Category: Week of March 1-7, 2015

SOFTBALL WEEKLY REPORT: High-scoring South San area’s last holdout

McCollum’s Abundis fires no-hitter; Holy Cross finally upends VSJ

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, East Central, Holy Cross, McCollum, South San.

PLEASE RETURN TO THIS STORY TUESDAY FOR A LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/District-28-6A-softball-teams-looking-tough-6128617.php

Softball enthusiasts had to be surprised to discover the identity of the area’s last 2015 undefeated team.

It wasn’t 2014 Class 5A state qualifier Southwest or its District 28-6A nemesis of the past several years, East Central. It was yet another team from that loaded district.

South San (11-1) held out a few hours longer than East Central (13-2) at the Seguin ISD Tournament. The Bobcats absorbed their first loss in their final game at Seguin, falling 7-3 to Churchill (5-8) March 7.

East Central lost for the first time in its second game March 6. New Braunfels Canyon (9-2) blanked the Hornets 4-0.

South San has been a high-scoring outfit so far. The Bobcats thumped Laredo Johnson 10-2 and San Diego 12-0 in three innings on March 6. The tournament was scheduled to begin a day earlier, but the first day’s games were postponed due to weather.

Under first-year coach Raymond Castillo, the Bobcats seem to be expanding on the gains they made last year, which included an upset victory over Southwest.

Winning pitcher Alyssa Montes drove four hits against San Diego, including three triples. Montes also had an RBI. Freshman Ashley Medina contributed a team-best three RBIs. Faith Gonzales, Andrea Ricondo and Dalina Sanchez drove in two runs apiece.

Bobcats sophomore Amanda Vallejo went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs against Laredo Johnson. Alyssa Trevino and Tara Salazar drove in two runs apiece.

For East Central, Canyon pitcher Brooke Vestal limited the Hornets to one hit.

East Central defeated Seguin 9-3 March 7. The Hornets scored seven runs in the first two innings.

Sophomore Gracie Becerra led the Hornets with a 3-for-4 plate performance that included a double and a home run. Winning pitcher Madison Strunk also collected three hits and drove in two runs. Valadez was 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs. Angel Lopez also delivered two hits.

Medina Valley defeated the Hornets 12-1 in their tournament finale.

McCollum 17, Burbank 0

Senior pitcher Kim Abundis recorded a no-hitter as the Cowboys (8-2, 3-0) defeated Burbank (2-6-1, 1-1) in a District 28-5A game March 7 at Villarreal Field No. 1.

Junior Amber Saucedo also pitched a shutout March 3 at the Tejeda Complex, as McCollum downed Sam Houston (0-8, 0-3) 22-0. Abundis and Lauryn Martinez each supplied two hits and two RBIs. Brianna Kinnard and Val Lopez also drove in two Cowboys runs.

Holy Cross 6, Victoria St. Joseph 3

The Knights (4-4, 1-0) nailed down a long-awaited win over TAPPS 4-4A nemesis Victoria St. Joseph (3-2, 0-1) March 2 in Victoria.

The Flyers have ruled the district in recent years. It was Holy Cross’ first win over St. Joseph in its nine-year history.

Knights pitcher Daisy Flores limited the Flyers to five hits.

BASEBALL: Pitching lifts Southwest to third in own tourney

Weather holding back area teams

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Central Catholic, Harlandale, McCollum, Southwest.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Pitching-lifts-Southwest-to-third-in-tourney-6128610.php

With the persistent rain this season, area teams haven’t had as much time to address their issues as they typically have by the end of Week 2.

That applies to each team differently, even though the rainfall affects everyone. The Southwest/Central Catholic Tournament, for example, was one day shorter than originally scheduled. Games slated for March 5 were rained out.

Even though all coaches are feeling the time crunch resulting from games not played, Southwest (5-3-1) has something useful on its side – pitching depth. It helped the Dragons stay competitive in each of its tournament games and finish third.

While most teams are struggling to find three semi-reliable starters, Southwest has pitchers for all occasions. Although not all of them have varsity experience, the Dragons pitching staff won three of five tournament games and allowed nine runs.

“When those guys are on, we don’t lose,” Southwest coach John Velasquez said. “We have eight (pitchers), and so far we’ve used six.

“Joe Cerda pitched the whole second game against Medina Valley and did well. Felipe Cardona was sick, but he went the first three innings in our first game against Medina Valley (a 5-2 loss). Juan Carlos Hernandez pitched an excellent game against Central Catholic and Zach Ponce pitched well the first (tournament) game.”

