Faith Academy boys basketball extends district winning streak

CAPTION: Taking charge on the defensive end compels the Flames to cheer as illustrated by freshman guard Will Slyker (12). Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team beat Temple Holy Trinity 72-28 Jan. 26.

This game tipped off the second round of play in District 3-3A of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.

Flames (7-0) head coach Zakk Revelle commended his players for their start to the contest and that they didn’t drop their intensity.

Faith led 55-16 at the break.

“It showed our ability to lock in,” he said. “Kids aren’t dumb. They know when they’re better than other teams. I was really proud of our guys. We came out with energy and played with great effort. Those are signs of a good team.”

The big lead at the half allowed Revelle to substitute freely. And just like the starters, the reserves showed they weren’t going to allow the Celtics to settle in either.

“It showed us as a program where we’re at,” the coach said. “We handled our business. We stayed focused. For high school kids, it’s easy to get up for big games. Our message is it’s a big game because it’s the next game.”

He credited his veterans for setting a tone early and letting it be known the Flames’ standards don’t drop, no matter the opponent. The reason is because of way the Flames played during the 57-40 win against Round Rock Christian Jan. 23. The Flames exited the floor content with the win and believing they are capable of more.

Against Holy Trinity, they were determined to prove it, Revelle said.

“We have great leaders,” he said. “Asher Apel said we’re not doing this again. We let the players lead each other.”

Freshman guard Will Slyker had 17 points followed by junior forward Apel with 15. Senior guard Gabe Lopez and freshman forward Seattle Hampton also were in double figures.

“It made it that much sweeter,” the coach said. “Coming out with great energy and effort on defense carried a lot o second chance efforts for us. Those other guys did a great job of stepping into those roles.

Meanwhile, coaches reinforced that throughout the contest, Revelle added.

“I called around and asked coaches of opposing programs that have played us what stood out about us to them,” he said. “They said the consistency stands out. You know Faith is going to play, hard not matter the opponent.”

Faith Academy welcomes Temple Central Texas Christian Tuesday, Jan. 30. The junior varsity plays at 5 p.m., the girls varsity at 6 p.m., and the boys varsity at 7:30 p.m. The program will honor its seniors before tipoff.

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