By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Friday, December 19, the (5-9) 4A Port Isabel ECHS Tarpons hosted the (17-6) 6A Harlingen Cardinals in a non-district basketball game.
Entering the game, both teams were coming off losses as the Tarpons lost to McAllen STX 71-59, while the Cardinals loss came at the hands of Weslaco (66-41).
As the game got underway, Harlingen quickly jumped out to 6-0 lead forcing PI to call a timeout. Upon returning from the break, PI’s Aiden Ramos found Eli Alvarez driving to the basket for the 2-points. The PI offense went on to score three more buckets in the stanza, but Harlingen scoring prowess was on full display as they closed out the first quarter with a 30-8 lead.
The Tarpons continued to struggle with their shot in the second quarter. Meanwhile the Cardinals’ offense led by point guard Ricki Henderson continued fly by the Tarpons’ defense as they built a commanding 40-10 lead midway into the quarter. Port Isabel finished the quarter on a strong note, outscoring Harlingen 9–5 over the final three minutes, but still went into halftime trailing 52–21.
The Cardinals jumped out to 10-2 run in the third quarter as they extended their lead to 62-23 forcing PI to call a timeout. Using their height advantage, the Cardinals continued to dominate the boards in the second half as they went on to secure the 79-54 win.
Going into the game PIECHS basketball head coach, Gilbert Rodriguez knew it was tough task as the Cardinals had the advantage in talent and size.
“It was going to be a tough test against the number 5 team in the valley rankings. When it is all said and done, we will play 5 of the top teams in the RGV. Each game has brought something out of our boys to build on. We’ve learned so much from each team we’ve faced.” Said coach Rodriguez. “Our boys will definitely be battle tested and ready to go for our first district game vs La Grulla.”
The Tarpons will be enjoying their Christmas break, but will return action on Monday, December 29 when they play an away game versus the Bishop Badgers at 1 p.m.