Faith Academy boys basketball Slyker’s hot shooting fans Flames’ success
CAPTION: Faith Academy freshman shooting guard Will Slyker’s ability to score points in a variety of ways from virtually every spot on the court makes him tough to defend. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
Faith Academy of Marble Falls freshman guard Will Slyker was the talk of the Flames annual tournament.
Fans and opposing coaches couldn’t help but point out the talent and drive the youngster has in helping the Flames finish as the tournament runners-up Dec. 14-16.
Slyker, who is 15, was averaging more than 30 points a contest. He handles and distributes the ball, drives to the hoop, can nail jumpers from just about anywhere on the perimeter, and spots up for wide-open long bombs.
During the 67-46 win against Austin Veritas, he dropped in 43 points, which is a new career high.
His explanation for his performances is simple.
“My team gets me open looks,” he said, adding the Flames stick to the “flow of the offense and execute.”
The 5-foot 9-inch guard began playing basketball when he was 5.
“It’s a fun game,” he said. “It’s a way to compete. I love the game. It’s so much fun every day and playing with my team. They make it a blast.”
He plays select basketball for Nike ProSkills Central Texas and sticks to a pre-game routine that has worked for him.
Before he physically gets ready for a contest, he puts his mind through the mental preparation.
“I try to lock in mentally,” he said. “I get out all the distractions and get into the zone. I go through my ball handling and shooting. I focus on what’s ahead.”
Shooting from the top of key off the pick and roll, the elbow of the free throw line, and the midrange jumpers are attempts he makes look easy.
He enjoys watching the NBA, especially Los Angles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, whom he patterns his game.
“I think his game style is similar to mine,” Slyker said. “He’s effortless. He hits when he gets to the spots.”
And just like Reaves, Slyker has a big man who’s on the Faith roster — 6-10 sophomore Judah Phillips. Phillips uses his body and drop step to make shots in the lane and also is essential in setting ball screens for his teammates.
“It opens up for everybody on the floor,” Slyker said. “You have options every where. (Faith head) coach Zakk (Revelle) puts us in spots to succeed. It shows.”
The guard also takes private lessons from coach Malcolm Canada and devotes personal time to shooting with Faith teammate Gabe Lopez.
“I’m getting lots of shots up,” he said. “Me and Gabe stay after practice. Shooting to shoot isn’t helping me improve. I’m improving on finishing in the paint and rim. I think I’ve been doing a better job.”
Slyker said he is enjoying every minute of being a Flame, and that includes playing games on back-to-back days where it requires being on a bus for hours.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s a new experience. I’ve never been on a three-hour bus ride and played a game at 7 o’clock at night. Just different things like that with your teammates.”
The Flames will welcome Temple Holy Trinity at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, for the start of District 3-3A play of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.
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CAPTION: Being fearless is partly why Faith Academy freshman shooting guard Will Slyker is the scorer he is. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
