By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Pace has lost just twice in District 32-5A this season. Both games were to Mercedes, which is unbeaten in district play.
But the Lady Vikings haven’t dwelled on those losses, they are focused on a return to the playoffs. Pace recently clinched a spot and is second in District 32-5A with two games left to play.
Those losses to Mercedes have helped in a way as well. The team is even more focused on making a run in the postseason after losing in the bi-district round last season.
“One point at a time, we talk about it a lot,” Pace coach Kris Metzmaker said. “Let’s go out and play our game. Let’s get one basket, let’s get another basket, let’s keep going. It’s as simple as that.”
That approach has certainly worked for the Lady Vikings. Metzmaker said the team is mentally tougher this season and it has shown at some crucial times.
“We’ve worked hard on maintaining our composure, maintaining our control,” she said. “You get knocked down, get up and make them pay from the free-throw line, that’s your revenge.”
PLAYOFF PICTURE: After Pace in District 32-5A, Brownsville Veterans Memorial has locked up a playoff spot in District 32-6A along with Harlingen High, which has earned at least a share of the district crown.
With four teams fighting for the remaining two spots with two games to play, anything can happen.
Harlingen South is third at 7-5 in 32-6A and Los Fresnos is fourth at 6-6. Hanna and Rivera, both at 5-7 are outside looking in at the moment.
Hanna’s loss to Harlingen South on Tuesday was especially tough given the playoff situation.
The Lady Golden Eagles aren’t daunted. They are focused on finishing strong and hopefully ending up with a playoff berth.
“We have to do the things that got us here and gave us an opportunity to get into the playoffs,” Hanna coach Luis Gonzalez said. “That’s all you want, two games left, just an opportunity.”
FINDING POSITIVES: Porter will fall short of a playoff berth but has played stronger of late, winning two district games during its past four games and nearly a third. The Cowgirls lost on a shot that beat the buzzer in overtime.
Porter coach Tony Saavedra said he has focused on what has been good even in the losses.
“The girls never give up,” he said. “There’s been a lot of positives.”
Turnovers have plagued the team at times, often putting them in a tough spot early on.
“What kills us is that we turn over the ball too much,” Saavedra said. “Sometimes in the first quarter we have more turnovers than points. We try to keep up and try to win, and it’s very tough. If we don’t protect the ball, we’re not going to win.
“That’s been the story of the year. The girls play hard, but it’s been like that all season.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.