I don’t get to cover much high school basketball these days, but I had the chance to do the write-up for the Edinburg High-San Benito playoff game Tuesday night. You can check out my story here, which was delivered to you the readers on RGVsports.com by 9:45 tonight. You have to love the age of the internet, especially how quickly we can post stories.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the game. But, as always, here are a few thoughts.
>> Edinburg is quick and, as usual with Joe Filoteo teams, relies on its guard play on both ends of the court. The Bobcats aren’t tall, but Esteban Arriola and Noe De La Rosa do a solid job of controlling the game. Those guys were the difference in this one.
>> The first team that really defends the Bobcats — meaning, in your face, aggressive defense, will beat them. That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking with it. Trust me, I’ve been wrong before. San Benito allowed Edinburg to shoot way too many uncontested 3-pointers. That won’t happen against a more defensive team. Also, Edinburg won’t get to the hoop as much (it had 17 made free throws) against a team with more size. The Bobcats, however, may not see that until the regional tournament, if they get there.
>> San Benito’s Michael Preciado is one of the best players in the Valley. The guy had 17 of his team’s 36 points through three quarters, including a string of nine straight. I saw him last year in the playoffs as well (at Weslaco, in fact), and he was a stud then. Without him, San Benito wouldn’t have even been in the game tonight. He’s a nice player, and should receive some All-Valley love. And his play tonight only backs that up.
>> It was fun watching Valley coaching legends Roy Garcia and Filoteo going at it. That was one of the storylines I enjoyed throughout the game. Both guys credited the opposing coaching in the game, which is to be expected from standout guys.
>> The new storyline is Edinburg beaking a streak. The Bobcats have dropped seven straight area-round games. The last time they didn’t lose in the area round, however, was in 2000 when they advanced to the Sweet 16. It should be interesting on Saturday, when the Bobcats have the chance to get that seven-year monkey of their backs.
Wade Baker, 30, is Sports Editor of The Monitor. He graduated from Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. in 2000 with a degree in Mass Communications and moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 2002 for a sports reporter opening at The Monitor. Baker was promoted to his current position in August of 2007 after serving as assistant sports editor for two years. 