Southwest defeated Central Catholic (3-4-1) 4-1 in the third-place game March 7 as Hernandez recovered from a collision in the semifinal against Medina Valley, a 2-1 loss, to pitch a four-hitter. McCollum (2-4) defeated Harlandale (2-4-1) for the consolation championship March 7 at Central’s Kahlig Park.

“We’re blessed to have that pitching,” Velasquez said, “but we need to hit the ball better and get a little better behind the plate. We have two inexperienced catchers, and they’re learning.”

“Juan Carlos got hit in the face in a rundown,” Velasquez said of Hernandez. “He showed a lot of guts. He’s played with us for two years already, and he hasn’t let up yet.”

Central Catholic, McCollum and Harlandale share a common problem. Their inexperience is being magnified by infrequent competition.

“The weather has been tough for us,” said Harlandale coach Eric Forestier, referencing the Harlandale ISD Tournament which was canceled because of rain a week earlier.

“Especially when you’re so young, you want to play.”

Central Catholic may not have played often, but it has played quality opponents. The Buttons had to face Laredo Alexander, No. 4 in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 6A state rankings, twice in its five tournament games. Alexander won 15-1 and 13-1.

“People need to understand,” Central Catholic coach Mike Gomez said, “at this stage of the season, it’s not about wins and losses. It’s about experience, and we’ve gotten some good experience.”

Sophomore Ethan Rodriguez delivered a walk-off hit in Central Catholic’s 3-2 opening-game win over MccCollum. The Buttons tied Harlandale 6-6, but advanced more runners to third base to win the tiebreaker.

“We’re just not hitting the ball like we have in the past,” Gomez said. “We only have four seniors, and just two start. The encouraging sign is that we’ve seen the younger kids play against Laredo Alexander twice, and they had no fear.”

Harlandale is starting four freshmen, four sophomores and no seniors.

“We have five or six pitchers, but no one is dominant,” Forestier said. “That could be good, or bad.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: Sam Houston runs out of comebacks in Region IV finals

Cedar Park leaves Hurricanes one win from state repeat

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Sam Houston.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Sam-Houston-runs-out-of-comebacks-in-Region-IV-6128592.php

Sam Houston established itself as a second-half team this year.

Whether it was the second-half of the District 28-5A season or the post-halftime portion of games, the Hurricanes (16-14) were strongest under presssure – or when applying heat defensively. Sam Houston finally reached its limit of comeback performances March 7 in the Region IV championship game, one win short of a second-consecutive trip to the state finals.

With the absence of its customary post-halftime surge, Cedar Park (28-6) was able to hold off Sam Houston, When the Hurricanes made it a one- or two-possession game, the Timbervolves turned to sophomore post Keaton Hervey in the 53-41 win at Littleton Gym.

Hervey produced 19 of his 25 points in the second half.

Cedar Park were No. 24 in the final Texas Association of Basketball Coaches state rankings. Sam Houston was unranked, although it was No. 7 in the preseason poll.

“We started off 0-6 and 0-3 in district,” first-year Sam Houston coach Erik Coleman said. “The kids deserve to be happy. The kids came together. They had a lot of heart and character.”

Sam Houston qualified for the regional finals for the fifth-consecutive year. The previous four appearances were in Class 3A.

The Hurricanes defeated Cedar Park Vista Ridge 61-56 March 2 and Edinburg Vela 66-58 March 6 to advance to the Region IV title game.

“We learned that nobody can stop us,” Sam Houston junior wing Robert Christian said, “as long as we keep playing the way we play.

“We really didn’t give up (against Cedar Park). The shots weren’t falling for us. They were for them.”

Those are lessons Christian (a team-best 10 points against Cedar Park), sophomore point guard Jawon Anderson (15 points and five assists vs. Vista Ridge) and six other non-seniors on the Hurricanes’ playoff roster can carry over to next year.

“We learned to play as a team,” said Christian, who had 17 rebounds and 10 steals in the last two games. “We were playing as individuals when the season started. We stepped up as a whole unit.”

Sam Houston had won five of its previous six games going into the Cedar Park contest, losing only 72-70 to 26-6A champ Reagan in double overtime. The streak began with a 72-60 upset of 28-5A champion Lanier, its only district loss.

“That district was very competitive,” Coleman said. “In our previous district, we were winning games by 30 points. Still, every game, we’d get up 10-12 points but end up losing. We turned it around by the end of the season.”

