Family Business: Sister schools take it down to wire in rivalry game

ALAMO — Two rivals clashed in a 31-5A district matchup in a gym where not only the players went toe-to-toe but the opposing fans as well.

PSJA Memorial not only had a fully stacked student section — who were adorned by a makeshift “ESPN” banner — literally behind them, but PSJA Southwest also had their own crowd supporting their every move, along with their cheerleaders.

The Wolverines though, took the win, 57-53 in a game that went down to the wire.

Just like any rivalry game, both squads brought the toughness and physicality with them.

From the jump near the end of the first quarter, Memorial’s Aiden Swanson dribbled downcourt and hit a momentum- swinging three to bring their lead to 15-10.

However, the Javelinas at Southwest have shown a lot of grit and grind throughout the season.

Justin Salazar, the program’s first and only player who’s scored 1,000 career points, took matters in his own hands by driving to the basket, picking up fouls, and knocking a three himself to knot it up at 15.

Neither team in the first half was able to gain a lead that was five or greater.

At the end of the half, Southwest built themselves a fourpoint advantage, 27-23.

Southwest in the third looked pretty good as their physicality outmatched Memorial, especially with hybrid guard/forward Fernando Castañeda finessing his way for some hard-earned buckets and drawing some fouls.

At one point in the fourth, the Javelinas found themselves up five with a few minutes left as Salazar was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line. He had a game high 23 points for his squad.

However, a spark came from sophomore guard Eric Contreras as a steal from him led to a three from the corner that touched nothing but net.

With momentum, another steal by Contreras, led to a straight arrow pass to Swanson for a basket that brought it within four with only a few minutes left.

Swanson was a key for his team as he had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Contreras had 13 points and four steals.

Castañeda for the Javelinas had a great quarter with 10 of his own, but Christian Chavez for Memorial had 11, which was an “X” factor in the game as well, especially in the final minute of the game.

Similar to what you see on ESPN, the student body rushed the court to congratulate their home team. One could say they were just being kids.

Head Coach Kerry Wheatfall commended his team for fighting through the late-game deficit.

“They kept fighting, man,” Wheatfall said. “That’s what we’ve been trying to teach all year long: Just keep fighting no matter what. Every adversity, you always stand up, get back up, and keep fighting.”

PSJA Memorial will finish their season this week against Sharyland Pioneer. The Southwest Javelinas will host the PSJA Raiders at their house.