By JOSHUA McKINNEY, Staff Writer
Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s early season play has coach Larry Gibson geared up about the Chargers’ chances this season.
So far, the Chargers have averaged more than 67 points per game during their 6-1 opening stretch of the season, which includes a championship run through the BISD Tournament during the season’s opening weekend and a ranking of No. 23 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 6A boys poll this past week.
The first loss of the season came against Edinburg Vela on Tuesday.
“I am very excited about the way we’re playing at this time of year,” Gibson said. “We still have a lot of room for improvement.”
Gibson says pushing the ball up the court and looking for easy baskets has led to Brownsville Veterans’ offensive surge this season.
“We have the luxury of having several people who can push the ball,” he said. “We’re good at attacking the rim.”
Brownsville Veterans uses a fast-paced style to wear out opponents, and having depth off the bench allows them to keep playing that way throughout the game.
“I feel that will wear (out) the other team,” Gibson said. “That’s mainly because of our bench. Our second team does not let down when they come in. There is no dropoff.”
CONFIDENCE GROWS: A third-place finish in the Mission Thanksgiving Classic is a sign of things to come for St. Joseph Academy this season.
“I was pleased with the way we played overall,” coach Sam Lucio said. “We showed some flashes of the team that we want to become, but there is still a lot of work we have to do. We are in a tough district, so playing in these tournaments is going to help us in the long run.”
The Bloodhounds beat Edcouch-Elsa, Eagle Pass and Mercedes on their way to a bronze-medal finish in the holiday tournament. The lone loss came against Weslaco East.
Last weekend’s results can be a big boost for a team looking to compete in a tough TAPPS district this winter, Lucio said.
“The main benefit we get (from the tournament) is that it helps us prepare for district and gives our team confidence,” he said. “Playing against quality opponents gives us a good look at what we are going to face in district.”
Jorge Villarreal and Rodolfo Cabido made the all-tournament team.
DEVELOPING DEPTH: Coach Todd Barckholtz and the Hanna Golden Eagles are looking for signs of improvement during non-district play.
“We’re focused on improving our individual skills, understanding the level of varsity competition and how the team has to play together and execute all 32 minutes of the game to have success,” he said. “We’re developing our rotation and depth as we gain the experience needed for a tough district run of games.”
Playing tough competition during its preseason slate helps Hanna with its effort to get ready for District 32-6A play.
Barckholtz thinks the Eagles have shown growth in key areas, especially when it comes to adapting to the pace of varsity play. He’s looking to find the team’s best full game of play.
“Whatever was our best last game can’t be our best tonight,” he said. “We want to challenge the players to do more and expect more of themselves. By doing those things, the progression will come any day.”
Joshua McKinney writes for the Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @joshuabvherald.