McALLEN — When the McAllen Rowe Warriors and McAllen High Bulldogs tipped off Friday night, there was more than just bragging rights on the line over a crosstown rival on the line. The top spot in District 31-5A was also up for grabs.
After falling to McHi in their first meeting, the Warriors (13-4, 5-1) bounced back and pulled out a 62-42 win over the Bulldogs (11-6, 4-1) at McAllen High School to take over the top spot in District 31-5A standings.
“They played a great game last time and we felt like we let ourselves down. We wanted to come here and prove a point that we were better than the way we played last time,” Rowe head coach Jose Luis Yebra said. “I think our kids came out and played good defense, that was our focus tonight, and run our fast break, and we did. Our kids really came through and played together.”
The Warriors were in command from start to finish as Rowe took a 15-point advantage into halftime. Rowe’s defense sparked the fire for the Warriors as they came away with a combined 13 steals, and then proceeded to turn those opportunities into points behind a relentless transition game.
Rowe sophomore guard Darren Manriquez spearheaded the Warriors’ attack with a game-high 31 points, four steals, three rebounds and three assists.
“I’m just trying to get my team involved, get teams wins, and if the points come, they come,” Manriquez said.
McHi mustered an improved second-half effort, but it wasn’t enough to pull off the season sweep of the rival Warriors. Guard Robert Canul led the Bulldogs with 16 points, while Michael Echazarreta and Danny Canul each added six points.
Rowe also received a significant contribution from junior post Emiliano Ramirez, who scored 11 points, and an all-around effort from senior captain Patrick Tarbutton, who had seven points, eight rebounds, four assists and six steals.
“Tonight, he (Tarbutton) didn’t score the 15 or 20, but he did a little bit of everything. I thought he was hustling, rebounding and just playing good basketball out there,” Yebra said.
The Warriors have won four consecutive district titles. And Friday’s win over McHi puts them in position to defend their throne, as Rowe moves into the final month of district play with a slight lead in District 31-5A.
“It’s our goal to make sure that we defend our title. We’re right there with them now, but there’s still a lot of basketball to be played,” Yebra said. “We still have to play Pioneer, Memorial again, and anything can happen. We just have to get ready, continue to play good defense and continue to play Warrior basketball.”
Next up for Rowe is a home game against Valley View scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Bulldogs face Sharyland Pioneer at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pioneer High School.