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Area stars Phillips, Simpson moving to next level at PHCC
By STEVE LEE, Times Staff Writer
NEW PORT RICHEY -- Bobby Bowman organized an all-star basketball game earlier this month, he said, as an opportunity for high school seniors to get another look and maybe sign a scholarship. The Pasco-Hernando Community College coach has transformed that concept into reality by signing Wesley Chapel's David Simpson and Gulf's Joe Phillips. "David and Joe are coming to PHCC from excellent high school programs and have been well prepared for the challenges of college basketball," Bowman said. Simpson, the Times' All-Pasco County Co-Player of the Year, was Wesley Chapel's leading scorer (14.8 average) and rebounder (8.8), and was fourth in the county in field-goal percentage (.573). Simpson, a center, was Wesley Chapel's first All-State selection and helped lead the Wildcats to two consecutive state final four appearances. "David is a versatile player that can play on the perimeter and post up smaller players," said Bowman, who projects the 6-foot-4 Simpson as a swingman. Phillips, a 5-10 point guard, is the only Gulf player to be named All-State twice. Last season, he led the county in scoring (24.4 points), was second in 3-point shooting (.424 percent) and third from the free-throw line (.444). He also averaged 5 assists and 3.1 steals. Phillips set 22 school records and led Gulf to three straight winning seasons. "(Phillips) can score from anywhere," Bowman said. "He has good quickness, dribbling and passing skills to fit in nicely with our up-tempo style of play." Added Gulf coach Steve Feldman: "Joe answered all the challenges posed to him on the court and now moves to a bigger stage. I think Joe and PHCC are a good fit." Simpson and Phillips shared most valuable player honors in the All-Star Classic for North Suncoast seniors at PHCC. "That was fun. I'll never forget that," Phillips said of the April 9 exhibition. "I'm playing in an all-star game at PHCC and I didn't even know I was going to go there." Phillips considered an offer from Hillsborough Community College but signed with PHCC after learning that Simpson had signed. "I found out that David was going," Phillips said. "That made me want to go there even more, because I knew somebody." Phillips said he is looking forward to playing for Bowman after attending numerous camps at the school. "I've know coach Bowman for a long time," Phillips said. Phillips and Simpson are the only Pasco County players on PHCC's roster. Former Wesley Chapel guard Scott Sorensen spent the past two seasons at PHCC.
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