GAMES
RANKINGS
FBCA's Noah Benny
TIME TO SHINE: Benny and co. bringing FBCA to the next level
Despite averaging well over 20 points a game to propel the Eagles, Benny continues to maintain a “we-before-me” mentality.
“I’ve really appreciated Coach (Brandon) Scott throughout the process,” he said. “He’s played a really big role in my success, whether it be through practice or giving me pointers on how to improve my game.”
“My teammates are a big reason as well. They’re unselfish with the ball, finding the open man, and a lot of times that ends up leading to me getting a good look in scoring and capitalizing. I obviously can’t do it without those guys, so I’m very appreciative of them.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Fort Bend Christian is recently coming off an imperative 55-51 win over LSA, courtesy of some key performances by Benny and teammate Sean Jimmy-Ducksworth (So. F), which brings their district record to 3-2.
The Eagles are picking up speed at the perfect time, and Benny has high expectations for the program moving forward.
“I think that if we keep playing the unselfish brand of ball that we have been, and supporting each other along the way, then there’s not really much we can’t accomplish,” he said. “I think this group has the potential to reach the state championship, or at least the final-four, if things keep on clicking for us.”
In years past, FBCA tends to always have a difference-maker on the court. Most recently, it was the all-state honoree Jaden Araiza who has since graduated.
After putting up solid numbers to earn an all-district nod a year ago, it appears that it’s now Benny’s time to shine from a more well-established leadership position.
“Something that might set me apart, or could help to establish myself as a leader is the fact that I’m very aware of my surroundings,” Benny said. “When someone on my team is thinking or feeling a certain way I can usually notice it quickly. I care about my team, so I really try to go out of my way to help them out if I can and try to pick them up.”
The stage is set for Benny and the Eagles to undergo a momentous campaign down the stretch. Watch for them when the TAPPS Final-Four takes place in February.
FBCA's Jaden Araiza
THE 1,000-POINT CLUB: FBCA’s Araiza hits milestone
In last week’s thriller against Second Baptist (FBCA narrowly fell 70-73), Araiza was a nightmare for the opposing defense -- going off for 40 points. His standout performance brought his high school career totals past the 1,000-point mark.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Reaching 1,000 is a big moment for me,” said Araiza. “From my position, being able to do what I have done this year, is surprising to others, but not to me. Despite being a four-year varsity player, I sat out most of my sophomore year with a broken nose, which definitely derailed my confidence. But, I persevered and had a pretty decent junior year (Averaged 15 PPG, 7 APG). However, this year, I’ve fully developed into the player I’ve always known I could be, and have almost doubled my stats from last year.”
That he has. Araiza currently averages 25 PPG, 6 APG, 5 RPG and three steals per game. His consistency throughout his senior season has elevated him to be a leader on the resilient Eagles roster, which Araiza revels in.
“As a senior guard, everybody looks to me to be the one who leads,” he said. “I know that my coaches look to me to be the guy they can trust in all scenarios, and I think my teammates have been able to trust me to make the right decisions. Our offense runs completely through me, and I have to make sure that I am in the right role, but my teammates are, as well.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As previously mentioned, this season has had its ups and downs, however, Araiza and the Eagles advance with a steadfast determination to secure their place in the postseason.
“Right now, our team is looking to finish off these last few district games going 4-0,” Araiza said. Our mentality has played a huge role in our performance this year. We’re going to give it everything we have, regardless of the odds not being in our favor. We might be a young team, and even though we aren’t the most developed, our team will be the most aggressive thanks to our new coach [Brandon] Scott’s influence.”
2022-23 FBCA Eagles BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Araiza has yet to receive a college offer, he has plenty of motivation backing him to follow his dream.
“My biggest inspiration would have to be my parents,” said Araiza. “Without them, I don’t know where I’d be. Luckily, they have sacrificed a lot for me to bring me to this point today. My dad and AAU Coach (from 1st to 8th grade), Lamar Holt, are the ones who taught me everything about the game from a young age. My mom has always been my biggest supporter, providing me with everything I need. Furthermore, if I had to choose an athlete as my role model, I’d say Kobe Bryant, having seen how how hard he worked and the drive he had. All of these influencesin my life, inspire me to emulate that attitude in everything I do.”
Don’t sleep on Jaden Araiza and the FBCA Eagles, they just might surprise you.