Three boys and two girls’ teams will engage in crucial battles tonight as the high school basketball season comes closer and closer to a finish. The lady ballers only have two games remaining while the men’s regular season will conclude four games from now.

Read more: Big Six Friday Game of the Night: Crucial games in tonight’s BigSix games

During this last month of January, no basketball team amongst the Big Six schools has been as successful as the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots. In their nine games played in the first month of the New Year, the Patriots have gone 8-1, only losing to Hidalgo. The amazing run has put Ralph Cantu’s team firmly in second place in District 32-4A, just two games behind the Lady Patriots.

A big reason for Veterans’ on-court success? Senior guard Kassy Lopez, The Progress Times’ Big Six January Athlete of the Month.

Read more: Big Six January Athlete of the Month: Veterans Memorial’s Kassy Lopez

MISSION – Rene Garza’s squad was in a must win Tuesday night. A loss would have nearly mathematically eliminated the Lady Eagles from a postseason berth. Didn’t happen. Garza’s team came up big, beating the McHi Lady Bulldogs, 44-35.

Read more: Big Six Tuesday Game of the Night: Lady Eagles nabs crucial victory over McHi

MISSION – A win tonight for the Lady Eagles is a near must in order to stay in contention for a postseason berth. Currently on a three-game win streak, Mission hopes to make it four straight as they take on second-place McHi in tonight’s District 30-5A showdown.

Though the three wins are reason to celebrate, they have come at the expense of some of the district’s worse teams. In fact, none of the teams have any shot at the postseason and have hardly been competitive with the rest of the district.

Despite this, Mission has played well in these games. Alexandra Cedillo has led the team in scoring for all three games, averaging 15 points-per-game. A big effort from Cedillo and teammate Carolee Lopez will be needed.

Read more: “Big Six” Tuesday Game of the Night: McHi Lady Bulldogs at Mission Lady Eagles

Today’s Big Six Rankings:

Boys Basketball

1. Sharyland

Friday’s Big Six ranking: 1

District Record: 8-1 (District 30-5A Standing: First)

Last Game: Beat Donna, 69-39.

Team Notes: The Rattlers’ win was expected over the Redskins but the next their next two games may not be. The Palmview Lobos are winners of five straight and could ascend to the district’s top spot if they win their next two. Sharyland took the Lobos down easily in their first matchup and they have home court advantage. This week’s games will be a huge challenge for Shary, especially Friday’s rematch with the Mustangs.

Next two games: vs. Palmview, Jan. 31; at Memorial, Feb. 3.

Read more: Monday’s “Big Six” Boys and Girls Basketball Rankings

MISSION – La Joya’s playoff chances took a devastating hit Friday night after losing to rival Palmview, 68-52. Pablo Tovar lead the Coyotes with 13 points while Lobo Hector Gallegos led all scorers with 20 points.

Playing in a true rivalry atmosphere, in front of a near packed house, the Lobos came out in the first quarter dominating. Lobo big man Dominick Garza scored 10 points in the period and his team played with confidence as they withstood a energized La Joya team. The first quarter ended with Palmview up, 21-8.

Read more: Big Six Friday Game of the Night: La Joya at Palmview