BY JON R. LAFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

Following a two-week absence, Edinburg High re=enters the RGVSports.com Top 10 Rankings after a 40-37 overtime win against Weslaco East on Tuesday night. The victory was the 20th of the season for the Lady Bobcats, and moves them into third place in District 31-6A.

After stumbling in a 40-22 loss to Edinburg North on Jan. 2, the Lady Bobcats have regrouped and won three-straight.

“Our backs are against the well every game in this district,” coach John David Salinas said. “I strongly feel, and I’m sure other coaches do as well, that 31-6A is arguably the toughest district in the Valley.”

The numbers back up Salinas’ claim. The seven teams of 31-6A have combined to win 62 percent of their games, a mark 11 percentage points higher than any other district comprised of 6A and 5A teams.

Making Edinburg High’s success all the more impressive is the youth on its roster.

“Reyna Del Castillo and Jennifer Galvan are the only girls coming back from last year that had productive minutes for us,” Salinas said. “We’re all young.”

Del Castillo, a junior, is averaging 8.5 points per game, second on the team to Jayla Santa Maria’s 12.1. Galvan, also a junior, is averaging a team-best 9.7 rebounds per game.

“We don’t have that one girl,” Salinas said. “But we have a lot of girls who can contribute, and that’s something special. As the season goes along, our girls are getting a lot of experience.”

The Lady Bobcats will have to rely on their budding experience Friday as they travel to PSJA North to face the district-leading Lady Raiders (22-3, 5-0).

“Everyone is beatable,” Salinas said. “We do a decent job playing defense. You give us a chance to play and we can play come decent defense and convert our high-percentage looks.”

Finish with a bang

The first round of District 31-5A competition comes to a conclusion Friday with a battle of unbeaten district teams. Mission Veterans (16-9, 5-0) travels to Edinburg Vela to take on the Lady SaberCats (16-8, 5-0).

“We saw (Vela) play Sharyland earlier this season,” Mission Veterans coach Rafael Cantu said. “They’re quick enough to score points quickly.”

The teams are alike in build, both feature quick guards who light up the scoreboard and generate turnovers, and each has an inside presence that cleans the glass.

“I feel like we match up really well with Vela,” Cantu said. “Man-for-man, we’re just as good as anybody on any night. If we play together, every player can contribute what they’re capable of.”

Ashley Smith leads the Lady Patriots with 15.8 points per game, and is a key part of Cantu’s desire to play press defense.

“We always hang our hat on our defense,” he said. “We know that’s an area where we’re going to have to be strong.”

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BY JON R. LAFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

MISSION — Anna Marshall spent her summer traversing Texas as a member of the Celtics and Thunder. The circumstances were anything but glamorous, however. Her teammates weren’t Marcus Smart or Kevin Durant and she never squared off against James Harden or Tony Parker.

Instead of living an NBA dream, Marshall was part of a traveling youth league comprised of like-minded teens with a knack for hoops and the will to improve their game.

“It was just a chance to get better,” Marshall said.

The vibe during tournament games was loose and the atmosphere genial, but it was during this time that Marshall experienced what she seldom did her freshman year as a member of the Sharyland High varsity girls basketball team — playing time.

The 6-foot-1 Marshall spent much of last year on the sidelines, learning the game from the bench. As a member of the off-brand Celtics, however, she added to her hardwood repertoire in a more direct manner.

“The first game I played (in summer league), I was a starter,” Masrhall said. “I thought it was weird. But I thought, ‘I gotta do this, I gotta do good.’ And so I did, and I was a lot better than I thought I was.”

Her confidence grew along with her time on the court. Once intimidated at the prospect of competition, Marshall grew comfortable in her role as a go-to post threat and discovered her preferred play.

“My favorite post move is going left and hooking (the ball) with my right,” she said.

Another area of growth for Marshall has been her free throws. The sophomore says the charity stripe is where she gets most of her points, a reasonable claim given her disruptive presence inside.

“She’s gotten so much better so fast,” Sharyland coach Dale Whitaker said. “Her confidence level has really peaked.”

