(Graphic by Constancio Martinez)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
As the pigskin playoffs get underway, the roundball athletes anxiously await the new 2023-2024 basketball season. The Port Isabel boys’ team had a great season last year, finishing with a 27-5 overall record, including a 13-1 record in district play. Unfortunately, last year’s basketball season ended abruptly as the Tarpons lost 66-64 to Alice in the Bi-District round.
This year’s team will be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they will be looking for redemption in this upcoming season.
The Tarpons will feature a more experienced team as all five starters, including all three Smith brothers, return this season. Leading the charge is returning 4A All-Region guard Cleveland Smith (Jr.), arguably the most skilled of the three. A sharpshooter from the 3-point line, he can also take it to the basket at will.
At the other guard position will be twin Christian Smith (Jr.), a good defender proficient at the mid-range jumper. Both Smith twins stand at 5’10” and weigh 150 lbs.
At the forward position will be seniors Jeffrey Smith (5’11”, 175) and Aiden Sanchez (6’-1”, 175). J. Smith is a tenacious defender and has improved his 3-point game. Meanwhile, Sanchez has improved on offense and defense and has become a more vocal leader.
Coming in at the center position is 6’-5” Shaun Moore (Sr.). He returns with more confidence on the court and can hit the jumper or finish at the rim.
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