Faith Academy boys basketball beats Waco Reicher to remain undefeated in district

CAPTION: Faith Academy forward Elijah Blackington scores a bucket for the Flames in helping the team stay unbeaten in district play. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team defeated Waco Reicher 63-45 Jan. 17 to improve to 13-7 on the season and 4-0 in District 3-3A play of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.

“I was pleased with our effort,” head coach Zakk Revelle said. “The energy was really good. They played really well, they played hard.”

After falling behind 2-0 eight seconds into the contest, the Flames went on an 8-0 run and never trailed again. The Cougars were within two points midway through the opening stanza but didn’t get closer.

Meanwhile Faith led 21-10 going into the second period thanks to an 11-2 run. The Flames outscored Reicher 11-7 in the second stanza for a 32-17 half-time lead.

To offset Flames’ height advantage, the Cougars decided to go with a smaller, quicker line-up, which didn’t help as the Flames didn’t let up in the third quarter. By the end, they led 50-25 after dropping in 18 points and allowing only eight.

Faith also made one key defensive adjustment, too, that allowed freshman center Judah Phillips to stand out.

“We got in a zone,” Revelle said. “I’m not a huge zone guy. I’m from the (Burnet High School boys head basketball coach Roy) Kiser School of Basketball (Revelle played for Kiser). I’d rather man-up. I’m going to utilize what we have. Judah is such a great kid and takes coaching so well. We’re really proud of the way (the Flames) followed the scouting report.”

Senior power forward Brock Davis turned in another outstanding performance, dropping in 25 points using a variety of moves and drives to the basket. Senior forward Will Lewis added 15 points on his birthday, and junior guard Gabe Lopez scored 13 points.

Faith will travel to Bryan Brazos for a 7:30 p.m. contest Thursday, Jan. 19. The Flames will end the week with a rare Saturday contest when they go to Waco Live Oak Classical Jan. 21 in a clash of two top 10 teams in the TAPPS Class 3A poll of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Both teams are tied for No. 6 in the poll. Faith completes the three-game road stint at Round Rock Christian at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, to start the second round of district play.

“We celebrated (the win against Reicher) for 20 seconds then handed out the Brazos scouting report,” the coach said. “We asked ourselves a set of questions as a coaching staff. Is our defense good enough to win on the road? We told our guys (the opponent) is at home, they’re going to play well and play hard. We have to play defense. We have to make our calling on defense. If we can do that, we’ll be in business and take care of business.”

Revelle noted the importance of winning at home as the Flames head into this three-game road trip.

“We’re really thankful for the support of our fans and student body,” he said. “We’re thankful we have people who are here and appreciate (our players’) hard work.”

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