Category: Weeks of Dec. 21, 2014-Jan. 3, 2015

BOYS BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT: Three area teams make strong showings in Boerne

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Central Catholic, East Central, Edison, Highlands, Holy Cross, Lanier, Memorial, Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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The Boerne ISD Tournament is recognized as one of the best around San Antonio, but that didn’t deter three area teams.

In a matchup of two of the area’s best teams, Central Catholic (19-5) defeated East Central (15-5) 52-48 Dec. 29, but the biggest game in the two-day tournament featured another area team. Holy Cross (21-6) beat Boerne Champion (16-4) 75-69 in overtime later in the day.

Central Catholic was undefeated in four tournament games. East Central’s only loss was to Central Catholic. Holy Cross lost only to Wimberley 84-76 in overtime Dec. 29.

Against Champion, Holy Cross outscored the Chargers 13-6 in overtime. The Knights received 35 points from senior Brandon Armstrong. Joe Soto contributed 17 points and Jonathan Bailey scored 11.

Central Catholic, which also defeated Churchill 57-48 Jan. 2, led East Central 29-20 at halftime and withstood a second-half comeback for the win. Senior Robert Elizondo led the Buttons with 15 points. Raul Aguilar and Noah Salinas scored nine apiece. Antonio Rascoe had eight points.

East Central junior K’Von Rice produced a team-best 11 points. Senior Ethan White scored 10.

Central Catholic and Holy Cross won their games Jan. 2.

Holy Cross (4-0 in district) won 72-61 at TMI (9-18, 2-2) to remain undefeated in TAPPS District 4-4A. Armstrong led the Knights with 28 points. Soto scored 16, Bailey 11 and Jason Fernandez 10. LeSean Brown led the Panthers with 36 points.

Central Catholic recorded an impressive home victory 57-48 over Churchill. Elizondo finished with a team-high 21 points. Aguilar supplied 13 points and Rascoe had 11.

Lanier 58, Edison 54 (OT)

The fourth-place Voks (10-11, 3-2) held off a rapidly improving Edison team (4-13, 2-2) for an overtime District 28-5A win Jan. 2 at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Lanier trailed 21-20 at halftime, but outscored the Golden Bears 9-5 in overtime for the win. Voks junior center Isaiah Vargas scored 11 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots. Jerry Samudio added 10 points. Brian Laque (6 assists) and Jesus Quintero scored nine points each.

Despite the loss, the Golden Bears occupied fifth place on the strength of wins over Highlands and Harlandale in their first two 28-5A games. Against Lainer, Eddie Esquivel and Antonio Vela each scored 13 points for Edison. Jordan Lopez finished with nine points.

Memorial 56, Floresville 53

The Minutemen (7-9, 2-2) built a 44-34 lead through three quarters and held on to win the District 29-5A game Jan. 2 at Floresville (5-13, 1-4).

Senior Adam Villanueva led the Minutemen with 15 points. Carlos Balderas scored 13 and Josh Pitts chipped in 11.

Sam Houston 75, Highlands 53

The Hurricanes (8-7, 4-1) blasted Highlands (4-14, 0-4) in a District 28-5A game Jan. 2 at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Senior Robert Christian led Sam Houston with 21 points. Henry Carter contributed 11 points and Raymonte Prime added nine.

Highlands was led by senior Gerardo Marquez with 30 points. Lawrence Frambs scored nine.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Fox Tech building confidence for another run at postseason

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Fox Tech.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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The benefit of playing better teams is that they’ll let you know what your team needs to improve on.

Navarro (12-2) was willing to show Fox Tech (9-12) what it needed to concentrate on in practice when they played a non-district game Dec. 21. The dilemma was that UIL regulations didn’t allow the Buffaloes to practice following the 66-40 loss.

The game was played just before UIL rules mandated a five-day non-contact period, during which teams could neither play games nor practice.

“We’re young, but we’re playing really well,” seventh-year Fox Tech coach Kellen Morgan said. “That Navarro team is just good. They’ve beaten everybody in our district. I told our kids we had a chance to see how we stack up against the best teams in our district.”

The Buffaloes return just three players from their 2014-15 team which tied for fourth place in District 26-3A, but lost a tiebreaker game that would have qualified Fox Tech for the postseason for the first time since 2010. Morgan thinks his team could be capable of taking that additional step this season with eight upperclassmen on the roster.

Fox Tech showed its best prolonged display of its potential at the Lee Academy Tournament Dec. 11-12.

“We played really, really well,” Morgan said. “The guys grew up and got their confidence up. They came out flat today.”

Against Navarro, Fox Tech wasn’t able to get off to the kind of start that propelled it to a 55-49 upset win over Southside (3-9) in its previous game, Dec. 15. In that contest, the Buffaloes scored the first 14 points and fended off the Cardinals in the fourth quarter.

Navarro jumped out to an 18-2 lead in the first quarter, making four 3-point shots (two by Isaiha Grant).

“Our defense gave them a little difficulty,” Panthers coach Jim Weaver said. “We got up on them right away and we were able to keep the tempo up.”

The Panthers had advantages in size, strength and experience. They opened a 37-8 lead with 2:20 until halftime. Junior returnee Roger McCracken (14 points) drove for a couple of baskets and Cesar Perez scored off a drive to bring Fox Tech within 43-14 at halftime.

A basket from Fox Tech sophomore Angel Gonzalez (15 points) and a three-point shot from senior Mikin Bhakta accounted for the first five points of the second half. Three-pointers from Bhakta and McCracken kept the Panthers’ lead from growing in the fourth quarter. Gonzalez knocked down a layup off an inbounds pass from McCracken to make it 62-38 with 2:07 left.

“I was proud of the effort in the second half,” Morgan said. “Everybody pulled their weight. It could have been an 80-30 game if we hadn’t done that. We’ll keep working and getting better.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: East Central upsets Region IV champion Timberwolves

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: East Central.

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East Central (12-4) notched the biggest victory of Christmas week and arguably the area’s biggest win this season, felling defending Region IV champion Cedar Park 84-75 Dec. 22 at East Central.

The Hornets dominated the opening quarter, building a 28-14 lead and maintained a 16-point advantage on the Timberwolves at halftime.

“Rashard Smith made four 3-pointers in the first half,” East Central coach Jeff Sweet said of Cedar Park. “The way we shared and shot the ball, we were hard to defend.”

6-foot-5 major-college recruit Keaton Hervey set a Cedar Park school record with 44 points in the loss. East Central, though, never surrendered the lead, despite seeing it dwindle to 74-69 on a free throw from Hervey with 3:17 remaining. Hornets senior guard Ethan White responded with a fast-break layup that became a three-point play.

White (24 points) added two more free throws with 58.9 seconds remaining to give East Central a 79-69 lead. The senior made eight of 12 foul shots in the game and corralled six rebounds.

“When it got a little tough,” Sweet said, “he was able to step his game up and score.”

Smith finished with 13 points, including the four 3-pointers. Tony Moffett and Marquez Hamilton (4 steals) scored 11 points each. K’Von Rice had a team-high five assists and three steals.

