Leadership is something that Alec Philpott knows a little about.
The Polk County point guard has made a living in the athletic arena guiding the Wolverines this season. Philpott took over the reins of the football team in the fall after a successful run by Andre Overholt.
That was more of a passing of the torch.
The junior finds himself in a different situation.
Over the Christmas break starting point guard Deon Twitty was dismissed from the Wolverine basketball team for what head coach Josh McEntire called “multiple team rules violations.”
Philpott stepped into the starting point guard role immediately. He had a little experience in that role at the beginning of the season as Twitty sat the bench with an injured knee.
“When I came back in, it was just like the beginning of the year,” Philpott said.
Philpott hasn’t just performed admirably. He’s sparked this team. The Wolverines have stepped up their game on the court and are performing at a different level.
Polk County is 11-9 for the season, but with Philpott at the reins since the beginning of the year, the Wolverines have gone on a nice 6-2 run.
“Alec stepping up on offense and defense has been huge for us,” McEntire said. “(He helps us with) his intensity on defense and his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.”
Those scoring opportunities have been more prevalent for the junior. Philpott has gotten more aggressive and is looking for his shot. He is averaging 9.5 points per game this season, but since reclaiming the starter’s role, he’s averaging 15.3 per game.
“It starts with the point guard,” Philpott said. “I have to take that leadership role.”
Philpott’s game lends itself to being a strong point guard. His quarterback background lends itself to that as well. It’s all about his vision.
“Being a quarterback, I’m use to seeing everything,” he said.
Going forward, Philpott will continue to be the spark plug and vital cog in the Wolverine basketball machine.
“Our success as a team runs through Alec’s ability to control the other team’s point guard and his ability to push the basketball and run our offense,” McEntire said.