Swarming defense propels FCA to fifth straight girls hoops win

Faith Christian Academy bolted to a 17-0 first-quarter lead behind suffocating pressure defense and fast-breaking offense on its way to a 37-13 victory over Geneva South's eighth-grade B squad in girls basketball action on Monday at FCA. The win was the Falcons' fifth straight, improving their season record to 5-2. Great job, team!

Faith overwhelmed the Vikings from the opening tip. FCA's full-court press generated a series of steals and forced a flurry of turnovers that kept South scoreless while giving FCA easy shots at the basket in transition. Anneliese Lockner (6 points), Lauren Caprini (4 points), Jessica Smith (5) and Nicki Smith (2) combined for 17 opening-quarter points, with Lauren (6 steals), Anneliese (4) and Jessica (4) swiping 10 steals in the quarter.

Geneva South cut the lead to 17-6 in the second quarter, but the Falcons turned up their defensive pressure again, outscoring the Vikings 6-0 to close the half with a 23-6 lead, then stretching their lead to 30-7 in the third quarter.

Jessica paced a balanced FCA attack with 9 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to share best attitude award honors with Nicki. Lauren (4 points, 11 steals, 2 assists) and Anneliese (8 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) contributed strong all-around performances as well, and Brooke Hermes earned the hustle award with 7 steals and 3 points in her best game of the young season!

The Falcons practice on Wednesday and Friday to prepare for their next game at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 at Calvary Christian.

Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. VanDerSnick for the Falcons' sharp new warm-up jerseys. They look great!