By Murray Gleffe, Correspondent

Name              Bryant Phillips

Sport               Boys Basketball

Twitter           @bphillips333

What is it like to be a leader on the Ashwaubenon basketball team? “Being the leader of the Ashwaubenon basketball team is both tough and fun. It can be tough because at times all of the pressure seems to come onto my shoulders when things aren’t going well. However, I like the challenge being a leader presents me. More importantly being a leader with this group of guys is extremely fun after we win a game. I am proud to lead these group of guys every game because I know they have my back, and respect everyone on the team.”

What is your most embarrassing moment ever in basketball?  “This question is easy. The most embarrassing moment in my basketball career happened in my first varsity game my sophomore year. I was extremely nervous because we were playing a Kaukauna team that went on to win State that year. I checked into the game, and our student section was going crazy. Our team got a steal and we were running the fast break. I was open on the wing and I got the ball without really being set. After letting the ball go, it looked like it was going in, and I began to run back in celebration. However, instead of making the shot, I caught nothing but air, and everyone began laughing.”

How many years have you been involved in basketball? “I have been involved in basketball since I was 6 years old. I remember competing with Anthony (Guarascio) and Evan (Wood) in every 3 on 3 tournament in the area. In middle school, I had to take some time off because of a major knee injury, but other than that basketball has been my life.”

What is your most memorable moment in basketball? “My most memorable moment in basketball would have to be my entire sophomore season. Yes, it was my first year on varsity, but what made it so memorable was that I got to play on the same team as my brother. Ever since I was a little kid, my brother and I dreamed about being able to play alongside each other. To be able to make that happen, made it the best year of basketball I have ever experienced.”

What’s the hardest part about basketball? “The hardest part about basketball is preparing for the speed of the game at the varsity level. Our second team does a fantastic job in practice trying to make us better by playing outstanding defense. However, in the actual game, the speed is so much faster along with the atmosphere and pressure of everyone watching. It is something that is very hard to prepare for and it’s just one aspect of basketball that makes it so challenging.”

If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I would want to be Phil Mickelson for a day. Not only is he an all-around awesome guy, but he is a legend at golf. Personally, I absolutely love to golf, but I am awful at the sport. So, it would be nice to be good at the game for a day.”

What are your college aspirations? “After high school, I plan on attending either the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse, or the University of St. Thomas. I love both schools. Either way I plan on majoring in either Finance or Accounting, and minoring in Marketing or Economics.”

What would your dream job be once you graduate? “I think my dream job once I graduate would be a Forensic Accountant. The job doesn’t sound flashy. However, Accounting is something that I am extremely interested in, and doing it for a purpose like finding criminals sounds exciting to me.”

What are your hobbies? “Outside of basketball, most of my hobbies are the outdoor variety. I love to hunt and fish and take part in watersports (boating, jet-ski). I also love to ski.”

What is your favorite sporting event ever attended? “My favorite sporting event that I ever attended was a Milwaukee Bucks game when they played the Miami Heat. This game was back when Miami had LeBron James. We had courtside seats to the game, and received multiple autographs from a lot of the players.”

What is your favorite type of music? “I will pretty much listen to any genre of music. My favorites are rap and country.”

What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “Go on Twitter and look at old vines and memes.”

What three words describe you? “Intelligent, Outgoing, Humorous”

What is your favorite trip ever taken? “My favorite trip that I have gone on is when my family all went down to the Florida Keys for a week. We stayed in Miami for a few days before going down to explore the islands.”

Favorites:

Food:

Steak

Subject:

Math

TV Show:

The Office

Athlete:

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Board Game:

Monopoly

Candy:

Starbursts

Ice Cream:

Chocolate

Holiday:

Christmas

Season:

Fall

Comments on Bryant Phillips: “Bryant is a tough kid who possesses a lot of skill and athletic ability,” said Chris Karcz, Ashwaubenon Boys Basketball Coach. “He is a pleasure to coach on the court, and is an even better person off the court. He is willing to do what is necessary for the team to be successful. I am excited to see what this season brings for him.”