Sam Houston trailed Vista Ridge 32-28 at halftime and fell behind Vela 30-20 at the midway point. Against Vista Ridge, the Hurricanes scored 10 unanswered points early in the second half to take control. In the third quarter against Vela, the tide turned because of intense defense and three-point shooting from Henry Carter (11 points.)

“We knew we had to control the boards,” said Sam Houston senior post Devin Allen, who finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. “Once we started doing that, the shots started falling. It opened things up.

“It just came down to how badly we wanted it. You could see that, late in the third quarter and in the fourth quarter, they started wearing down.”

The shooting surge, as supplied by senior Jarrett Burks against Vista Ridge, never took place in the season finale.

“I think our defense was really dominating,” Cedar Park coach Blake Brown said. “We wanted to prevent them from driving to the basket. They got some good looks at times, but we stuck to our game plan overall.”

Burks sank three 3-point baskets in the final quarter against Vista Ridge to balance an offense led by Christian’s 19 points.

“My teammates just told me to spot up and knock it down,” Burks said. “Once I hit that first one, the next two, they were running guys at me. But my teammates had faith in me.”

Allen and Burks were third-year varsity members who helped set the tone for this year’s team.

“I’ve always believed that if you do the work, in the classroom and on the court,” Coleman said, “good things will come. We believed in ourselves. We knew we were a very good team, even if our record didn’t show it. Teams knew they were going to get a battle (from) us.”

SOFTBALL WEEKLY REPORT: South San off to startlingly good start

Offenses dominate first week in 28-5A

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank, Harlandale, McCollum, South San.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Undefeated-East-Central-aiming-for-long-playoff-6114587.php

South San, East Central’s District 28-6A rival, was the only other area team to finish the first two weeks undefeated.

After winning their own tournament a week earlier, the Bobcats (8-0) only were able to complete two games in the Harlandale ISD Tournament before it was canceled February 27. South San defeated Harlandale (2-5-2) 13-1 and Jefferson 11-4 Feb. 27 at the Frank Tejeda Complex.

South San sophomore Alyssa Montes pitched a five-hitter against Harlandale. Amanda Vallejo led the offense with a 4-for-4 performance at the plate, which included a double and two RBIs. Brooke Flores, Tara Salazar and Montes all collected two hits and two RBIs.

Andrea Ricondo and Miranda Rios each added two hits and an RBI to South San’s 13-hit attack. Alyssa Trevino drove in two runs.

South San had 14 hits against Jefferson, led by a 3-for-3 performance from Montes (2 RBIs). Vallejo again was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2. Montes and Vallejo each hit triples.

Salazar and Melanie Kretz each drove in two runs. South San scored five runs in the first inning and again in the fourth.

Jefferson scored three runs in the fifth inning, but Bobcats pitcher Dalina Sanchez was charged with just one earned run.

District 28-5A

There were plenty of fireworks on the opening day of the District 28-5A season Feb. 24. Brackenridge (3-4, 1-0), Burbank (2-4-1, 1-0), McCollum (6-2) and Harlandale all scored 18 or more runs in winning their first district games.

Burbank defeated Sam Houston (0-6, 0-1) 21-0. Brackenridge downed Edison (5-3, 0-1) 20-3 in a bit of a shocker. Harlandale won 20-4 over Jefferson (2-5, 0-1). McCollum blitzed Lanier (0-3, 0-1) 18-2.

McCollum also had a big offensive outburst Feb. 27. In an 11-9 win over Pleasanton in the Harlandale ISD Tournament, Kim Abundis, Samantha Gaeta, Brianna Kinnard and Val Lopez each hit home runs.

SOFTBALL: Undefeated East Central aiming for long playoff run

Hungry Hornets pitching shutouts, winning close ones

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: East Central.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Undefeated-East-Central-aiming-for-long-playoff-6114587.php

It’s said that the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. That’s unquestionably true, but it’s clear that East Central is off on the right foot.

Two weeks and 10 games into the season, East Central was undefeated. The Hornets picked up three wins in Week 2, including a 10-7 decision over Brandeis Feb. 24 and a pair of shutouts.

East Central has qualified for the area round in three of the last four seasons. The Hornets want to make a deeper playoff run this season with a team heavy on both seniors and sophomores.

“We put a lot into our pre-season,” second-year East Central coach Meagan McCutcheon said. “We wanted to prepare ourselves for the postseason. We want to make it further than East Central ever has.

