By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
DONNA — Los Fresnos scrapped with the gritty Donna High Redskins on Tuesday night and prevailed 56-44, ending the Falcons’ non-district season.
The game was closer than the scoreline suggests. Donna High was really tough early and caused plenty of problems for the Falcons on both sides of the court.
“I thought we were inconsistent today. I do not think we came ready to play,” Los Fresnos coach Marco Hinojosa said about the team’s first-half performance.
The tough Redskins held the Falcons to only eight points during the first quarter, but they only had seven, though. Donna High did a good job of shifting over on defense and making sure lanes were tight especially early. They also took a charge here and there, boosting morale.
Donna High had the 3 going at times, too. Senior Damian Fuentes hit a few on the night and in the second quarter as the teams jostled for an advantage.
Los Fresnos seniors Darius Garcia and Roger Capetillo provided offense early, as well as sophomore JJ Salazar, and the Falcons went into the half up 23-19.
The game opened more during the third quarter. The legs wore down a bit, and it became more of a full-court basketball game. Los Fresnos senior Keane Ogao found plenty of space in his point guard position because of it.
The defense also tightened up, leading to chances and the Falcons being up 42-31.
“At the end of the day, we did a lot of good things and we won the basketball game,” Hinojosa said. “I am proud of the guys. We finished the preseason on a winning note. We are going to enjoy these next five days and come ready to play.”
Ogao was money from the corner during the fourth, his 3-pointers daggers as Donna High fought to get in the game. An Ogao 3 put the Falcons up 52-36 with only a couple of minutes left.