By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
At Weslaco East, coach Jorge Martinez generally counts on Adan Ledesma to provide instant offense off the bench.
But on Tuesday, that came with some added pressure, as the Wildcats appeared in danger of losing their third consecutive game, with their starters struggling early against Edinburg North.
Ledesma, however, stepped up with his best game of the season, scoring a team-high 17 points, and Weslaco East avoided slipping any further in District 31-6A standings with a 57-56 win.
“We really needed to get back on track to get in the (playoff) race, and he stepped up,” Martinez said. “We were very disappointed losing two in a row. We felt we didn’t come out with intensity during that losing streak, and it carried over.
“Fortunately for us, we got back to doing that.”
Ledesma provided much-needed relief with Jonathan Salazar nursing a groin injury, and Jesus Ortiz in foul trouble.
Martinez said the win served as a boost in confidence for the Wildcats, who stand in fourth place in district behind the three-way tie of Edinburg North, Weslaco High and Edinburg High following Tuesday’s games.
“I think it was his biggest game at the biggest moment in the season for us,” Martinez said. “I think we’re back in the race now, but we just need to make sure we continue to stay focused on every game and not take any days off.”
FEELING FORTUNATE
With two wins in the past week, Roma has moved up from fourth place in District 31-5A to second place.
Coach Abelardo Escobar said he feels fortunate for the standing, considering the team is still in search of some consistency from its seniors.
“We’ve gone through our ups and downs, but we’re learning together and maturing, slowly but surely,” Escobar said. “We understand there’s a lot of parity in this district, and we want to be as high (up in the standings) as we can be.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we’re just happy and blessed we’re there right now.”
Roma (12-13, 4-1) will travel to Edinburg Vela (23-2, 5-0), the No. 1 team in 31-5A, at 7:30 p.m. Friday.