“Playing Johnson, Smithson Valley and Brandeis is a big step forward. The kids have responded incredibly so far.”

Coming off a six-game sweep of pool play at the tough Brenham Tournament (which didn’t have a championship bracket), the Hornets broke a 1-1 tie with Brandeis (4-3) by scoring twice in the second inning. East Central broke the game open with a five-run fourth.

Sophomore Gracie Becerra hit a home run and drove in two runs. Floresville transfer Sierra Valadez also had two RBI. Kendall Talley scored three runs.

“That was a big win,” McCutcheon said. “We prepared a lot for their quickness, and how they’ll bunt in any situation and any part of the lineup. The kids were quick, and they always knew where the next play was going to be.”

Hornets senior Madison Strunk pitched back-to-back shutouts in the Judson/East Central Tournament, before the weather forced its cancellation. Strunk limited Uvalde to three hits in a 12-0 decision Feb. 26 and Madison to one hit Feb. 27.

“She has goals she wants to accomplish,” McCutcheon said, “not just for the season, but inning-by-inning. She’s meeting those goals, and they turn into victories.”

Against Madison, Cara Johnson drilled a two-run double and senior shortstop Haydi Bugarin (3-for-3, 2 RBIs) produced an RBI double in a seven-run, fourth-inning rally. In the Uvalde game, five of the Hornets’ 10 hits were doubles. Becerra drove in three runs.

East Central has claimed four comeback victories, including one from a six-run deficit.

“I’m very happy with the way they’ve come back and the maturity they’ve shown,” McCutcheon said. “I have experience at every position.”

BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYOFF REPORT: Hurricanes vanquish Vandegrift in area round

Central Catholic reaches state quarterfinals

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Central Catholic, East Central, Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Brackenridge-ready-for-next-season-6114593.php

Sam Houston (14-13) avoided any semblance of a letdown after springing the area’s biggest Class 5A upset Feb. 24. The Hurricanes kept rolling with a 55-49 area-round win over Austin Vandegrift (23-12) Feb. 27 in New Braunfels.

The Hurricanes, which upended traditional power Alamo Heights 57-56, advanced to play Cedar Park Vista Ridge (24-10) in the Region IV quarterfinals.

Sam Houston scored the game’s first seven points against Vandegrift, but didn’t score again in the first quarter. The Vandals led 23-21 at halftime. The Hurricanes outscored Vandegrift 20-13 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Individual scoring information for the Hurricanes against Vandegrift was not available.

Central Catholic

The Buttons (21-16) defeated yet another ranked opponent Feb. 27 in the TAPPS Class 5A regional round before running into a buzzsaw. Powerhouse Plano Prestonwood Christian (30-5), No. 1 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches large private school rankings, ended Central Catholic’s postseason run Feb. 28 with an 85-51 loss.

No. 23 Central Catholic reached the state quarterfinal game against Prestonwood Christian with a 43-40 win over No. 16 Dallas Bishop Lynch. The Buttons battled back from a 27-14 halftime deficit. They outscored Bishop Lynch 15-4 in the final quarter to secure the win.

Senior Jaime Nava led Central Catholic with 14 points. Will Galindo pitched in 11.

Warren 83, East Central 77

District 28-6A co-champion East Central (20-12) couldn’t overcome hot foul shooting from Warren (16-17) Feb. 14 at Alamo Convocation Center.

A three-point play from senior Wanya Ward (21 points) provided East Central a 74-73 advantage with 1:50 to play. Warren scored 14 seconds later. The Hornets tied the score 75-75 with 45.1 seconds remained on a free throw from Hector Sifuentes.

“We missed some open layups,” East Central coach Jeff Sweet said, “but plays down the stretch are just as important as those in the first and second quarter. You can’t dwell on plays that happened in the last two minutes.”

The Warriors scored eight of the last 10 points, primarily from the foul stripe.

“They made their shots and we didn’t,” Sweet said. “We moved the rock.”

East Central established a 23-18 lead in the first quarter. The Hornets held a 38-37 halftime lead, but trailed by a point entering the final quarter.

Hornets junior Ethan White scored 17 points. Brandon Keno and Sifuentes added 13 points each. Patrick Hamilton scored 11.

East Central had won its previous five games to share the 28-6A regular-season title with Corpus Christi Carroll.

“We had four new starters and several guys that hadn’t played on a varsity team,” Sweet said, referring to the beginning of the season when the Hornets lost four of their first five games. “To be able to win that district is just amazing.

