HIDALGO — The Hidalgo Pirates and Zapata Hawks each entered Monday night’s District 32-4A contest with plenty at stake.
For the Pirates, a win would clinch a share of Hidalgo’s third straight district title.
For the Hawks, an upset win would keep Zapata in the hunt for the 32-4A crown.
The Pirates wound up proving to have a little more fight in them as Hidalgo (23-10, 11-1) held off Zapata (13-17, 8-4) for a 52-46 victory at Hidalgo High School.
After having its 10-game district winning streak snapped Friday, Hidalgo knew it had to respond with the 32-4A title on the line.
“We knew it was going to be tough coming into this game. They’re a playoff team and we knew they were going to give us their all, and we knew we had to play at a high level today,” Hidalgo senior point guard Gus Sanchez said. “It was big for us to bounce back and play the way we did today, especially because we knew that this one would give us a share of the district title. Being able to bounce back shows the kind of team we are.”
Hidalgo built a five-point lead entering the final eight minutes, but the Hawks opened up a run of their own to put Zapata up by one.
But each time the Hawks made a play, the Pirates responded.
On three occasions, that answer was a put-back off an offensive rebound by posts Robert Toledano and Kyle Perales. Toledano finished with six points, while Perales recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
“They were huge because those allowed us to get second-chance opportunities. We just took advantage of those opportunities and came up with buckets in the fourth quarter,” Perales said.
Hidalgo head coach Gus Sanchez said those plays were crucial down the stretch for the Pirates.
“That’s just toughness in there. That’s one thing we preach everyday. They did a really good job today and gave us second shot opportunities,” coach Sanchez said.
For the younger Sanchez, it’s his third straight district title playing under his father, who won district championships for the Pirates during his playing days.
“It means a lot because the tradition goes back years and years. Not only that, but my whole family has gone through Hidalgo,” Sanchez said after scoring 11 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists against Zapata. “We’ve had plenty of district championships, but knowing I’m up there, that I could one day come in and see those banners with three district championships, it’s nice.”
Perales said Hidalgo’s dedication paid off Monday.
“The district title means the world because every practice, every game, we work hard on improving. So for all this to pay off, it feels good,” he said.
The Pirates will close out district play with games Friday at Raymondville and next Monday at home against Grulla. Both are slated for 8 p.m. tips. One more Hidalgo victory gives the Pirates the 32-4A championship outright.
“We want to make sure we finish on a good note. We have to play well Friday and next Monday to get into the playoffs with momentum,” coach Sanchez said.