By JOSHUA McKINNEY, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos is firmly perched at the top of the District 32-6A standings after beating the state’s 22nd-ranked Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers 71-65 in double overtime Tuesday night on Brownsville Veterans’ home court.
Coach Marco Hinojosa says his team is moving on to the next one, which will be against the Hanna Golden Eagles on Friday. Hinojosa expects the Falcons (18-6, 4-0) to move on from Tuesday’s big win and focus on a team that’s on a streak in district play.
“This group has done a great job all year in putting big games like this behind us and just focusing on the next opponent,” Hinojosa said. This is a more mature and experienced team than the one from last year.”
Hanna (9-13, 3-1) has regrouped after a 60-35 loss in its district opener to Brownsville Veterans (21-3, 3-1) and won three straight to share second place in the district standings with the Chargers.
The streak will give Hanna a boost heading into a game against District 32-6A’s top dog.
“It gives us confidence to start, but we will have to do way better executing the game plan in all phases to be able to hang with Los Fresnos. They are a fine ballclub and are playing some of the best ball in the (Rio Grande) Valley.”
ON TRACK: A pair of Pace players is powering the team to District 32-5A’s pole position.
Esteban Garza scored 23 and Andres Salgado scored 18 during Pace’s 72-68 win over Edcouch-Elsa.
Garza, one of the Metro-area’s top inside-outside scoring big men, and Salgado, who can drive the lane as well as drain 3s, give Pace (13-9, 4-0) a dynamic duo that’s hard to stop.
Combined with the depth at every position, the Vikings have a 4-0 record and share the lead with Mercedes.
“(Garza and Salgado) are our go-to guys, and every team we play knows it,” coach Jose Luis Ramirez said. “We have a strong starting five and bench to take on the workload on defense, and to hit shots when teams focus on those two. That’s the key.”
Pace is at its strongest when the rest of the team capitalizes on defenses trying to stop Garza and Salgado, who are threats to score from anywhere.
“The rest of the team knows they have to take advantage of the fact that Andres and Steven draw double teams,” Ramirez said. “It allows them to get open and get easy shots. Steven and Andres love it when their teammates score. They encourage it.”
BACK TO WORK: Brownsville First Baptist returns to action Friday after a break to start 2016. The Crusaders (6-11, 1-1) play San Perlita on the road Friday.
“It’s good and getting better,” First Baptist coach George Solis said. “The defense is starting to come together and starting to understand team defense.”
Tuesday marked the start of a tough slate for St. Joseph Academy after a short break from play. The Bloodhounds lost to Santa Rosa, the 23rd-ranked team in TABC’s Class 3A poll, 71-48 on the road.
St. Joseph starts district play Saturday in San Antonio against San Antonio St. Anthony, which is ranked sixth in the large private schools poll. The Bloodhounds follow that with a home game against Edinburg Vela, which is 11th in Class 5A, at home.
“We’re excited,” St. Joseph coach Sam Lucio said. “The team has been working hard since the beginning of the season, and now they are ready to play for a district championship. Our first game is on the road vs. St. Anthony, who is a very good and talented team. We know it’s going to be a tough game on the road, but we are excited for the opportunity.”