KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
HARLINGEN — Fresh off a strong tournament this past weekend, Harlingen South rode the three pointer and the hot hand of Chanz Love to a 77-38 thumping of La Joya on Tuesday night.
“I think we started to find our rhythm at the (Hidalgo) tournament this past weekend,” said Hawks coach Brian Molina. “Our guys are start-ing to play very well. I think we’re finding our identity, too. If we can get stops, we can set up some easy shots.”
South got off to a hot start by leading 14-4 early and didn’t look back. Aaron Briones hit a pair of threes that helped push the Hawks’ lead. The Hawks led 22-9 at the end of the first quarter.
As a team, South hit 12 three pointers including three straight to open up the second half. The Hawks then outscored and outmuscled the Coyotes the rest of the way.
Three Hawks finished in double figures. Love dropped a team high 19 points in the win and began the third quarter by hitting back-to-back threes. Sean Turrubiates hit four three pointers and finished with 15 points while Grant Lowery scored 13 points.
“I was feeling it tonight,” said Love. “My teammates set me up with some great passes and I hit my shots. I feel great right now. I’m proud of my team; we’re all having fun right now and now we have to get ready for another tournament.”
Up next for the Hawks is the Tri-City Classic in Pharr. Harlingen South will be placed in Pool F and will square off against San Antonio Veterans at 1 p.m.
Thursday in their first game. Their second game will be at 4 p.m. against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. Both games will take place at the PSJA North gym.
“The kids are doing well and they recover well. That’s why we prepare in the offseason to get them in good shape and the kids are responding the right way. Both teams are very tough and we want to go back to the basics, and it’s going to be a challenge but we’re ready and excited,” Molina said.