Faith Academy girls basketball wins consolation trophy of Lometa tourney

CAPTION: The Faith Academy of Marble Falls girls basketball team with the consolation trophy of the Lometa tournament. Courtesy photo

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls girls basketball team posted a 2-2 record at the Lometa tournament Dec. 1-3 that resulted in the Lady Flames capturing the consolation trophy.

McKenzie Ahrlett was named to the all-tournament team.

“She played great defensively and brought the energy to every game,” head coach Kat Canada said.

The Lady Flames beat Santa Anna and Cherokee by 20 points and lost to Cross Plains and Zypher.

“We lost to Santa Anna last year,” Canada said. “We beat them for consolation.”

The loss to Zyper was especially difficult, she said.

“That was definitely a game we should have won,” she said. “It comes down to miscommunication and turnovers.”

Faith had a three-point lead and was playing defense. During the timeout, Canada reminded her players to communicate which athlete they were defending. But a Zypher shooter got an open look at the basket from the 3-point line and sank the attempt to send the game into overtime. Faith lost by four points.

The results of the tournament came after the Lady Flames beat Austin San Juan Diego 45-26 Nov. 29.

Canada said she has watched her players “do the little things” better this season.

“Take care of the ball, make lay-ups, communicate, don’t be frantic, always getting the extra pass and getting a better pass,” she said.

She also noted making the two-foot shots is a must in the growth of this year’s squad that features nine players. They are Ahrlett, Ella Cozby, Elleson Lehmberg, Carly Owens, Audri Poage, Claire Poage, Alayna Steele, Morgan Weems and Natalie Weems.

Canada is in her fourth year leading the program and most of this year’s team are returners and Natalie Weems, who played volleyball, has shown a commitment to defense that has pleased her coach. Cozby also played volleyball. Lehmberg, Owens and Steele all participated in an offseason program.

“They are older and more experienced,” she said. “Four of our girls ran cross country. That is good conditioning. Natalie has been blocking shots.”

The Lady Flames advanced to the playoffs a year ago and lost in the first round.

“Every game and practice is to prepare for district and get a high seeding,” Canada said. “As freshmen and sophomores, it’s hard to do. Now that we’re a year older, I expect to get a high seed. We need to cut down on turnovers and mistakes. I really honestly believe we should get a high seed. (Our players) are excited for this year. I’ve been preparing them since they were eighth-graders for this time.”

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