2 minute read
Faith Family (TX
Head Coach : Brandon Thomas 2021-22 Record: 36-4
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Overview
The Oak Cliff Faith Family Eagles reached the pinnacle of high school basketball by earning a UIL 4A state championship. They defeated Wichita Falls Hirschi, 76-50. This team was stacked last year with the majority of the team staying intact for this season as well. Outside of the graduation of T.J. Caldwell (Ole Miss), Isaiah Jones (McLennan), and Brandon Walker (UTA), the Eagles have the rest of their major contributors back on the court again.
Player Spotlight
This team is anchored by its two stars down low, 6’9 Senior, Jadyn Toppin, and 6’11 Junior, Doryan Onwuchekwa. There are not a lot of teams that boast two high level big men who can play off each other. Toppin, a University of New Mexico commit, is a defensive ace who can swat away shots at a high clip. He can guard multiple positions, swallows up rebounds, and he has shown the ability to score with some finesse around the basket. Onwuchekwa is a post scorer and facilitator who plays unselfishly. He has a developing inside-out game, and he has great footwork which allows him to guard smaller and quicker players. He has offers from everywhere, but K State, Texas, Houston, Tulsa, TCU, SMU, Tennessee, and Mississippi State are some of the highlights.
Supporting Cast
This team has an embarrassment of riches at the guard and wing positions. Junior guards, Jazz Henderson (5’11) and Isaac Williams (6’2) are both high level playmakers who can switch off floor general duties when the other one wants to play more aggressively as a scorer. The speed and handle of this duo will be hard to match up with. 6’5 Senior, Peyton Gusters is a powerful two-way guard who takes pride on the defensive end of the floor. His athleticism makes him a problem for opponents in transition and his high motor forces the rest of his team to match his energy. 6’7 Junior, LeKendrick Taylor, is another explosive athlete on the roster who will get a lot of easy scoring opportunities with the great guard play on this team. Behind Henderson and Williams, is another duo of shifty guards, 6’1 Sophomore, Tasheim Gary and 5’11 Freshman, Kingston Willis. Both of these guards attack downhill and have no problem getting into the middle of the defense to make plays for their big men.
