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

MISSION – So far this season the La Joya Coyotes have proven capable of beating the weaker teams of District 30-5A but unable to break through and beat the bigger teams. Hence the current position of sixth place in the standings.

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

There are plenty of surprises in District 30-5A that fans have found fascinating during the 2011-12 boys basketball season. Examples would be Sharyland freshman guard Jesse Pistokache and his rise as perhaps the best player in the district or Nikki Rowe’s valiant defense of its district title. However, perhaps those two stories or any other, pale in comparison to the Palmview Lobos’ rise not only as a playoff contender but perhaps even a title contender.

Read more: BOYS BASKETBALL: Palmview's success continues to surprise others

MISSION – The Sharyland student body preceded Tuesday’s showdown between the Rattlers and the Nikki Rowe Warriors by bringing in a student dressed up as the biblical Moses to lead the crowd in cheers. Apparently the ancient prophet still had a couple of miracles up his sleeve to help the Rattlers outlast the visitors in two overtimes, winning 74-73 in a game long to be remembered by those in attendance. The win puts Sharyland all alone in the top spot for District 30-5A.

“Awesome game,” said Rattler head coach David Keith afterwards. “Hats off to Rowe.”

To achieve the victory, miracles were indeed called for. For one, star guard Jesse Pistokache picked up two fouls in the fourth quarter—the last one in the final minute—forcing the young but talented leader to sit the rest of the fourth and the two overtimes on the sidelines. The mandatory order to the bench was a perceived blow for the Rattlers as Jesse had just picked up a hot shooting touch that allowed the freshman to score 12 second half points after only scoring two in the first. Further, Pistokache’s smooth dribbling skills accompanied his hot hand, leaving his team without his ability to score or calmly lead the offense.

Read more: “Big Six” Tuesday Game of the Night: Shary outlasts Rowe in epic battle

MISSION – Simply put this is the biggest game in quite some time for Sharyland Basketball. The Warriors and Rattlers and currently tied for first in District 30-5A and tonight’s matchup will finally give the district one true leader.

Read more: “Big Six” Tuesday Game of the Night: Nikki Rowe at Sharyland

Today’s “Big Six” Rankings:

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