Faith Academy boys basketball earns solid win after last-second loss
CAPTION: A stronger, more confident Judah Phillips is seeking contact while his making his way to the basket. Photo by Stennis Shotts
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team enjoyed a bounce-back win against Austin Hill Country 66-52 Nov. 26 after losing at Austin Hyde Park 59-57 Nov. 22.
“I felt like it was sign of a good team,” head coach Zakk Revelle said of the win. “Hill Country is currently ranked No. 9 in the (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) 4A (poll).”
Junior center Judah Phillips did his damage on the low block and in the lane and made it miserable for the opponent in the same area of the court. He finished with 19 points.
“He did a great job inside controlling the paint,” Revelle said.
Sophomore guard Will Slyker paced the Flames with 39 points. In addition senior guard Asher Apel got more minutes.
“He’s almost back to full strength,” the coach said. “He brings much needed energy. He’s coming off a meniscus tear from the spring. He’s getting better and better. It was good going into Thanksgiving with a win.”
Against Hyde Park, the Flames faced many obstacles besides what the Panthers presented on the court. The biggest was foul trouble.
Still, with seconds remaining, Slyker hit a 3-pointer to give Faith the lead only to have Hyde Park respond for the victory. The Panthers connected on 7 of 10 second-half 3-pointers, including all four attempts in the final stanza. The last one was for the win.
“Kudos to them for hitting the shot,” Revelle said.
Phillips led with 20 points followed by Slyker with 18.
Faith is traveling to play at Austin St. Andrew’s, which is ranked No. 1 in the TAPPS 5A and Southwest Prep Conference 3A poll.
“They’re really good,” Revelle said.
The Flames end the week by playing in the Lorena Tournament Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 5-7. They face Waco Connally in the opening game and then either Jarrell or Joshua in bracket play.
“They’ll press us full court,” the coach said. “Every team has a different style of play. It’ll be good for sure.”
CAPTION: Sophomore guard Will Slyker, who was a first team all-state selection a year ago, continues to play at that high level. Photo by Stennis Shotts