“They brought back old-style, tough D, uptempo East Central basketball – and it’s here to stay.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: Brackenridge sets itself up for memorable 2015-16

Scoreless stretch leads to bi-district loss

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Brackenridge-ready-for-next-season-6114593.php

 

When coaches talk about returning nine players for next season, you can generally bet that their sport is football.

Brackenridge coach Joey Isaac had arguably the area’s most surprising boys basketball team in 2014-15. Next year’s squad won’t look appreciably different. Wing Everette Patino was the only senior in the Eagles lineup during its 16-13 season, which ended Feb. 24 with a hard-fought 70-62 loss to Floresville (25-11).

Just three seniors were on the Brackenridge roster.

“I’m not taking anything away from the seniors,” Isaac said. “They got us back where Brackenridge is supposed to be. Their competitiveness has given the (returnees) something to build on.”

The Eagles shared second place in District 28-5A with Burbank and Sam Houston.

Brackenridge led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter against Floresville. A three-point basket by sophomore Isiah Saenz (18 points), his third in the first eight minutes.

The Tigers built a 33-25 lead with 2:42 remaining in the half, but Brackenridge rallied. Richard Wallace (23 points, 9 rebounds) scored six unanswered points to put the Eagles within four.

“Wally just did a great job,” Isaac said. “Man, that kid is just physical. He really wants it. I’m so proud of him.”

A fast-break layup by Saenz closed the gap to 35-33 at intermission.

A free throw from junior post Jalen Davis (11 rebounds) and a three-point basket from Nathan Avila provided the Eagles a 45-41 lead late in the third quarter. Avila (9 points) also sank a pair of techncal free throws and another three-pointer for a 54-47 advantage less than a minute into the final quarter.

“Nathan hit some big shots,” Isaac said of the 5-foot-5 guard. “They tried to take advantage of him being so small and posting him up, but he hit his share of them.”

Soon thereafter, Brackenridge experienced a four-minute scoreless drought. Floresville ran off 11 unanswered points before Wallace made a free throw that brought the Eagles within 62-59.

“Their point guard (Jared Kotzur) is big and (Chris Albert) is a great all-around player,” Isaac said. “Our game plan worked. We got them in foul trouble. Then we had a stretch where we couldn’t get a call, and they knocked their free throws down.”

Saenz was fouled on a three-point shot with 37.8 seconds. His two free throws reduced Floresville’s lead to a point, but Brack went cold again.

“If we would have made our free throws, it would have been different,” Isaac said. “But that’s part of being young and it’s a great lesson to learn.”

Tigers junior Bradley Bunn sank a pair of foul shots with 31.9 seconds left. Brackenridge couldn’t get closer than 68-62 thereafter.

“I feel like we represented the district well,” Isaac said. “I feel like we did everything we could. It just came down to one of their runs at the end.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: Burbank can’t overcome cold shooting in area round

Cedar Park’s foul shooting holds off Bulldogs

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Burbank-can-t-overcome-cold-shooting-in-area-6114580.php

 

As Burbank’s players filed slowly out of the Kyle Lehman High School locker room Feb. 27, their coach was doing his best to contain his emotions.

“It’s hard to see these guys go,” Burbank coach Herbert Jackson said. “They’ve worked unbelievably hard to get to this point, some of them for four years. Seeing these guys grow up has been a thrill.”

The Bulldogs ended their season with a 24-11 record in a 61-43 area-round loss to Cedar Park (25-6). They were the first Burbank team make the playoffs and also to get past the bi-district round since 2012.

Burbank advanced with a 57-47 bi-district win over Seguin Feb. 24 at the Bill Greehey Arena on the St. Mary’s University campus.

“The journey we have taken to get here,” Jackson said, “I couldn’t have done it without my coaching staff. It’s been something very special.”

Burbank never led against the Timberwolves, but the Bulldogs showed their mettle at a few different stages of the game.

Cedar Park scored the first five points. A steal and layup from senior Jordan Santos put Burbank within 8-4 with 1:39 remaining in the first quarter. The substitute guard also scored twice early in the second quarter after the Timberwolves extended their lead.

The Bulldogs got their offense flowing in the quarter. They pulled within 23-16 with a pair of free throws from junior Moses Betancourt and a three-pointer from Juan Castillo. Two more foul shots from Betancourt (11 points, 4 assists) closed Burbank’s deficit to 25-21 with 59.1 seconds until halftime.

