SHARYLAND -- There was a lot of passion at Sharyland High School Friday night. It was thick and it was desperate. Amidst it all, Fred Ramos ignored it as the senior recorded 29 points to help his team sweep the season series with the La Joya by beating Coyotes 69-53. With the win the Rattlers secured the fourth and final spot in District 30-5A.

"I just wanted to give it my all," said Ramos. "I think [as a team] we came out with the intensity that we had been looking for all season."

Read more: 30-5A BOYS BASKETBALL: Ramos seals the deal for Sharyland

It is hard not to think of the name Rudy and not think of the underdog former football player from Notre Dame who overcame adversity to make the Irish roster. The name has become synonymous with the overachieving underdog.

For Veterans Memorial High School, they have a Rudy of their own, with a slight twist. Senior Rudy Gonzalez is the Patriot's star wrestler, not an underdog. In last weekend's (Saturday and Monday) District 31-5A championships, Rudy took home the title in the 125-lb. weight class. Of course, if you know this wrestler, you know a district championship routine for the star athlete. Rudy has now won back-to-back-to-back-to-back district championships. When it comes to the district, there is no underdog in this Rudy.

Read more: Don't mess with Rudy

SHARYLAND -- The Lady Rattlers really needed this one. 

Seeking a sole district championship since 2002, all Sharyland had to do was win its final two games. Well, Friday night was not so sweet to the Rattlers as they fell to two-time defending champ McAllen Memorial 52-39. 

The twelve point loss was closer than the final score would indicate however. Though the Lady Rattlers (19-12, 9-2) did trail most of the game, Memorial (16-15, 9-2) had to earn every point it got and withstand their opponent's multiple rallies.

Read more: 30-5A GIRLS BASKETBALL: Memorial beats Shary for second time.

It is the month of elimination, do-or-die, dead man walking etc., etc. Yes, the state playoffs are just around the corner and four teams stand a chance to move on.

Record wise, Veterans Memorial (19-11, 9-5) sits in the most comfortable position at the number three spot in 32-4A. However, that position is no first class seating. Tuesday night saw the Patriots get smashed at home by district leader Roma, 47-29. Despite the loss, the Patriots still have a one game lead over Hidalgo (17-10, 8-6). Just behind the Pirates sits Rio Grande City (13-13, 8-6), Edcouch-Elsa (8-9, 7-7) and Juarez-Lincoln (9-8, 7-7) who are sitting and waiting for teams to fall.

Read more: Sharyland, La Joya and Veterans hope for playoff spot

MISSION -- Though the Lady Patriots of Veterans Memorial incurred a surprise loss to Roma on a last second 3-point banking buzzer beater, it was the loss that the men's team endured which hurts the most, losing 47-29.

In the beginning, the Patriots matched well with the district leaders (12-1 in 32-4A play), going point for point the first couple of minutes. However, six straight points by the Gladiators--including a four-point play--gave the visiting team all the momentum when the first quarter ended.

Read more: 32-4A BOYS BASKETBALL: Vets lose to district leader Roma

Note: Teams above dotted line represent the current teams in position to make it to the Bi-District

DISTICT 30-5A             Overall              District

McAllen Rowe               22-3                  7-1

McAllen Memorial        16-6                  7-1

McAllen                         13-12                6-2

Sharyland                     14-13                4-4

Read more: Local Boys Basketball Standings