RGV Playoff Updates

Well as of last week, it seems that the teams trying to get to the Regional tournament have lessened, but the teams that remain are a strong representation of what the Valley has.

As many say, "free throws make or break a game," and that's exactly what happened in the first round of playoffs for many teams that were favored to advance past the first round.

Weslaco High 69 Harlingen Cardinals 66

Brownsville Porter 53 Harlingen South 49

Laredo Cigarroa 52 Roma 47
Tuloso-Midway 46 Mission Veterans 43

While other teams cruised to the second round:

McAllen High 59 Laredo Alexander 35
Edinburg High 60 San Benito 44

Brownsville Hanna 79 Edinburg Economedes 51
San Antonio Southwest 61 McAllen Rowe 59
Laredo United 61 Sharyland 33

On to Round 2 (Area):

Again teams highly favored, such as Laredo United, Edinburg, McHi and Hanna continue their quest to the tournament:

Laredo United 63 Weslaco High 41
Edinburg High 72 Laredo Martin 60
Brownsville Hanna 65 San Antonio Southwest 46
Weslaco East 37 Uvalde 36, OT
Hidalgo 79 Crystal City 64

McAllen High 59 Brownsville Porter 54

Note: The Varisty Boys Basketball team of Weslaco East High School has made history this year by being the first team in school history to advance this far into the post season.

Also Congratulations to the Edinburg Harvest Christian Eagles who made it this far to capture such a great victory for their school. Eventhough they weren't able to advance, with a loss to Dallas Tyler Street School in the TAAPS 1A State Semifinals game, the RGV is extremely proud of their efforts.

Now fast forward to March 1 and into the third round of the playoffs. Tonight marks a great night as eight valley teams are still in the run. The Valley squares off with a blend of Coastal Bend teams and hopes to advance tonight to face Central Texas teams.

Brownsville Hanna vs. McAllen High

Edinburg High vs. Laredo United
Weslaco East vs. Gregory-Portland

Hidalgo vs. Boerne

Santa Rosa vs. Taft

San Perlita vs. San Isidro

Out of this group, McAllen High, Edinburg High, and Santa Rosa all have playoff experience going as far as the Regional Tournament, with Santa Rosa going to the final four last year.

McHi boasts Seniors Ryan Evans, J.J. Avila, David Atkinson. (Nevin Franks pictured below is still part of the team, but unfortunately due to a knee injury can no longer play this season). Coach Swift has a very well-oiled machine with an extremely talented J.J. Avila. Avila is avergaing 21.4 pts a game, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 block per game. If that isn't impressive, then here are more stats, Mcallen is the outright district champion in the 30-5A district with an undefeated season. Mcallen has also appeared at the Regional Tournament the past two years. Mcallen also placed in the Gold Bracket of the McDonald's Texas Invitational Tournament this year in Pasadena, Texas. Though the numbers stack up on paper, Mcallen must prove they can win. With convincible wins throughout the season, the Bulldogs barely beat Valley team Brownsville Porter by 5 points. McHi will have to play flawless to beat Hanna tonight and advance to the next round.

G Ryan Evans, F J.J. Avila, F David Atkinson, and G Nevin Franks, McAllen Bulldogs

Tonight McHi faces familiar rival Brownsville Hanna Eagles. Hanna is coached by veteran Don Denson who knows what it takes to make the Regional Tournament. The Eagles have what I call, "a secret threat," that is Anthony Garza. Garza is averaging 16.5 points a game. In last's week thrashing against San Antonio Southwest, Garza scored 21 points. This guy can score, rebound, block, assist, you name it, he can do it. Hanna is by no means a one-man team. The Eagles also carry crafty Senior point guard, Mario Castaneda and Senior forward Albert Lekach. Castaneda knows his way inside the paint and will score endless layups if given just an inch of room. He's a great leader on the floor and knows how to set up his team to be successful. Lekach is a powerhouse under the basket and averages 11.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game. Again, Hanna will have to be near-perfect to defeat the McHi Bulldogs in tonights contest. Good Luck to both teams!

Senior Guard, Standing at 6'2" Anthony Garza, Hanna Eagles

A much anticipated meeting between Edinburg High Bobcats and the state-ranked Laredo United Longhorns will square off tonight at a neutral site. I've seen the Longhorns play in the club team circuit since they were in middle school and even then they were tearing up teams with slick three-pointers and quickness to the basket. I remember watching G Danny Rosas hit three after three when he was just and 8th grader. Now as a senior, the story doesn't change. Rosas is still leading his team as one of the top scorers. Alongside him is also senior G Mike Elizondo who is averaging 14 pts. a game, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals a game. This two-guard combo will be destructive as they play the Bobcats tonight.

2010 PG Daniel Rosas, Laredo United Longhorns

For Edinburg, one of the big men on the team has been Jr. Aaron Olvera, who is synonymous with Bobcat victory. Olvera is a swift guard who is aggresive on the drive and can shoot lights out. Aaron leads his team in all areas as he averages 21.5 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Alongside him is Jr. Steven Guerrero who leads in rebounding, and So. Marquis Holiday. Edinburg, despite being an overall young team (6 0f 15 are seniors) is enjoying an extremely successful season. Being undefeated in district play, and several key wins during preseason gives the Edinburg Bobcats an edge going into tonights contest. With a fast type of game, Edinburg will have to rely on their quickness and transition offense to come out on top of the Longhorns.

Jr. Guard, Aaron Olvera (in red), Edinburg High School Bobcats

I am heading to the Mcallen vs Hanna game tonight and honestly folks, it could be either team. I've seen both play during the season and both ball clubs have been tremendously impressive. Tonight will be a game that will do down in the books as one of the best games in RGV history. I can bet on it.

Good Luck to all Valley teams tonight!