Hot Streak

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | January 28, 2026

COTULLA BASKETBALL

Cowboys win two straight and three of four to move into playoff contention.

Cotulla won a much-needed pair of contests last week to move into a third place tie in the 28-3A basketball standings as the Cowboys seek to secure a postseason berth.

The Cowboys rolled to an 83-27 win over Poteet on Tuesday, January 20 and followed that up with a 59-42 decision over Natalia on Friday evening, January 23.

The wins moved Cotulla into a third place tie with the Hondo Owls for third in the standings as both moved to 4-3 for the season.

Crystal City leads the district at 7-0 while Lytle is second at 6-1.

A slow start hampered the Cowboys against Natalia on Friday night but the team clamped down defensively, limiting the Mustangs to a mere 13 second half points.

On Friday, January 23rd the Cotulla Cowboys hosted the Natalia Mustangs in a pivotal district matchup.

“After getting off to a slow start in the first quarter, a few changes were made defensively,” CHS Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Esteban Rodriguez said. “We began gaining momentum to close out the first half and in the second half, we held Natalia to only 13 points, seven of those coming on free throws.

Cotulla’s Jamarkuz Ramirez pulls up in the lane for two of his 35 points in a 59-42 win over Natalia last Friday at home. The win was one of two last week as the Cowboys have won three of their last four outings to sit tied for third in the standings. (Photo courtesy of Nina Torres)

“We played with a lot of heart and energy. Although the shots were not falling, the energy, defensively, provided the spark we needed to get past a good Natalia ball club.”

Their scoring leader all season, Jamarkuz Ramirez paced the Cowboys yet again with 35 points, four rebounds and a steal.

“In addition to his great offensive performance, Ramirez challenged himself by guarding Natalia’s best player, only giving up 12 points in the game.

“It was a great overall performance by Ramirez.”

Prior to the Natalia win, Cotulla rolled to a lopsided 56-point victory over the Aggies.

Cotulla led throughout as the team secured the road win.

Cotulla hosted Lytle Tuesday evening in another key outing as the team began the second round of league play.

The Cowboys will then be at Jourdanton on Friday as they look to remain in third place in the standings.

The Indians are a game behind the Cowboys at 3-4 in the standings after losing an overtime decision to Lytle and splitting outings with Hondo and Crystal City.