L.J. Phillips of Wichita Northwest was chosen as the Shelter Insurance Athlete of the Month for August. Phillips was a first team all-league and all-state running back last season for the Grizzlies, where he rushed for over 2,200 yards.
The season ended in heartbreaking fashion for Phillips as he tore his ACL and MCL in the Grizzlies playoff game against Kapaun Mount Carmel. But that injury provided a different prospective for Phillips, as he begins his senior season.
“It showed me don’t take this game for granted because it can be taken away from you anytime,” Phillips said. “I’m glad it happened because it changed my mind set about hard work and how bad do you want it. It also showed me how to be patient and knowing it’s going be a long process. I’m just blessed to say that I’m healthy and will be able to play my first game of my senior year. God is good.”
Phillips already has a distinct advantage over other high school athletes and that is how he is built. Combine that with a speed and it’s easy to see how he is one of the best running backs in the state.
“I’m a bigger back and I’m pretty fast for my size as well,” Phillips said. “How I utilize that Is that I can run up the middle and can run outside as well.
