After flying high against the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Southwest Javelinas last Tuesday, the Pioneer Diamondbacks came back down to earth. Pioneer took a 52-47 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Sabercats. While losing is never fun, Pioneer can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas basketball rankings (they are ranked 623rd, while the Sabercats are ranked 124th).
Despite the loss, Pioneer still got an impressive performance from Julian Valdez, who scored 27 points along with eight rebounds and five assists. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Valdez has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Edward Chavez, who scored five points along with eight rebounds.
Vela's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Diego Salinas, who scored 19 points. Another player making a difference was Axel Garza, who scored seven points along with five rebounds and two steals.
Pioneer's loss dropped their record down to 18-13. As for Vela, the win was the 15th in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 29-5.
Pioneer will head out on the road to challenge the Rattlers at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Vela, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wolverines at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial is no doubt hoping to put an end to a four-game streak of away losses.