As many skills as Marshall has learned in such a short time, she possesses what is perhaps the game’s greatest uncoachable asset: size.

In a region brimming with exceptional guard play, Marshall’s height gives the Lady Rattlers an inside force few opponents possess or have the ability to guard. Marshall leads Sharyland in points per game with 10.1, in addition to 6 rebounds.

“One team held both of Anna’s arms behind her,” Whitaker said while demonstrating a pose similar to that of an arrested fugitive. “She needs to expect that teams are scheming for her. It’s a compliment that they think she’s that good that they have to plan their game around it.”

In addition to Marshall, the Lady Rattlers have a one-two post threat with junior Maddie Garza, who averages 10 points and 9 rebounds. The duo’s relationship is productive both on and off the court. Marshall says Garza “taught her a lot” during her freshman campaign.

“She still gives me a lot of advice on how to respond in a certain situation” Marshall said. “She’s helped me with my defense a lot.”

Marshall claims she still struggles with fouling, and apologizes to an opponent after making contact.

“I don’t do it on purpose,” she said.

Along with her increased playing time comes loftier expectations which are not always met. Though Marshall’s physical abilities have grown, her mental edge softens at times during a game.

“She takes everything real personal,” Whitaker said. “And if she’s not playing well, you can see it on her face and she kind of shuts down. We as a group have been telling her to let the mistakes go and just play hard, because when she plays hard, she does fabulous things.”

Despite the Lady Rattlers’ size advantage, the team has stumbled to begin District 31-5A play, dropping three straight to Edinburg Vela, Mission Veterans and Roma. The team’s record is 15-11, 2-3 in district. For a team with talent, why have the wins been so hard to come by?

“I’m not sure,” Marshall said. “We practice well and practice hard. Sometimes we start off a certain way and we can’t keep the energy up. But, when you lose, you think about what you need to work on, it’s teaching us to fix all the mistakes.”

One thing’s for certain, Sharyland’s quest for the postseason hinges on Marshall playing like she did in the offseason: care-free with confidence and charisma.

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Girls #RGVHoops Top 10 Rankings for the week of Jan. 15

Girls Top 10

Rank/Team Rec. Pre.

1. Harlingen High 21-3 1

2. PSJA North 22-3 2

3. Weslaco High 22-5 3

4. Brownsville Veterans 18-7 4

5. Edinburg Vela 16-8 5

6. Mission Veterans 16-9 6

7. Harlingen South 17-8 9

8. Edinburg High 20-8 —

9. Mercedes High 16-8 8

10. La Joya Palmview 15-8 7

To report boys basketball scores, call The Monitor sports desk at (956) 683-4402.

District 30-6A
Mission 58, La Joya 42
McAllen High 50, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 24
McAllen Rowe 47, La Joya Palmview 42
District 31-6A
Weslaco 61, Edinburg Economedes 25
Edinburg North 41 vs PSJA Memorial 31
Edinburg High 40 vs Weslaco East 37
District 32-6A
Brownsville Veterans 44, Los Fresnos 30
Brownsville Hanna 42, Brownsville Rivera 36
Harlingen High 69, Brownsville Lopez 17
San Benito at Harlingen South, late
District 31-5A
Mission Veterans 35, Rio Grande City 27
Roma 39, Sharyland Pioneer 22
Sharyland 65, Valley View 18
District 32-5A
PSJA High 40, Brownsville Porter 28
Donna 50, Donna North 20
Brownsville Pace 49, Edcouch-Elsa 24
Mercedes 44, PSJA Southwest 25
District 32-4A
Hidalgo 32, Raymondville 25
La Grulla at Rio Hondo, not reported
Port Isabel at Progreso, not reported
Zapata at La Feria, not reported
District 32-3A
Monte Alto at Santa Rosa, not reported
District 32-2A
Bruni at La Sara, not reported
San Isidro at Santa Maria, not reported
San Perlita at Riviera-Kaufer, not reported
Parochial
Juan Diego Academy at Palmhurst Faith Christian, not reported
Non-District
Lyford 51, Falfurias 27

