Faith Academy boys basketball lights up San Antonio Lutheran
CAPTION: The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team’s 2-3 zone, featuring sophomore forward Seattle Hampton (left) and junior guard Jase Marshall at the front, makes opponents uncomfortable. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls boys basketball team scorched San Antonio Lutheran 81-44.
From the start the Flames (14-9, 3-0), who are ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools poll by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, were ready as illustrated by a 3-pointer from all-state sophomore guard Will Slyker on the opening possession. Though the Mustangs answered with a 3-pointer on their first possession, that’s as close as they got.
Junior center Judah Phillips broke the tie by completing a 3-point play followed up with another 3-pointer from sophomore forward Seattle Hampton.
Then the rout was on.
By the end of the first period, Faith led 26-10 thanks in large part to embracing the final directive from head coach Zakk Revelle during the first timeout of the contest.
“Relentless energy on defense,” he told his players. “Relentless energy on defense.”
“We had great energy,” he said following the game. “The crowd was great. Every single play felt like it was game point. We have a great group of athletes. They’re definitely not going to be sequestered.”
So much of the Flames’ offensive success started on the defensive end thanks to their 2-3 zone. It’s a very active zone where each Flame takes it upon himself to win his individual battle. The speedsters are unafraid to go after steals because they have faith that their teammates will pick up the offensive player if he misses the ball.
But if that Flame gets the ball, Faith can finish fast breaks in under 10 seconds. One fast break in particular, that started with a steal from senior guard Asher Apel to junior guard Jase Marshall to Hampton, had only one bounce and two passes.
Revelle said the Flames work on fast breaks like that during practices.
“It’s something we have to continue to work on,” he said.
Apel followed that up with an up-and-under shot on a drive he stopped just before he got to the lane on the right side. In short, there’s no way to defend a perfect shot.
When Lutheran did force the Flames to play their half-court offense, they spread the floor and passed to Phillips, who was virtually unstoppable in the low block. Once the Mustangs began to pack in the lane, the Flames swung the ball to wide-open shooters creeping along the 3-point line.
“It’s pick your poison,” the coach said.
The Flames led 61-19 at the half and 81-28 after three periods. The second half featured a running clock.
Reserves took over in the final quarter.
Slyker scored 25 points followed by Phillips with 18, Hampton added 16, Apel and Marshall each contributed 9, and freshman guard Austin Skahill and sophomore forward Wade Dillard each scored 2.
“Judah did an incredible job,” Revelle said. “There were one to two passes and threw it to Judah. Involving him is a big deal. “
With a date at Waco Live Oak, which is ranked No. 2 in the TABC’s Class 3A poll, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, it had crossed Revelle’s mind that his players may not be focused on Lutheran.
“I felt like we had a better team,” he said. “I was more worried we were looking ahead to Live Oak. I’m super proud of the effort in the first half. So many times the kids spend time with me in an empty gym. It makes me happy the fans get to see the hard work they put in.”
CAPTION: Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior guard Asher Apel used two hands to grab a rebound against San Antonio Lutheran. Staff photo Jennifer Fierro
