Red Devils fans have been consistently impressed by girls basketball standout Amari Murphy. The junior has been a powerhouse during her four years on varsity and is making waves in the girls basketball scene.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Murphy hit a personal milestone during Peekskill’s game against John Jay Cross River (JJCR) at home. Although the Red Devils lost to JJCR, 63-34, Murphy scored 19 points, reaching and surpassing 1,000 points in varsity games.
“It felt amazing,” said Murphy. “It was also great knowing I had my team to help me reach my goal.”
Since last season, Murphy and the girls basketball team have been coached by Nyrie Holliman. Holliman is a former basketball star herself (PHS class of 2017). So her praises of Murphy were particularly sweet.
“Amari is a talented and dynamic player, known for her scoring ability and consistency on the court. She has worked hard to get to where is.”
“Her skillset and dedication to the game has made a significant impact on our team this season,” Holliman added.
The Peekskill girls currently hold an overall record of three wins and four losses. So far, Murphy has contributed 134 points this season. Based on her recent performances, it’s clear she won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Perfecting her game
Murphy, 17, says basketball has been in her life for as long as she can remember – it runs in the family.
Her father is Tyrone Murphy, a former Peekskill High School basketball player himself, who helped Murphy develop a love for the game when she was just a few years old.
When Murphy was six, she started playing recreational basketball. It was there that Murphy realized she enjoyed being on a court.
Murphy went on to play for several teams through the Amatauer Athetic Union (AAU), which organizes youth basketball leagues and tournaments.
When Murphy got to middle school, she did not take the traditional route of playing at the modified level. Rather she challenged herself and joined the Peekskill Varsity Girls Basketball team as an eighth grader in 2021.
“It wasn’t intimidating at all. I was used to playing at that level,” said Murphy. Murphy wears the number 23 jersey when playing in honor of her father who wore that number during his playing days.
Over the years, Murphy has gone from being the youngster on the team to being one of the most experienced. What she loves most about her time on the team is the bond she’s developed with her teammates. She calls it a sisterhood.
Hard work pays off
Reaching 1,000 varsity points was not something that came easily to Murphy. For years, Murphy has put in the work both on and off the court.
Her work ethic was noted by girls basketball assistant coach Kyron Chandler. “I’ve alway believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. Amari is a player who is dedicated to putting in the work, time, and effort.”
Murphy credits her family for all her success in basketball and says they’re what drives her to play well. Murphy’s family always makes it their goal to attend Murphy’s games whenever possible.
Since she primarily plays as a point guard and shooting guard (important offensive positions on the court), Murphy has constantly led her team in points during her four years on varsity. In her freshman year, Murphy scored 453 points. Last year, as a sophomore, Murphy racked up 318 points.
There are many things that make Murphy the star player she is but if you ask her, she says her best attributes are her three point shots and her ability to drive through defensive plays.
Murphy’s talent has been on full display this season, most notably during the 33rd Annual Howard Godwin Holiday Tournament. In the two games Peekskill participated in, Murphy scored a total of 32 points, which secured her a place on the All-Tournament team.
While basketball is important, education comes first for Murphy. Like many athletes, Murphy can sometimes find it difficult to balance both sports and academics. “My guidance counselor, athletic director, coach, and dad, are always making sure I’m on top of my school work.” Murphy says in order to keep herself accountable in school, she takes full advantage of the after school programs offered at the high school.
But as much as Murphy enjoys the spotlight, she prefers when her teammates are also on the receiving end of public praise. When interviewed by the Herald, Murphy revealed that her favorite moment this season was watching seventh grader Riley Jenkins score 12 points against Montfort Academy.
“It put a smile on my face,” said Murphy. Murphy added that she is proud to see Jenkins succeed because like her, she joined the varsity team at a very young age.
Since almost all the players Murphy started with on varsity have now left, the team now features a lot of developing players. Murphy believes Coach Holliman is the perfect fit to lead the team forward.
“It’s great having Coach Holliman. She helps me on and off the court with great advice.”
“I’m happy to have her along my basketball journey,” said Murphy.
Still more to come
Although Murphy has reached one of her goals, the grind never stops. The junior star says she’s already made new goals for herself and is excited to see what she can produce her senior year.
“My goal is to win more games and try to help build a big platform for the Peekskill girls basketball team,” said Murphy.
“I would also love to see the girls get more support and fans to come out and watch us ball, ” she added.
If you’d like to support Murphy and her teammates, their next game is Friday, Jan. 10 against Eastchester at Eastchester High School at 5 p.m.
