TJ GARCIA | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
EDINBURG — PSJA North’s shots simply weren’t falling.
It’s the oldest of basketball axioms, and sometimes it holds true. Accurate outside shooting is the hallmark of PSJA North Lady Raiders basketball, and without it, winning is precarious.
Edinburg High’s Lady Bobcats played tough defense and survived a slow start, walloping the visiting Lady Raiders 62-39 Friday night to stay undefeated in district midway through the schedule.
“This was an important game for us because they were sitting right behind us, but with the win tonight it puts us two games ahead,” Edinburg coach John David Salinas said. “We knew that (outside shooting) is their bread and butter. They were going to shoot the ball. Coach (Randy) Bocanegra does a great job in getting his kids ready to shoot. We were prepared for that, but I could not be more proud of our girls.”
The Lady Bobcats (24-5, 7-0) extended their winning streak to nine games, haven’t lost in more than a month, and haven’t lost to a Rio Grande Valley team since mid November. Friday night, Edinburg was led — as usual — by junior forward Jayla Santa Maria’s 21 points and 9 rebounds. Not to be outdone, Jenessah Santa Maria added 18 of her own and was among many defensive standouts for the Lady Bobcats.
“At first, we started off kind of slow. But the second half, coach gave us a talk, and we did step up our game,” Jenessah said. “In the second half, it was team work. It was the great passes my teammates gave me. We were just playing faster and looking to score.”
Edinburg jumped out to 23-13 halftime lead in what was a sluggish first half for both teams. PSJA North made just four field goals in the first two periods, but not for a lack of trying. The Lady Raiders continued to take open threes, but just couldn’t drain them. There was more of the same in the third, but with the Lady Bobcats doubling up North in that period. The Lady Bobcats posted a 42-23 lead after three and the game was all but over, given North’s shooting woes.
Bocanegra said the loss gives added importance to PSJA North’s (21-7, 5-2) next few games.
“We didn’t shoot very well. I was just one of those nights,” Bocanegra said. “I think it was the weight of the game. They (Edinburg) played with a lot of intensity. They brought a lot of energy. There were some anxiety for us. We are young, and we showed it.”