MERCEDES — When the Lobos started running, they could not be stopped.
Brownsville Lopez used fastbreak opportunities to wear down the Mercedes Tigers in a 51-34 District 32-5A victory Friday night at Mercedes High School.
Brownsville Lopez head coach Filiberto Reyna praised his team for winning a 50-50 game against Mercedes, a game that his team needed to win, he said.
| Mercedes’ Leah Adame (5) turns to avoid Lopez’s Judith Rodriguez (3) and Christy Garcia (20) Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, during the game between Lopez vs. Mercedes at Mercedes. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey |
“In their house, great win,” Reyna said. “The girls played hard defense. That is where it starts with us, we have to play really good defense and that will help our offense out.”
The Lobos put the game away in third quarter after building a 27-point lead. Mercedes showed fight and was able to dwindle the Brownsville Lopez lead to 51-34 but could not cut into the lead further.
| Lopez’s Sophia Carrizales (25) moves past an attempted block from Mercedes’ Jaymie Flores (22) to score Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, during the game between Lopez vs. Mercedes at Mercedes. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey |
Sophomore Sophia Carrizales led the Lobos in scoring with 15 points.
“I think there is somethings I still need to work on,” Carrizales said. “Like my driving and stuff, but other than that, I am pretty proud of myself.”
The Lobos broke the game open in the second quarter. Brownsville Lopez guard Judith Rodriguez hit two 3-pointers to help her team have a 34-15 advantage at the break.
Carrizales was the beneficiary of easy baskets when the Lobos sprung into transition after playing halfcourt defense. Senior Kassandra Aguirre and junior Lizette Noyola also picked up points at the rim when Brownsville Lopez started fastbreaks.
“Carrizales has to keep pushing the ball,” Reyna said. “I think she could be one of the best guards in our district if she keeps pushing to the basket. She also has Christy Garcia with her. Garcia runs the floor hard. She always has to dribble with her head up, and if she does not have the layup, she needs to ditch it to Christy.”
| Lopez’ Kassandra Aguirre (5) leaps up to steal a rebound from Mercedes Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, during the game between Lopez vs. Mercedes at Mercedes. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey |
Garcia scored 13 points and Noyola chipped in 10 for the Lobos. Leah Adame led the Tigers in scoring with a game-high 20 points.
The Lobos found themselves only down 13-11 after a good start to the game by the Tigers. Mercedes started strong by scoring seven straight points before the Lobos fought back into the game.
| Mercedes’ Leah Adame (5) tries to score past Lopez’s Christy Garcia (20) Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, during the game between Lopez vs. Mercedes at Mercedes. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey |
Brownsville Lopez returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday against Brownville Pace. Mercedes faces Donna High at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Donna High School.