HARLINGEN — Brownsville Veterans Memorial senior guard Alexa Torres bounced on the balls of her feet in between making 3-pointers as she warmed up for the Chargers’ District 32-5A opener against Harlingen South.
The senior guard continued her shooting form into the game. Torres drained five 3-pointers, scoring 17 points and providing six assists to lead the Chargers to a 49-23 win over the Hawks on Tuesday at Harlingen South High School.
“When we warmed up, we had to think game ready, game shots,” Torres said. “I am just glad it all paid off throughout the game. It is a good win to have, especially coming into district.”
Torres was excited for the opportunity to play on the road for the first game of district, she said. Brownsville Veterans Memorial is the defending District 32-5A champion.
“I think everything started off with our defense,” Brownsville Veterans head coach Arnold Torres said. “But, (Torres’) shots definitely gave her some confidence and the team some confidence.”
The Hawks came up with a late surge in the fourth quarter, but it was too late as they went into the quarter trailing by 32 points.
“I knew Harlingen South had been playing well,” Arnold Torres said. “We focused on our defense. I think that helped us in the first half and gave us the opportunity to get the cushion when we needed. In the second half, they hit some shots so we knew it was going to be a tough one in their place.”
The Chargers kept the Hawks off the board for nearly two quarters until freshman Jiselle Montemayor banked in a 3-pointer during the final seconds of the third quarter to make 41-9.
Brownsville Veterans pulled away during the second quarter. The Chargers shut out the Hawks in the quarter as Torres continued to shoot lights out from beyond the arc. Torres hit three 3-pointers during the quarter as the Chargers went into the break up 31-6.
Chargers guards Brianna Brackhahn and Mariana Espinosa chipped in with two 3-pointers each. Daniel Sauceda and Jordyn Rivera found success in the paint for Brownsville Veterans Memorial.
Torres’ 3-pointers were the difference in a tight first quarter, and the Chargers led 8-6 at the conclusion of it.
Harlingen South returns to action against Mercedes at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mercedes High School. Brownsville Veterans Memorial hosts Brownsville Porter at 7:30 p.m. Friday.