The Harmony boys basketball program wrapped up its season on Thursday at the Class 1A Division I state tourney in Austin, losing 90-50 to Dallas Triple A Academy. But what a season the program had, winning 27 games, including four in the state playoffs. The Tigers are young with four starters returning, including guard Bryan Urrutia, a freshman and 7-2 center Alfredo Rodriguez, also just a freshman.
Coach Mike Gonzales did a nice job with this team this year. Just two years ago, Harmony won only two games and last year won 13. And the program has some good players on the way as well from the middle school level.
Urrutia is a legit player who could play for a lot of bigger schools in town and Rodriguez will get better if he gets stronger and continues to work on his post moves. Don't be shocked to see the Tigers back in competing for spot in the Final Four if it continues to improve and work hard in the offseason from now until next March.
Congratulations on a great season!
Posted by: Pascal Fortran | Friday, March 08, 2013 at 05:22 AM
Harmony represented El Paso well. There is a story behind the story however. All these kids came over from Mexico to play ball at this small private school. Their situation is very similar to the one at Faith Christian. In fact the same gentleman behind the Faith team is the same guy who set these kids up at Harmony. I believe his name is Vincencio. So this is hardly the small typical 1A team from a small town in Texas. Looking at the photos from the State game in Austin though it looks like Triple A Academy is not your normal small town 1A team either. Looks like Triple A is a "basketball " academy. Props though for Harmony competing in the harder UIL League, unlike the weak league Faith is in. Well more power to this kids. Hopefully they will better their lives by going to school in the US. Look how big Ray was able to use his Faith exposure into a scholarship at Tulane. I bet some of the smaller schools in EP 3A,4A will want to play Harmony next year. Lets hope they do.
Posted by: EP Hoops | Friday, March 08, 2013 at 11:58 AM
Congrats on a great year Harmony. Felix - these 2 teams that u give so much credit to - wouldn't stand a chance in 4A or 5A...................................Lets not forget who things two schools are linked to - Vacencio!!!!! The same person who was fired by SISD for having drugs in his shoes AT SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Local Fan | Friday, March 08, 2013 at 01:19 PM
It is what it is! This is typical for a border town like ELP. Just like everything else is this city there's always a "movida". Nothing is ever 'straight up' anymore. The culture is encased with deceptive people utilizing deceptive practices to get what they want. That's the culture, that's reality, that's shameful, that's a border town. I wonder why the government wants to close borders? Where are the good people anymore? Certainly not around here. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Posted by: Jackson Hewitt | Saturday, March 09, 2013 at 10:02 AM
"And the program has some good players on the way as well from the middle school level."Sounds like Harmony is looking forward to more wins. Congratulations to Harmony for a good season. I dont know any of these players but I am always glad to see an El Paso team succeed!
Posted by: Garry Woodruff | Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 11:13 AM
i think felix you need to write a story on all the recruitment that goes around in the local high schools. Look at all these "AAU" teams that are formed as elementary teams and how they start leaving their middle school in the 7th grade to attend the high school feeder middle school in the 8th grade, so they can attend the recruiter high school.
Posted by: Ben Dover | Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 01:15 AM