Diamondbacks and Lobos clinch district championships
As the basketball season nears an end, the ladies of the Big 7 have once again proven their dominance on the court. The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks and Palmview Lady Lobos are set to add another district title to their collection, making this the second consecutive year both teams have secured championships.
District 30-5A IV: Lobos Continued Dominance
The Palmview Lady Lobos have maintained a firm grip on first place and have guaranteed at least a share of the district championship. A win tonight against the Mission Eagles would make it official, securing an outright title.
First-year head coach Katy Garza credits her team’s determination for their back-to-back success, “It really came down to the girls. They were determined to go back-to-back and push past the first round. It started from day one, with seniors stepping up to set the tone and keep everyone accountable. I give them all the credit for maintaining our culture.”
Garza went on to praise the team’s unity, “What I’ve enjoyed most about this year was how welcoming and open the team has been. They always brought their own energy to practice and really embraced everything we were trying to build on, even when it meant stepping outside their comfort zones. It showed their dedication, not just to improving individually, but also to growing as a team. I enjoyed watching how they allowed themselves to grow together as a unit, both on and off the court and that was very inspiring to see.”
A season ago, the Lady Lobos made history with their first district championship. This year, they’ve continued that momentum behind standout senior Nicole Flores, who is averaging 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game. Sophomore Alia Garza has also been key, posting 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four steals per game, while senior Mia Rojas contributes 11 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals per game. The rest of the team, including juniors Marina Rodriguez, Valerie Pena, Miley Montemayor, sophomores Sophia Benetiz, Miley Zeiske, Clarissa Pena, and freshman Halley Tello, has embraced Coach Garza’s system and played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Trailing the Lobos in second place are the Cigarroa Lady Toros, who still have a chance at a co-district championship if the Lobos lose their final two games and they win their next two.
The Mission Eagles currently hold the third seed after a comeback win over the Rio Grande City Lady Rattlers Tuesday. They’ll need to win out against the Lobos and Toros to secure their playoff spot, a tough task, but not impossible.
The Rio Grande City Rattlers sit in fourth place but are in a tight race with the Veterans Memorial Patriots, Nixon Mustangs, and Martin Tigers, who are all within striking distance. The Roma Gladiators and Juarez-Lincoln Huskies have been eliminated from playoff contention.
District 31-5A: D-Backs Championship Run
The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks have clinched the district championship for the second year in a row. However, after tying for the championship with the Vela Sabercats last season, they’ve won it outright this season. As a result, they left no doubt who was the team to beat.
Pioneer head coach Nicole Sandoval reflected on the team’s success, “Clinching the championship and becoming back-to-back champions is truly a blessing. It’s a testament to the hard work, commitment, and belief these girls had—not only in themselves but in each other and their coaches. This achievement didn’t come easy, especially in such a competitive district, but their trust, shared goal, and unity made it possible. Every practice was intentional, every film session was embraced, and every opportunity was used to grow and improve. More than just basketball, the strong chemistry and love these girls have for each other is what truly sets them apart. Their bond goes beyond the game, and that’s what made this journey so special. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication, heart, and the family they’ve built together.”
The Diamondbacks have been led by sophomore Ebonie Chatman, who averages 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block per game. Senior Anika Fleishmann has been dominant inside, averaging 11 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and three steals per game while fellow senior Kassandra Garcia is averaging 11 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and five steals per game.
With Fleishmann, Garcia, Miranda Balli, and Samantha Vela set to graduate, a new wave of talent, including Natalia Gonzalez, Vyannhe Cranford, Shelby Garza, Pearl Bentley, Danica Gonzalez, Genesis Martinez will carry the torch alongside Chatman next season.
The PSJA North Raiders and Vela Sabercats are tied for second in 31-5A and have already secured their playoff spots. The fourth seeded Memorial Mustangs have also clinched a spot, narrowly edging out the Sharyland Rattlers. The Rattlers fall just short in fifth place, while the Rowe Warriors, McAllen Bulldogs, PSJA Southwest Javelinas, and PSJA Memorial Wolverines round out the standings respectfully.
District 31-6A: Coyotes Race to Playoffs
In 31-6A, the Edinburg Lady Bobcats lead the district, followed by the Weslaco Panthers and Edinburg North Cougars. As of now, the fourth seed remains up for grabs, with the La Joya Lady Coyotes in position to clinch with a win over Economedes tonight. The Coyotes could find their way into the playoffs after missing them last season. A victory would give them the edge over the fifth place PSJA Bears and sixth place Economedes Jaguars, who have not been officially eliminated.
The bi-district round of the UIL State Playoffs kick off Monday, Feb. 10th.