We got a small glimpse into the 2016-17 version of the Flames’ basketball team Friday night thanks to the Red/Blue Scrimmage. The Red team defeated the Blue team, 38-37. The game featured two 12 minute halves.

1. Buy stock in Caleb Homesley now.

The true sophomore dazzled during the scrimmage. He showed the ability to step out and knock down the 3, drive to the basket and finish, and even defend the paint as he swatted a Scottie James shot. Homesley played 16 minutes and scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. He made 3 of his 5 field goals and connected on 2 of his 3 three-point attempts. Caleb also showed the ability to grab the rebound and push it into the open floor with the dribble.

2. A.C. Reid loves to shoot the 3!

But we already knew that. Reid drilled 5 of his 9 three point attempts in 24 minutes. He led all scorers with 17 points, including the game winning 2 free throws for the Red team with no time on the clock. Reid also grabbed 6 boards.

3. Ezra Talbert was very active, finishing with a game-high 10 points for the Blue team.

The elder Talbert brother was all over the floor. He finished the game with 10 points on 3 of 7 shooting from the field. He made 1 of his 3 three-point attempts and had 1 rebound.

4. John Dawson was very vocal, both on the floor and when he was on the bench.

Liberty’s senior guard and captain only played 9 minutes, but he made his presence known by being very vocal both while he was on the floor and while he was on the bench. He was continually shouting out assignments and encouraging his teammates.

5. Myo Baxter-Bell was in street clothes during the scrimmage.

Coach McKay announced prior to the contest that he was sitting out due to a back injury. McKay didn’t make it sound serious, and Myo looked like he was moving around just fine. Hopefully he will be ready to go when the season tips off in 2 weeks.

6. Scottie James will be a contributor when he’s eligible.

The transfer from Bradley was all over the court. He even showed the ability to stretch the court as he knocked down his only 3-pointer. James finished with 9 points and 6 rebounds. He made all 3 of his field goal attempts and both of his free throws. He looked an inch or two taller than the Talbert brothers. James must sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but when he is eligible next year he should have an immediate impact.

7. Liberty’s bigs like to shoot the 3.

The Flames’ have 4 guys on the roster listed at 6’7″ or taller in Brock Gardner, Scottie James and the Talbert brothers. Each of them were able to stretch the opposing defenses by knocking down a 3. This quartet combined for 32 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 4-8 from 3-point range.

8. The team is much deeper than last year.

Last year, McKay’s squad could barely go 8 deep. This year, the Flames could go as deep as 11. As the season progresses towards conference play, Coach McKay is sure to shorten his bench some, but the extra bodies can only help.

9. Josiah Talbert got his first taste of the McCracken!

In his first action in front of spectators at the Vines Center, the true freshman was greeted by the infamous Liberty fan while Talbert was at the free throw line. The McCracken let out his usual squelch as Josiah attempted his free throws. It certainly caught Talbert off guard as he made eye contact with McCracken. Everyone got a nice laugh out of it, especially after Josiah made both of his free throws.

10. Check out the boxscore