The Cedar Park win joined victories over Johnson, Brennan, Reagan and O’Connor as the Hornets continued to build an impressive resume.

“I’d like to see these guys get some recognition,” Sweet said, “as one of the better teams in the city.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT (Dec. 28-Jan. 3): Voks defeat Edison, seize second in 28-5A

Brackenridge knots up 28-5A race

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Brooks Academy, Burbank, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Jefferson, Lanier, McCollum, Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southside-awakens-blows-away-Laredo-Martin-after-5997030.php

 

Lanier (13-10, 5-2) bounced back from a loss four days earlier to claim second place in District 28-5A with a 55-34 win over Edison (6-16, 1-5) Jan. 3 at Alamo Convocation Center.

The Voks lost 76-49 to district-leading Highlands (16-9, 6-0) Dec. 30 on the same court.

The Voks pulled away from Edison in the second half, holding it to four points in the third quarter. The Golden Bears were within 22-17 at halftime, despite a big first half from Lanier junior Ruby Garza, who finished with a game-high 20 points.

Sabrina Cortinas added 13 points for the Voks. Junior Rachel Campos led the Golden Bears with nine points.

Harlandale (10-12, 4-2) defeated Edison 50-41 Dec. 30.

Senior Elizabeth Herrera led the victorious Indians with 15 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals, three assists and two blocked shots. Justyne Perez scored 11 points. Kristy Ricondo scored eight points and collected seven rebounds for Harlandale. Kayla Nunez made five steals.

Freshman Judilynn Mayorga was the Golden Bears’ top scorer, supplying 10 points to go with five rebounds. Jasmin Chapa grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and made three steals as did Rachel Campos. Jasmine Hernandez scored nine points.

Brackenridge 48, Burbank 39

The Eagles (9-15, 4-2) forged a three-way tie for third place in District 28-5A with a win over rival Burbank (9-13, 2-4) Jan. 3 at Alamo Convocation Center.

Brackenridge finished the week tied with Harlandale (10-12, 4-2) and Sam Houston (8-7, 4-2), whom the Eagles defeated 55-46 Dec. 30. Burbank had won its previous two district games.

The Eagles received 21 points from junior Skyler Reyna and 14 from senior Clarissa Rodriguez.

Katherine Regalado led the Bulldogs with 12 points. Antwanisha Riddle scored 10.

Young Women’s Leadership Academy 77, Brooks Academy 42

Sophomore guard Olivia Balderas fired in 38 points as the Cardinals (16-10) blitzed Brooks Academy in a non-district game Jan. 2 in the Bengals’ gym.

Clarissa Castro chipped in 11 points for YWLA. Jylian Bolton scored nine and Julianna Lopez added eight.

Alyssa Quintanilla was Brooks Academy’s leading scorer with 14 points. Hailey Rinewalt and J. Castillo contributed 10 points apiece.

Jefferson 29, McCollum 23

The Mustangs (5-15, 2-5) edged McCollum (1-15, 0-6) in a District 28-5A Jan. 3 at Jefferson.

Jefferson took a 9-7 lead in the first quarter and led at the end of each successive quarter. The Cowboys were within 19-17 after three.

Junior guard Angela Hardcastle led Jefferson with 11 points. Kasey Torres scored seven.

Azrith Gomez, Andrea Green and Celeste Ramirez each scored four points for the Cowboys.

BOYS BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT (Dec. 28-Jan. 3): Bobcats put exclamation point on week with win over Laredo LBJ

Lanier hangs onto share of 28-5A lead

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Lanier, Sam Houston, South San.

South San's Arthur Rangel (35) assesses the Brahmas' defense while teammate Joseph Zepeda moves in to set a pick. Rangel scored 20 points against Laredo Johnson.
South San’s Arthur Rangel (35) assesses the MacArthur’s defense in a previous game while teammate Joseph Zepeda moves in to set a pick. Rangel scored 20 points against Laredo Johnson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southwest-gets-revenge-on-New-Braunfels-Canyon-5997034.php

 

 

South San (15-4) capped a full week with a 67-30 blowout victory over Laredo Johnson (5-13) Jan. 3 at South San.

The Bobcats also placed third at the Calallen Christmas Classic earlier in the week. South San won three of four games in the two-day tournament at Corpus Christi Calallen.

Against Laredo Johnson, senior Arthur Rangel scored a team-high 20 points as South San established a 31-14 halftime lead. Malik Brown contributed 11 points. Andre Flores and Jordan Allen each scored nine points. Curtis Allen had eight.

South San won its first two games at Callallen, blasting Corpus Christi Incarnate Word 83-39 and Corpus edging Christi Flour Bluff 60-56 Dec. 29. Coppell defeated the Bobcats 62-31 Dec. 30 in the semifinals, but they recovered to dump District 28-6A rival Corpus Christi King 68-38 and claim third place.

Curtis Allen scored 25 points for South San against King.

Lanier 57, Edison 51

The Voks (12-11, 5-0) remained atop the District 28-5A standings, a half-game ahead of Burbank (17-4, 4-0), with a victory over Edison (7-12, 2-2) Jan. 3 at Alamo Convocation Center.

Junior post Raul Solis led Lanier with 14 points. Sophomore Isaiah Vargas also was in double figures, with 10 points. Jerry Samudio and Joe Soto scored nine points apiece.

Senior Angel Rodriguez was Edison’s top scorer with 14 points. Lorenzo Vela supplied 11 points, three assists and three steals. Angelo Leyvani added 10 points for the Golden Bears.

Lanier also defeated Highlands 78-61 Dec. 30 at the ACC. Edison defeated Harlandale (12-9, 1-3) 59-44 that day at Harlandale.

Sam Houston 87, Highlands 67

The Hurricanes (4-10, 2-3) rolled to their first two District 28-5A wins, defeating Brackenridge 56-47 Dec. 30 and downing Highlands Jan.3 in the opening contest of a marathon day at Alamo Convocation Center.

Against Highlands, Sam Houston junior wing Robert Christian (29 points) and senior post Devin Allen (26 points) each benefitted from the fast tempo. Henry Carter chipped in 15 points. Dewayne Brown added eight points.

Senior post Joseph Jackson led Highlands with 23 points. JerMichael Shirley, who recently returned from an injury scored 13. Jamaria Moody (13 points) and Alejandro Trevino (10 points) also were in double figures.

In the win over Brackenridge, Christian logged a team-high 15 points and Raymonte Prime scored eight.

Richard Wallace provided 15 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Eagles. Jonathan King added 10.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Southwest exacts revenge against New Braunfels Canyon

Quick payback puts Dragons back at .500

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Southwest.

Southwest freshman D'Andre Griffin drives on a Brandeis defender in a previous game.
Southwest freshman D’Andre Griffin drives on a Brandeis defender in a previous game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southwest-gets-revenge-on-New-Braunfels-Canyon-5997034.php

 

Southwest couldn’t erase the heartbreak of losing to New Braunfels Canyon in the championship game of its tournament, so it did the next-best thing in the do-over.

