By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
SANTA ROSA — The Santa Rosa Warriors are known for being one of the best basketball teams in the Rio Grande Valley, and they are currently breezing past everyone in District 32-3A.
The Warriors have outscored their district opponents 404-187. On Tuesday, they won 65-33 at Brownsville Jubilee for the first time in a couple of seasons.
Santa Rosa’s practices are more competitive than their district matchups. At practice, coach Rene Duque splits the teams evenly, and they play to see who starts their next game.
“We are playing for pride,” Duque said. “Our bench can hold their own, but we also we need our starters to prepare those guys. The expectations are high. We mix those guys in because they have to be able to make that shot or complete that pass in pressure moments.
Said senior CJ Olivarez, “Everyone on this team could start and are good in their own individual ways. Always playing with each other gets us better.”
The expectations are high at Santa Rosa. The players know it, and they embrace it.
“This program means the world to me. When I was a kid, I would go watch all of those teams that went deep,” senior David Bazaldua said. “It got me really going. I want to take my team there, too.
Said Olivarez, “I have been in this program since I was a freshman. Being able to play for this community is amazing. I am proud to be a Warrior.”
Added senior Adrian Zamora, “Basketball has been big here before I was born. It means a lot to us. It has helped me personally, and we want to make it to state for our community.”
Santa Rosa lost last season to San Antonio Cole during the fifth round. Bazaldua and teammates would like to avenge that loss or redeem themselves against another team in that round.
“Goal is state, all the way. That is usually the only goal at Santa Rosa,” senior Derek Guerra said. “I am honored to be the next generation. It is an honor for me and the whole team.”
Said senior Isiah Segundo, “This is our family. We play all year long, and we want to make it back to the Final Four for our community.”
Family is a great way to describe the program at Santa Rosa. The players are funny and vibrant, as are assistant coaches Brandon De La Cruz and Victor Espinoza. They are also joined by legendary trainer Raul ‘Doc Z’ Zamarripa, who is very knowledgeable about Valley basketball.
“The tradition has been set a long time ago,” Duque said. “We are blessed to be playing basketball in this community with this tradition. Santa Rosa basketball means everything.”