Tournament should challenge Flames
Will Diamond shields the ball from a Cherokee defender.
MARBLE FALLS — The Faith Academy boys basketball team will travel to play in the San Antonio Cornerstone Tournament this weekend.
The Flames will meet Sendero today at 5 p.m. They are 2-2 overall.
Faith enjoyed its sixth practice Thursday. Head coach Larry Berkman said he was happy to conduct a practice and go over more schemes.
The lack of practices has been difficult, he said, simply because he tells his players to run a specific play. Once he sees the looks of confusion, he realizes they have not reviewed that play.
One trait the players are learning from their coach is intensity, he said.
“They’re learning that when I say something, they need to learn it and I mean it,” he said. “Part of the deal is I have to know their limits. They have to know what to expect from me. They’re willing to learn and I’m willing to learn.”
Berkman believes this team is a lot like the parable of the talents found in the Bible. It’s up to those associated with the squad to increase their talents.
His players have responded, he said.
Adrian Byrd and Ryan Johnson are working on their outside shots.
Post Brett Piatek is improving on his moves in the lane.
Ryan Roberts and William Diamond are penetrating and setting up teammates.
Chase Penner, who has played basketball for only one season, is gaining on the learning curve, Berkman said.
The tournament will feature other teams the coach hopes will challenge his squad.
Other squads in attendance include Sanez, Sonny Brook and Cornerstone, the host school.
If the Flames win, they will play 1:30 p.m. Saturday. If not, they’ll play at 9 a.m. It is a double-elimination tournament.
This tournament was a late addition, Berkman said, creating an obstacle for Faith.
Some of his players are taking the SAT, he said.
Berkman has one objective for the tournament.
“Don’t panic,” he said. “The team was a little panicky towards the end. It’s something we have to learn.”
He wants his players to go through their reads and not make mistakes that lead to turnovers and missed opportunities.
“We’re playing some strong teams early,” Berkman said. “That’ll help us when we get in district.”
Courtesy photo