The Dragons (9-9) prevailed when the teams faced each other in a rematch of their Southwest Tournament finale Jan. 2 on the same court. Canyon (8-10) nipped Southwest 47-46 Dec. 30 in the tournament title game. The visitors claimed revenge with a 72-63 decision.

“We executed very well,” first-year Southwest coach Lance Lipscomb said. “The kids were disappointed when we lost in the championship game. We felt we should win our own tournament.

“How often do you have a chance to get right back and get that rematch? Usually a loss like that sticks with you for a while.”

The loss to Canyon was the only one Southwest incurred in the tournament and for the week. The Dragons defeated Eagle Pass 79-71 and Southside (5-10), which didn’t win a tournament game, 71-58 Dec. 29. On the last day Dec. 30, Southwest bombed Carrizo Springs 52-47 to reach the title game.

“We looked a little bit better,” Lipscomb said of the rematch. “We shot the ball better. Jake Harris for Canyon is a phenomenal player. We told the kids he was going to get his points and (Southwest’s) Aaron Embry was going to get his. But I told them our other four were better than their four.”

Embry, a fourth-year starter, scored 24 points and Harris had 23 in the first meeting between the teams. No other Dragons players contributed more than seven points.

On Jan. 2 at Southwest, their scoring was much more balanced. Embry again led the way, scoring 19 points. Behind him, sophomore Jacob Bedford-Chase chipped in 17. Brandon Munoz and freshman DeAndre Griffin each produced 14 points.

Bedford-Chase came off the bench and quickly found his shooting touch.

“I don’t think he’d scored in double figures before this year,” Lipscomb said. “He took advantage. He hit his three(-pointers) and made free throws. He played pretty good defense.

“He really ignited our offense. When he hit some shots outside, it opened up some drives and we were able to get to the basket.”

Southwest led throughout the rematch and had the lead for much of the championship game. However, the Dragons’ shooting touch went cold at the worst time.

New Braunfels Canyon claimed the lead when Southwest was unable to score in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter.

“How many teams don’t score for seven minutes and it’s still a one-possession game?,” Lipscomb said. “Our defense wasn’t too bad and we forced turnovers. Harris found some open shooters and kids who don’t normally make threes hit threes.”

In the Southside game, Embry popped in 25 points and Munoz added 19. Bedford-Chase produced eight.

Manny Martinez led Southside with 21 points. Alex Rangel scored 11 points and Robert Hernandez nine for the Cardinals.

The Dragons won’t begin their District 28-6A season until Jan. 16 against Corpus Christi King at Southwest. They’re hoping to pick up two wins in the coming week and bring the momentum into the district.

“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Lipscomb said. “South San and Corpus Christi Carroll are doing really well. East Central is always competitive.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Southside awakens, blows away Laredo Martin after halftime

Cardinals’ rebounding overcomes obstacles

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Southside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southside-awakens-blows-away-Laredo-Martin-after-5997030.php

Southside’s style may be a bit unconventional, but it’s hard to knock down a team that remains undefeated in District 29-5A.

The Cardinals (11-6, 3-0) defeated Laredo Martin (4-11, 1-2) 57-38 Jan. 2 at Southside. They’ve won their first three 29-5A games by a combined 40 points and are tied for first with Laredo Cigarroa (3-0 in district), but that doesn’t mean it has been a breeze.

Southside committed 37 turnovers against the Tigers, but forced 33. The Cardinals gained a lot of extra possessions, however, by outrebounding Martin 53-22. They scored 10 points off rebounds.

“I had to chew them out at halftime,” first-year Southside coach Jessica Macias-Cardenas said. “We came out flat. They responded really well in the second half – especially in the fourth quarter.”

Laredo Martin (3-0 in district) incurred its second loss after beginning the week undefeated in the district. Macias-Cardenas anticipated that the Tigers would contend for the 29-5A title.

Southside separated itself from the Tigers with a 26-5 run, that included the last 11 points in the third quarter. It began in response to five unanswered points from Laredo Martin post Leslie Mares (21 points, 11 rebounds). The Tigers led 30-27 at that stage.

“We just didn’t play well enough,” Laredo Martin coach Frank Gonzalez said. “For three quarters, we were right there. Then we missed some free throws and gave up some layups.

“We had some turnovers and missed some layups that we normally don’t do.”

Southside led 22-20 at halftime, then scored on a 15-foot jumper from Desirae Arocha (17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals) and a basket from Klarissa Quintana (16 points, 4 steals, 4 assists).

Arocha and Amalia Alexander (6 points, 14 rebounds) scored off rebounds at the start of the Cardinals’ breakout run. Mayra Sendejo added a fast-break basket and a three-point play that built a 38-29 lead.

Laredo Martin missed the front end of four one-and-one free throw opportunites in the first four minutes of the final quarter. Meanwhile, the Cardinals lead grew to 42-32.

Sendejo (14 points, 10 rebounds, 7 steals) nailed four free throws and Arocha put back another rebound to push it to 20 with 2:06 to play.

“If we had started off like that, it wouldn’t have been a ballgame,” Macias-Cardenas said. “We let them stay in the game. At one point in the third quarter, we started playing the way we usually play.

“That’s the thing for us. We play down to other team’s levels. Once we realized it shouldn’t even have been (close), it was a totally different ballgame.”

Southside will play host to Laredo Cigarroa at 7 p.m. Friday.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Plenty of credit to spread around for Burbank

Eagles working toward having last run

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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The all-for-one and one-for-all approach worked for the Three Muskateers, and it continues to be the foundation for Burbank’s success.

“We don’t focus on one play or one player,” Burbank junior point guard Moses Betancourt said. “We’re all in this together.”

The Bulldogs (17-4, 4-0) defeated rival Brackenridge (7-10, 1-4) 58-41 Jan. 3 at Alamo Convocation Center to retain second place in District 28-5A. Lanier (12-11, 5-0) led the district ahead of their Jan. 16 showdown at the ACC.

“We’re staying confident, but we’re not getting big heads,” Burbank coach Herbert Jackson said. “I think it’s a gift to be in this position. We’ve still got four games to go in the first round, and anybody can beat anybody.”

Young Brackenridge has been a hard-luck team in the early stages of the district season. The Eagles have absorbed overtime losses to Edison and Lanier.

They were within 22-19 late in the first half against Burbank and trailed 28-23 when charged with a technical foul.

“We’re a very young team with a lot of new players,” Brackenridge coach Joey Isaac said. “We’re in every game. I don’t think there’s been one game where we weren’t right there at halftime. We’ve still got a lot of games to learn what we need to do to get a win at the end.”

The veteran Bulldogs capitalized when the technical, assessed because of a clerical error, opened the door for them to extend the lead. Brackenridge had survived Burbank’s first two runs.

The Bulldogs seized an 8-2 lead midway through the first quarter when Matthew Juarez (12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals) notched a layup off an assist from Michael Mascorro.

“That’s my glue,” Jackson said of Juarez. “He’s doing a lot of little things most people don’t pay attention to.”

A three-point basket from Everett Patino brought the Eagles within two, but Burbank scored the next seven points.

