By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
Every year, McAllen Memorial coach Sam Cortez makes it a point to take part in two out of-Valley tournaments. The goal, like most schools, is to face what tends to be stiffer competition. But in the Mustangs’ case, it’s also to catch a glimpse at possible first-round opponents.
Playing in 30-6A, Memorial faces District 29-6A schools, mostly from Laredo. The odds of seeing them play in person throughout the year are scarce, given the proximity, which is why Cortez is banking on the tidbits he picked up from watching Laredo Alexander play twice in tournament action to prepare for Tuesday’s bi-district showdown.
Memorial beat Alexander 62-58 in the Edinburg Tournament on Dec. 6 before watching them in person at the New Braunfels Tournament. So while facing a school outside the Valley might seem like a disadvantage with regard to scouting, Cortez feels he’s up-to-date in his preparation.
“That’s why we go to these tournaments, to see what’s out there,” Cortez said. “We know who the top teams are going to be in the outside districts, so you just kind of keep an eye on them.”
In his 12 years as coach, Cortez has faced Alexander four times in the playoffs, losing each bi-district battle. By now, he’s familiar with their style of play, having identified their top players. And by opting for a coin flip to determine seeding — Memorial tied McAllen High for first place in district — the Mustangs can devote even more time to tailoring a game plan for the Bulldogs.
“We’re going to break down film and do what we do,” Cortez said. “We know (from having played them) they’re going to run a full-court man-to-man; they’re going to press you. So that’s why we have to handle the pressure. We know what we have to do to prepare for them.”
NO DOWN TIME
While most teams have a week off to get ready for bi-district, Edinburg Vela and Sharyland High will be playing in a seeding game Friday after drawing a two-way tie for first place in District 31-5A.
The winner of the game faces PSJA High (17-15, 8-6), the fourth seed in District 32-5A, and the loser takes on third-seeded Edcouch-Elsa (16-16, 9-5).
The Vela-Sharyland seeding game is the Valley’s lone tilt to decide first place. Posed with the same situation, McHi and Memorial agreed to flip. And Los Fresnos, Harlingen South and Brownsville Hanna did the same, out of necessity, flipped, as well, after tying for District 32-6A’s best record.