For Phillip Johnson, growth this season has been about becoming a more dependable player and finding ways to impact the game in every opportunity he gets.
Johnson said his primary focus entering the year was improving his consistency while becoming a bigger contributor for Wichita Southeast High School.
“My primary focus this season was to improve my consistency and overall impact on the field,” Johnson said. “I wanted to become more reliable in my position and contribute more to the team’s success.”
That focus translated into measurable improvement on both sides of the ball. Johnson posted a .351 batting average this season after hitting .311 a year ago. On the mound, he nearly doubled his strikeout total, recording 14 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched after finishing with seven strikeouts in 12.1 innings last season.
Johnson credited much of that improvement to the work he put in before the season even began.
“This season, I really wanted to work on my speed, decision making, and overall game awareness,” he said. “During the offseason, I focused on conditioning and strength training to prepare myself better.”
He also emphasized refining the fundamentals and making sure he entered the season ready to compete at a higher level.
“I spent time working on fundamentals and making sure I came into the season more prepared than before,” Johnson said.
Johnson believes some of his biggest strengths come from the way he approaches the game every day. He points to his discipline, work ethic and willingness to learn as qualities that help both him and his teammates.
“I consider my strengths to be my work ethic and discipline,” Johnson said. “I try to use these strengths by staying consistent in practice, maintaining a positive mindset, and always looking for ways to improve.”
He added that being coachable and encouraging teammates are also important parts of his role.
“I also take pride in being coachable and supporting my teammates,” Johnson said.
As the season progressed, Johnson felt one of his biggest accomplishments was elevating his level of play while competing with more confidence.
“One of my main goals was to elevate my performance compared to last season and play with more confidence,” he said.
For Johnson, success is measured not only by statistics, but also by how the team competes together throughout the season.
“A successful season for me and my team would be one where we could compete at a high level, achieve our goals and give the best effort every game,” Johnson said.
