KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
PROGRESO—The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats used quick start offensively and were fueled by Natalie Martinez and Klarissa Valladarez, who each scored a game-high 14 points en route to a 66-22 win over Progreso Tuesday night.
“Picking up our first district win is big,” said Martinez. “This gives us confidence moving forward and now we have to prepare for La Feria.”
Rio Hondo has now won four straight and their 66-point total marked a season high. Up next is rival La Feria, while Progreso has a date with Port Isabel.
“We have really been working on our inside game,” said first-year Lady Cats coach Lori Garcia.
“Tonight, my two posts were able to work inside and get the job done. It is always important to start district play with a win. I’m excited that we are off to a 1-0 start. Up next is La Feria and we will get back to work tomorrow and prepare.”
Martinez, who is fresh off her return from a hip injury, has started to find her mojo after missing four weeks of action.
“I feel great, I’m getting back into the swing of things and with this team — we all play well together,” Martinez said. “Our chemistry is there and tonight I was able to help my team.”
The Lady Cats jumped out to a 12-2 lead early and kept their foot on the gas the rest of the night as they held the Lady Red Ants to just three points in the second half.
Estrella Garza netted 10 points and teammate Taylor Gomez finished with eight points.
“There are still some things we need to clean up,” Garcia said. “I tell the girls with every shot we take, to find a body and box out. Another thing was our passing; we were a little careless. It is a game of angles, but we have grown since the start of the season and we have done a better job on being consistent.”