However, Cedar Park responded with consecutive fast-break baskets that started a 9-3 spurt – interrupted only by another three-pointer from Castillo (10 points).

“Coach (Blake Brown) had us really ready,” said Timberwolves sophomore Keaton Hervey, who finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. “We knew all their plays. I feel like we’re playing really well.”

Cedar Park’s lead expanded to 43-28 after three quarters with senior Trey Knight (19 points) contributing seven of his 19 points.

A pair of three-pointers from senior Moses Montalvo began a final Bulldogs run. Santos made two technical free throws and Betancourt added another to cut the Timberwolves’ lead to 48-37 with 6:17 remaining.

Hervey scored eight of Cedar Park’s 18 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play that prevented Burbank from cutting further into its cushion.

“They did a good job,” Jackson said. “They took (28) free throws and only missed seven. The ball didn’t fall for us today.”

Like Burbank, Cedar Park was an experienced team. Knight was a four-year starter for the Timberwolves, who eventually advanced to the state semifinals.

“(Our experience) helps a lot,” Hervey said. “We’ve all been in close games. This is the first time we’ve gotten past the second round in four years. I feel like we can go all the way.”

Against Seguin, the Bulldogs ended the game with a 10-3 surge. The Matadors had pulled within 47-44 late, after Burbank established a 27-17 halftime lead.

Montalvo led Burbank with 17 points. Betancourt added 11 points and Michael Mascorro had 10. Castillo finished with eight.

“The seniors came to play,” Jackson said. “They expected to win. They didn’t want to be one-and-done. They had a lot of energy in practice, and it carried over to the game.”

Burbank raced to an 11-3 record by early December, signalling their resurgence. The Bulldogs finished in a three-way tie for second place in District 28-5A with Brackenridge and Sam Houston.

The Bulldogs lose six seniors who played in the season finale to graduation.

BASEBALL: This week’s results (thru March 7)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Games of March 1-7

Monday’s games

Non-district

Southwest (2-1-1 ???) 3, Churchill (0-2-1 ???) 2

Jourdanton (1-1 ???) 10, Southside (0-3 ???) 4

Tuesday’s games

District 27-5A

Boerne Champion (3-0, 1-0) 14, Memorial (0-3 ???, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

Alamo Heights (4-2, 1-0) 24, Kennedy (1-2 ???, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

Kerrville Tivy (1-1-1, 1-0) 14, Floresville (1-1, 0-1) 4 (6 innings)

Seguin (2-0, 1-0) 4, Lockhart (3-1, 0-1) 3

District 28-5A

Brackenridge (2-1, 1-0) 17, Edison (1-3, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

McCollum (1-1, 1-0) 15, Lanier (1-2, 0-1) 1 (5 innings)

Burbank (1-1, 1-0) 12, Sam Houston (1-1 ???, 0-1) 0 (6 innings)

Harlandale (2-1, 1-0) 7, Jefferson (0-2, 0-1) 1

Non-district

Central Catholic (2-1) vs. Madison (0-1-1 ???) (canceled)

Holy Cross (3-2) 11, Somerset (0-1-1 ???) 0 (5 innings)

Judson (1-4) 9, South San (1-5) 8

East Central (2-0) at Smithson Valley (0-2-1) (ppd., no reschedule date)

Wednesday’s games

No games scheduled

Thursday’s games

Non-district

Bandera Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Southside (1-3 ???). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Comal ISD Tournament

At New Braunfels Canyon

Burbank (2-2) 10, Seguin 1
Canyon Lake 10, Burbank (2-2) 9

Devine Tournament

Holy Cross (4-3) 6, Somerset 2
Marion 12, Holy Cross (4-3) 0 (4 innings)

Edgewood ISD Tournament

Brackenridge (4-1) 3, Kennedy (2-3 ???) 2
Sam Houston (3-1 ???) 5, Natalia 2
Saginaw 16, Memorial (0-5 ???) 0
Saginaw 5, Memorial (0-5 ???) 0
Kennedy (2-3 ???) 6, Edison (1-4) 0
Brackenridge (4-1) 13, Cole 2 (5 innings)
Sam Houston (3-1 ???) 10, Jefferson (0-4) 8
Natalia 9, Memorial (0-5 ???) 1

Floresville Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Lanier (1-2). FINALS – Saturday.

