KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN— The start of the new year rings in a new challenge for the San Perlita Trojans and the Harlingen Cardinals.
Both teams, which entered the new season with high expectations and in search of the postseason once again, will tipoff today at 2:30 p.m. at Harlingen High.
Neither San Perlita nor Harlingen has begun district play but today’s matchup will be a rare treat for basketball fans. The Cards are directed by first-year head coach Clayton Cretors, who took over longtime coach Greg Yates who retired last season.
Harlingen High is currently 12-10 on the year, but has lost two straight to Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial and McAllen High. Big Red does have some signature wins under their belt, however, knocking off Edinburg High, Pace and beating Edinburg Vela twice.
“The team is working hard and is a very enthusiastic bunch,” Cretors said. “We are dealing with some injures right now, which is giving some opportunities to non-starters. Hopefully, this extra experience will help us during district play.”
A few key pieces for the Cards have been Eric Quilantan, Mike Vasquez and Mike Castillo. The trio will have their hands full as they welcome in the Trojans, whose run-and-gun offense is led by senior Tige Johnson.
“We are expecting a competitive game,” Cretors said. “San Perlita is a team that is battle-tested and is very well coached. They have a very talented player in Johnson, who is a great rim protector and knows how to put the ball in the hoop.”
The Trojans are hungry for another shot at a 6A squad after taking down San Benito earlier this season and will prepare for Hanna on Saturday.
Along with Johnson are fellow senior EJ Nieto, sophomore Ely Terry and junior James Herrera. The Trojans are currently 16-6 on the year and, like Harlingen High, have a few big wins under their belt, beating Santa Rosa and West Oso earlier in the season.
“Coming into the season, there was a lot of question marks with the team since half of the team was brand new to the varsity level,” said Trojans coach Nataniel Garza. “There were a lot of roles that needed to be filled but up to this point, I am extremely proud of my team on how hard they play and compete each day.”
On the girls’ side, Rio Hondo will meet their toughest challenge yet in defending District 32-4A champion Hidalgo.
Both teams enter tonight’s matchup with 2-0 records, but Rio Hondo comes in with a little motivation and confidence.
Earlier this year, Rio Hondo won the Tommie Wiseman Tournament and had a strong showing at the Los Fresnos tournament this past weekend.
“Hidalgo is a perennial powerhouse in basketball,” said Rio Hondo coach Victor Sauceda. “They have been good for as long as I can remember. In order to be considered on their level, you have to beat them. I feel our tournament and non-district schedules have made us battled-tested and prepared us to face a team like Hidalgo.”
The Lady ’Cats will travel to Hidalgo tonight, with the tipoff set for 6:30 p.m.
Other games in 32-4A include boys and girls doubleheaders with Port Isabel is at Raymondville and Progreso at La Feria. In District 32-3A action, the Lyford teams will face Pharr Vanguard, with the Lady Bulldogs on the road and the Bulldogs playing host. Elsewhere in the district, the Santa Rosa boys will host Weslaco IDEA Pike.