By JOSHUA McKINNEY, Staff Writer
Port Isabel’s 8-23 finish and 2-12 mark in District 32-4A play wasn’t exactly what was planned, but the season definitely ended on a high note.
The Tarpons beat Rio Hondo in a 91-82 shootout Monday night to send themselves out on a high note.
“I was extremely proud of our final performance,” Port Isabel coach Anthony Velarde said. “It was a solid all-around team win. It really validated everything we have been working on all year. Great team defense, rebounding, unselfish ball distribution and four quarters of intensity.”
The game gives Port Isabel’s returning players something to build on for next season.
“I felt that it was a compliment to the toughness and resiliency that we are trying to establish in our program, playing together as a team four quarter and always believing in each other and our plan,” Velarde said. “It sends us into the offseason with momentum to continue working hard to build a quality, winning program.”
Jose Atkinson scored 41 points for Port Isabel in the game, and had seven rebounds and four steals.
EXPECT THE BEST: Luis Garza expects the best from his Porter basketball teams, and after a rough start to the season the Cowboys are going to the playoffs.
“I thought we would be in the top two,” Garza said. “Honestly, and I think we have the team to do it. They showed in moments against good teams, like (McAllen) Rowe, and beating San Benito, Rivera and Lopez. Beating Donna (High) over there. Losing to Pace twice in games we should have won.”
“I think this team, when we play the right way, meaning unselfish and moving the ball without dribbling, I think we’re just as good as anybody else when you had those handful of games where we played like we played (Tuesday),” Garza added.
Porter finished fourth in District 32-6A with a record of 8-6 and plays Edinburg Vela in the bi-district round at 7 p.m. Monday at Edinburg Vela.
WEEK OF REST: Brownsville Veterans ended its regular season on a high note after rough patch of games.
The Chargers went 1-3 in the games leading up to the season finale at Rivera, which they won 69-39.
“After struggling the last weeks and trying to overcome some injuries, the kids responded and ended district by playing well defensively,” Gibson said.
Brownsville Veterans is looking forward to a week off before its bi-district game against Edinburg High at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Edinburg High.
“It will give our injured players (Darian Thuku and Martin Martinez) time to heal. And it will give us some time to refocus.”
Joshua McKinney covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @joshuabvherald.