By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
Wednesday marked the first day of boys basketball practice in the Valley, and thus Hidalgo’s next step in starting anew.
For the past couple of years, the Pirates have had a starting unit that’s propelled them to consecutive district titles and Sweet 16 trips. But with that group gone, Hidalgo’s promoting bench players to starting roles while calling up six players from the junior varsity squad.
“It’s like a brand-new team coming in,” coach Gus Sanchez said. “These guys, they’ve played big minutes for us, and now’s their chance to make things happen for our basketball program.”
At the forefront of that group was Frankie Sanchez, the RGVSports.com All-Valley Boys Basketball Player of the Year and a three-time district MVP, and Carmelo Reyes and Mike Espinoza. Yet, even with that unit gone, Gus Sanchez said he feels comfortable about the next stage for his group.
Four years ago, he went through a similar process when that starting unit first stepped in. And because last year’s bench played quality minutes as part of a five-in, five-out rotation, Sanchez said they possess a level of experience that should make their transition easier.
Eliud Castillo and Miguel Coronado, in particular, figure to play more prominent roles. Castillo was among the team’s leaders in steals, and Coronado was one of their top rebounders.
The question early on is the bench. Sanchez said he expects plenty of teaching through the first couple of months in practice, given their adjustment to varsity.
“They’re going to need a lot of work,” he said. “They understand the game, because of the expectations that we have on varsity (despite graduating their starters).”
MAKING CHANGES
With longtime coach Roy Garcia retiring during the offseason, PSJA Southwest promoted six-year assistant Abel Estrada to the top post.
During his 43-year coaching career, the 73-year-old Garcia picked up more than 700 wins.
“Those are some big shoes to fill,” Estrada said. “I’m not going to try to fill them as much as we’re going to try to continue what he started and go from there.”
The biggest change, Estrada said, is emphasizing offseason preparation. Estrada said he’s encouraged players to participate on traveling teams so that they’re ahead of the curve by the time practice gets under way in the fall.
Newcomer Nigel Anderson, a junior, has heeded that advice and figures to be a productive player for the Javelinas, along with point guard Darren Estrada and post player Oscar Garay.
Still, with a 10-22 overall record in 2014, including 3-11 in district, Southwest was projected seventh in the eight-team district by the Rio Grande Valley Basketball Coaches Association.
“Obviously that’s something we don’t want to do,” Estrada said. “Our expectations are to win, just like anybody else. We just have to work hard than anybody else if we want to get there.”
STAYING ON TOP
Coming off a district title and second-round playoff appearance, Weslaco High was projected to finish first place in 31-6A by the RGVBCA.
Though they lost four seniors, Panthers coach Gabe Valdez said he’s confident in his returners, considering they allow him the flexibility to roll out several lineups.
“They should help us a lot,” Valdez said. “They played so well together and we jelled so well at the right time. So that’ll help us keep that continuity to where it’ll hopefully propel us to the next level.”