KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen South fended off a late Sharyland High rally and snapped a four-game losing streak, and Hawks coach Brian Molina notched career win 300 with a 67-61 win over the Rattlers on Tuesday night.
“I think back and I’m blessed,” Molina said. “I’m blessed to be at a great school like Harlingen South and to be able to coach the type of kids I have, and that to me is a testament to them and the program. It is great to get the win, yes, but I wouldn’t be here without the kids that I coach.”
Molina is in his 13th season as the Hawks’ coach. Molina’s father, Erasmo, is the boys basketball coach at Marine Military Academy, and he is one win away from career win 500.
“It means the world to me, my father is my hero and my role model,” Molina said. “My mom has always been my No. 1 fan and has always been there for me. I’m so thankful for them and to have them here tonight means everything, and to win it here at home in front of our fans is special.”
On the court, the Hawks earned a much-needed win and now have a quick turnaround to prepare for the Hidalgo tournament that will tip off Thursday.
“This is a big win for us,” senior Grant Lowery said. “We needed this and we got it, it gives us confidence heading into our tournament this weekend.”
The month of December can be challenging, with tournaments sandwiched in with the holidays, giving the Hawks the challenge of more games than practices. Along with the win came knowledge for a growing team.
“Tonight was a learning experience, we held a big lead, and credit to Sharyland, they came back and forced us into turnovers, but we are learning to put games away,” Molina said. “We stuck to the little things and did them right tonight, and I thought we had a strong third quarter.”
Down by as much as 15 points late in the third quarter, the Rattlers buckled down during the fourth and forced the Hawks into untimely turnovers to cut the lead to 58-53 with less than four minutes remaining.
Alex Rodriguez helped put the game on ice with a three-point play during the final minutes that gave the Hawks a 61-53 lead.
Joseph Cortez led South’s offense with a game-high 26 points, followed by Lowery’s 16-point performance.