RGV HS Girls Hoops Round Up: Pioneer hands Memorial first district loss of the year

McALLEN — Sharyland Pioneer had three players score in double figures as the Diamondbacks defeated the McAllen Memorial Mustangs 51-45 during a District 31-5A contest Friday at the McAllen Memorial Gym.

Sharyland Pioneer jumped out on the Mustangs during the first quarter, building a 10-point led behind a strong opening quarter from Natalia Gonzalez. The senior scored nine of her 14 points during the first period, giving the Diamondbacks a 17-7 advantage after one.

The Mustangs battled their way back into the contest during the third, outscoring the Diamondbacks 18-12 to make it a four-point game heading into the final period. Senior Madison Borjas and freshman MJ Banjao helped mount the rally, combining for 11 points during the third. Borjas finished with a team-high 18 points, while Banjao chipped in nine.

Left to right, Sharyland Pioneer’s Ebonie Chatman and Anika Fleischmann. (Andrew Cordero
Special to RGVSports)

Pioneer’s dynamic duo of Anika Fleischmann and Ebonie Chatman helped the Diamondbacks close out the Mustangs during the fourth, with the pair combining for 13 points to hold on for the 51-45 win. Chatman finished with a game-high 20 points. Fleischmann added 12 points, including six at the line during the final period.

Pioneer’s victory shakes up the standings in District 31-5A, handing the Mustangs their first district loss of the year. Both teams sit at 3-1 in league play after Friday, creating a three-way tie for first with PSJA North, who handed Edinburg Vela its first district loss Friday. PSJA North moves to 3-1 in district, while Vela falls half a game behind in the standings with a 2-1 district record.

The Diamondbacks will look for their third straight district win next week, taking on McAllen High at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Sharyland Pioneer Gym.

The Mustangs will look to bounce back quickly, taking on Edinburg Vela (15-6, 2-1) in a pivotal 31-5A contest at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Edinburg Vela.

Members of the 2024 McAllen High girls basketball team. (Andrew Cordero | Special to RGVSports)

McALLEN HIGH 69, PSJA SOUTHWEST 7: At McAllen, the Bulldogs cruised past the Javelinas to pick up their first district win of the year.

Nine different players scored during McAllen High’s win Friday, including two in double-figures. Senior Dariana Luna netted a game-high 18 points, while Hailey Martinez added 15. Junior Miller Richey chipped in nine points.

The Bulldogs improve to 14-8 overall and 1-2 in district with the win. They’ll look to continue rolling at 6 p.m. Friday against a red-hot Sharyland Pioneer squad.

Members of the 2024 Rio Hondo girls basketball team. (Andrew Cordero | Special to RGVSports)

RIO HONDO 94, LA VILLA 34: At Rio Hondo, the Bobcats had four players score in double-figures, including three with at least 20 points, en route to a dominating non-district victory.

Freshman Carlie Rodriguez led the Bobcats with a game-high 27 points, including a 6-of-6 performance at the line.

Senior Emily Molina added 22 points behind four 3-pointers, while junior Abby Atkinson added four 3-pointers of her own en route to 20 points. Freshman Evan Ayala added 17 points.

The Bobcats improve to 14-2 overall with the win, including a 4-0 mark during district play. They’ll continue league play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at home against IDEA Brownsville Riverview.

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