BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
Coach Marisa Gutierrez knew what she was getting into when she made the move from Mercedes to PSJA Memorial during the summer.
At Mercedes, Gutierrez built a perennial playoff contender and back-to-back district champion. The Pharr native is looking to do the same for a Memorial program accustomed to struggles and losses — as recently as last year, the Lady Wolverines went 0-12 in District 31-6A.
At the season’s midway point, however, Memorial and its guard-heavy roster has scrapped its way to 11-12 record.
Wednesday served as a microcosm of Memorial’s season. During a game against San Benito at the McAllen Memorial tournament, the Lady Wolverines enjoyed a seven point lead during the third quarter before losing 48-38.
“We’re still trying to find that consistency and learn how to finish games,” Gutierrez said. “There are times when we play great and are doing what we’re supposed to do, but as soon as we get down or start to struggle, we kind of lose that sense of urgency.”
Part of the reason for the Lady Wolverines’ inconsistencies is their youth. At one point this year, the team started four sophomores and a junior.
With its varsity inexperience, Memorial has had to learn as they play, but the team is showing signs of grown. Guard Alex Soto, who leads the team in scoring with 11.1 points per game, is a budding 3-point threat. Teammate Monique De Leon, averaging 4.4 steals per game, is among the Valley’s best defenders and can be aggressive on the court as she is diminutive in stature.
“I know we can get to the level we aspire to be at,” Gutierrez said. “It’s just going to have to take time on the court. Hopefully we take our bumps and learn from them.”
500 WINS
With Laredo United’s 44-42 win over McAllen Memorial on Wednesday at the McAllen Memorial tournament, long-time Valley coach Rachel Carmona celebrated her 500th career win.
Though Carmona accomplished the benchmark as a Longhorn, 490 of those wins came during her time in the Valley.
Carmona has coached for 23 years, including stints at Hidalgo, Edinburg High and Mission High. This is her first year coaching United.
“Everybody else was thinking about it except for me,” Carmona said of her achievement. “I didn’t want anyone else to know about it. It’s not about me winning, it’s about the kids winning.”
“… I’m very fortunate though. I’ve been honored to work with a lot of great athletes over the years.”