Faith Academy’s Juliette Fisher has traveled a long way with basketball

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — It’s hard to believe there was a time when Faith Academy senior post Juliette Fisher didn’t know which part of the court to stand on when girls basketball head coach Jerry English called for  certain offensive and defensive lineups.

“Actually, in the first scrimmage I played in, I went the wrong way with the ball,” she said with a laugh.

Opponents wish Fisher remained confused. Instead, she has emerged as an athlete who’s capable of handling just about any task the Lady Flames need.

Guard the opponent’s best post? Sure. Grab more rebounds? You got it. Block shots? No sweat. Score more around the bucket? No problem. Pick up the pace of the game? You betcha.

“I really like to go and give it all to God,” she said. “It helps with a release. I like it.”

She averages 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks a contest for the Lady Flames.

The truth is, Fisher has played basketball for a long time. But she played with friends in New Orleans, and they played street ball. The only rule on the street is there are no rules. And players definitely don’t define who is offense and who is defense.

While living in New Orleans, she attended Focus on Jesus Christian School, and it didn’t have an athletic program.

But that changed when she moved to the Highland Lakes and enrolled at Faith Academy. English sometimes hears Fisher might not be acting the way she should at home, and that’s when the two chat.

“He’s like another dad to me,” she said. “He’s always there. He knows what I go through. Sometimes, he’s understanding.”

At first, she wasn’t aware of the success of the Lady Flames’ program, which has advanced to five state tournaments in nine years. But as an underclassman, she watched the older players and learned. She also became part of teams that average more than 30 victories a season.

Fisher understands the expectations for the team and the players.

“A lot of pressure, especially because I’m a senior,” she said. “It’s a lot of pressure because I want to be a leader. I really don’t like leading. I’m not an out-there person.”

Fisher also is known as the player who will crack a joke to ease the pressure of the moment, following the example of former teammate Bailey Brinkley, she said.

Brinkley is also the player Fisher said she would most like to emulate. Brinkley could shoot long jumpers, drive to the basket, rebound and finish fast breaks.

“She worked hard and played hard, and I loved it,” she said. “I loved her energy on the court.”

The daughter of Julie and William Tumblin plans to major in psychology and wants to play basketball in college.

Her dream season ends with another trip to the state tournament. And with Faith’s record, there’s no reason to think it won’t happen.

“I hope so,” she said. “I think we can.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com