Hoops Roundup: High school basketball action heats up as postseason looms

Just like the clock on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, time is trickling quickly as high school basketball in the Rio Grande Valley is close to turning over to the postseason.

It is “crunch time” for all the teams as some are trying to finish on top of standings as they vie for the title of “district champions.” Others, though, are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs.

For those who are out of bounds, the way it works is the top four teams in a district punch their tickets to the postseason. So even if a team had a great season with a lot of wins, if they finish fifth in their respective district, then they miss out on the playoffs.

Here are a few insider looks at the current state of high school basketball in the Valley.

McHi undefeated top dogs this season

The McAllen High School Bulldogs are the No. 1 team in the Rio Grande Valley and for good reasons.

McHi is currently 34-0 overall, with a 14-0 district record this year. They are the only squad that is undefeated in the region. Plus, as of press time, they are ranked 12th in the state for Class 5A hoops.

This past week, the Bulldogs routed the PSJA North to become the outright 31-5A district champions. They won the game at home, 55-39.

With four seniors in the starting lineup — such as D’aundre Canada and Judah Rios — the team’s experience and skill set on the court has propelled them as the top squad in the region. There are two more games in the season for the Bulldogs — one against McAllen Memorial and the other against Sharyland — it is likely they’ll finish the regular season at a perfect 36-0.

Raiders running it; Vela in jeopardy

Speaking of 31-5A, the girls team over at PSJA North have emerged as one of the top teams as well in a very stacked district.

They are currently tied for first in the district with the Sharyland Rattlers as both teams stand at 13-2 in respective play.

The teams are set to clash once again before district play finishes and whoever wins is more than likely to be crowned the district champion.

The first time these squads met, Raiders won over in Mission, 57-50. This week it will be in Pharr.

Vela, on the other hand, who have been coined the “Cardiac Cats” by The Advance, lost a tough game against Nikki Rowe this past Friday and dropped to fifth in the district standings — despite an admirable six-game win streak against some solid squads.

Their fate is still unclear since if McAllen Memorial wins their last district game, Vela can still win their own game against PSJA Southwest but will be eliminated from playoffs.

Harlingen squeaks by Los Fresnos in 32-6A

Anytime these two top teams play, it’s sure to be a thriller.

Harlingen, who had a bit of a bumpy start in the beginning of the season, has flown to one of the top squads in the RGV.

The Cardinals are still undefeated in 32-6A as they slipped by the Los Fresnos Falcons, 51-50. The first time these two teams matched up, The Cards won by three points 63-60.

From the looks of it, if the Cardinals win out from here, they will be the district champions.

Edinburg North’s Palacios hits milestone

Raul Palacios hit a career milestone for the Edinburg North Cougars.

Only a junior, the skilled guard/forward hit 2,000 career points. The young player is currently second in the Valley in scoring, averaging about 23.9 a game.

The Cougars have been having an impressive season — standing at 26-9 overall, and 6-1 in district play.

They currently are second in a competitive district 31-6A behind the Weslaco Panthers.

Both squads do face each other one last time on Tuesday.