By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
While the football season is nearing its end as the playoffs are about to start, the 2024-2025 Port Isabel Boys basketball season has just begun.
The Tarpons’ basketball team, under the helm of Head Coach Gilbert Rodriguez, is coming off another good season where they posted a 28-7 overall record including an undefeated 14-0 district record. Although the
Tarpons’ 2023-2024 season was cut short in the Area round after a 45-38 loss to the Floresville Tigers, Port Isabel goal’s for this season remains the same, a deep playoff run.
Coach Rodriguez was awarded District 32-4A Coach of the Year honors for his leadership, but the season could be more difficult with the departure of some key players.
The Tarpons lost three key starters in Shaun Moore, Aiden Sanchez and Jeffrey Smith to graduation. Moore made his presence known down in the paint using his height to block shots. Sanchez was the vocal leader
on the floor and held more than his own on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, Smith could hit the three or drive to the basket for the layup. He was also a great defender who would track players down and often swipe the ball away near the rim. He leaves behind some big shoes to fill, for sure.
The talented Smith twins, Cleveland and Christian, will be returning to the Tarpons. Cl. Smith was awarded District 32-4A MVP honors for his superb performance on the court. Furthermore, he also was selected for
the All-Region team by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). He was a proficient scorer at the three-point line or in the paint. A tenacious defender who is adept at stealing the ball.
Meanwhile, Ch. Smith was a scorer and proficient at doling out assists. He was a great defender and was selected for the First Team All-District.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Tarpons had their season opening game at home against Rio Grande City Rattlers. The matchup with the Rattlers was bittersweet considering the boys team was without the services of ten
players who are currently playing football.
The PI team virtually trotted out their JV team against RGC and were outmatched from the start as the Rattlers jumped out to a 23-2 first-quarter lead.
The Tarpons seemed uneasy to take the shot and would pass the ball around. Unfortunately, that led to some turnovers that the Rattlers turned into points.
The Tarpons did better in the second quarter but still trailed 38-8 at halftime.
As the second half got underway, the Tarpons struggled at first but got going after guard, Shiloh Galvan kept attacking the rim.
The Rattlers’ athleticism and size kept the Tarpons at bay for most of the night and they cruised to a 73-33 win.
The Tarpons’ next game will be against Macedonian Christian Academy on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Comments