Flames’ intensity leads to victory against Cherokee

CHEROKEE — The Faith Academy boys basketball team added a win to even its record to 2-2.

The Flames stomped Cherokee, 58-33, Tuesday.

Head coach Larry Berkman said the team was happy to get a win.

“It was nice,” he said. “We were definitely better than they were athletically.”

After Cherokee took a 10-6 lead at the end of the first period, Berkman used the time between quarters to emphasis the importance of competing for 32 minutes.

“We just didn’t get after it,” he said. “It’s always important how you finish.”

With that, the Flames scored 27 points in the next eight minutes to take a 33-19 halftime lead.

“We discussed the level of intensity we had to have,” the coach said. 

If a player is not performing at a level that helps his team succeed, Berkman said, coaches will substitute and assemble the athletes who want to compete. 

“If you get out there and you’re not going to bust it, you get to sit and rest,” he said. “Everybody is going to play hard. Nobody gets treated any differently than the others.”

Adrian Byrd led the way with 16 points, while Brett Piatek scored 12 points. 

Piatek’s scoring can be get better, Berkman said.

“The first three games in a row, he had 17,” the coach said. “He scored 12 (Tuesday). He has a knack to know when to score. He needs to work on it a little more.”

Ryan Johnson, who scored two points, and Byrd are working on their outside shots.

Ryan Roberts and William Diamond played well, Berkman said. Roberts scored eight points, while Diamond added six. 

The coach also was pleased with Chase Penner’s performance. He scored two.

“Chase really jumps,” he said. “He’s a young kid who’s only played basketball for a year. He’s learning what to do. It’s a learning process.”

There were some turnovers on passing to the post because of a lack of rapport that goes back to not having enough practices.

“We just have to practice,” Berkman said. “We’re really emphasizing the post guys.”

The Flames skipper remains encouraged by his athletes’ attitudes and work ethic. And he believes the obstacles can be overcome. 

“Some of the mistakes are so easily correctable just by practicing,” he said. “They’re really doing all they can with the time they’ve had.”

At times Berkman calls a timeout and asks the players to execute a scheme. He’ll notice the looks of confusion and realize they have not gone over that yet, he said. 

“It’s real hard for them to pick it up,” he said. “They’re really trying to follow the instructions. They’re trying their very best.”

But the coach said his players must give their best efforts. 

“The victory usually goes to the guy who finishes well,” he said. “We’re really trying to finish out strong.” 

Courtesy Photo