Raiders grab dub against Rattlers in grudge game
PHARR — There was a bit of a sour taste for the home team over here at PSJA North’s gym.
The first time the Raiders (24-12, 10 5) faced the Sharyland Rattlers (18-14, 9-6) over in Mission, things didn’t exactly go their way as they fell in overtime in a crucial district game.
Second chances though, came in favor as PSJA North redeemed themselves in commanding fashion with a 73-47 win.
The student section was still there from the girl’s game and despite a fair warning to watch what they say — they were there to be known. In a way, when teams play at PSJA North’s gym, they’re also battling the crowd.
If the first quarter was a sign of things to come, then it showed as the Raiders exploded for 23 points behind the duo scoring from sophomore Isaiah Garza and senior Kai Howard. While Garza was aggressive driving to the rim, Howard finessed his way in drawing some fouls for the squad. Even though he’s not known for shooting three-pointers, he had two in the game — both coming in the first half.
For the red squad, Noah Garza was the go-to scorer in the first half as he netted 9 points. There was a moment when Tyler Jones jammed in the first quarter as well — he had a defensive presence with a steal and a couple of blocks.
The second half followed suit as the Raiders pressed the gas on the defensive end of things and smothered Sharyland’s guards anytime they tried to make it up court. It was the same recipe if someone would try to drive in or if they were in the post looking to get a score.
The Raiders controlled the boards with 35 to Sharyland’s 18. More so, they had 14 steals on the night.
Garza, who had a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four steals said that defense was the key to the win.
“Our defense, kept us back in the first game (against Sharyland). But in the second game, you know, we played good and we hit open shots,” Garza said.
Head Coach Romeo De La Garza, who has entered his 32nd year coaching this season — with 23 as a head coach — said the team has been improving throughout the year.
“They were focused tonight. After that (first game against Sharyland), they really refocused and understood what it was going to take to get in the playoffs in this district,” the coach said. “You know, and because every night, every night that you play in these districts, it’s going to be a war.”
The PSJA North Raiders will look to tighten up any loose ends before playoffs as they face the PSJA Southwest Javelinas on Tuesday at their place.
Sharyland Rattlers are still in the hunt for the playoffs as they sit in fourth place in District 31-5A.
Rattlers though, play the undefeated McHi Bulldogs. Pioneer, is inching for that fourth spot as they play PSJA Memorial this week as well.