach Brian Davenport said that in addition to talent, Phelps is a smart player. "Her mind and instinctiveness are probably her biggest strength," Davenport said.

As a junior, Phelps was named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 2A All State team. She averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds on a squad that finished 29-5. So far the Wildcats are 5-7 with a pre-conference schedule that has included several 3A and 4A opponents, which makes Phelps' numbers more impressive.

"She has been playing against good competition," Davenport said.

Phelps is a versatile player on the defensive end of the floor. Davenport said Phelps can guard the post and the wing. "I put her on [the opposition's] best player," Davenport said.

Phelps' wits help her stand out on defense. She had nine steals in one game this year. "I personally like defense," Phelps said "Defense is usually what wins games."

Davenport describes Phelps as a "go-getter" that is driven to succeed on and off the court. "She hates failure" he said. "She is number one in her class academically."

That "go-getter" attitude was evident playing AAU basketball. The team she played for was not very active in scheduling playing games over the summer and she decided to find a new squad during the season. "I took matters into my own hands and walked in and joined Texas 300," Phelps said.

In addition to being named to the TABC All-State team as a junior, she was named to the All-Region team and named as the District 18-2A Offensive MVP.

Phelps has garnered the attention of Lamar, Hardin Simmons, other Texas schools and Dartmouth College. She plans on waiting until after the season before making a decision.

Texas Hoops Analysis: Phelps can dominate on both ends of the court due to her skills and her ability to anticipate. She can score from anywhere and has a good mid-sized shot. She is an aggressive player on the boards and defense.