Brackenridge’s Jonathan King (7 points, 3 steals) closed the gap to 22-19 with 1:06 until halftime, but Burbank’s Juan Castillo (11 points) answered with a driving layup. A pull-up jumper by Betancourt (14 points, 3 assists, 2 steals) gave the Bulldogs a 28-21 cushion, but Patino made a steall and hit a short shot ahead of the technical.

Betancourt made two of the four resulting free throws and Mascorro (5 rebounds, 3 assists) cashed in a steal for a 32-23 Burbank lead with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter. A driving bank shot from Alejandro Monjarrez gave the Bulldogs a 12-point edge as the quarter ended.

Brackenridge junior Richard Wallace (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocked shots) scored five points in the final quarter, including a three-point play that reduced the Eagles’ deficit to 11 points. Brack’s 6-foot-5 Jalen Davis finished with seven rebounds.

“I don’t know if there’s been a game where we were behind by more than a few points at the end of the first half,” Isaac said. “Basketball’s a game of runs and, in our district, it’s about who has the last one. Right now, we haven’t had the last one, but we’ve been close.”

Moses Montalvo helped Burbank keep Brackenridge at bay with a pair of five-point spurts in the last two quarters. It was just his second game back after missing five games with a high-ankle sprain.

“It was a joy and a relief,” Jackson said. “I still don’t believe he’s 100 percent.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: Southwest vs. Brandeis at SAISD Tournament photo gallery, Dec. 11, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Southwest senior Aaron Embry positions himself for a rebound between Brandeis' William Raeford (40) and Josh Thompson (20) in a first-round match Thursday. The Dragons made a strong showing against the eventual champion, falling 58-51.
Southwest senior Aaron Embry positions himself for a rebound between Brandeis’ William Raeford (40) and Josh Thompson (20) in a first-round match Thursday. The Dragons made a strong showing against the eventual champion, falling 58-51.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest freshman D'Andre Griffin drives on a Brandeis defender.
Southwest freshman D’Andre Griffin drives on a Brandeis defender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest's Brandon Munoz (32) and Aaron Embry (33) grab a rebound over the Broncos' Ray Gallardo Jr.
Southwest’s Brandon Munoz (32) and Aaron Embry (33) grab a rebound over the Broncos’ Ray Gallardo Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dragons sophomore Tristan Quintana drives to score two of his 10 points against Brandeis.
Dragons sophomore Tristan Quintana drives to score two of his 10 points against Brandeis.

 

 

 

 

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: East Central vs. Clark at SAISD Tournament photo gallery, Dec. 13, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

East Central's Greg White (11) and Ethan White (10) crash the boards against Clark in a SAISD Tournament semifinal.
East Central’s Greg White (11) and Ethan White (10) crash the boards against Clark in a SAISD Tournament semifinal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Central senior Brandon Keno takes a fadeway jumper inside against Clark's Sterling Leopold in an SAISD semifinal game.
East Central senior Brandon Keno takes a fadeway jumper inside against Clark’s Sterling Leopold in an SAISD semifinal game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hornets senior guard Wanya Ward (13) sends a pass ahead on the fastbreak. Ward scored 10 points against Clark.
Hornets senior guard Wanya Ward (13) sends a pass ahead on the fastbreak. Ward scored 10 points against Clark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Keno and Clak's Micah Damrow (11) race for a loose ball.
Brandon Keno and Clak’s Micah Damrow (11) race for a loose ball. Keno scored nine points against the Cougars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: South San vs. MacArthur at SAISD Tournament photo gallery, Dec. 11, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Joseph Zepeda (41) of South San defends an inbound pass from MacArthur's Shawn Hamilton.
Joseph Zepeda (41) of South San defends an inbound pass from MacArthur’s Shawn Hamilton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South San's Arthur Rangel (35) assesses the Brahmas' defense while teammate Joseph Zepeda moves in to set a pick. Rangel scored 21 points.
South San’s Arthur Rangel (35) assesses the Brahmas’ defense while teammate Joseph Zepeda moves in to set a pick. Rangel scored 21 points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bobcats junior Andre Flores clears a rebound against MacArthur's front line.
Bobcats junior Andre Flores clears a rebound against MacArthur’s front line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South San guard Justin Apolinar goes airborne to cut down MacArthur standout Kyle Murphy's passing lanes in a Thursday first-round game.
South San guard Justin Apolinar goes airborne to cut down MacArthur standout Kyle Murphy’s passing lanes in a Thursday first-round game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: Highlands vs. St. Anthony at SAISD Tournament photo gallery, Dec. 11, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

The Owls' Lamar Sterling (10) and Armando Ferguson (23) spring a backcourt trap against St. Anthony's Asa Meyer.
The Owls’ Lamar Sterling (10) and Armando Ferguson (23) spring a backcourt trap against St. Anthony’s Asa Meyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlands post Joseph Jackson corrals a rebound with one hand vs. St. Anthony.
Highlands post Joseph Jackson corrals a rebound with one hand vs. St. Anthony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owls point guard Jamaria Moody drives the baseline against a Yellowjackets defender.
Owls point guard Jamaria Moody drives the baseline against a Yellowjackets defender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlands' Christopher Hartfield (42) tips a rebound away from St. Anthony's Asa Meyer (23).
Highlands’ Christopher Hartfield (42) tips a rebound away from St. Anthony’s Asa Meyer (23).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlands coach Rufus Lott discusses strategy with his team in the Owls' 62-60 win over St. Anthony.
Highlands coach Rufus Lott discusses strategy with his team in the Owls’ 62-60 win over St. Anthony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Providence at Fox Tech photo gallery, Dec. 2, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Providence's Imani Dunn-Lee looks for a driving lane against Fox Tech.
Providence’s Imani Dunn-Lee looks for a driving lane against Fox Tech.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fox Tech guard Melanie Molina looks for a passing lane.
Fox Tech guard Melanie Molina looks for a passing lane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Providence junior Kelsey Day goes in for a layup.
Providence junior Kelsey Day goes in for a layup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fox Tech's Mercedes Villarreal (25) and Providence's Natalie Beauchamp (44) battle for rebounding position.
Fox Tech’s Mercedes Villarreal (25) and Providence’s Natalie Beauchamp (44) battle for rebounding position.

