Smoking For Jesus boys basketball aims for the same success in a new league
CAPTION: Smoking For Jesus senior guard Jonathan Frazier is one of several returners who is looking to add to the program’s success. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Smoking For Jesus Ministry Christian School boys basketball team plans on continuing its success as members of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organizations.
The Eagles (5-9) won the state championship of the Texas Christian Athletic League last season and made the move to TAIAO during the spring 2022 that allows members to schedule any opponent they choose.
“That’s a step above,” head coach Boo Maxwell said of the Eagle’s new league.
That’s why Smoking For Jesus was able to play in the the Faith Academy of Marble Falls tournament Dec. 16-17 where the Eagles beat Bulverde Christian 65-58 after losing to San Marcos Home School 57-64, Austin Achieve 83-68 and Austin Regents 95-61.
The Eagles added a 40-37 win against Cherokee Dec. 20.
“I still see us as a high-level team,” Maxwell said. “Our intensity on defense is the reason.”
The Eagles have several returners whose speed, athleticism and decision-making are challenges for opponents. They include seniors Bryson Culver, a center, and Jonathan Frazier and Isaac Legier, who are both guards. Sophomores Benjamin Frazier, Myron Glaspie, Samuel Legier, Michael Richard and Joel Thomson, freshman Carson Culver and eighth-graders Davison Culver, Jeremiah Lara and Matthew Love round out the squad. The program lost four starters to graduation.
“I love how Isaac, Joe and Bryson are playing,” Maxwell said. “We’re getting a couple of other guys in the mix. We’ll be fine. I feel like the guys are in shape. We’re getting more in basketball shape. (Players) are really stepping up early and giving us a lot of confidence, that’s what’s really pushing us through. I’m really confident in our abilities. I never let my guys settle. I always want my guys to grow. We’re never settling. We’re growing mentally and physically. I tell them that we can go as far as a team as we want to.”
The Eagles are a squad that pushes the pace of the game and wants to score between 80 to 90 points a contest.
“We’re a speed team,” the coach said. “We’re not very big on the inside. We are fast in our guard play. We can turn the game from 16 points to 40 in a heartbeat. We’re a fast-tempo team — that’s how we want to play. Our confidence gets us running up and down the floor.”
While the Eagles have made opponents uncomfortable offensively, opponents have shown an ability to get offensive rebounds and score on second chances. Maxwell said that must change if the Eagles want to capture championships.
“They’re getting numerous offensive rebounds,” he said. “We’re correcting that. That’s what we’re striving for. If we can get locked in and get boards, we’ll be tough to beat. I see us definitely winning district and play high-level basketball. You have guys who have been to state title games two out of three years.”
Maxwell said he already has started studying the TAIAO teams.
“It’s definitely high-level basketball,” he said. “There aren’t any weak teams. You want to compete against the best.”
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