VALLEY-GIRLS BOX SCORES
District 30-6A
McAllen Rowe 47, La Joya Palmview 42
McAllen Rowe 11 6 17 18 — 47
La Joya Palmview 8 11 14 9 — 42
Mcallen Rowe (47) — Banessa Leal, 4. Jovani Solis, 4. Deanna Spear, 19. Mayda Garcia, 12. Victoria Tarbutton, 2. Ryela Rodriguez, 6.
La Joya palmview (42) — Brittany Cano, 13. Samantha Guttierrez, 9. Ariana Ramirez, 2. Monic Noyola, 14. Martha Bocanegra, 3. Cyndar Magallon, 1.
RECORDS: Palmview 15-8 (4-1)

Mcallen high 50, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 24
Juarez-Lincoln 5 4 4 11 — 24
McAllen High 6 21 12 11 — 50
Juarez-Lincoln (24) — Abigail 6, Maria Ortiz 6, Anai M. 6, Marisa S. 4, Noemi M. 2
McAllen High (50) — Kathy Maravilla 17, Sabrina Guzman 10, Erika Mora 7, Janette Herrera 6, Victoria Alanis 5, Brianna Coffee 3, Heaven Wilbanks 2
RECORDS: Juarez-Lincoln 5-20, 1-4; McAllen High 11-15, 1-4

Mission High 58, La Joya High 42
La Joya High 15 8 7 12 — 42
Mission High 11 17 16 14 — 58
La Joya (42) — Jacquele Villarreal 2; Eva Hinojosa 10; Desiree Sequino 5; Karina Castanova 1; Daniella Cantu 1; Ashley Olivarez 5; Vanessa Ortega 5; Monica Garcia 13
Mission (58) — Emberly Garza 12; Amanda Garza 16; Ashley Diaz 2; Daniella Perez 12; Bianaey Vasquez 6; Brittany Garza 10
RECORDS: Mission High 2-3

District 31-5A
Roma 39, Sharyland Pioneer 22
Sharyland Pioneer 6 2 4 10 — 22
Roma 4 18 13 4 — 39
Pioneer (22) — Ashley B. 4; Meira 6; D. G. 3; Cesia 2; Cazz 5; Marie A. 2
Roma (39) — J. B. 3; Rocha 5; Saenz 2; Casa 4; Gonzalez 2; Pena 8; Rocha 12; Gonzalez 3
RECORDS: Not reported.

Mission Veterans 35, Rio Grande City 27
Rio Grande City 7 10 5 5 — 27
Mission Veterans 4 9 8 14 — 35
Rio Grande City (27) — Samantha Lopez, 1. Adriana Cruz, 14. Jackie Garcia, 1. Yamileth Garza, 2. Julie Amaya, 6. Gina Villarreal, 3.
Mission Veterans (35) — Rosa Silva, 12. Andrea De La Garza, 6. Darian Ibarra, 2. Maria Torres, 5.
RECORDS: Rio Grande City 14-12 (2-3); Mission Veterans 16-9 (5-0)

Sharyland 65, Valley View 18
Valley View 4 7 3 4 — 18
Sharyland 12 18 14 21 — 65
Valley View (18) — Mungia 7; Saenz 3; Ramirez 3; Rodriguez 1; Prado 4
Sharyland (65) — Nani Castillo 2; Sophie Reyes 2; Lizzie Hernandez 2; Brianna Flores 3; Portillo 7; Jessime Ramirez 5; Sonya Trevino 8; Casey Stephens 2; Anna Marshall 14; Maddie Garza 20
RECORDS: Valley View (0-5); Sharyland (2-3)

District 31-6A
Edinburg High 40, Weslaco Eats 37 OT
Weslaco East 9 8 12 5 3 — 37
Edinburg High 2 9 13 10 6 — 40
Weslaco East (37) — M. Marquez 10; S. Rivera 10; M. Cepeda 3; S. Rodriguez 3; A. Cruz 9; Y. Marin 4
Edinburg High (40) — Jala Santa Maria 15; Reyna del Castillo 9; Emily Acosta 3; Mercedes Hernandez 3; Jennifer Galvan 3; Natalie Roxburgh 4; Natalie Perales 2
RECORDS: Weslaco East 2-3 district; Edinburg High 20-8, 3-2.

