Defense lifts Harlingen South over Mercedes

MERCEDES — Harlingen South clamped up Mercedes Friday night to pick up its first win in District 32-5A after dropping the opener to Weslaco East on Tuesday.

The Hawks beat the Tigers 49-23 in Mercedes.

Harlingen South was only up 15-9 after the first quarter, the Hawks held their opponents to just 3 points in the second quarter as their defensive came to play Friday night.

“I am proud of the guys, I am proud of the effort they gave tonight,” Harlingen South head coach Brian Molina said. “I thought everybody contributed. Anytime you go on the road and win a district game it’s always going to be big.”

Mercedes’ Marques Clower is fouled in a District 32-5A game against Harlingen South in Mercedes. (Andrew Cordero/Special to RGVSports).

Molina said his team’s defensive intensity pushed them over the edge Friday night.

“We are good at being at the right spots at the right time,” he said. “We cleaned up some things from Tuesday night. I told the guys just as long we get better every night, which I think we did get a little better tonight, good things will happen.”

Harlingen South’s Jacob Garcia had a game-high 13 points, Ross Hernandez had 12 while Ryan Rodriguez put up 9 points.

Mercedes had success against the Harlingen South’s defense at times when being patient. Tigers guard Marques Clower had a team-high 12 points and was the only Tiger to hit a 3-pointer Friday night.

Mercedes was only down 14 at the break despite the offensive struggles, but the Hawks had their best offensive quarter in the third when they scored 15 points to pull away from the Tigers 41-17 entering the fourth.

Harlingen South’s Ian Espinoza attempts a layup against Mercedes in a District 32-5A meeting in Mercedes. (Andrew Cordero/Special to RGVSports).

Molina said he has reiterated to his team that this district is a marathon not a sprint as 16 games remain for 32-5A.

Harlingen South continues the journey against Edcouch-Elsa at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Edcouch. Mercedes is on the road as well, against Donna North, also at 6 p.m.

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