 

 

 

 

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Burbank vs. Port Lavaca Calhoun at Floresville Tournament photo gallery, Nov. 20, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Burbank sophomore Jade Moore looks for an open teammate.
Burbank sophomore Jade Moore looks for an open teammate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burbank post Antwanisha Riddle takes a free throw against Port Lavaca Calhoun.
Burbank post Antwanisha Riddle takes a free throw against Port Lavaca Calhoun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bulldogs point guard Abigail Macias surveys the defense.
Bulldogs point guard Abigail Macias surveys the defense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bulldogs' Cory Sepulveda hauls down a rebound in traffic against Port Lavaca Calhoun.
The Bulldogs’ Cory Sepulveda hauls down a rebound in traffic against Port Lavaca Calhoun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Southwest vs. Marshall at Floresville Tournament photo gallery, Nov. 20, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com

Southwest post Emilee Martinez goes airborne to cut down the Rams player's passing angle.
Southwest post Emilee Martinez goes airborne to cut down the Rams player’s passing angle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aaliyah Holmes takes a defensive stance in the tournament game against Marshall. Holmes finished with 13 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.
Aaliyah Holmes takes her place on the free-thow line in the tournament game against Marshall. Holmes finished with 13 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest senior post Cheyenne Ortiz scores inside against Marshall.
Southwest senior post Cheyenne Ortiz scores inside against Marshall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest coach Bill Avey instructs the Dragons during a timeout against Marshall.
Southwest coach Bill Avey instructs the Dragons during a timeout against Marshall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest point guard Karyssa Henry brings the ball upcourt.
Southwest point guard Karyssa Henry brings the ball upcourt.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Area rankings (thru Dec. 31)

Through December 31

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. South San – 2

2. East Central – 1

3. Burbank – 3

4. Lanier – 4

5. Central Catholic – 5

6. McCollum – 6

7. Sam Houston – 10

8. Brackenridge – 8

9. Highlands – 7

10. Southwest – 11

11. Edison – 13

12. Jefferson – 12

13. Harlandale – 9

14. Memorial – 15

15. Kennedy – 14

 

NR = not ranked

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Area rankings (thru Dec. 31)

Through December 31

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Highlands – 2

2. Southwest – 1

3. South San – 3

4. Southside – 4

5. East Central – 5

6. Brackenridge – 8

7. Sam Houston – 6

8. Lanier – 7

9. Holy Cross – 9

10. Harlandale – 10

11. Burbank – 12

12. Kennedy – 11

13. Young Women’s Leadership Academy – 14

14. Edison – 13

15. Jefferson – 15

NR = not ranked

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: Antonian coach has south side roots

 

Boggess followed bouncing ball, not musical notes

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Harlandale, LaSalle.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

link unavailable

Like Robert Johnson, Charlie Boggess was a guitarist whose instrument led him to a crossroads.

The nature of that junction is where their tales deviate. Johnson, a founding father of the blues, sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in Mississippi. For Boggess, the crossroads the former southsider reached in 1981 was metaphorical rather than a physical location.

Three years into what would become a legendary coaching career at Alamo Heights, Boggess’ band Horizon appeared to be on the verge of taking him in a much different direction. A scout from Geffen Records was a regular at the band’s shows and the offer of a recording contract seemed an increasingly tangible and tantalizing possibility.

“We played before 16,000 people at the HemisFair,” the current Antonian boys basketball coach said. “The local kids came out and kicked (the Commodores’) butts. We were getting played on radio here. This guy saw us play in a small club setting, at Sunken Gardens and at the Commodores’ concert.”

Horizon had positioned itself for impending fame by paying dues for several years. The band included of Boggess’ brothers John on keyboards and Geoff on drums (both of whom played basketball at McCollum and St. Mary’s University) along with vocalist Orlando Gonzales.

It had worked its way up the ladder to land gigs opening for Lionel Richie’s band and Kool and the Gang at the height of those R&B bands’ fame. Boggess, son of Harlandale Hall of Fame member Chuck Boggess, was ready for what seemingly lie ahead.

“I had just started at Alamo Heights,” Boggess said, “but if I had signed, I would have given it up.”

After many inquiries, Horizon learned that the scout had died – and not much else about the situation.

If that music offer had been extended, it would have deprived the San Antonio area of its most successful coach, in terms of career wins.

Boggess had won 884 games prior to the Prince of Peace Tournament in Carrollton, which began Dec. 29. The LaSalle High School grad is in his fourth year at Antonian after recording the majority of those victories over 29 seasons at Alamo Heights.

Twice he guided the Mules to the UIL state tournament. In his first season at Antonian in 2011-12, he coached the Apaches to the TAPPS state finals.

“Charlie’s laid back and a very knowledgeable person,” said Rudy Bernal, who joined Boggess’ staff at Antonian as an assistant this year after winning 567 games as Lanier’s coach.

“He’s definitely one of those Xs and Os guys, He knows what he’s doing. Charlie does a great job of motivating kids and getting them ready to play.”

The 65-year-old’s coaching career began in 1971 as a Harlandale assistant, when his father was the district superintendent. Chuck Boggess had been a drill instructor in the Army Air Corps, stationed at Randolph. He, too, started at Harlandale as the Indians’ head coach in 1947-48 and soon took on athletic director’s duties as well. After 12 years as coach, the patriach became Harlandale ISD’s first athletic director.

Boggess grew up in the heart of the southside, in a three-bedroom house at 154 Kendalia – between S. Flores St. and Pleasanton Ave. His heart never has really left.

“Every time I drive by over there,” Boggess said, “if I don’t have to be someplace, I’ll drive down Southcross and over by St. Leo. I still have an aunt who lives on South Flores.

“I was a part of that community, and your first home is where your home always is. I’m proud of being a southsider and I’m definitely proud of being a Harlandale Indian.”

Of course, he spent countless youthful hours watching his dad’s Harlandale teams play and absorbing lessons about implementing the day-to-day operations of a basketball program.

He and his father also had a hobby. Boggess earned his first $5 from his dad’s band, the Swinging Strings, playing standards like “Misty” and the Harlem Globetrotters anthem “Sweet Georgia Brown” as a 12-year-old.

Once dad set his guitar aside and the younger siblings grew up a bit, the sons began playing rock music. They soon graduated to a funk and blues mixture when Charlie was 25, John was 18 and Geoff 14.

By then, Charlie’s playing career was long over. A serious knee injury prevented him from playing after his days on the baseball and basketball teams at LaSalle – the only Catholic school on the south side when he graduated in 1967.

Boggess credits the abrupt end to his playing career for his hunger to coach, which he doesn’t anticipate being satiated any time soon.

“When I was a kid, I was driven by the dream and I was going to take it as far as I could,” Boggess said, referring to his playing career. “When I got that injury, I guess I didn’t get basketball out of my system, like John and Geoff did.”

HOLIDAY BASKETBALL: YWLA proving to be quick study, formidable foe

Other area teams struggle Christmas week

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: East Central, Fox Tech, Young Women’s Leadership Academy, boys basketball.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

link unavailable

Young Women’s Leadership Academy is an institution of advanced learning, but the girls basketball team’s motto couldn’t be more elementary.

“We’re the little engine that could,” second-year YWLA coach La Rhon Fields said. “Or can. Or will.”

On the first day of Christmas break, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (14-10) couldn’t quite pull off a victory, but the Cardinals have been winning on a more regular basis than in the past couple of seasons, when they were assigned to District 28-4A. They have a victory over Class 6A Holmes to their credit.

Half of YWLA’s losses had been determined by 10 points of fewer, including a 48-41 decision Dec. 22 at Comfort.

“We’ve had a good half-season,” Fields said. “All of our girls are growing. It’s a really special group of girls. We’re trying to make them play with camaraderie. We have a lot of leaders.”

Comfort built a 29-20 halftime lead in a wild second quarter, in which both teams were plagued by turnovers. The distinction was that the Deer were scoring off their steals, while the Cardinals weren’t able to convert theirs into layups.

