For the second year in a row, the Santa Rosa Warriors basketball team is headed to the Class 3A state semifinals.
The Warriors (24-14) destroyed San Antonio Cole 80-66 on Saturday in the Region IV-3A tournament final in Seguin to advance to this week’s final four where they will now face Mount Vernon at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Just like last season, they face a tough challenge if they hope to make it to the championship game on Saturday. Mount Vernon enters this week’s contest ranked third in the state with an impressive 34-1 record. The Tigers’ only loss came during a tournament game against Pittsburg on Dec. 27.
But don’t expect the Warriors to be intimidated. Despite a slow start to the season, they blossomed at the right time and are on an eight-game win streak dating back to early February. The last game the Warriors lost was a non-district contest to Brownsville St. Jospeh on Feb. 3.
They also have state tournament experience on their side while the Tigers’ program has not been to the state tournament since 1948.
Coincidentally, the Mount Vernon Lady Tigers won the girls Class 3A state title this past weekend, beating Marlin 51-47.
The winner of Thursday’s contest will advance to the Class 3A state title game at 10 a.m. Saturday against either Grandview or Bowie.
BIRD BOWL SOFTBALL: The District 32-6A softball season begins tonight and Harlingen South is at Harlingen High. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Lady Cardinals Field at KEYS Academy. Last season the Lady Hawks swept the Lady Cardinals in the season series with the Lady Green Birds winning the first meeting at South 13-4 and then holding on for a 12-11 victory in the second meeting in Cardinal Country. League action continues later this week with South heading to Los Fresnos on Friday and the Lady Red Birds hosting Brownsville Rivera.
ON THE OTHER DIAMOND
The 32-6A season is still a week away from beginning on the baseball diamond, however Harlingen High hosted conference foe Brownsville Hanna in a non-league affair on Monday. The Cardinals wrap up the week with another non-district contest at Brownsville Porter at 10 a.m. Saturday. Meanwhile, Harlingen South is off until Thursday when it begins play at the Edinburg ISD Tournament. The Hawks are scheduled to open the tourney against La Joya Palmview and La Joya High. Finally, the San Benito Greyhounds host PSJA High at 6 tonight in a non-district contest and then, like South, will take part in the Edinburg Tournament later in the week.
If you go
Santa Rosa (24-14) vs.
Mount Vernon (34-1)
What: Class 3A state basketball semifinals
When: 3 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Alamodome in San Antonio, 100 Montana Street
Cost: Tickets are $19 per general session or $130 for 3-day pass to all games. Tickets will be sold at the Alamodome box office or may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Children 2 years of age and younger (not occupying a seat) may enter free. Parking in the Alamodome lot is $15 per car; cash only and no re-entry is allowed.