District 32-5A
Donna high 50, Donna North 20
Donna North 3 7 5 5 — 20
Donna 8 15 15 12 — 50
Donna North (20) — Victoria Vallas, 7. Ellen De Leon, 7. Jackie Contreras, 2. Joselyn Perret, 2. Azucena Cruz, 1. Kayla Beliz, 1.
Donna (50) — Emilly Cavazos, 8. Edith Zuniga, 8. Bridget Guillen, 11. Aileen Garza, 6. Sarah Gonzalez, 4. Desiree Hernandez, 4. Alison Loredo, 4. Daisy Rios, 2. Ashlee Moreno, 2. Laurynn Williams, 1.
RECORDS: Donna North 1-5 district.

PSJA High 40, Brownsville Porter 28
Brownsville Porter 10 3 9 6 — 28
PSJA High 14 9 11 6 — 40
Porter (28) — Marquel Rivera 3; Vanessa Hernandez 2; Brissa Rivera 7; Danielle Ocampo 9; Sabrina Garcia 7;
PSJA High (40) — Mariah West 5; Rihanna Rocha 6; Brianna Bazan 2; Erin Castaneda 5; Elisa Gracia 11; Becca Trevino 4; Taylor Calderon 3; Hanna Martinez 4
RECORDS: Porter 1-5; PSJA High 4-2

DISTRICT 32-4A
Hidalgo 32, Rarymondville 25
Raymondville 0 5 11 9 — 25
Hidalgo 2 10 10 8 — 32
Raymondville (24) — Jeana Urive 2, Anica Alalfro 4, Katelyn Ramirez 2, Mireya Cervantes 6, Annabelle Hernandez 4, Camille Kaska 7
Hidalgo (50) — Ashley Rajona 2, Ynnelli Flores 14, Ariana Ramirez 8, Karla Cantu 2, Vivia Escalon 6,
RECORDS: Hidalgo 2-4, 1-5

To report girls basketball scores, call The Monitor sports desk at (956) 683-4436.

Friday, Jan 9

District 30-6A

La Joya Palmview 58, La Joya 52

McAllen Rowe 44, McAllen High 42

McAllen Memorial 40, Juarez-Lincoln 19

District 31-6A

Edinburg High 47, Edinburg Economedes 44

PSJA North 52, Weslaco East 41

Weslaco 54, PSJA Memorial 29

District 32-6A

Harlingen 52, Brownsville Veterans 45

Los Fresnos 41, Brownsville Rivera 33

Harlingen South 49, Brownsville Hanna 31

District 31-5A

Edinburg Vela 77, Rio Grande City 34

Mission Veterans 47, Valley View 23

Sharyland 35, Sharyland Pioneer 30

District 32-5A

Brownsville Pace 38, Donna North 32

Mercedes 49, PSJA High 30

PSJA Southwest 40, Edcouch-Elsa 30

District 32-4A

Port Isabel 45, Hidalgo 43

Raymondville 53, Grulla 24

Progreso at Zapata, note reported

Rio Hondo at La Feria, not reported

District 32-3A

Lyford 47 Brownsville IDEA 26

District 32-2A

San Perlita 44, La Villa 30

Riviera-Kaufer at San Isidro, not reported

Santa Marina at Bruni, not reported

Non-District

Santa Rosa at Bishop, not reported

Friday’s Games

District 31-6A

PSJA North 52, Weslaco East 41

PSJA North 12 14 13 13 — 52

Weslaco East 12 10 12 7 — 41

PSJA North (52) — Sarah Serrano 17; Cynthia Martinez 25; Tiffany Puente 1; Ariana Medrano 7; Belle Palacios 2.

