HTX Fire 2020 played in the Primetimesportz – New Caney event this past weekend. Probably inspired by their ultra-cool new jerseys, HTX went 4-0 en route to another 1st place finish. During pool play, HTX was proficient on offense and displayed great tenacity on defense. In the first game, they defeated the IBA South Ballers 48-24, with Luci Melcher leading the way with 14 points. They followed that up with a very impressive 51-10 outing against The Woodland Dynasty as Ana Rodriguez led all scorers with 19 points, 16 in which occurred in the 1st half.
The following day, still wearing those ultra-cool jerseys, HTX outlasted the Flyers in the semi’s as they won 30-24. Despite getting the shots they wanted against the Flyer’s ‘packed in because we don’t believe HTX can shoot’ 2-3 zone, HTX was unable to capitalized on open outside shots as they went an abysmal 2-22 from the 3 point line. But, as usual, a great defensive effort pulled them through. Ana Rodriguez again led the way with 12 points.
The semi-final game was as bad as a shooting day as any team could have from the arc; but; a two hour break and a trip to the snack bar can change everything. The finals saw a completely different HTX team as they went 8-13 from the 3 point line while playing the much bigger and older RL9 team. HTX, as expected, was dominated on the glass as RL9 grabbed 21 offensive rebounds. But, as is becoming the norm, HTX’s great defense held RL9 to just 26% shooting. Nicole Nash led all scores with 13 points, which included going 4-4 from 3 point land and Sam Simmons who dropped in 12 points.
The HTX Fire 2020 will take its 9 game winning streak (only 27 games off the HTX club record) to the always competitive Shock Invitational tournament in Cypress in two weeks.
