Early look: FACS Crusaders
First Assembly Christian School will be one of the most talented teams in the state of Tennessee over the course of the 2023 high school basketball season. The Crusaders will start five players with the ability to handle the basketball…
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Continue ReadingFirst Assembly Christian School will be one of the most talented teams in the state of Tennessee over the course of the 2023 high school basketball season.
The Crusaders will start five players with the ability to handle the basketball and put points on the board.
Junior point guard Jacob Walker is one of them, as the 2023 season will be an important one not only for Jacobs, but for FACS as well. The Crusaders, on paper, will be a legit contender to win this season’s TSSAA Division II Class A state championship, but in order for FACS, which last won a state title in the 2021-22 season, to get there, Walker will need to set the tone as the team’s voice on the court.
Walker is the ultimate competitor, constantly pushing himself to be the best teammate he can be. The 5-foot-10 point guard has all of the tools to lead the Crusaders. Walker has tight ball handles. He can make shots from the perimeter. Walker makes the right reads. He sits down on defense and communicates well on both ends of the court.
Most importantly, Walker puts forth the effort on every possession.
“I feel like just being a leader. MJ (Hayes) and Cello (Jackson), they are our scorers. Just getting them where they are comfortable at, making sure they are in position to score the ball,” Walker said. “I also have to get to places where I know I can eat at.”
There will be nights Walker will have to lead the team in scoring, while there will be nights he’s asked to make the right reads, take care of the basketball and play defense.
Hayes, a 6-4 sophomore shooting guard, can easily get into rhythm once the first shot falls. In transition, Hayes displays his bounce, with his head inches above the rim. Jackson, a 6-2 point guard, can finish at the rim. He’s also capable of making a play in transition. Jackson hustles for loose balls, plays defense, and communicates on both ends of the floor. Jackson’s IQ is off the charts.
“MJ can do it all. If you throw it up, he’s going to get it. Cello, same thing. We got two dogs, so it’s fun playing with people who actually want to play, want to win just as bad as you do,” Walker said.
Junior wing Kris Carroll will also provide scoring for FACS as he’s a proven shot maker from 3-point range. Freshman guard Antonio McGaughey (6-4) has high upside and will have ample time on the floor to display his potential as a balanced player, while having the luxury of playing with other talented prospects.
Junior guard Kingston Goodwin, 6-4, should provide a spark off the bench.
Wilkes said it
Crusaders head coach Dee Wilkes mentioned on Wednesday that Walker is going to be the team’s best player this season.
Walker sees it the same way.
“Everything,” Walker said what it meant for Wilkes to echo high praise for him. “I have worked for it, so I gotta be the best player.”