Three Valley teams earned spots in the latest Texas Girls Coaches Association poll, released Dec. 13.
The Lyford Bulldogs earned the highest ranking of any RGV team, coming in at No. 10 in the Class 3A poll. The Bulldogs have amassed a 16-4 overall record this season, outscoring district opponents 585-166 en route to an 8-0 district mark.
The Edinburg Vela SaberCats have cruised through RGV competition, with their lone two losses coming against Highland Park and Laredo Alexander. Their early season dominance earned them the No. 15 spot in the Class 6A poll.
“I always tell the girls to take it one game at a time,” Edinburg Vela head coach Lottie Zarate said. “I tell them to always stay humble and hungry. Those are our two Hs. We have to stay humble and hungry no matter what team we face. Whether it’s an Edinburg High team or a team that may not challenge us as much, we still have to stay humble and hungry no matter what.”
Meanwhile, the McAllen Rowe Warriors (17-4, 1-0) are riding a five-game winning streak since their Dec. 3 loss to Edinburg Vela, moving them up four spots to No. 20 in the Class 5A poll.
CAREER WIN NO. 100
Donna IDEA head coach Andrew Sierra has served as the Titans’ head coach for the past four seasons. Last year, Sierra led the Titans to their first playoff victory during their first season competing in the University Interscholastic League, defeating Brownsville Riverview IDEA 46-29 during a Class 3A bi-district matchup.
On Tuesday, Sierra added another milestone to his resume, notching his 100th career win during a 56-34 victory over Weslaco Pike IDEA.
“I have to give credit to my former and current student-athletes for their hard work, dedication and believing in our system,” Sierra said. “Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. I have had great mentors that have guided me through this journey.”
Sierra earned his first head coaching opportunity in 2017 after spending four seasons as an assistant on the Santa Maria Cougars boys basketball team, taking over the Cougars’ girls team. Sierra led the Cougars to a 27-3 overall record that year, including an 8-0 mark in district play, earning his team the District 32-2A crown.
After a one-year stint with the Cougars, Sierra took the head coaching position at Donna IDEA, tallying a 62-28 record during his first three seasons. This year, Sierra has guided the Titans to an 11-5 mark, including a 7-1 record in District 31-3A play.
SCORING MILESTONE
Edinburg Vela senior Lauren Vega netted 14 points during a 62-28 victory over San Antonio Holmes on Nov. 13, putting the four-year letter winner over 1,000 career points.
Vega, one of three returning starters on the SaberCats squad, is averaging a career-high 13.4 points per game this year, ranking No. 2 on the team in scoring.
Her senior leadership has helped the new-look SaberCats jell this season en route to a 20-2 overall record, with transfers Janai Coleman and Emma Lucio joining the team during the offseason after playing for Edinburg High and PSJA North last year, respectively.
“Communication is an area they need to work on after getting to know one another and getting together these past 22 games,” Zarate said. “The group of girls I’ve had for the past four years, which is my two seniors (Aneyda) Chapa and Lauren (Vega), have played a big role for myself and the team in making sure we communicate.”
Lucio is on pace to finish with over 1,300 career points, sitting at 1,148 with 13 games remaining in the regular season.