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Hartzell Shows Savvy as a Senior with Westbrook

Phil Hartzell has used a mixture of intellect, familiarity, and competitiveness to emerge as a vital cog on the Westbrook boys’ basketball team. Phil is a three-year varsity veteran who’s competed alongside many of his Knights’ teammates for several seasons. This year, the senior guard features a balanced stat sheet as he’s averaging 4.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game for Westbrook, which is riding a 15-game win streak and owns an overall record of 16-1.

“I did basketball because a few of my friends played it and I stuck with it. Many of us on the team have been playing together since elementary school, plus I’ve always loved sports and have a competitive mindset,” says Phil. “Each and every one of us push and support each other. We are looking to have a successful season and push the best out of everyone. I played varsity as a sophomore and junior, so getting that experience when I was younger helped. We also jell and bond as a team. We know each other well.”

Westbrook Head Coach Jeff Beeman says that Phil is a linchpin in the lane for the Knights. Beeman adds that Phil displays the traits of a coach in the making with his vast knowledge of basketball.

“He plays the game very smartly. He knows the defensive coverage and understands our offensive concepts better than most,” says Beeman. “I think of him as the glue that helps hold us together.”

Of course, there are typically some growing pains when it comes to learning a team’s playbook, although Phil picked up on things pretty quickly at Westbrook. Phil is a cerebral athlete who’s always focusing on the future.

“The understanding of the game and our plays just came naturally. When it was new to me, it was tough, but I understood it quickly,” says Phil. “I try to always think one step ahead. It’s all about mental toughness. You have to always be on your toes and thinking.”

Phil might not be the loudest guy on the floor, but when times get tough, he makes his presence known by making a pivotal play that often turns the tide in the Knights’ favor.

“I’m not the most vocal guy, so I’m a lead-by-example type of guy. If we struggle in a game, I try my best to make something happen, whether it is a stop on defense or a shot,” Phil says. “I try to not do too much. I just try to do one thing to help us get to another level.”

One of those instances came in a win against East Hampton earlier this year. Phil and company were facing a sizable halftime deficit, yet stormed back to earn a 57-50 victory versus the Bellringers.

“We were down 32-18 at the half, so I came out with energy in the second half because I knew I had to step up,” says Phil. “I tried to get open or help others get open. I was looking to score on offense and help on defense in any way that I could.”

The daily grind of the basketball season has helped Phil mature from a boy into a young adult throughout his time at Westbrook. Looking ahead at the rest of this season, Phil wants to propel the Knights toward a lengthy postseason push—a sentiment that’s conveyed by the credo on Westbrook’s apparel.

“Westbrook basketball has been a huge part of my life. We always stay in touch and try to play together in the offseason. It’s helped me mature and understand different things. It’s helped me round out as a person and understand my strengths and weaknesses,” says Phil, who thanks his coaches, family, and teammates. “Our warmup shirts this year say ‘One Last Run’ and that is our motto for the postseason. We keep each other motivated and improve in every game. We want to get our experience in the regular season to be well prepared going forward.”