Cathedral Coach Duran Draws Criticism For Resting Starters Against Faith Christian

They've kind of flown under the radar this season, but two private schools happen to be the best two boys basketball teams in the city.  The gents at Cathedral and Faith Christian Academy have given their classmates, parents, and fans a ton of thrills this season.

Last nights' showdown at Del Valle was the third meeting, and the rubber match between the two teams.  Faith crushed Cathedral 66-34 back in November.  The Irish exacted their revenge last month with a 46-38 home win.

The third match was so highly anticipated that it had to be played at a bigger venue.  The gym at Del Valle High School was at capacity for tip-off.  There was just one little problem.  Cathedral coach, and former UTEP Miner Omar Duran, did his best Jim Caldwell impression and sat his starting five.

Fans watched in shock as Faith made easy work of the Cathedral reserves and youngsters to the tune of a 91-35 drubbing.  Bret Bloomquist of the El Paso Times was there, and he got the official explanation from coach Duran.  According to the coach, the game had been scheduled for last Friday but was moved to accommodate a school from Dallas that the Irish met in Lubbock.

Duran also stressed that Friday, February 18th is the date on his calender he has circled all year.  That is the day the Irish open their second season (a.k.a. the playoffs).  Duran mentioned a couple banged up players and took the stance that he needed to ensure his squad was as close to 100% as possible for the postseason.

I have never had a problem with coaches resting players before the playoffs.  Coaches ARE NOT paid to appease fans.  Their only obligation is to win games for the organization that hired them.