Kerrville Tivy Tournament

AREA TEAMS – East Central (2-0). FINALS – Saturday.  (scores unavailable)

NEISD Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Highlands (1-0 ???), South San (1-5). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Southwest/Central Catholic Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Central Catholic (2-1), Harlandale (2-1), McCollum (1-1), Southwest (2-1-1 ???). FINALS – Saturday. (ppd. to Friday)

 

Friday’s games

Non-district

Bandera Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Southside (1-3 ???). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Comal ISD Tournament

At New Braunfels Canyon

El Paso Ysleta 4, Burbank (3-3) 2
Burbank (3-3) 8, Del Valle 1

Devine Tournament

Holy Cross (5-3) 6, Hondo 1

Edgewood ISD Tournament

Sam Houston (4-2 ???) 5, Saginaw 1
Natalia 8, Jefferson (1-5) 1
Jefferson (1-5) 3, Memorial (1-6 ???) 2 (5 innings)
Memorial (1-6 ???) 7, Sam Houston (4-2 ???) 6 (5 innings)
Los Fresnos 5, Brackenridge (5-2) 0
Brackenridge (5-2) 6, Edison (2-5) 5 (5 innings)
Kennedy (4-3 ???) 10, Cole 6
Edison (2-5) 12, Cole 4
Kennedy (4-3 ???) 1, Los Fresnos 0

Floresville Tournament

Floresville JV 10, Lanier (1-4) 4
Floresville 14, Lanier (1-4) 2 ( 5 innings)

Kerrville Tivy Tournament

AREA TEAMS – East Central (2-0 ???). FINALS – Saturday.  (scores unavailable)

NEISD Tournament

Churchill 9, Highlands (2-2-1 ???) 0
Highlands (2-2-1 ???) 8, South San (2-6) 7
South San (2-6) 13, Lee 9

Southwest/Central Catholic Tournament

Medina Valley 8, Harlandale (2-3-1) 1
Laredo Alexander 12, McCollum (1-4) 0
Southwest (4-2-1 ???) 8, McCollum (1-4) 1
Southwest (4-2-1 ???) 11, Harlandale (2-3-1) 0 (4 innings)
Medina Valley 5, Southwest (4-2-1 ???) 2
Central Catholic (3-2-1) 3, McCollum (1-4) 2
Central Catholic (3-2-1) 6, Harlandale (2-3-1) 6 (6 innings) (Central Catholic advances on tiebreaker)
Laredo Alexander 15, Central Catholic (3-2-1) 1

Saturday’s games

Non-district

Bandera Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Southside (1-3 ???). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Comal ISD Tournament

At New Braunfels Canyon

AREA TEAMS – Burbank (3-3). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Devine Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Holy Cross (5-3). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

Edgewood ISD Tournament

OTHER AREA TEAMS – Edison (2-5), Jefferson (1-5), Memorial (1-6 ???).

Saginaw 7, Brackenridge (5-3) 2
Los Fresnos 13, Sam Houston (4-3 ???) 0 (5 innings)
Kennedy (5-3 ???) 4, Natalia 1

Floresville Tournament

Pleasanton 16, Lanier (1-5) 0 (4 innings)

Kerrville Tivy Tournament

Madison 5, East Central (2-1 ???) 2

NEISD Tournament

AREA TEAMS – Highlands (2-2-1 ???), . FINALS – Saturday.

Highlands (3-2-1 ???) 5, Lee 5 (7 innings)
Antonian 11, South San (2-8) 5
Antonian 8, Highlands (3-2-1 ???) 1
Churchill 7, South San (2-8) 4

Southwest/Central Catholic Tournament

Consolation championship

McCollum (2-4) 7, Harlandale (2-4-1) 3

Semifinals

Medina Valley 2, Southwest (5-3-1 ???) 1

Laredo Alexander 13, Central Catholic (3-4-1) 1

Third place

Southwest (5-3-1 ???) 4, Central Catholic (3-4-1) 1

Championship

Laredo Alexander 9, Medina Valley 1

SOFTBALL: This week’s results (thru March 7)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Games of March 1-7

Monday’s games

District 27-5A

Boerne Champion (3-4, 2-0) 12, Alamo Heights (1-3 ???, 1-1) 1

District 28-5A

Edison (6-3 ???, 1-1) 6, Highlands (3-2, 0-1) 2

Tuesday’s games

District 27-5A

Lockhart (3-1 ???, 2-0) 7,Alamo Heights (1-4 ???, 1-2) 4 (8 innings)

Boerne Champion (4-4, 3-0) 8, Floresville (7-1, 1-1) 3

Kerrville Tivy (1-6, 1-1) 12, Kennedy (1-4-1, 0-2) 3

San Marcos (5-4, 2-0) 22, Memorial (0-7, 0-2) 0 (3 innings)

