Family Christian Academy’s second-year coach Isaac Amedee acknowledges the steep climb ahead.
For the No. 2 Flames (25-14) to successfully defend championship, they’re presented with the task of accomplishing something only one other team has this season — defeating top-seeded Avoyelles Parish Charter (35-1).
The two top seeds meet to decide the Division V select crown at noon at the LHSAA boys state basketball tournament at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.
“We are excited to play a really good team like them,” Amedee said. “If you’re not excited about competition, then what are you doing this for? You shouldn’t run from it. Good, bad or indifferent we’re going to go compete in the game. We’re happy that we get to play a team of that caliber.”
Until this season Avoyelles Public Charter was a Class 2A nonselect school, reaching the state semifinals in 2018. The LHSAA moved all charter schools into the select category and combined Classes B-C into one division.
The Vikings aren’t your prototypical Class C school, like the Flames with 51 students, and are riding a 12-game winning since their lone loss on Jan. 15 to Class 5A Southwood, 61-53.
Amedee said APC’s a defensive-minded team has held 23 of its opponents to 40 points or less, including the playoffs. The Mustangs also have a formidable backcourt trio in sophomore point guard Jalen Brown (17.2, 3 assists), junior Talik Williams (12.1) and freshman Armonll Benjamin (11.9, 4.9 assists).
“It’s very difficult to prepare for them because it’s unlike anybody else you play,” Amedee said. “Where they (apply) pressure, how they pressure, their ball-screen coverages. They’re always in the right spots and down in a stance.”
FCA’s appearing in its third straight title game and second under Amedee, a former college assistant coach. The Flames prepared for the moment with a schedule that featured 15 games against Class 4A-5A teams. They beat 5A Woodlawn and 4A Brusly.
Leave a Reply