Tarpons Boy’s Basketball fall in championship game

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.

Special to the PRESS

During the holiday break the PIECHS Tarpons boys’ basketball team took to the road as they competed in the Odem Owl Holiday Basketball Tournament. The event featured 12 teams separated into four pools. The Tarpons were placed in Pool B along with Bishop and Flour Bluff teams.

Port Isabel got off to a strong start on the tournament’s opening day, earning a 54–45 victory over Bishop. In their second game of pool play, the Tarpons then defeated Flour Bluff (47-41) as they secured their spot at the “Gold Bracket”.

Also qualifying for the “Gold Bracket” championship were Ingleside, Odem, and state-ranked McMullen County.

As day two games got under way, the Tarpons managed to upset McMullen County 40-35. Unfortunately, Port Isabel fell short in the championship game at the hand of the Ingleside Mustangs, 50-26.

In other bracket play, Falls City beat Flour Bluff (55-43) to win the “Silver Bracket”, while Bishop beat Lasara (77-52) the “Bronze Bracket”.

Head coach, Gilbert Rodriguez was pleased with his team’s performance at the tourney and is looking forward to the start of district games. “Our boys definitely took some more positive steps. We were disappointed we didn’t come away with the championship but playing in two championship games out of our three tournaments this year is something for our boys to be proud of. We got to see what we’re capable of when we are at our best vs. state ranked McMullen in the semifinal. Our team did a phenomenal job in playing great team defense and being patient on offense to beat them.” Said coach Rodriguez. “We want to invite all our Tarpon Fans out on January 16th for our first district game.”

After the tournament concluded, Shiloh Galvan and Aidan Ramos earned spots on the All-Tournament Team for their standout performances on the court.

The Tarpons have two more games before district play begin. On Friday, January 9, the Tarpons will be hosting the Weslaco Panthers at 7:30 p.m. followed by another home game against STX on January 13, 7:30 p.m.