Brack, Highlands, Lanier all win 28-4A openers

TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank, Edison, Fox Tech, Harlandale, Highlands, Holy Cross, Jefferson, Lanier, Sam Houston, Southwest.

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Much like the school’s softball and volleyball programs have done in the past few seasons, Holy Cross’ girls basketball team is trying to raise the bar to a new performance level this year.

Even setbacks are being viewed as teachable moments as the Knights (5-7) try to ratchet up their intensity in practices and games. One such occasion took place Nov. 26, when Holy Cross was in uniform and had its fans in the stands, only to discover their expected opponent wasn’t on its way.

Due to a scheduling discrepancy, Hawkins didn’t realize that the Knights’ schedule listed it as the visitors for a 6:30 p.m. game. When the host team realized that it wouldn’t have an opponent for its first home game, a uniformed intrasquad scrimmage took its place.

After two more practices, Holy Cross finally had a chance to play its only Thanksgiving-break game. The Knights won 59-44 last Saturday at Schertz John Paul II.

“It was disappointing for sure. It was our first home game,” Holy Cross coach Jesse Arguello said of the Hawkins contest, “but they showed up for practice the next day and ran with it. It was just another thing that happened. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. You can’t let it bother you.

“They handled it well, and we felt good about (last Satuday).”

Junior Hayley Andrade led the Knights with 20 points against John Paul II, sinking six 3-point baskets. Senior Joselyn Flores scored 11.

The pair have been shining examples of the Knights’ desire to improve. Each hoisted countless shots over the summer to prepare herself for the season.

Holy Cross complemented its deadly shooting with strong defense to defeat the Guardians. The Knights led by six at halftime and outscored their hosts 20-10 in the fourth quarter.

“We played really good defense,” Arguello said, “and Hayley definitely was ‘on.’ She hit some really big shots. It was a good showing on the road. Defensively, we played with more intensity than we have been.”

Holy Cross won one of five games the previous weekend at the Jaguar Classic in Floresville. It annually is one of the area’s strongest girls tournaments. Arguello said his team benefited from the caliber of competition, even though Knights point guard Brianna Salinas missed much of the tournament because of a head injury.

Salinas returned to play in last Saturday’s game.

“Sometimes it’s just a lesson in handling adversity,” he said. “You don’t want to have any quit in your team. Even if they’re overmatched, you want them to keep attacking.”

Holy Cross will get a second chance at one of its Jaguar Classic opponents Tuesday. The Knights play a 6:30 p.m. game Tuesday at Harlandale (6-7). The Indians won 53-31 in Floresville.

“Trying to make our opponents take as tough a shot as possible and taking care of the ball,” Arguello said, “are two of the biggest things we want to improve on as the weeks pass.”

Arguello said trying to force Indians post Connie Garza to give up the ball and to deny her easy shots was a key for the Knights.

“That’s true of all the teams we play,” he said. “We want to take away Option ‘A’ and make them go to Option ‘B.’ ”

The Holy Cross coach is proud of the overall improvement his team has made in the early season, particularly in its mental toughness and ability to sustain concerted effort.

“I’m pleased with our progress,” Arguello said. “I think this team really has a chance to do something special. I’m excited about their potential. I’m anxious to see where this all leaves us as we gain more experience.”

Lanier 56, Jefferson 49

Easily the most even on-paper matchup on the opening night for District 28-4A, this contest played out just about as expected Tuesday at Lanier.

The Voks (4-10, 1-0) notched the district-opening win courtesy of a 31-point second half. Lanier gained eight points on the Mustangs – who were within 26-23 at the midpoint – during that time frame.

Jefferson (4-7, 0-1) was led by 13 points apiece from Sasha Barrientes and Melanie Ybarra. Adriana Aguinaga added nine.

Ashley Lopez provided a game-high 19 points for Lanier. The Voks got 16 points from Ruby Garza. Sabrina Cortinas and LeeAnna Martinez combined for 17 points.

The Mustangs edged Lanier 44-41 Nov. 8 in the Harlandale ISD Tournament.

Brackenridge 55, Fox Tech 14

Brackenridge (12-4, 1-0) kept Fox Tech scoreless in the first quarter Tuesday at Brackenridge. By halftime, the Eagles led by 28 and a District 28-4A victory already was all but assured.

The leading scorer for the Buffaloes (3-10, 0-1) was Carla Ponce with six points.

Brackenridge had balanced scoring, led by Brittney Morales with 12 points.  Miranda Acuna also was in double figures with 11. Tevis Thoma chipped in with eight points.

Highlands 62, Burbank 38

The Owls (9-6, 1-0) thundered to a strong start in District 28-4A Tuesday, outscoring the Bulldogs (2-9, 0-1) 32-18 in the first half.

Highlands sophomore Jazmine Jackson used her combination of strength and quickness to notch a game-high 18 points. Aaliyah Prince added 10. Jina Lackey supplied eight points for the Owls.

Burbank was led by junior Abigail Macias with 15 points.

Southwest 64, Marshall 35

Marshall (8-9) focused its defense on Dragons senior standout Tiffani Rodriguez and limited her to four points Tuesday. It didn’t matter much to the Dragons (10-3), who have improved depth this season.

Sophomore guard Alexandra Busby stepped up to score a team-high 21 points for Southwest, which led 37-19 at halftime Tuesday at Paul Taylor Gym. Freshman post Melissa Lockridge supplied 11 points and Cheyenne Ortiz added 10.

Edison 51, Sam Houston 42

The Golden Bears (6-11) pulled away in the second half behind 19 points from Marisa Salas Tuesday in a non-district game against SAISD rival Sam Houston (1-10).

Edison outscored the Hurricanes 26-20 after halftime after holding a slim three-point lead at the break. Salas, a 5-foot senior, was the only Golden Bear to score more than six points.

Dionna Camino led Sam Houston with 17 points. Dominique Green scored 10.