KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
WESLACO — The Weslaco High Panthers claimed their third straight bi-district title Tuesday night. Jordan Young led with 14 points as Weslaco slugged past a resilient Edinburg Economedes squad 56-48.
After a close first quarter, the Panthers took control midway through the second period. Weslaco’s Jesus Payes fueled a 15-0 run, giving the Panthers a 32-20 lead — their biggest advantage of the night. Payes scored 10 second-quarter points, and Weslaco outscored Economedes 21-6 in the final five minutes of the period to take a 38-26 halftime lead.
“We rebounded well, and pushed the ball, and that gave us easy buckets,” Panthers coach Gabe Valdez said. “That run really helped us, in the long run. We were able to adjust from the first quarter, and were able to put together a strong quarter.”
In the second half, the Jags wouldn’t go down without a fight. Economedes began the quarter on a 7-1 run, trimming the score 39-31. The Jags would pull within seven of the Panthers, but that was as close as they would get in the second half.
“We struggled with boxing out and rebounding,” Valdez said. “We all know basketball is a game of runs. Econ went on their run in the third quarter. We adjusted to their scheme, as far as their shooters went. We had to adjust to their shooters. It’s a big part of what they do, and I thought our kids responded well.”
The Panthers pulled away in the final minutes, upping their lead to 53-45 with strong play from their bench. Sophomore Safi Fino provided 10 points off the bench, including a late bucket to help put the game on ice.
The win marks a third consecutive bi-district title for the Panthers. Weslaco finished the regular season 32-5 and 13-1 in District 32-6A, winning a third straight district title. This year’s title is shared with Los Fresnos.
“It’s great to have won three straight district and bi-district titles,” Young said. “We have worked hard. I know our girls won tonight, and sometimes we both workout together here in the gym. We push each other to be great, so for both of us to win, and keep our season alive, is great.”
Weslaco will now shift focus to South San Antonio in the Class 6A area round, with the time and place still TBA.