BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
EDINBURG — Edinburg CISD’s two teams in the playoffs have had the luckiest of draws.
While Edinburg Vela played both of its playoff games in its own gym, the Edinburg High Bobcats were able to host their area round game after playing their first-round game Monday in Brownsville.
The Bobcats took advantage of playing in their home environment by defeating PSJA North 56-36 in a Class 6A area round game Friday night at Edinburg High.
“Whether we played away or anywhere else tonight, it came down to the want we have as a team,” Edinburg High senior guard Jenessah Santa Maria said. “We all have this drive to win. We want to go as far as we can.”
The Bobcats dug deep into their rotation early. Seven different Bobcats scored at least two points in the first quarter.
“With the way we’ve been playing lately, that’s very beneficial to us,” Edinburg High coach J.D. Salinas said. “We hope to continue the same way of playing as we go into the regional quarters. We want to be playing good basketball. When you have all those girls contributing early, you’re putting yourself in good situations to be successful. They’re moving the basketball and finding a way to contribute.”
Santa Maria was the Upper Valley’s second-leading scorer entering the playoffs, but she proved to be more than a capable passer. She led all scorers with 15 points while dishing out five assists.
“All of us trust each other and are confident in one another,” Santa Maria said. “It’s teamwork. One person isn’t going to win the game for us. Everyone is good enough to put the ball in the hoop.”
Edinburg High and PSJA North (33-5) are quite familiar with each other. Both teams competed in District 31-6A last year and met earlier this season at an early-season tournament. The Raiders got the better of the Bobcats 55-50 back on Nov. 10 at the Pack’s Brawl on the Border tournament in La Joya.
On that day, PSJA North made nine 3-pointers to win the game. The Raiders made just four 3-pointers and were dominated on the boards Friday.
“We didn’t shoot the ball well,” PSJA North coach Randy Bocanegra said. “They did a good job of closing out and forcing us to put the ball down and go to the basket. We looked tentative going to the basket. On defense, we were getting beat off the dribble which forced us to step up. That’s when they’d dish the ball for easy layups or second chance points. We still had an exceptional year. We’ll come back and put it back together.”
Edinburg High junior Brianna Sanchez was a thorn in the Raiders’ sides. In addition to scoring 11 points, six of her 12 rebounds were offensive rebounds.
“That’s just our hustle play as a team,” Sanchez said. “We’re working together and trusting each other. That helps us know that we will be there for each other.”
The Bobcats (32-8) will face a Valley opponent for the third time in as many rounds. Harlingen High (32-5) eked out a two-point victory over Laredo Alexander on Friday in Corpus Christi.
Edinburg High hosted Harlingen High in both teams’ season opener and met again on a neutral floor. The Bobcats and Cardinals split both meetings.
A date, location and time had not been determined as of Friday.
“I know we split but everybody at this point is playing their best basketball,” Salinas said. “Everybody’s game is at a higher level. We have some familiarity, but we’re going to get ready for them.”