With a key player missing for the rest of the season, the Phoenix boys' basketball team is looking for players to step up.

Amaru Williams did just that on Tuesday night, leading the Pirates to a 64-36 non-conference win at South Umpqua.

The 6-foot-3 sophomore hit five three-point baskets and scored a career-high 23 points in the victory at Myrtle Creek as Phoenix improved to 10-3 on the season. The Pirates are scheduled to open Skyline Conference play on Friday at Mazama.

Phoenix led 23-13 at halftime before pulling away over the final two quarters. Dylan Harper added 12 points while Vinnie Ponce and Brayden Decker chipped in nine each as the Pirates won their sixth straight game and improved to eighth in the OSAA Class 4A rankings. 

PHOENIX (64): Trenbeath 2, Pyeatt 5, Ponce 9, Decker 9, Dobbins 2, Williams 23, Hernandez 2, Garcia 0, Harper 12. Totals: 30 3-5 64.

SOUTH UMPQUA (36): Wilborn 14, Cole 0, Kon. Lussier 2, Burnett 11, Wells 2, Kor. Lussier 2, Kaae 3, Esterbrook 0, Elrod 0, Earls 2, Fisher 0, Heze 0. Totals: 16 3-8 36.

Phoenix 16 7 19 22 — 64

South Umpqua 6 7 14 9 — 36

3-point goals — Phoenix 7 (Williams 5, Ponce 1, Decker 1), South Umpqua (Wilborn 1).