By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Lady Greyhounds and the Rio Hondo Lady ’Cats began their basketball seasons last week, with the host team winning the non-district game.
The Lady ‘Hounds won by a narrow 46-41 score. They trailed at halftime, 24-21. In the fourth quarter, both teams turned defensive, with RHHS netting five points and SBHS nine, respectively.
SBHS scorers included sophomore Madelyn Quiroz with 12 points, senior Hailey Davila with 10 points, junior Rosalie Mercado with 8 points, junior Aaliyah Olivares with 6 points, sophomore Marcela Garcia with 4 points, and junior Annabella Garza with 4 points.
Head Coach Abel Moreno said he has 14 players on the varsity roster, with senior Davila listed as captain. Davila is one of three seniors on a team that includes three sophomores and eight juniors.
The Lady ‘Hounds evened their season record after a loss to the Harlingen South Lady Hawks, 47-35, this week.
SBHS is entered to compete in McAllen ISD’s 34th annual Border Bash Tournament, Nov. 19-21.
The team aims to advance to the Class 6A playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.
RIO HONDO
For Lady ’Cats’ Head Coach Raven Flores, this is her first year leading an established program that is among the best in South Texas.
Last year, the Lady ’Cats were ranked in the Class 3A poll by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.
Flores, who was an assistant under Victor Sauceda, returns starters who also scored in double figures against San Benito.
They include juniors Carlie Rodriguez with 18 points and Evan Ayala with 13 points. Rounding out the scorers were senior Jilliana Sauceda (4), sophomore Erin Ayala (2), and freshmen Annette Sandoval (3) and Jordan Lopez (2).
The Lady ’Cats went 16-of-23 from the free-throw line, and didn’t attempt any three-pointers.
Coach Flores had nine players on the varsity roster as they prepare for tournament play.
“Our game against San Benito showed us a lot of promise. Our girls played four strong quarters, competed hard, and created opportunities through our defense and transition game,” Coach Flores said. “I’m proud of the effort they showed in our first road game. We have a lot to build on, and I’m excited to see them continue to grow together as a team.”
On Tuesday, the Lady ’Cats evened their season record to 1-1 with a 75-39 win over the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons.
RHHS will compete in the Santa Rosa Tournament from Nov. 19-21. Last year, they lost to Lyford in the championship game.
The Lady ’Cats have been district champions for six consecutive years.