HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Cardinals had a lengthy layoff, but they looked as sharp as they have all season in their district opener.
Elijah Rhodes had 19 points and Ernie Ramirez dropped in 16 as the Cardinals throttled the San Benito Greyhounds 82-54 Saturday afternoon at Harlingen High School.
The win gets Harlingen started on the right foot as they prepare for a tough District 32-6A schedule.
“We knew we wanted to come out and start out 1-0 just like everybody else,” Harlingen head coach Greg Yates said. “The kids came out and started off real well today. We had some good practices and some inter-squad scrimmaging and it paid off.
“It’s just game one and from looking at the standings, it’s going to be a competitive district; we’ve got our hands full any time we get on the court.”
Harlingen had no signs of rust as they moved the ball around on offense and forced Greyhound turnovers on defense, leading to an early 22-6 run to start the game.
Harlingen’s Rhodes and Ramirez combined for 17 points in the first quarter.
“Ernie (Ramirez) took the ball to the basket early and got some easy layups and that made things a little easier because soon after he hit a three,” Yates said. “Elijah (Rhodes) can play inside and outside and is just a good all around player for us”
Down 15 after one, San Benito went on a 9-2 to start the second quarter cut the Cardinal lead to 10, but that was as close as they came the rest of the way.
Harlingen led 42-28 at the break.
San Benito exchanged baskets throughout the third quarter with the Cards, but a late run at the end of the period put Harlingen up 21.
Harlingen led by as many as 30 in the fourth quarter.
San Benito’s lone bright spot was the play of guard Mario Aguirre, who led all scorers with 22 points.
Teammate Ryan Reza turned in a solid effort in the post with 11 points.