Jesse Rubio is back where he always wanted to be with his Rocksprings High boys’ basketball team on its way to accomplishing the heights he always envisioned they would.

“This is my first season back after being gone a couple years, but I’ve worked with these guys since seventh grade and I’ve always had an idea of what they’re capable of doing,” Rubio told Texas Scorecard.

With wins in 17 of their first 20 games, including 3-0 in 1A Region IV District 31 play, the Angoras at this point may have even exceeded Rubio’s expectations.

The senior guard duo of Diego Viera and Jesse Silva lead the way, with Viera serving as the quarterback on the offense and the “interceptor” in the team’s pressing defense, and Silva averaging more than 20 points per night.

“We call any pass made to the center of the court the ‘no-fly zone’ because if you throw it there Diego’s going to get it,” Rubio said.

Sophomore Christian Montoya also averages 20 points for Rocksprings, while seniors Chris Flores and Johnny Gomez are integral to the team’s attack on both ends.

“We run from the opening tip and don’t look to slow down,” Rubio added. “Last year, I noticed they were playing more of a half-court type game, but we’ve been pushing the pace since I got back here and now we’re up to averaging almost 80 points per game.”

Rubio said Rocksprings’ depth (although just nine players are on the roster) and versatility are among its greatest strengths.

“People can’t figure us out,” he said. “Our bench plays huge for us and all our kids understand our philosophy that goes defense creates offense. Once we get in our press, we really get going as a team. Our kids have the gift of being able to improvise on the fly and it’s paying dividends for us.”

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