District 28-5A

Brackenridge (4-6, 2-0) 10, Harlandale (2-4-1, 1-1) 0 (6 innings)

Lanier (1-3 ???, 1-1) 21,  Jefferson (2-7, 0-2) 16

McCollum (7-2, 2-0) 22, Sam Houston (0-7, 0-2) 0 (3 innings)

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (9-1, 1-0) 17, Laredo Cigarroa (2-4 ???, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

Somerset (8-0, 0-0) at Laredo Nixon (0-0 ???, 0-0) (ppd., rescheduled for Wednesday)

Eagle Pass Winn (3-1 ???, 1-0) 10, Southside (0-7, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

Uvalde (7-4, 1-0) 18, Laredo Martin (0-5 ???, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

District 26-3A

Randolph (4-1 ???, 1-0) 18, Cole (0-4 ???, 0-2) 0 (3 innings)

Natalia (11-0, 2-0) 26, Brooks Academy (0-1 ???, 0-1 ???)  1 (3 innings)

TAPPS 4-4A

Holy Cross (5-5-2 ???, 1-0) 6, Victoria St. Joseph (1-2 ???, 0-1) 3

Non-district

Lee (3-3 ???) 16, Burbank (2-5-1) 0 (3 innings)

East Central (11-0) 5, Johnson (3-6) 4

South San (9-0) 8, MacArthur (3-5) 1

Southwest (6-3) 13, Churchill (2-7) 0 (5 innings)

 

Wednesday’s games

District 29-5A

Somerset (9-0, 1-0) 11, Laredo Nixon (0-1 ???, 0-1) 0 (5 innings)

 

Thursday’s games

Non-district

Seguin Tournament

AREA TEAMS – East Central (11-0), Holy Cross (4-4), South San (9-0). FINALS – Saturday. (scores unavailable)

 

Friday’s games

District 27-5A

San Marcos (6-4, 3-0) 14, Alamo Heights (1-5 ???, 1-3) 0 (5 innings)

Boerne Champion (5-4, 4-0) 7, Kerrville Tivy (1-7, 1-2) 1

Lockhart (4-1 ???, 3-0) 5, Floresville (7-2, 1-2) 4

Seguin (2-5, 1-2) 12, Memorial (0-8, 0-3) 0

District 28-5A

Jefferson (3-7, 1-2) 27,. Sam Houston (0-8, 0-3) 10 (3 innings)

Brackenridge (5-6, 3-0) 17,.Lanier (1-4 ???, 1-2) 7

Harlandale (3-4-1, 2-1) 15, Highlands (3-3, 0-2) 8

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (10-1, 2-0) 13, Eagle Pass Winn (3-2 ???, 1-1) 4

Somerset (10-0, 2-0) 18, Laredo Martin (0-6 ???, 0-2) 0 (3 innings)

Southside (1-7, 1-1) 13, Laredo Nixon (0-2 ???, 0-2) 3 (5 innings)

Uvalde (8-4, 2-0) 11, Laredo Cigarroa (2-5 ???, 0-2) 6

Non-district

Southwest (8-4) 16, Eagle Pass (2-4 ???) 6 (6 innings)

Seguin Tournament

OTHER AREA TEAMS – Holy Cross (4-4).

South San (11-0) 10, Laredo Johnson 2
South San (11-0) 12, San Diego 0 (3 innings)
East Central (12-1) 2, Judson 1
New Braunfels Canyon 4, East Central (12-1)  0

 

Saturday’s games

District 28-5A

McCollum (8-2, 3-0) 17, Burbank (2-6-1, 1-1) 0 (4 innings)

Non-district

Seguin Tournament

OTHER AREA TEAMS – Holy Cross (5-5-2 ???).

East Central (13-2) 9, Seguin 3

Medina Valley 12, East Central (13-2) 1

Churchill 7, South San (11-1) 3

BOYS BASKETBALL: Area playoff results (complete)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Games of March 1-7

Tuesday’s game

CLASS 5A

Region IV quarterfinals

Sam Houston (15-13) 61, Cedar Park Vista Ridge (24-11) 56

 

Friday’s game

CLASS 5A

Region IV semifinals

Sam Houston (16-13) 66, Edinburg Vela (31-7) 58

 

Saturday’s game

CLASS 5A

Region IV championship

Cedar Park (28-6) 53, Sam Houston (16-14) 41