“Scoring in transition is something new for us,” Comfort coach Tracy Damiano said, “but we’re getting better at it.”

Young Women’s Leadership Academy applied full-court pressure in the third quarter and began to reap the benefits.

“I actually feel like we should have started off like that,” Fields said. “Sometimes it takes a half for us to get amped up. I tell them a nine-point lead is not a lead, it’s just a small advantage that can be easily overcome.

“We clawed ourselves back into the game.”

After a post-up basket from Comfort’s Raegan Lauderdale (13 points) to start the second half, the Cardinals scored the next seven points.

Sophomore guard Olivia Balderas, the only player YWLA who plays Amateur Athletic Union basketball in the offseason, began the streak with a pair of free throws that resulted from Karease Williams’ steal. Senior post Clarissa Castro tallied a three-point play and Balderas scored on a fast-break that brought the Cardinals within 31-27.

The spurt turned into a 16-5 run.

A steal and assist from YWLA’s Kassandra Sosa on Jylian Bolton’s fast-break basket closed the gap to 34-29. Junior Valeria Serenil added a basket and Balderas (22 points) hit a tying three-point shot with 6:15 remaining in the game.

Balderas was the only Cardinal who scored more than four points.

“Karease had four fouls, so that hurt,” Fields said. “We were trying to get the ball in to our posts. Meg Garcia has done a 180. At first, she didn’t care about the game, but now she’s all about basketball. We got 12 points from our three posts today. When you can score in the paint, you can play more efficient basketball.

“Right now, we’re just trying to keep it simple.”

Comfort regained the momentum, scoring eight of the next 10 points.

Kassidy Feldman scored from the baseline and Emily Martinez (24 points) nailed two free throws for a 40-36 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Balderas responded with a 20-foot jumper from the right wing, but Martinez scored four uninterrupted points.

“We wanted to get the ball inside quite a bit,” Damiano said. “I’m proud of them. We got the ball inside and blocked out on the boards, and that got us to the line quite a bit. They definitely kept their poise.”

With 45.8 seconds to play, Balderas sank a three-pointer from the right corner. YWLA was within 45-41, but the Deer secured the win by making three of four foul shots.

With a junior-dominated squad that has gained experience playing together, despite its relative inexperience with basketball, Fields is recognizing progress in less tangible areas as well as in the number of close games the Cardinals have played. He admits to having an intense coaching style and tells his high-achieving student-athletes that they’ve signed on for advanced-placement athletics – an extension of their classroom curriculum.

“They’re just buying into our philosophy and the girls have bonded better,” Fields said. “They’re starting to see things and know the reasons for them.”

The YWLA coach also credits the school’s assistant athletic director Jerry Gonzalez with designing a favorable schedule. The Cardinals’ next game is Saturday, Jan. 3 at Brooks Academy (11:30 a.m.).

“He did a great job of giving us a schedule to fit our abilities,” Fields said.

Antonian 54, East Central 39

The Apaches (13-5) bolted to a 21-9 first-quarter lead and pulled away in a non-district girls basketball game Tuesday at Antonian.

Only four East Central players scored, led by a trio of freshmen. Nalyssa Smith had a team-high 14 points. Casey Cosper added 13. Point guard Makayla Hamilton finished with eight points for the Hornets (8-9).

Navarro 73, Fox Tech 47

The Panthers (8-7) dominated a non-district boys basketball game against Fox Tech (7-9) Monday in Geronimo.

Senior Ruben Chapa led the Buffaloes with 13 points. Roger McCracken scored 12, Angel Gonzalez had nine and Mikin Bhakta eight.

BOYS BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT: Unbeaten Lanier overcomes challenge from Brack

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Lanier.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Hurricanes-struggle-against-Mustangs-zone-5974080.php

Lanier (10-11, 3-0) remained undefeated in District 28-5A Dec. 19 after surviving a threat from Brackenridge (7-8, 1-2) at the Alamo Convocation Center. The Voks rallied to win 73-70 in overtime.

Two juniors stepped up to help the Voks stave off the Eagles as overtime wound down. Raul Solis (21 points), a post forced to play point guard because of Lanier’s foul trouble, drove for a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining. Guard Joe Soto (8 points) made two free throws with 8.5 seconds to clinch the win.

“It was a great game,” first-year Lanier coach Joseph Martinez said. “It was back and forth the whole way. We struggled on offense early, but we stuck with it.”

Brackenridge led 37-36 at halftime and 50-46 after three quarters. Junior center Richard Wallace led the Eagles with 26 points. Isiah Saenz chipped in 18 points. Jalen Davis scored nine.

Solis was Lanier’s top scorer. James Castellano scored 12 points, C.J. Salazar had 11 and Isaiah Vargas finished with nine.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Defensive change helps Jefferson subdue Sam Houston

Mustangs hold off Hurricanes’ late push

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Jefferson, Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Hurricanes-struggle-against-Mustangs-zone-5974080.php

Jefferson doesn’t usually employ a zone defense, but Mustangs coach Eric de los Santos decided he needed to go with prevailing opinion.

Results this year have shown that Sam Houston has struggled against a zone, as first-year coach Erik Coleman admitted after the Mustangs’ 49-40 win Dec. 19 at the Alamo Convocation Center. It was easy to understand why Jefferson’s active 2-3 zone became Jefferson’s weapon of choice.

In fact, de los Santos said he’d had the defense in his back pocket for a couple of weeks. Jefferson (8-8, 1-2) had been drilling on it in practice for that long and learned its lessons well.

“Sam Houston is a team that wants to run,” he said. “They’re so athletic, we couldn’t match up. We needed to stop their penetration and turn them into jump shooters.”

The Hurricanes (2-10, 0-3), who won their first two games over the previous weekend, fell behind 13-4 at the outset. They closed the gap to 38-34 with 5:53 remaining, but never led.

“Going against a 2-3 zone has been our downfall,” Coleman said. “Working against a zone, you have to have a lot of patience. You also have to hit some shots, and we weren’t doing that. We were executing our offense well, but we weren’t getting the put-backs.”

Jefferson guard Dominick Perez (14 points) hit two three-point shots in the Mustangs’ opening flurry. Sophomore post Noah Soto (16 points, 12 rebounds) blocked a shot and drove the length of the court to convert a layup. Jefferson dictated the game’s energy from the start against the dangerous Hurricanes.

“I was just trying to get in my rhythm,” Perez said. “I was trying to get some points. I wanted to pick us up because we were 0-2 (in district).”

With 3:05 left in the first half, a three-point basket by Sam Houston junior Robert Christian (21 points, 7 rebounds) brought the Hurricanes within 17-15. Another basket by Christian on an assist from Dewayne Brown tied it 19-19 at the half.

Jefferson scored the first seven points in the second half. Raymonte Prime scored on a drive to reduce the Hurricanes’ deficit to four early in the fourth quarter, but the Mustangs responded. Soto made a fadeaway jumper and Perez notched a layup to extend Jefferson’s lead.

