Lady Mavs tie Wolves at 13, but fall by 39 points
Laredo Lyndon Johnson 72, C.C. Winn 33
By MARK OCHS
News Gram Sportswriter
The C.C. Winn High School Lady Mavericks showed plenty of fight in tying the Laredo Lyndon Johnson Lady Wolves 13-13 in the first quarter on Tuesday night, Jan. 28, but then they collapsed and lost 72-33 at Eagle Pass Student Activities Center.
Cassandra Lopez provided the Lady Mavs with an offensive outburst of 17 points, including one three-pointer and an assortment of layups and medium-range jumpers.
Senior Jennifer Rodriguez, playing in her final home game, scored five points, grabbed five rebounds, collected two steals, and handed out an assist.
Lady Mavs coach Enrique Pang praised Rodriguez before the crowd at halftime, calling her the team's "rebound queen" and adding that some college scouts are recruiting her.
Coach Pang also lauded the team's other graduating senior, Beatriz Benitez, who had a rebound and a block, and showed plenty of hustle.
"We're coming together as a team," he added. "The defense is looking good, and I like the performance by everyone."
His words of praise for his team contrasted sharply with the mean, nasty barks of Lady Wolves coach Robert Burrier, who constantly berated and reproved his team, even though they played very well throughout the game. Whenever one of his players missed a shot, Burrier would scream: "That's it! You're not shooting the ball anymore!"
Burrier's hapless players reacted by giving their angry, abusive coach a very wide berth on the bench. Although they posted an overwhelming victory, the Lady Wolves looked frustrated and depressed. Their overall record stands at 15-15, including 5-5 in the district.
The Wolves were sparked by No. 23, Kimberly Ponce, a great player who was all over the court, scoring, stealing the ball, rebounding and handing out assists.
For the Lady Mavs, Stephanie Flores had five points, three steals and two rebounds, Angie Espinosa had two points and three rebounds, and Alissa Lopez and Dulce Fernandez scored two points apiece.
A big game is coming up for the C.C. Winn Lady Mavericks, as they will face their rival, the Eagle Pass High School Lady Eagles, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Eagle Pass Student Activities Center.