Posted Date: 12/11/2024
Thursday, Friday and Saturday tested the Bulldogs, who claimed the championship at the Border Olympics without losing a single game.
There were plenty of stellar performances at this year's Border Olympics Tournament, but Alexander dominated the competition, leaving no doubt about its skill and teamwork.
During the Bulldogs' unbeaten run to the championship, their final victory was particularly impressive, as they trounced Boerne Champion by a commanding 32 points. This dominant win capped off a perfect tournament run, highlighting their exceptional talent and strong team cohesion.
It was a great way for head coach Luis Valdez to close out his final Border Olympics. Valdez, who is retiring after this season, wants to savor every moment. Events like this help propel teams forward.
"I'm very proud of the way the boys competed. We played against some great teams that have awesome coaches, and our boys played well. Now we need to get better every day," Valdez said.
One of the standout players for Alexander was Alex Valdez, who earned the well-deserved title of MVP. His leadership on the court and ability to perform under pressure were key factors in his team's success. Throughout the tournament, he consistently showcased why he was the most valuable player of the event.
In addition to Valdez's recognition, two more Alexander players, Mateo Serna and Emilio Garcia, were named to the All-Tournament team. Both players demonstrated their skill and determination throughout the tournament, earning the respect of their coaches, teammates, and opponents. Serna's dynamic playmaking and Garcia's leadership were critical in securing Alexander's impressive victories and the championship title.
While Serna received individual accolades, he credited the team's remarkable performance. He noted that his team likes to make statements, and this past weekend was no exception. Serna is cementing his status as a force within a stacked and talented team.
"I think it was a reflection of not just my hard work but the whole team's hard work. We all work hard every day in practice, and the awards are just the perks of having a great team around me," Serna said. "This is just the beginning. Our goal isn't only to win district but to make a run in the playoffs as well. We just have to keep proving to ourselves that we have what it takes to reach our goals."
One of the most striking aspects of the Bulldogs' performance throughout the Border Olympics Tournament was their offensive dominance. The team displayed incredible scoring efficiency, often overwhelming opponents with fast-paced play and sharp shooting.
Against Flour Bluff, the Bulldogs scored an impressive 50 points before halftime—a testament to their high-scoring capability and relentless offensive attack. This explosive scoring reflects their well-rounded offense, which blends quick transitions, strong ball movement, and accurate shooting from all positions.
Scoring from the inside came from center Robert Eads, who has become increasingly involved with the offense. He consistently fights to the basket, draws fouls, and locks in on defense.
"This championship win meant a lot, especially because it's my senior year, and it's great ending the last tournament with a win," Eads said. "It sends a message for us through district that playing together as a team, we can dominate anyone we face. My teammates have kept me confident because it was a struggle to miss four weeks with a torn MCL, and they always cheered me on, even when I didn't play my best or the most, because they understood me as both a person and a player."
Eads isn't the only one who consistently puts up big numbers, pressures opponents, and makes it difficult for any team to keep up. Edgar Zuniga also delivered an impressive performance over the weekend. With so many solid players, Alexander's roster fully showcases why it is considered one of the most potent offenses in the region.
"We definitely didn’t think we were going to come in here and win it all with all the great competition in this tournament," Zuniga said. "We took it game by game, starting with St. Aug on day one, and we kept going from there. I think our chemistry has been great all season. All tournament long, we’ve been locked in on winning the next game, and our focus never changed. The game plan was the same for every game—to go out there and play our hardest.
"Our mindset never changed. We treated the championship game as a normal game; we didn’t want to make it more than what it was. We wanted to go out there and execute what our coaches told us to do."