The Uvalde Lobos are preparing to resume District 29-4A basketball action following the holiday break. On December 29, they are set to compete against the Pearsall Lady Mavericks at Pearsall, with the varsity game commencing at 6:30 p.m. and the junior varsity game at 5 p.m.
Under the guidance of Coach Fortino Patiño, the Lobos, with a district record of 0-2 and an overall season record of 8-11, are steadfast in their pursuit of securing their first district victory of the season. Prior to the holiday break, the team concluded their pre-Christmas schedule with a hard-fought 47-43 loss against the Somerset Lady Bulldogs at Harvey Kinchlow Gym.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Patiño remarked, “It was a closely contested match, and we played Somerset tough, but we made some significant errors at crucial junctures.” The Lobos rallied from a 9-4 deficit to level the score at 14-14 by the conclusion of the first period. Through solid defensive plays, the Lobos outscored the Somerset girls 11-6 in the second period, entering halftime with a 25-20 lead.
Although the Uvalde girls maintained a six-point lead on two occasions during the third period, Somerset staged a late rally, resulting in a 31-31 tie by the period’s end. Justine Luevanos made a pivotal shot to put the Lobos ahead 33-31 early in the final period, and Jacelyn Ortegon’s three-point field goal extended the lead to 39-34 with 4:13 remaining.
Despite the Lobos’ efforts, Somerset managed to secure a 40-39 lead with just over a minute left. However, Natalia Cabralez stepped up and sunk three free throws, reinstating the Lobos’ lead at 42-40. Somerset then made a pair of free throws to push the game into overtime, ultimately clinching the victory with a five-point lead.
Justine Luevanos and Natalia Cabralez emerged as the top scorers for the Lobos, accumulating 12 and 10 points, respectively. Coach Patiño expressed his satisfaction with their performance, stating, “I was very pleased with those two. They played a good overall game for us.” Other notable scorers for the Lobos included Jacelyn Ortegon with nine points, Angelica Estrada with seven points, and Kendra Garcia with five points.
Additionally, Coach Victoria Rodriguez’s Pearsall team, comprising standout players such as seniors Sarah Brady and Iliana Camacho, junior Kristen Morales, sophomore Izaely Ovalle, and freshman Jeralynn Gutierrez, is expected to present a formidable challenge for the Lobos.
Following the forthcoming matchup against Pearsall, the Lobos will commence the 2024 segment of their basketball schedule with a home game against the Floresville Jaguars on January 2 at Harvey Kinchlow Gym. This heralds an exciting start to the new year for the Uvalde Lobos as they endeavor to leave an indelible mark on the district basketball scene.