Weslaco East (41) —Michelle Marquez 17; Selicia Rivera 12; Sabrina Rodriguez 2; Lauren Marquez 2; Yari Marin 6; Faith Olbek 2

RECORDS: PSJA North 22-3, 5-0; Weslaco Eats 13-12, 2-2

WESLACO HIGH 54, PSJA MEMORIAL 29

Weslaco High 16 13 12 17 —54

PSJA Memorial 9 10 3 7 — 29

WESLACO HIGH (54) — Angela Villarreal 13, Julissa De Los Santos 1, Gabie Gavea 2, Amy Garcia 7, Ramsey Garcia 2, Magan Perales 6. Ashley Gonzalez 4, Jaz Muniz 14, Bree Pena 5

PSJA MEMORIAL (29) — Alex Soto 9, Monique De Leon 8, Violet Torres 1, Kayla Anguiano 7, Madison Garza 2, Emily Rivera 2

RECORDS: Weslaco 21-5, 3-1; PSJA Memorial 10-15, 0-5

District 31-5A

Edinburg Vela 77, Rio Grande City 34

Edinburg Vela 21 19 21 16 — 77

Rio Grande City 14 7 3 10 — 34

Edinburg Vela (77) — Jada Muhammed 12; Julissa Cuellar 2; Bianca Cortez 16; Nicole Adelar 2; Ariel Rodriguez 19; Maranda Washington 10; Carrie Garza 4; Tatiana Guerrero 2; Emma Villarreal 10

Rio Grande City (34) — Adriana Cruz 7; Jackie Tenorio 6; Brittany Benavidez 2; Jackie Garcia 7; Joey Amaya 9; Gina Vilarreal 3

RECORDS: Edinburg Vela 16-8, 5-0; Rio Grande City 14-11, 2-2

SHARYLAND 35, SHARYLAND PIONEER 30

Sharyland 8 11 10 6 — 35

Pioneer 7 3 13 7 — 30

sHARYLAND (35) — Nany Carretero 2; Lizzie Hernandez 2; Breeanna Flores 2; Natalia Portillo 13; Brianna Rodriguez 1; Anna Marhsall 9; Maddie Garza 6

SHARYLAND PIONEER (30) — Ashley Briseno 18; Crystal Alonzo 4; Miranda Ramos 4; Marie Aguilar 4; Amanda Alvarado 2

RECORDS: Sharyland 14-11, 1-3; Sharyland Pioneer 3-22, 1-4

MISSION VETERANS 47. VALLEY VIEW 23

Mission Vets 12 10 13 12 — 47

Valley View 2 3 10 8 — 23

MISSION VETS (47) — Rose Silva 15, Audrey Villarreal 2, Andrea De La Garza 2, Ashley Smith 18, D.D. Ibarra 2, Maria Torres 4, Krista Perez 2, Hanah Davis 2

Valley VIEW (23) — Franchesca Mungia 3, Natalia Del Angel 1, Everlyn Saenz 4, Alicia Ramirez 3, Monseratt Hernandez 3, Ana Prado 3, Jennifer Hernandez 4

RECORDS: Misison Veterans 15-9, 4-0; Valley View 5-14, 0-4

District 32-5A

mercedes 49, psja high 30

Mercedes 16 12 13 8 — 49

PSJA High 6 14 8 2 — 30

Mercedes (49) — Alyssa Marquez 7; Jackie Flores 12; Deidra Barrosa 11; Emily Ramirez 5; Samantha Garcia 2; Summer Vento 7; Mere Guevara 3; Nancy Vega 2

PSJA High (30) — Mariah West 11; Brianna Pazan 1; Elisa Gracia 6; Becca Trevino 3; Taylor Calderon 6; Hannah Martinez 3

RECORDS: Mercedes 15-8, 5-0; PSJA High 8-16, 3-2

BY JON R. LAFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

SAN JUAN — The Mercedes Lady Tigers won their fifth straight game, and kept their district record pristine Friday night with a 49-30 victory at PSJA High School against the Lady Bears.

Mercedes maintained a double-digit lead for much of the contest and scored at will for long stretches in the second half. Despite the comfortable win, Mercedes coach Marissa Gutierrez remained unimpressed.

“I thought we played sloppy,” she said.

And Deidra Barroso has the swollen lip to prove it. The senior guard suffered the minor laceration on the game’s opening play, receiving a wayward elbow to the mouth while fighting for a rebound.

