Three Valley teams earn state rankings

The holidays are here which means basketball season is in full swing. Three Rio Grande Valley boys hoops teams are set to enter the Christmas break as part of the latest state-wide rankings from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC).

EDINBURG VELA

The Edinburg Vela SaberCats broke into the latest TABC Class 5A rankings at No. 25 after getting off to a 20-4 start overall and 3-0 record in district play.

The SaberCats reached the regional final round of the playoffs a season ago and have played like a team that has the potential to put together another postseason run in 2024-25. Junior guard Jordan Bustamante has been on a tear this season averaging 23.2 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists, while senior point guard JP Olivarez has put up 11.5 points and 5.3 assists to lead Vela.

The SaberCats are scheduled to face McAllen High at 5:30 p.m. Friday at McAllen High in a matchup of unbeaten teams in District 31-5A.

HIDALGO

The Hidalgo Pirates are ranked No. 25 in the state at the Class 4A level. The Pirates are 15-3 overall and coming off a 44-43 overtime win over San Benito on Tuesday and return to play at the Fredericksburg Tournament on Dec. 27 in Fredericksburg.

Hidalgo has already picked up multiple wins over 5A and 6A programs as they prepare to start District 32-4A play Jan. 10 against La Feria.

SAN PERLITA

San Perlita is the highest-ranking team of the group as the Trojans come in at No. 13 in the TABC Class 1A ranks. San Perlita went three rounds deep in the playoffs last season and senior forward Julian Johnson is off to another strong start as the main man for the Trojans.

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