Warriors set things straight with bi-district win over Falfurrias

By DAVE FAVILA

LFN

After an uncharacteristic loss last week to end the regular season, the Santa Rosa Warriors bounced back with a hard-fought 61-49 victory over Falfurrias in a Class 3A bi-district playoff contest Feb. 25 at Sharyland Pioneer High School.

Although the Warriors eventually picked up the 12-point victory, early on they struggled offensively and were outscored 15-8 in the opening period, causing Santa Rosa fans in attendance as well as those watching online at Rio Sports Live to worry a little bit. Shades of the Warriors’ loss to Brownsville Jubilee on Feb. 18 began to creep into the Pioneer gym.

Fortunately for Warriors fans, the team settled down after the initial quarter and took care of business.

In the second period, the Warriors stepped things up on both sides of the ball scoring 15 and holding Fal to six as they entered the half clinging to a 23-21 lead.

The Warriors then started to pull away in the third quarter as they outscored the Jerseys 18-14 behind a pair of 3-pointers by CJ Olivarez, who finished with eight points on the evening.

In the fourth period, Jarren Jimenez led the way with seven points, including a 3-pointer as the Warriors finally wore down Fal en route to the victory.

Jimenez finished the contest with 15 points and three 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Chris Vela was 7-of-10 from the free-throw line and finished the game with a team-high 19.

Up next, the Warriors (13-7) were to face Mathis in an area-round game on Friday, Feb. 28 at Corpus Christi Ray High School. Mathis (15-9) advanced to the second round of the postseason with an 81-60 bi-district win over Cotulla on Feb. 24.