BY ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—Both the Bobcat girls’ and boys’ teams lost crucial District 33-3A matchups to Lyford teams last week, which put an outright district title in jeopardy.
However, the Bobcats and Lady ’Cats responded with wins over IDEA Riverview teams. The boys beat Riverview on the court, 50-41. The girls won by forfeit.
“My guys bounced back tremendously on Monday, Bobcat Head Basketball Coach Mike Alvarez said. “They were ready to get back on the win column. They played fast and with great effort. Transition offense was the key to our success against Riverview.”
The ’Cats are now 10-2 in district.
A week earlier, Rio Hondo lost 53-49 to the Lyford Bulldogs. An overtime game was avoided by the Bulldogs when they scored baskets in the closing moments, despite trailing 49-48 with less than a minute to play,
“Lyford presented a size issue inside the paint. They were able to control the boards, which led to second chance opportunities.” Alvarez said. “That ultimately was the difference in the ball game. I’m proud of the effort my boys showed, regardless.”
Rio Hondo was led in scoring by senior Ruben Atkinson with 19 points, senior Caleb Sandoval (16 points), Charles Rodriguez (9 points).
The Bobcats host Santa Rosa Friday, Jan. 24, and travel to Raymondville next Tuesday.
The Bobcats are 16-11 on the season and, “We have a game Friday versus Santa Rosa, which is always tough. They are extremely well coached, and I know my guys are up to the challenge,” Alvarez said.
The Lady ’Cats, meanwhile, learned a tough lesson, as Rio Hondo has relied on the press to force turnover that become easy baskets on offense.
They met a Lyford team (22-6 overall) that did just enough to counter it with its 46-40 win.
“It was a tough and physical game with Lyford. I felt it was a great experience for my girls heading into the playoffs,” Lady ’Cats Coach Victor Sauceda said. “These are the kind of games you relish to be in to see your team respond to different pressure situations.”
Rio Hondo trailed by seven points at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Ladies got within 42-40 following a three-point play by freshman Carlie Rodriguez.
She was the game’s highest scorer with 22 points. Freshman Evan Ayala followed 13 points for the Lady ’Cats.
With its victory, Lyford moved past Rio Hondo in the Texas Girls’ Coaches’ Association poll. Lyford is ranked No. 20 and Rio Hondo 21, respectively. The Lady ’Cats travel to Santa Rosa Friday, and host Raymondville on Tuesday.