McALLEN — The McAllen High Bulldogs entered the 2020-21 season with only three returning players on the roster.

While the Bulldogs (23-8, 12-2) were short on experience, there was no lack of belief in themselves.

McHi seventh-year head coach Ryan Flores and the guys inside the locker room rallied around each other to capture their first district title in seven years and reach Round 5 of the Class 5A playoffs, tying a program record.

“I think they believed that we can win. I think they believed in each other, believed in the coaching staff, and it all gelled at the right time,” said Flores, who has been named The Monitor’s All-Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. “We peaked at the right time going into the playoffs. When that momentum comes your way, that wave of confidence, you have to ride it.”

The wave began to form after a victory over the rival McAllen Rowe Warriors, the five-time defending district champions, during 31-5A competition. The Bulldogs ended up splitting the season series and sharing the district title with Rowe, but the win over a perennial power proved Flores’ team could play with the best.

Once the playoffs rolled around, the Bulldogs leaned on their defense to carry them on a playoff run five rounds deep. Long, athletic, and with a little bit of “dog” in them, McHi showed why it was one of the toughest defensive units across the region, allowing just 42.6 points during five postseason games.

“They understood if we wanted to win a district title and make a playoff run, it was going to be a dog fight on the defensive end. We had to fight, we had to be intense, and we had to play with tremendous effort and tremendous energy,” Flores said. “I think they believed in each other, played for each other, and they didn’t get down on each other.”

After marching through Weslaco East 46-31 in Round 1, the Bulldogs crushed Corpus Christi King 56-41 in Round 2.

Then, McHi muscled out a 54-47 victory over Flour Bluff in Round 3 and upended Georgetown 48-37 in dominant fashion in Round 4, before ultimately falling to Leander Glenn in Round 5.

“Once we passed the first round, when we got out of the Valley towards Corpus Christi and Georgetown, I think they kind of looked down upon Valley basketball. I think they were kind of a little over-confident and didn’t think it would be much of a game. ‘They might have a good first quarter, they may have a good second quarter, but they won’t play good all four quarters,’ and our group did that,” Flores said. “Our group made shots. Our group made the extra pass and got stops on the defensive end, and I think they were a little shocked. Our opponents were very competitive and challenging, but I think the boys were playing as a team and they were ready for that challenge.”

Flores and his staff had great chemistry with the team. On the court, it was in-game adjustments on the fly that resulted in winning games.

“These are kids that have come through our program, have developed and gelled together. It’s a great reflection of what we want to do here and continue that winning tradition here at McAllen High School,” he said.

Off the court, it was the team peeking out of their locker room door awaiting Flores’ arrival to break out in celebration of their Round 3 win over Flour Bluff.

“I’m just grateful I’m in the position I’m in to be able to coach these kids. I’m just so thankful that I was a part of this great run, and of course, McHi history,” Flores said.

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