WRITER’S NOTE: Story is to be updated later with quotes from Emma Lucio.
When Emma Lucio stepped onto the court this season, the Edinburg Vela guard drew the attention of everyone in the building. From the defense to the spectators, Lucio had all eyes on her night after night.
The increased attention couldn’t slow Lucio from doing what she did throughout her four-year varsity career — dominating on the hardwood.
Lucio carved up defenses for 22.8 points per game this year, adding 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.3 steals per contest.
Her dominant play was the driving force behind Edinburg Vela’s historic run, helping the program capture its second straight district title and advance to a Region IV-5A semifinal for the first time in program history.
Lucio is The Monitor’s 2023 All-Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Lucio faced countless different defensive strategies night after night as a senior. Some nights, Lucio was marked with two defenders, while other nights coaches did everything in their power to get her in foul trouble and off the court.
None of that could slow her down, however, using her crafty handles and deadly pull-up jumper to set a new career-high in points per game. Lucio also flashed her elite court vision, dishing out 3.2 assists per game.
Lucio’s impact went beyond the offensive side of the ball, operating as a lockdown defender and a rebound machine.
The Sabercats guard crashed the boards for 6.6 rebounds per game, adding 4.3 steals per contest en route to Rio Grande Valley Basketball Coaches Association 5A All-Valley defensive team and District 31-5A defensive team honors.
Lucio’s defensive honors were just two of several accolades that rolled in for the Edinburg Vela guard during her senior year.
She was named District 31-5A and RGVBCA 5A All-Valley MVP for her work on both sides of the ball, also nabbing Texas Girls Coaches Association 5A all-state and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all-Region IV-5A honors. Lucio was also voted as AIM Media’s All-Valley Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Lucio’s high school career translated into an opportunity at the next level, as she signed to continue her basketball career at the University of Texas-San Antonio.
