Phillips, 6-foot-6 and ranked 28th in the 2007 class by HoopGurlz.com, became the last top 100 player to commit to a school, signing with Xavier in somewhat of a surprise.

"The all-star games come so close to the high-school season, there isn't time to get into shape," said Phillips, who went to Brebeuf Jesuit in Indianapolis. "I've been working out since then, and changed my diet. I had to, to be ready for this. The high-school season is a little easier. You are running plays and the pace is slower. During summer ball, you are running all the time and need to be in better shape."

Though careful to qualify that she was open to adding schools, Phillips told HoopGurlz at the McDonald's game that her primary sources of interest included Purdue, from which she de-committed after coach Kristy Curry left for Texas Tech, as well as Duke, Indiana, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina State and USC. That's why Xavier was a surprising choice, though one former Family teammate Amber Harris made, in a very similar fashion.

"It played a small part," Phillips said of Harris' presence at Xavier. "We played well together. ... The Jesuit education was the biggest factor. I flourished a little better with the Jesuits and I knew it was probably the right way to go for college."

Phillips said earlier that she may have missed the late signing period altogether, but had a change of heart because of her desire to attend summer school, which is a typical move for incoming freshman, so they can transition to and get a handle on their college studies.

RIM SHOTS

April Sykes, the No. 4 player in 2008, per HoopGurlz.com, still has a long list of suitors, including Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Georgia, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Maryland, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. She says she is planning to begin considering the schools more closely so she can pare her list to about three finalists by the end of the Nike Skills Academy, late next month. Sykes said of particular concern was sorting out the impact of coaching changes at LSU, as well as Duke and Texas. She added that she wants to take official and unofficial visits before making her final decision. ... Crafty Exodus point guard Samantha Prahalis says Ohio State still leads for her services. ... Jessica Pachko's star definitely rose during the Nike Midwest Showdown. It's too bad it ended with her sidelined by a left-ankle sprain. The 6-foot-2 forward is said to be considering DePaul, Vanderbilt and Xavier, but she says, "I'm very wide open."