McGill-Toolen boys basketball Phillip Murphy occasionally takes a trip back in time when he watches his senior point guard, Rene Scott, run the team.

Murphy played with Scott’s dad, Rene Antee, for three years at the University of Mobile. The two helped the Rams to the 1999 NAIA national championship game.

Antee was a two-time All-American and still holds Mobile records for most points scored in a season (665), highest single season scoring average (19.8) and most field goals in a season (245). 

“There are clearly certain things that Rene does on the floor now that catch my eye and I think, ‘Wow, I used to see that in practice or games all the time when I was playing,’” Murphy said. “Rene looks and plays a lot like his dad. If anything, it just makes me feel old.”

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Murphy, Scott and the rest of the No. 9 Yellow Jackets (25-6) will take on rivalTheodore (23-8) in the Class 7A South Regional semifinals at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Dothan Civic Center. The teams have played three times already this season with McGill winning two.

Though he is not physically tall – Scott stands about 5-foot-8, he has been a big reason for McGill’s success this year. He is averaging 18.5 points, three assists and 2.6 rebounds a game for the Jackets.

“Rene will be a major factor in any success we have from here on out,” Murphy said. “If you are an opposing coach, his name has to be highlighted on your scouting report. Your mindset has got to be to keep him in front of you, don’t allow him in the lane, cut off his penetration. When we are down or need something big to happen, he always seems to come through in clutch time.”

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That was certainly the case last week in the Class 7A, Area 2 tournament final against Fairhope at McGill. With his team trailing by a point, Scott drilled a 3-pointer with five seconds left to secure a dramatic 59-57 win.

“I think I turned the ball over the possession before that and missed a layup before that,” Scott said. “I felt like I had to make up for it. I drove the lane and passed it toParis (Chambers). He passed it back to me, and I was fortunate enough to hit it.”

Rene Antee was a two-time All-American at Mobile. His son, McGill's Rene Scott, plays a lot like him.(Contributed)

In Scott’s two years as a starter, McGill is 53-11. The Yellow Jackets lost a heartbreaker to – ironically – Mr. Basketball Dazon Ingram and Theodore in the regional final a year ago. This week, they’ll have a chance to turn the tables on the Bobcats.

“That game is in my mind. Sure,” Scott said. “But this is a different team, and Theodore has a different team. We are just going to prepare as hard as we can and try to get the job done. We definitely don’t want the season to end like it did last season.”

Murphy said the similarities between Scott and his father are striking. He called them both “electric” and said both can get their team into its offense but are also good scorers. Scott is shooting 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range.

Antee's name, meanwhile, is all over the Mobile record books. He is second in Ram history in points (2,040), field goals made (732), field goals attempted (1,564) and 3-pointers made (194). He was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference freshman of the year in 1997 and twice was the conference player of the year.

“Rene’s dad had a little more length to him,” Murphy said. “Rene is probably a better shooter at this age than his dad was. Big Rene was probably a sophomore in college before he really developed his shot. Thirty-three percent from 3-point is not staggering, but it is good enough to keep the defense honest and give you some lanes to drive to the basket.”

Driving to the basket is what opponents have come to expect from Scott. He has a unique ability to slash down the lane and contort his body in ways to get the basketball over or around taller defenders.

“Anytime you play with a height restriction, you figure out how to use your body or how to use the rim to get the ball up to the basket,” Murphy said. “Rene is a very strong kid and a very smart kid. He is able to hang in the air and use his strength to finish more times than not.”

Scott, who has been playing basketball since he was 4, said he learned almost all of his skills from his father. His mom, Teresa Scott, and uncle, Herman Scott, also played at the University of Mobile. His father has been his toughest critic.

“That’s ok, though, that is exactly what I need,” Scott said. “After the Fairhope win, he didn’t tell me good game that I can remember. He pointed out the things I didn’t do that I should have done. I’ve come to expect that and appreciate it.”

Scott has started every game in the last two seasons for McGill and improved steadily in the process.

“Last year, he stepped in and ran the point and averaged about 11 a game,” Murphy said. “He didn’t have to carry a heavy load because we had so many other guys averaging in double figures.

“Early this season, he and T.J. (Howard) had to step up because we had a lot of guys still playing football. I think that has helped both of them down the stretch.”

Scott said he thinks last year’s team peaked too early. He is hoping this year’s team hasn’t peaked just yet.

The length of McGill’s stay in Dothan may decide that.