Green Bay Phoenix Keifer Sykes Embraces Leadership Role
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- If the Green Bay Phoenix are going to continue their run towards the top of the Horizon League, they'll need their best players to play as such. Keifer Sykes and Alec Brown have done so, especially on the road the last few weeks.
After dropping their first eight contests away from the Resch Center, the Phoenix have rattled off three straight road wins. Winners of four of their last five, their only loss is in double OT at home to Wright State. What's been the key to the turnaround? Keifer Sykes stepping up on and off the court.
"I embrace it as much as possible. I really don't look at myself as a leader, a loud, outspoken guy," sophomore guard Sykes said. "The way I play I try to bring consistency to the team and let guys follow me."
Sykes, a second half player scored 19 points in the final 20 minutes of both wins this past week.
"He's a vocal leader on the floor," Head Coach Brian Wardle said. "Off the floor I don't care if you say boo to anyone. I said, on the floor I need you to speak up, we need to hear his voice. We feed off his energy, we feed off his toughness. When he's out there talking we feed off that and it helps our team."
The surge in the win column has moved the Phoenix up to sole possesion of 3rd place in the conference and just a half game back from first.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.