BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | THE MONITOR
Edinburg Economedes went to work right after its 56-48 loss to Weslaco High in last year’s bi-district round.
“I knew I had my four starters, four juniors coming back, and my whole thing is trying to build around them and put the right pieces around them,” Economedes coach Carlos Ramos said. “So the team committed after the season was over. These kids played ball together from February all the way up until August, when football started. So we lost those football players for about three or four months, but after that, we always knew they would be a part of the big picture. At the beginning, we had to find roles for each kid, but I think right now, we are headed in the right direction. Is there room for improvement? Most definitely, but the good thing is last year, we were playing good ball, and then we just kind of plateaued. And bringing in these football players that are great athletes, it just kind of, it’s fun because we know we can do so much with that athleticism.”
The Jaguars are 17-9 overall and 3-1 in District 31-6A, putting them into a tie with Edinburg North for second in the district standings.
“When I became the head coach, we hadn’t made the playoffs in seven years,” Ramos said. “Last year was our first year in the mix. We played a very good Weslaco team, and I believe we lost by eight points. So, that’s where we are aiming now. Our motto now is, ‘Let’s just get in.’ Of course, you want to shoot for the district championship. But as long as we get in, anything can happen in the postseason.”
The Jaguars are in position to capture a playoff berth, and a large reason for that is the play of junior guard Johnathan Barrientos. Barrientos is averaging a team-leading 13 points per game.
“He is a pure shooter,” Ramos said. “The kid is solid. This is his second year on varsity. Last year he was more of a role player, I was getting him adjusted to the team. This year, thank God, we always knew he was going to be able to shoot well. But this summer, he really improved. He brings that shooting to the table. He is starting to drive a little bit more.”
Barrientos is often on the receiving end of assists from junior guard Angel Salinas, and that connection has been deadly this year.
“Angel Salinas, he is our third scorer, and he does so much for us,” Ramos said. “The ball is always in his hands. We ask a whole lot of him. Last year, he was looking to shoot a lot more, but this year, he is looking to distribute. The kids know that he is our leader. But by the same token, Angel is willing to give up the ball, and he has done a fantastic job of leading our team.”
Senior guard Simon Pina is averaging 11.3 points per game.
The growth of Economedes has continued to elevate ECISD, which on Tuesday swept PSJA ISD in District 31-6A action. The top four schools in the district standings this week are all from ECISD.
“We can’t count out any team. It’s a very competitive district. On any given night, anybody can take anybody down,” Ramos said. “But overall, basketball in the city of Edinburg has been at a high level for a very long time. I can’t remember a time like this where all four Edinburg schools are in the mix. It’s good for our district, and it’s great for our fans.”