“We wanted to make them play our game,” Perez said. “We didn’t want to play their game.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: Area rankings (thru Dec. 24)

Through December 24

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. East Central – 1

2. South San – 2

3. Burbank – 3

4. Lanier – 4

5. Central Catholic – 5

6. McCollum – 6

7. Highlands – 9

8. Brackenridge – 11

9. Harlandale – 8

10. Sam Houston – 7

11. Southwest – 10

12. Jefferson – 13

13. Edison – 14

14. Kennedy – 12

15. Memorial – 15

 

NR = not ranked

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Area rankings (thru Dec. 24)

Through December 24

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Southwest – 1

2. Highlands – 2

3. South San – 3

4. Southside – 4

5. East Central – 5

6. Sam Houston – 7

7. Lanier – 8

8. Brackenridge – 6

9. Holy Cross – 9

10. Harlandale – 10

11. Kennedy – 11

12. Burbank – 12

13. Edison – 13

14. Young Women’s Leadership Academy – 14

15. Jefferson – 15

 

NR = not ranked

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Southside survives rough trip to Laredo Martin

Cardinals recover in the stretch to seize win

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Southside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

 

Southside’s first District 29-5A game brought the desired result and, in retrospect, maybe by the best-possible route.

As with any trip to Laredo, though, getting there was the hardest part. The Cardinals (9-6, 1-0) had to overcome a deficit in the final two minutes to secure a 68-61 win at Laredo Martn Dec. 19 in the district opener for both teams.

“That’s actually the first time they’ve fought adversity like that,” Southside coach Jessica Macias-Cardenas said. “It surprised me. It was a really good win for our team.”

Southside led throughout most of the game, building a 35-24 halftime. Martin rallied behind Anissa Lazcano, who scored 18 points in the third quarter alone. Lazcano finished with 36.

“(Nixon) just kept fighting,” Macias-Cardenas said, “even when they were down by 18. They didn’t care. They took it to us.”

When the Tigers finally wiped out the halftime deficit and took the lead, a pair of free throws from freshman

Klarissa Quintana (9 points) regained it for the Cardinals. Southside’s leading scorer, Desirae Arocha (21 points), clinched the win with a driving layup. Arocha was fouled on the play and converted the resulting free throw.

Arocha, Quintana and Amalia Alexander all start for the Cardinals as freshmen.

“They bring a lot to the team,” Macias-Cardenas said. “Amalia is not very big, but she’s our leading rebounder. Desirae and Klarissa are very good, solid guards. That’s kind of scary, because they’re still freshmen.”

Junior Mayra Sendejo contributed 16 points and Cassandra Aguilar added eight.

“I think, by now, the girls really know their roles and rotations,” the first-year coach said. “We’re actually changing it up. (Senior Kat Mancha) and Aguilar will start against teams where we need a big lineup. If we need a shorter lineup, we’ll change up the line up as well. We’re very fortunate to be able to do that.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT: Highlands, Sam Houston share 28-5A lead

Bobcats close 2014 with rout of Eagle Pass

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Highlands, Lanier, Sam Houston, South San.

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

 

Highlands and Sam Houston rose to the top of District with a pair of wins each in games played Dec. 16 and Dec. 19.

Highlands (14-9, 4-0) knocked off Edison (6-14, 1-3) 68-29 Dec. 16 and Harlandale (9-12, 3-2) 73-47 Dec. 19. Sam Houston recorded its district wins against McCollum (1-13, 0-4) and Jefferson (4-14, 1-4).

The Hurricanes downed McCollum 52-35 Dec. 16 at Sam Houston. Jordyn Stewart led Sam Houston with 16 points. Ashawntae Brown added 10 points and Tia Logan scored eight.

Celeste Ramirez was McCollum’s top scorer with eight points.

Sam Houston defeated Jefferson 47-35 Dec. 19 at Lanier. Senior Dajah Thomas led the Hurricanes with 13 points. Cecilia Campos topped Jefferson with 14 points.

At Lanier, Highlands romped to a 43-12 halftime lead against Edison.

Sophomore guard Kiara Pesina led 10 Highlands scorers with 21 points. Pesina also had six steals. Jazmine Jackson produced 12 points and five rebounds. Aaliyah Prince finished with eight points and three steals. Senior Jina Lackey added four steals. Alexis Darden claimed a team-best six rebounds.

Amy Marcos was the leading scorer for Edison with seven points.

Highlands returned home to smash Harlandale behind a career-high 22 points from Lackey.

Pesina scored 14 points, Prince had 11 and Jackson 10. Harlandale received nine points from Teresa Navarro and eight from Justyne Perez, who sustained an apparent ankle injury in the Indians’ previous game.

South San

The Bobcats (10-10) crushed Eagle Pass 63-33 Dec. 16 in the final game of the 2014 portion of its schedule.

Bobcats senior Kassandra Valadez led four double-figure scorers with 14 points at Eagle Pass. Yasmine Andrade (12 points), Ariel Sosa (11 points) and Ilana Sanford (10 points) were the other top scorers for South San.

Lanier

The Voks (11-9, 3-1) held a pair of District 28-5A opponents under 45 points Dec. 16 and Dec. 19 while moving into third place in the district.

Lanier blasted Jefferson 74-44 in its first game of the week. Sabrina Cortinas led the Voks with 25 points. Ruby Garza chipped in 17 and Ashley Lopez scored 10. Esmi Garza contributed nine points.

J. Avila led Jefferson with 13 points. Ana Elizondo (11) and Angela Hardcastle (10) also scored in double figures.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Holiday schedule/results (thru Jan. 3)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Games of Dec. 21-Jan. 3

Monday’s games

Non-district

Navarro (8-7) 73, Fox Tech (7-11 ???) 47

Monday, Dec. 29 games

Non-district

Calallen Christmas Classic

At Corpus Christi Calallen

South San (13-3) 83, Corpus Christi Incarnate Word 39
South San (13-3) 60, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 56

Boerne ISD Tournament

OTHER AREA TEAM – Central Catholic (8-10 ???). Finals – Wednesday.

Boerne 47, Holy Cross (6-14) 41
Wimberley 73, Holy Cross (6-14) 54
East Central (11-6) 87, Round Rock McNeil 61
East Central (11-6) 91, Kyle Lehman 51

Southwest Tournament

Southwest (7-7 ???) 79, Eagle Pass 71
Southwest (7-7 ???) 71, Southside (5-8 ???) 58
Carrizo Springs 93, Southside (5-8 ???) 92 (OT)

Tuesday, Dec. 30 games

District 27-5A

Lockhart (10-8 ???, 2-1) at Kennedy (6-11, 0-2) (score unavailable)