“I pulled my jersey over my mouth hoping coach wouldn’t see (the blood) and take me out,” Barroso said.

Barroso scored 11 points in addition to grabbing four rebounds, and could often be seen swarming to the ball along with her teammates while playing defense. The Lady Tigers forced 41 turnovers leading to easy buckets in transition.

“We have a really fast team,” Barroso said. “Our coach calls us the Fast Five when she puts us in. We’re big and we get a lot of steals.”

Mercedes took a 16-6 lead into the beginning of the first quarter and controlled the pace of the game before the Lady Bears (8-16, 3-2 District 32-5A) cut the lead to two points with a run of their own. Guards Mariah West and Elisa Gracia combined to score 11 points, 5 of which came from the foul line, and made the score 20-18 in the second quarter. The Lady Bears would never be closer.

“I told the girls we played one good quarter,” PSJA High coach Stephanie Cantu said. “We were close and then we made a couple of turnovers and suddenly we were in a hole again.”

The Lady Tigers (15-8, 5-0) exited halftime with renewed focus on defense

“(Coach) told us to stop relaxing and to keep playing our game,” senior guard Jackie Flores said. Flores scored a game-high 12 points, including a 6-point burst in the third quarter to extend Mercedes’ lead to 41-28 entering the fourth quarter.

For what the Lady Tigers possess in perimeter speed, they also have in height. Senior center Summer Vento routinely flustered PSJA High’s many attempts to establish an inside game, rejecting several shot attempts.

“I kept asking my girls why they didn’t see the 6-foot girl in the middle,” Cantu said.

Vento would finish with 7 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Though four weeks remain in the regular season, the Lady Tigers sit atop their district with high hopes for a post-season run.

“I think we’re coming together as a group and we’re getting stronger,” Flores said. “I feel we can stay at the top if we stay together.”

[email protected]

BY JON R. LAFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

SAN JUAN — The Mercedes Lady Tigers won their fifth straight game, and kept their district record pristine Friday night with a 49-30 victory at PSJA High School against the Lady Bears.

Mercedes maintained a double-digit lead for much of the contest and scored at will for long stretches in the second half. Despite the comfortable win, Mercedes coach Marissa Gutierrez remained unimpressed.

“I thought we played sloppy,” she said.

And Deidra Barroso has the swollen lip to prove it. The senior guard suffered the minor laceration on the game’s opening play, receiving a wayward elbow to the mouth while fighting for a rebound.

“I pulled my jersey over my mouth hoping coach wouldn’t see (the blood) and take me out,” Barroso said.

Barroso scored 11 points in addition to grabbing four rebounds, and could often be seen swarming to the ball along with her teammates while playing defense. The Lady Tigers forced 41 turnovers leading to easy buckets in transition.

“We have a really fast team,” Barroso said. “Our coach calls us the Fast Five when she puts us in. We’re big and we get a lot of steals.”

Mercedes took a 16-6 lead into the beginning of the first quarter and controlled the pace of the game before the Lady Bears (8-16, 3-2 District 32-5A) cut the lead to two points with a run of their own. Guards Mariah West and Elisa Gracia combined to score 11 points, 5 of which came from the foul line, and made the score 20-18 in the second quarter. The Lady Bears would never be closer.

“I told the girls we played one good quarter,” PSJA High coach Stephanie Cantu said. “We were close and then we made a couple of turnovers and suddenly we were in a hole again.”

The Lady Tigers (15-8, 5-0) exited halftime with a renewed focus on defense.

“(Coach) told us to stop relaxing and to keep playing our game,” senior guard Jackie Flores said. Flores scored a game-high 12 points, including a 6-point burst in the third quarter to extend Mercedes’ lead to 41-28 entering the fourth quarter.

For what the Lady Tigers possess in perimeter speed, they also have in height. Senior center Summer Vento routinely flustered PSJA High’s many attempts to establish an inside game, rejecting several shot attempts.

“I kept asking my girls why they didn’t see the 6-foot girl in the middle,” Cantu said.

Vento would finish with 7 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Though four weeks remain in the regular season, the Lady Tigers sit atop their district with high hopes for a post-season run.

