Faith Academy boys hoops beats Lago Vista

CAPTION: Faith Academy junior center Judah Phillips scores 2 of his 11 points during the win against Lago Vista Nov. 19. Photo by Stennis Shotts

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team defeated 62-50 Nov. 19 in the latest battle against a University Interscholastic League member.

The Flames (4-3) were down 15-9 in the final seconds of the first quarter when sophomore guard Will Slyker went coast to coast for a lay-up then hit a 3-pointer at the horn to trim the deficit to 15-14.

Slyker and junior center Judah Phillips paced Faith in the second quarter. But in the final two minutes, freshman guard Austin Skahill connected on a 3-pointer and a jumper to give the Flames a 33-25 advantage at the half.

Slyker and Phillips continued the onslaught in the second half. Slyker led with 44 points followed by Phillips’ 11 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.

The Flames, who are ranked No. 2 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Class 3A private school poll, started the season by competing at the Pat Alexander Jr. Basketball Showcase hosted by St. Augustine-Laredo in Laredo Nov. 1-2. They lost to the host 63-60, beat Concordia Lutheran 64-57 and lost to Fort Bend Christian Academy 76-50.

Alexander is a former player of the school, who died from pancreatic cancer. His teammates and coaches host and run the tournament in his honor.

“They come together, and that’s how they remember him,” Revelle said. “TAPPS teams were the only invitees. We saw three totally different teams. St. Augustine pressed us the whole game. Concord ran a 1-3-1 (press).”

Faith beat St. Mary’s Hall 57-38 and Fischer Canyon Lake 69-57 Nov. 16 and lost to Lake Travis 95-52 Nov. 8.

Slyker scored his 1,000th point as a Flame against St. Mary’s.

The Cavaliers, who are ranked No. 22 in the TABC’s 6A poll, contacted Revelle wanting to play Faith. Lake Travis had a three-point lead after the first period and a 14-point lead at halftime.

“It was pretty competitive,” the coach said. “In the third quarter we were down 17 points. They hit a flurry of 3-pointers. Around the five-minute mark, both coaches made massive subs and let everyone get a chance to play.”

Faith returns four starters and six lettermen, including Slyker, an all-state player, and Phillips. Both are known throughout the district and the state. Asher Apel is the lone senior.

“It’s a fun group to coach,” Revelle said. “It’s one of our more talented groups we’ve ever had. Asher is the heartbeat of our team. They’re very competitive. You want to tell them to ease up, not giddy up. Their giddy up is all the time.”

Faith is in District 4-3A, which includes Waco Live Oak, the No. 1-ranked team in the state, Austin San Juan Diego, ranked No. 9 in the state, Temple Central Texas Christian, San Antonio Keystone, San Antonio Lutheran and San Marcos Academy.

“We’re eager to see what San Juan Diego looks like,” Revelle said. “We’ll do our best to come away as the district champions.”

Faith is playing at Austin Hyde Park Friday, Nov. 22. The boys junior varsity takes the court at 5 p.m. with the girls varsity at 6 p.m. and the boys varsity at 7:30 p.m.

The Flames play New Braunfels Christian at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Central Texas Fieldhouse, 2610 Main St. Suite 106 in Buda. The Lady Flames face Round Rock Christian at 9 a.m. on the same day at the same location.

The Flames welcome Austin Hill Country Tuesday, Nov. 26, with the junior varsity playing at 11 a.m. and the varsity to follow.

CAPTION: Lago Vista didn’t have an answer for Faith Academy sophomore guard Will Slyker. Photo by Stennis Shotts