Kerrville Tivy (16-5, 3-0) 55, San Marcos (7-12, 2-2) 52

Alamo Heights (10-6, 2-2) 55, Memorial (7-13, 0-3) 40

Floresville (13-8, 3-1) 66, Seguin (7-12 ???, 3-1) 56

District 28-5A

Burbank (16-4, 3-0) 47, Jefferson (8-9, 1-3) 37

Edison (7-10, 2-1) 59, Harlandale (12-9, 1-3) 44

Lanier (11-11, 4-0) 78, Highlands (7-11, 2-1) 61

Sam Houston (3-10, 1-3) 56, Brackenridge (7-9, 1-3) 47

Non-district

Somerset (10-6) 62, Fox Tech (7-12 ???) 37

Calallen Christmas Classic

At Corpus Christi Calallen

Semifinals

Coppell 62, South San (14-4) 31

Third place

South San (14-4) 68, Corpus Christi King 38

Boerne ISD Tournament

La Vernia 57, Holy Cross (6-16) 34
Boerne Champion 63, Holy Cross (6-16) 33
San Antonio Christian 59, East Central (11-8) 57
Stevens 89, East Central (11-8) 88
Central Catholic (10-11 ???) 73, Kyle Lehman 35
Central Catholic (10-11 ???) 76, Madison 70

Southwest Tournament

Southwest (8-8 ???) 52, Carrizo Springs 37
Del Rio 86, Southside (5-10 ???) 61
Eagle Pass 82, Southside (5-10 ???) 78
New Braunfels Canyon 47, Southwest (8-8 ???) 46

Friday, Jan. 2 games

District 27-5A

Floresville (14-8, 4-1) 61, Memorial (7-14, 0-4) 39

Seguin (8-12 ???, 4-1) 52, Kerrville Tivy (16-6, 3-1) 49

San Marcos (8-12, 3-2) 76, Kennedy (6-12 ???, 0-3 ???) 46

Boerne Champion (8-8 ???, 2-2) 45, Lockhart (10-9 ???, 2-2 ???) 41

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (8-8 ???, 1-0) 31, Eagle Pass Winn (3-11 ???, 0-1) 26

Laredo Nixon (11-8 ???, 1-0) 92, Somerset (10-7, 0-1) 67

Laredo Cigarroa (8-4 ???, 1-0) 75, Uvalde (7-10 ???, 0-1) 73

Laredo Martin (5-7 ???, 1-0) 63, Southside (5-11 ???, 0-1) 57

TAPPS 4-4A

San Antonio Christian (23-4, 4-0) 50, Cornerstone Christian (10-4 ???, 1-2) 30

Non-district

Churchill (15-5) 89, Central Catholic (10-12 ???) 60

Southwest (9-9) 72, New Braunfels Canyon (8-10 ???) 63

Saturday, Jan. 3 games

District 28-5A

Sam Houston (4-10, 2-3) 87, Highlands (7-12, 2-2) 67

McCollum (10-9, 2-2) 58, Jefferson (8-10, 1-4) 55

Burbank (17-4, 4-0) 58, Brackenridge (7-10, 1-4) 41

Lanier (12-11, 5-0) 57, Edison (7-11, 2-2) 51

TAPPS 4-4A

TMI (14-11, 4-0) 58, Holy Cross (6-17, 1-3) 21

Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (8-7, 2-2) 55, Victoria St. Joseph (6-10, 0-4) 45

Non-district

South San (15-4) 67, Laredo Johnson (5-13 ???) 30

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Holiday schedule/results (thru Jan. 3)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Games of Dec. 21-Jan. 3

Monday’s games

Non-district

Comfort (4-9 ???) 48, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (14-10) 41

Tuesday’s games

Non-district

Antonian (13-5) 54, East Central (8-9) 39

Monday, Dec. 29 games

Non-district

Boerne ISD Tournament

Antonian 60, Southwest (12-7) 37
La Vernia 58, Southwest (12-7) 48

East Central (9-9) 71, Hondo 50

Tuesday, Dec. 30 games

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (10-4 ???, 4-2) 65, Memorial (1-17 ???, 0-4 ???) 22

Floresville (9-11, 4-2) 42, Seguin (9-12, 2-3) 19

Kennedy (5-12 ???, 0-3 ???) at Lockhart (3-10 ???, 0-3) (score unavailable)

Kerrville Tivy (14-4 ???, 3-0 ???) 53, San Marcos (18-6, 4-1) 42

District 28-5A

Burbank (9-11 ???, 2-2 ???) 57, Jefferson (4-15, 1-5) 27

Harlandale (10-12, 4-2) 50, Edison (6-15, 1-4) 41

Highlands (15-9, 5-0) 76, Lanier (11-10, 3-2) 49

Brackenridge (8-15, 3-2) 55, Sam Houston (8-6 ???, 4-1) 46

District 29-5A

Laredo Cigarroa (11-2 ???, 2-0) 82, Eagle Pass Winn (0-5 ???, 0-2) 13

Laredo Nixon (10-8 ???, 1-1) 41, Laredo Martin (4-10 ???, 1-1) 31

Southside (10-6 ???, 2-0) 65, Somerset (4-11 ???, 0-2) 51

Uvalde (2-14 ???, 1-0) at Medina Valley (5-11. 0-1) (score unavailable)

Non-district

Bandera (6-7 ???) at Fox Tech (2-17 ???) (score unavailable)

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (15-10) 55, Pleasanton (7-10 ???) 36

Boerne ISD Tournament

Boerne Champion 52, East Central (9-11) 45
Southwest (14-7) 53, Boerne 41
Brenham 52, East Central (9-11) 32
Southwest (14-7) 58, Houston St. Agnes 38

Friday, Jan. 2 games

District 27-5A

Floresville (10-11, 5-2) 73, Memorial (1-18 ???, 0-5 ???) 12

Kerrville Tivy (15-4 ???, 4-0 ???) 41, Seguin (9-13, 2-4) 28

San Marcos (19-6, 5-1) 66, Kennedy (5-13 ???, 0-4 ???) 38

Boerne Champion (13-8, 4-2) 51, Lockhart (3-11 ???, 0-4 ???) 20

District 29-5A

Laredo Cigarroa (12-2 ???, 3-0) 59, Uvalde (2-15 ???, 1-1 ???) 19

Southside (11-6 ???, 3-0) 57, Laredo Martin (4-11 ???, 1-2) 39

Medina Valley (5-11 ???. 0-1 ???) at Eagle Pass Winn (0-5 ???, 0-2) (score unavailable) 

Laredo Nixon (11-8 ???, 2-1) d. Somerset (4-12 ???, 0-3) (score unavailable) 

TAPPS 4-4A

San Antonio Christian (18-4, 3-1) 42, Cornerstone Christian (8-10 ???, 2-3) 37

Non-district

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (16-10) 77, Brooks Academy (1-3 ???) 42

Saturday, Jan. 3 games

District 28-5A

Highlands (16-9, 6-0) 62, Sam Houston (8-7 ???, 4-2) 39

Jefferson (5-15, 2-5) 29, McCollum (1-15, 0-6) 23

Brackenridge (9-15, 4-2) 48, Burbank (9-12 ???, 2-3 ???) 39

Lanier (12-10, 4-2) 55, Edison (6-16, 1-5) 34

TAPPS 4-4A

Holy Cross (10-9, 2-2) 58, TMI (3-12 ???, 0-4 ???) 21

Laredo St. Augustine (10-9 ???, 2-3) 39, Providence (1-20, 0-4) 25

Victoria St. Joseph (21-5, 5-0) 47, Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (14-9, 4-1) 43

Non-district

Laredo United South (10-3 ???) 75, South San (10-11) 46