BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s defense showed up and then showed out to capture a bi-district victory Monday night.
The Chargers defeated the Rattlers 55-28 to advance to the area round of the playoffs.
“I am really proud of the defensive effort we put in today,” Chargers head coach Arnold Torres said. “It helped us get going in that third quarter. We were struggling a little bit. Sharyland did a good job on the defensive side.”
Torres said the defense helped the team open things up a bit, and it did.
Brownsville Veterans held a 28-10 lead going into the second half, but it was met by a Sharyland High team not ready to end the season. The Chargers then put it in another gear and was able to close out the game in the fourth quarter.
“We had different people step up,” Torres said. “The girls are not selfish, they are scoring points, so we were able to find the person. Everyone being able to contribute goes a long way.”
Junior Daniela Sauceda stepped up with a game-high 16 points, along with senior Mariana Espinosa and Annie Cisneros dropped 12 points.
“Since the beginning of the season, I have struggled,” Sauceda said. “Tonight, was one of my best performances, I feel great about how I played today.”
Sauceda took care of business down low, while Espinosa slashed and hit two 3-pointers.
“We came here and started attacking from the beginning,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa started the scoring by draining a wide open 3-pointer after being spotted wide open by Alexa Torres, a senior point guard. She then found Sauceda open at the basket for an easy two points.
“I am proud of the role I played,” Alexa Torres said. “I am proud of the role everyone played. Going into the game our coach said that we have to play the role we played throughout the season. It is not ‘me’ ball, I try and find the open player, and if shots do not go my way – I try and find another way to contribute.”
Sharyland High’s Daylah Vega finished with a team-high 10 points.
The Rattlers hit some 3-pointers in the second quarter to keep them in the game, but could not make the extra shot or two required to put the Chargers under pressure.
The Chargers flexed their defensive prowess from the beginning of the game. The Rattlers did not score a basket until a little over four minutes into the first quarter. Brownsville Veterans only gave up three points in the quarter.
Brownsville Veterans Memorial takes on Victoria East at a time and date to be determined.