Elias Herrera wins eighth-grade city championship

Isabella Lopez and Regina Lozano lead the Hawks to victory over United Mavericks

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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In a back-and-forth eighth-grade Division I city championship game, Isabella Lopez scored 21 points and Regina Lozano added 17 to help Elias Herrera Middle School defeat the United Mavericks 52-47. Lopez's eight points in the third quarter, including a deep 3-pointer, proved to be the difference as the Hawks rallied from a halftime deficit to claim the title.

Why it matters

The championship game showcased the future stars of Laredo girls basketball, with Lopez and Lozano leading Elias Herrera to victory and Kristy Del Rio and Ana Martinez starring for United. The win is meaningful for Lopez and her Elias Herrera teammates, who she considers 'family'.

The details

Elias Herrera's starting lineup included Lopez, Lozano, Ariella Cadena, Jarissa Valdes and Sharon Nieto. United started Del Rio, Martinez, Karime Avena, Ava Estrada and Sofyl Lopez. Del Rio scored 11 first-half points to give United a 28-26 halftime lead, but Lopez's third-quarter outburst helped Elias Herrera pull away. Lozano's late 3-pointer silenced a United rally and sealed the Hawks' championship victory.

  • The eighth-grade Division I city championship game was played on February 7, 2026.
  • Lopez scored six straight points in the final three minutes of the third quarter to help Elias Herrera take control of the game.

The players

Isabella Lopez

An eighth-grade guard for Elias Herrera Middle School who scored a game-high 21 points, including a key 3-pointer in the third quarter, to lead her team to the city championship.

Regina Lozano

An eighth-grade player for Elias Herrera Middle School who scored 17 points and hit a crucial 3-pointer to help the Hawks hold off a late United rally.

Kristy Del Rio

An eighth-grade guard for United Middle School who scored a team-high 20 points, including three 3-pointers, in the championship game.

Ana Martinez

An eighth-grade forward for United Middle School who scored 12 points and helped the Mavericks rally in the second half.

Gabriel Gaytan

The head coach of the Elias Herrera Middle School girls basketball team, who praised Isabella Lopez's confidence and competitiveness in leading the Hawks to the title.

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What they’re saying

“I always tell her she has the green light. I told her today she has the green light to shoot from anywhere she wants, because she can make those shots.”

— Gabriel Gaytan, Head Coach, Elias Herrera Middle School (lmtonline.com)

“She has so much confidence in her shot. I have so much confidence in her shot.”

— Gabriel Gaytan, Head Coach, Elias Herrera Middle School (lmtonline.com)

“It feels good. They're not teammates — they're family.”

— Isabella Lopez (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

The Elias Herrera Middle School girls basketball team will now prepare to represent Laredo in the regional tournament, where they will look to continue their championship run.

The takeaway

The eighth-grade city championship game showcased the bright future of girls basketball in Laredo, with standout performances from Isabella Lopez, Regina Lozano, Kristy Del Rio, and Ana Martinez. The win for Elias Herrera proves that the Hawks have a talented and close-knit team that can compete at the highest levels.