BY JON. R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
On Friday, the Donna High Bravettes will drive to Mercedes to play the Lady Tigers in a game that will be trivial but important, a throw away yet a chance to improve. The point of view depends on which coach you talk to.
“It wasn’t my idea,” Bravettes coach Kevin Kromer said. “Put it that way.”
Donna and Mercedes each won a share of the District 32-5A title after finishing 13-1 in district play and splitting the season series. That circumstance cannot change. When Kromer and Mercedes coach Marissa Gutierrez met on Wednesday, it was to discuss seeding possibilities for the post season.
Kromer wanted a simple coin toss to break the tie, Gutierrez, however, wanted to play.
“What better way to go into the playoffs than with great competition?” Gutierrez asked. “We wanted to play a tough game.”
When the coaches could not reach an agreement, a seeding game was arranged — as written in the district handbook.
Kromer, fearing the risk of injuries, says he will bring his varsity team, but they will be dressed in street clothes and watch from the stands to cheer the junior varsity squad.
“I wouldn’t send the camera crew over,” Kromer said. “Don’t waste time watching it.”
For Gutierrez, injuries are ever-present and says, “injuries are going to happen regardless,” before adding, “that’s not to say we don’t care about the kids.” Instead, she wants another opportunity for her team to get better.
“I’m looking for better ball movement, doing the little things,” Gutierrez said. “We’ll just do our part and focus on us.”
The winner of Friday’s game will face Sharyland High in the bi-district round while the losing team will play Roma.
ONE MORE CHANCE
On the same evening Kevin Kromer will play it safe, his brother will not have the same luxury. Coach William Kromer and the Weslaco East Lady Wildcats will travel to Edinburg Economedes High School to play the Lady Jaguars in a playoffs-or-bust game in District 31-6A.
The winner secures the district’s final postseason spot and will face Harlingen High in the bi-district round. The loser stays home. Both teams finished 5-7 in district competition and split the season series.
“It makes this season even better for us if we’re able to battle through this and make the playoffs,” William said. “The seniors I have are not rookies to the playoffs. There’s history and tradition (at Weslaco East) They’re trying to get there. They don’t want to be the team that misses the playoffs.”