BEEVILLE — The freshman basketball teams from A.C. Jones fared well at their own tournament last week. The boys claimed the first place title in their division by going undefeated, and the ninth-grade Lady Trojans captured third place on their side of the event.

In the opening round, the young Trojans defeated the Mathis Pirates 34-30. Jacoby Veliz hit 13 points to lead the Beeville boys. Gabriel Cardenas followed with 11 markers. Mathis was undefeated, coming into the game.

“We played great defensively, and we moved the ball well on offense,” said freshman coach Juan Guerrero.

The George West Longhorns were their second round opponent. The Beeville boys captured a 32-24 win to advance to the next round.

Veliz again led the JHS scoring with 11 points. Cardenas hit for nine, while Derek D’Amore and Josh Perez both contributed three. Guerrero again attributed the win to the team’s defensive play.

In the final round game, the Beeville boys faced off against Robstown. The Cotton Pickers were no match for the Trojans, falling 44-18. Cardenas poured in 21 points to lead the Beevillle scoring. Veliz added eight, while Chris Salazar, Perez and Tony Aleman each made four.

“I’m very proud of these guys. We are learning to play as a team and can play some great defense. We are 4-0 on the season,” Guerrero said.

The young Lady Trojans had a first round bye and faced a tough Victoria East squad in the second round. The Lady Titans had too much height and too many shooters. The Titans won 51-26.

Amanda Garza led the Lady Trojans with 13 points, while Tiffany Vargas contributed seven.

The Beeville girls played Sinton in their next game and defeated the Lady Pirates 25-21. Samantha Salazar hit for 10 points for the Lady Trojans. Vargas added six, and Garza contributed four.

The final game of the tourney for the Lady Trojans had them on the court with rival district Calallen. The Beeville girls captured the win and third place in the tournament with a 34-28 victory.

Salazar recorded 16 points in the win. Garza added 12, and Janie Cano sank four.

“I was proud of the girls’ play after a tough game against the eventual tournament champion, Victoria East. It always is a great sign when a team bounces off a tough loss, and plays well in the next games and comes out with W’s,” said freshman coach Abel Barrera.

“The team was excited with the victories and especially excited to win a tournament trophy. We will continue to work hard and improve so we can be prepared for the upcoming district season.”