The San Benito Greyhound varsity basketball team is shown Friday inside the high school gym. (Staff photo by Francisco E. Jimenez)
Special to the NEWS
It’s said time and time again, but what a difference a year makes.
For the San Benito Greyhounds, it’s made all the difference in the world.
A year ago, the ’Hounds lamented missing the postseason via several missed opportunities. But now, they’re back in the playoffs and will host a Class 5A bi-district playoff game versus Brownsville Porter at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the SBHS gym. The winner of the game will face the Del Rio-La Joya Palmview winner in the area round.
“Missing the playoffs last year affected the kids and we reminded them about it all the time,” Greyhounds head coach Eddie Abrego said. “This was a must-goal we had to accomplish.”
San Benito went through peaks and valleys but finished the season 20-12 and in third place in District 31-5A to clinch the first playoff berth in a couple of seasons. Tuesday, the ’Hounds face a Porter team (30-5) that finished second to Harlingen South in District 32-5A, San Benito’s former league.
So, naturally, these teams are no strangers to one another.
“We’ve battled with them (Porter) the last two years and we’re very familiar with each other,” Abrego said. “Coach (Luis) Garza and I talk a lot. We both have senior-led teams and it’s gonna be a good game.”
The Cowboys, guided by veteran coach Garza, boast a talented backcourt that is quick and athletic. And they’ve got the numbers to prove it.
Leading scorer Martin De Los Santos (16.1 points per game) has seen the most buckets but he’s by far not the only scoring threat for Porter. Giovanni Betancourt (15.8), Hugo Salazar (13.4 pts, 5.5 assists) and Jonah Kavanaugh (11.5) have each done their part this season.
“They’re a guard-led team,” Abrego said. “They’ve got their three guards and forward who plays like another one.”
The ’Hounds counter with top scorer Jason Lopez (18.2 points per game) while Mathew Perez chips in 13.3 points on average. Also, San Benito played solid ball down the stretch to vault into the playoffs with some good momentum.
“They’re confident,” Abrego said of his squad. “They know they have the talent and the team attributes. Now, we’re starting to get back to where we were. I’ve been confident in them (getting back to the playoffs) and the kids are confident. This postseason is about everyone being even and let’s go.”
Another thing to help that confidence is having the game in the friendly confines of the SBHS gym, where Abrego and his team expect a sea of purple and gold supporters on Tuesday night.
“We’ve had a good crowd and it’s accumulated more and more with the success we’ve had,” he said. “We’ve had people telling us they can’t wait for the playoffs. Our fans are very loyal and they’re gonna be there cheering our boys on.”
Read this story in the Feb. 17 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
1 comment
GO HOUNDS GO!!! PLAY HARD!!!! THIS IS OUR TOWN!!!!Good Luck Boys, you can win it!!!!