BY TJ GARCIA | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
McALLEN — The McAllen Rowe Warriors used their length, a slow-down offense and stifling late-game defense to overwhelm the visiting Los Fresnos Falcons 46-31 in non-district action Friday night.
The Warriors held the Falcons to just one made shot in the fourth quarter, and Los Fresnos could muster just three points altogether in the final period. The Warriors, led by Louie Yerba on both sides of the floor, meanwhile spread the floor, ran a “Five out,” a four corners-like set and scored strategically.
Rowe had just nine points in the fourth, but that beat Los Fresnos’ three and it stretched a nine-point lead at the end of three quarters to a 15-point victory. Rowe coach Jose Yerba said his taller team was able to execute the game plan and drain some outside shots to defeat the feisty 11-6 Falcons for the third time this season.
“They are a very good shooting team, and if you don’t play good defense you are going to have trouble with them,” Yerba said. “Especially the way they were playing the zone defense, packing it in, they were making us shoot the ball from the outside. Luckily tonight, with Louie and Adrian, were able to hit those.”
Because of the zone defense and stalling tactics from both sides, the contest did not have much flow. It was herky-jerky most of the way save for a Warriors’ runs here and there. What’s more, Rowe’s dominance on the boards and the Falcons’ cold shooting also contributed to the lethargic output. The victory improved Rowe’s overall record to 9-6.
Even though he scuffled some with his shot, super sophomore Louie Yerba hit several timely baskets and led all scorers with 20. He made just seven of 17 field goals, but he drilled four 3-pointers and was key in a 10-0 second-quarter run that gave Rowe its initial separation from Los Fresnos. He also blocked five shots and pulled down four rebounds.
His play was complemented by senior Adrian Salinas’ dead-eye shooting from behind the 3-point arch. The guard connected on four shots from downtown and finished the game with 15 points. Salinas said the Warriors played well and are rounding into shape with district just around the corner.
“It (shooting) felt amazing. I missed a few shots, it happens. Everyone misses a few shots, but coming off the hands the ball felt good,” said the 6-foot guard, who added that dominating the glass was key for the Warriors. “Rebound and defense. That’s basically our team every day. Getting on the boards offensively and defensively, that’s what we have to do every game.”
Los Fresnos Coach Marco Hinojosa said playing top-notch teams like Rowe will serve the Falcons well deeper into the season. The Falcons have basically done the Hidalgo County basketball circuit in the last month playing traditional powers such as Weslaco, McHi, Edinburg Vela and others away from home.
“This week we played the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Valley Tuesday and Friday. We were able to go .500, but we wanted to go 2-0,” said Hinojosa about playing Vela and Rowe. “But Rowe is a good team and they are well coached. It’s our third time losing to Rowe, but we are hoping these games prepare us for district (32-6A).