“I think we’re coming together as a group and we’re getting stronger,” Flores said. “I feel we can stay at the top if we stay together.”

[email protected].

Mario Aguirre and Jon R. LaFollette of RGVSports.com talk Valley boys and girls basketball: Including district leaders, surprise teams and what they’ve learned from the season thus far.

By Jon R. LaFollette | Staff Writer

Coach Anisa Reyna had her work cut out for her two years ago upon her arrival at La Joya Palmview.

“When I got here, Palmview was a doormat,” she said.

This year, the Lady Lobos are out for more than a playoff spot and an improved record. Palmview is on a crusade for legitimacy and respect from its opponents. Winning the District 30-6A crown would be a great place to start.

With five weeks left in the regular season, the Lady Lobos are firmly in the district driver seat. The team is 14-7 overall with an unblemished 3-0 mark in district. The team’s most recent win came in a 60-48 win over Mission High on Tuesday.

“I think we want to control our own destiny at this point,” Reyna said. “We’re looking to take care of us. … We’re looking to improve our turnover ratio and shooting with more accuracy. … As far as the standings, we wanted an opportunity to show the kind of team we are. We’re excited, yes, but we’re not satisfied.”

Though Reyna is pleased with her team’s success, including the rebounding of Cyndar Magallon and Martha Bocanegra – who average 9.3 and 7.7 boards respectively – her and the Lady Lobos have a one-track mind in terms of end-of season goals.

“We’re on the same page,” Reyna said. “We see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Scouting Report
With an open date Tuesday, Rio Grande City coach Gustavo Valenciana scouted the competition by attending the Roma-Sharyland High game.

The Lady Rattlers (14-10, 2-1 District 31-5A) kick off a four-game stretch which could make or break their playoff aspirations. Starting Friday, RGC hosts Edinburg Vela before traveling to Mission Veterans next week and hosting Sharyland and Roma.

“Realistically, we have to win two of those games to try and put ourselves in a good situation. This district is tough,” Valenciana said.

Rio Grande City is a young team and starts only one senior. The bulk of its offensive load is carried by freshman post Josie Amaya, a 5-foot-11 player who has grabbed as many as 23 rebounds in a game this season. The post-heavy play is a by-product of the Lady Rattler’s youth.

“Since some of the girls are so young, some of them aren’t the greatest shooters in the world,” Valenciana said.

With Friday’s contest against Vela looming, Valenciana is looking to limit the high-powered Lady SaberCats as opposed to outright shutting them down.

“It’s about containing them,” he said. “(Vela guard) Ariel Rodriguez scored 34 points the other night. We can’t allow that. We have to contain her. We have to rebound and box them out and limit them to one shot.”

‘The Creeper’
The Mercedes Lady Tigers sit atop District 32-5A with a record of 14-8, including a four-game winning streak to remain perfect in district play.

The wins have been spurred by Mercedes’ unyielding press defense, which coach Marissa Gutierrez describes as her team’s “strongest asset.”

Junior point guard Alyssa Marquez is averaging three steals a game. But getting turnovers is a team strategy for Mercedes. Emily Ramirez is affectionately dubbed “The Creeper” by her coach for her ability to sit back and read opposing offenses and swarm to the ball to generate a steal.

When the Lady Tigers aren’t getting easy buckets off turnovers, they’re looking inside to post Summer Vento to facility an inside-out offense.

With the season’s end approaching and district play in full swing, Guiterrez and the Lady Tigers look to remain focused for Friday’s matchup against PSJA North (8-15, 3-1).

[email protected]

Girls Basketball Top 10 Rankings for the week of Jan. 7, 2014

Rank/Team Rec. Pre.

1. Harlingen 19-3 1

2. PSJA North 21-3 2

3. Weslaco 20-5 3

4. Brownsville Veterans 17-6 4

5. Edinburg Vela 15-8 5

6. Mission Veterans 14-9 6

7. La Joya Palmview 14-7 9

8. Mercedes 14-8 10

9. Harlingen South 15-8 —

10. Rio Grande City 14-10 —