GREEN BAY, Wis. – Merry Christmas, Phoenix fans! 'Tis the season for the most holly jolly Phoenix Weekly, presented by Capital Credit Union!
WEEK IN REVIEW
GENERAL
The Horizon League announced Tuesday morning that Barbasol is returning as the Title Sponsor of the Horizon League Basketball Championships. Following a successful first year last season featuring America's #1 brand of shaving cream as title sponsor, the Horizon League announced an extended and enhanced title partnership with Barbasol.
"One of our League pillars centers around creating major experiences for our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters," said Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach. "Barbasol's continued belief in our values and our vision for the basketball championships to be a long-term community event in Indianapolis, where Barbasol started more than 100 years ago, reflects the momentum the Horizon League possesses. This commitment will support our efforts to deliver that major experience. We are grateful and excited to continue to build this partnership!"
MEN'S SOCCER
Hesron Barry made headlines again this week after being tabbed to the Academic All-America Team by the College Sports Communicators (CoSIDA). Barry has been reaping rewards for his play on the field and achievements off the turf.
Less than two weeks ago, the two-time Horizon League Defender of the Year was tabbed to the All-American Third Team by the United Soccer Coaches Association (USCA). On December 6, Barry was one of three Phoenix named to the USCA's All-Region Team. Following the HL regular season, he was named to the conference All-League First Team.
Barry helped guide the Horizon League's best defense to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Click here to view the release from the College Sports Communicators.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
The Phoenix inked Bennett Basich to the 2023 recruiting class on December 14. Basich has been a key piece all four years in his Arrowhead High School career, which includes a WIAA State Tournament Championship in 2022-23. Arrowhead made the Division I Championship game a season ago thanks in large part to Basich and current Phoenix freshman Mac Wrecke.
"The biggest reason I chose Green Bay is because they believed in me," Basich said, "They are creating a culture in this program that I wanted to be a part of."
On the hardwood, GB was downed by Oklahoma 81-47 last Saturday. David Douglas Jr. led Green Bay with 13 points. Noah Reynolds added 11 points. Green Bay dropped to 4-7 this season, as Oklahoma moved to 10-0.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The Phoenix picked up two home wins over UIC and Saint Louis this past week at the Kress Events Center. On Wednesday, Green Bay defeated UIC 64-56. Natalie McNeal led the Phoenix with 19 points and five rebounds. Jasmine Kondrakiewicz tallied 14 points. The victory marked a major career milestone for Head Coach Kevin Borseth, who recorded his 800th career win.
On Saturday, the Phoenix rolled to an 87-54 win over Saint Louis. Maddy Schreiber was Green Bay's leading scorer with 19 points and added six rebounds. Three other Phoenix also scored in double-figures, including Bailey Butler (13 pts.), Cassie Schiltz (12 pts.), and Natalie McNeal (10 pts.). GB reached the halfway point of the five-game homestand with a 94-55 blowout win over Parkside last night.
A LOOK AHEAD
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Green Bay men's basketball will face off against Milwaukee School of Engineering on Thursday at the Resch Center at 6 PM. MSOE has struggled out of the gates, starting the 2023-24 season 2-8. Both of the Raiders wins came on the road, and they are coming into the game coming off a close loss to No. 23 ranked (Division III) Illinois College, 72-68. They hold a field goal percentage of 46.4 which is sixth in the 13-team NACC Conference, and opponents to 47.5 percent from the floor.
Noah Reynolds has been a leader on the court for the Phoenix this season. He is currently fourth in the HL in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game. Reynolds is also second in the Horizon League in assists with 4.7 per game. The Phoenix guard scored a career-high 31 points in GB's 70-68 win over UIC and is currently on a six-game streak of double-digit scoring.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Green Bay will prepare for a Horizon League Championship Game rematch against Cleveland State next Saturday, December 30. Fans are encouraged to attend the contest (purchase tickets here) to help raise awareness for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting thousands of life-changing wishes to children battling illnesses. The first 500 kids through the Kress Center doors will receive a complimentary Green Bay Phoenix basketball jersey, courtesy of Bergstrom Automotive.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Calling all Phoenix youth! Students in kindergarten through 8th grade are encouraged to sign up for Phlash's Phriends, the Official Kid's Club of the Green Bay Phoenix. At just $25 per child, each member receives numerous benefits, including a free ticket to all home volleyball and basketball games, postgame court access, Phoenix apparel, and personalized Kid's Club Day activities.
Fly With the Phoenix was named the official NIL collective of the Green Bay Phoenix. Started in 2022, 'Fly with the Phoenix' was established by dedicated former student-athletes, alumni, and local business professionals to provide Green Bay student-athletes with name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. This partnership will bring a collaboration between the Green Bay Athletic Department and 'Fly with the Phoenix'. Fans attending home athletic events will notice additional marketing efforts to help promote the relationship and how fans can get involved. View the different tiers of membership opportunities here and learn more about the Fly with the Phoenix collective here.
The 2023 Phoenix Fund Fall Drive is still going! Investing in the Phoenix Fund helps give Phoenix student-athletes the best opportunity to excel in competition, in the classroom, and the community. The annual Fall Drive focuses on engaging with alumni, fans, supporters, and friends of the university to support the Phoenix Fund philanthropically. These funds enhance academic services, health and wellness, scholarships, and recruiting, among other valuable services for academic achievement and competitive preparation.
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