Gary, Robert and Rosa Sanchez donated a banner commemorating Port Isabel Lady Tarpon Emily Burrage’s 1000th point, which she achieved last December. Her traveling coach, Polo Sanchez, presented Burrage with the banner after the Lady Tarpon’s most recent game, on Tuesday, Jan. 7. During this game, Burrage assisted the Lady Tarpons in securing a 56-31 win over the Valley View Lady Tigers with 31 points, 10 steals, seven rebounds and five assists. (Courtesy photo/Constancio Martinez, Jr.)
This Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons took on the Valley View Lady Tigers in a crucial district matchup. Both teams have struggled this season, sporting 2-11 overall records.
The Lady Tarpons entered the game hoping to break their three-game losing streak, including their first district loss to La Feria (59-38) the previous week. Meanwhile, the Lady Tigers were also looking to break their losing skid after losing their last game to Bro. St. Joseph Academy 82-14.
The Lady Tarpons got off to a slow start as they trailed the Lady Tigers for most of the first quarter. With two minutes left in the quarter, Port Isabel’s [PI] Emily Burrage was fouled during a layup, but she was able to make the basket and the free throw to tie the game up at 9-9. The Lady Tarpon shooting woes continued as Valley View regained the lead and closed out the quarter with a 12-9 lead.
In the second quarter, Port Isabel played more full court press, enabling them to pick up some steals. Midway into the quarter, Burrage snatched up her third steal of the night and passed the ball to her teammate, who proceeded to score and tie the game up at 15-15. The Lady Tarpons played solid defense the rest of the quarter, going on a 7-0 run and taking a 22-15 lead into halftime.
The Lady Tarpons opened the third quarter with a 6-1 run as they extended their lead to 28-16. Not only did Burrage show her offensive prowess by scoring ten points in the quarter, she also hounded the Lady Tigers with her defensive play. Port Isabel closed out the third quarter on an 8-2 run as they now led 43-28.
In the final stanza, Valley View started to commit more unforced turnovers as the Lady Tarpons outscored them 13-3 during the period and cruised to a 56-31 win.
PI’s Burrage had a big night on both sides of the ball as she finished the game with 31 points, 10 steals, seven rebounds and five assists. After the game, her traveling coach, Polo Sanchez presented with a banner celebrating her 1000th point achievement, which she obtained in December. The banner was donated by Gary, Robert and Rosa Sanchez.