(Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—The Bobcats’ low-scoring first quarter of their District 32-3A clash against IDEA Weslaco Pike was just reason enough for Bobcats’ Head Coach Mike Alvarez to regroup and explain to his players just how they play their brand of ball.
After Weslaco Pike trailed by only three points following a quarter of play, and then at halftime, they learned how Rio Hondo could turn things around quickly as Pike went on to lose, 61-24.
“We tell our guys it doesn’t matter how good our opponent is, what matters is how good we are when we compete against them,” Alvarez said. “That’s something we stand by every game because there are times when we perform very well and others times where we’re a step behind, or not closing out, or rebounding.”
Full court pressure and subsequent turnovers on Pike players provided the Bobcats with plenty of offensive opportunities the other way. When Rio Hondo needed inside presence, sophomore Matthew Lopez also provided it with baskets to a tune of 13 points (3-of-5 free throws).
Bobcats drained three pointers, too, as seniors Charles Rodriguez (5 points), Devon Garcia (10 points), Carlos Rodriguez (7 points), Ruben Atkinson (8 points) each took turns shooting from beyond the arc.
Pike only scored 5 points in the third quarter and went scoreless in the final quarter.
For Rio Hondo, after losing 43-41 to IDEA Sports Park on Dec. 31, the win over Pike was its second consecutive. The Bobcats’ scheduled game Jan. 3 against IDEA Robindale was forfeited and resulted in a 2-0 win.
Rio Hondo plays at IDEA Frontier College Prep Jan. 10 and then hosts the Progreso Red Ants on Jan. 14.
Rio Hondo and the Lyford Bulldogs are tied for first with identical 7-1 district records. Sports Park trails with a 5-2 record.
Rio Hondo is 13-10 overall.
Lady ’Cats still undefeated in district
The Rio Hondo Lady ’Cats are now 10-0 in District 32-3A after getting a trio of wins over IDEA teams.
Rio Hondo won a 2-0 forfeit over Sports Park, and then scored victories against Robindale (95-7), and Weslaco Pike (93-27).
The Lady ’Cats will next host IDEA Frontier College Prep on Jan. 10 and at Progreso Jan. 14.
The Lady ’Cats are 20-2 this season and according to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 3A poll, moved up six spots from last month.
Rio Hondo is No. 6 in the poll behind top-ranked Canadian, Tidehaven, Tuscola Jim Ned, Gunter, and Winnsboro.
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