It wasn't an easy way to start the season off for the Mission boys soccer team. Due to players being ineligible, the team struggled at the Brownsville Tournament two weeks ago. However, the team responded well last weekend when they took third at the tournament in McAllen. Due to that, head coach Christos Barouhas is feeling better about his team's performance.

Adding to the confidence is the ineligible players should be back before district starts next week.

Read more: Eagles overcoming obstacles in preparation for district

30-5A GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS (as of Monday, January 24)

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

Read more: 30-5A and 32-4A GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS

30-5A BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS (as of Monday, January 24)

Note: Top four teams are the current teams eligible to proceed to bi-district.

Read more: 30-5A and 32-4A BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS

Veterans Memorial took a big step Friday night.

Playing on the road in the loud brand new stadium of Juarez-Lincoln, the Patriots responded to a slow first quarter to go on to defeat the Huskies in convincing fashion, 43-31. The win furthers the team’s quest for a playoff spot and pushes Juarez-Lincoln’s (4-7 in district) farther away.

Read more: 32-4A BOYS BASKETBALL: Veterans steps up game to get huge road win

2010 was a memorable season for Sharyland soccer. The Rattlers took the District 30-5A title and proceeded to make a remarkably strong run in the tournament, proceeding to the Regional Semifinals before getting knocked out in a shootout versus San Antonio Clark.

Inevitably such a run is hard to follow up the following year. Yet for head coach Rev Hernandez his team should never be counted out because his boys possess hard work and unity.

Read more: Hard working Rattlers ready to defend district title

Sharyland 65 LA JOYA 58

Quino Pistokache scored 22 points and hit a critical 3-pointer down the stretch to lead the Sharyland Rattlers to a victory over La Joya 65-58.  The Coyotes were led by Mario Tamez with 24 points and teammate Joel Ordaz had 10.  La Joya stands at 13-11 overall and 3-3 in district play. The Rattlers are 4-2 in district.