PHARR – Whenever members of the Dallas Cowboys are in the Rio Grande Valley, you can expect to see large crowds eagerly gather to
catch a glimpse of their favorite team. As was the case Saturday when five players from the Cowboys organization came down to play in a fundraiser basketball game at PSJA North. The proceeds from tickets sold went to the Pharr Crimestoppers. The Cowboys played the Crimestoppers team that included local law enforcement officers as well as the PSJA North coaching staff. In attendance for the Cowboys was Pat Watkins, Marcus Dixon, Stephen Bowen, Travis Wilson and retired wide receiver Tony Hill, who was the coordinator of the event as well as the master of ceremonies. There was one familiar name which stuck out from the rest. Dallas tight end Martellus Bennett made his appearance felt not only on the court but in the crowds as well. Bennett, who was at the La Plaza Mall’s Dallas Cowboy Pro Shop last Saturday signing autographs, was obviously the crowd favorite as he went into the crowd a few times to sign autographs and take pictures before the game began. Bennett impressed fans with his flashy dunks and superb basketball skills as he ended the game with 48 points to lead the Cowboys to a 113-90 victory over the Crimestoppers team. “It feels good to be back in the RGV,” Bennett said. “We got a warm welcome here. They love the Cowboys down here. It was a great turnout and the cops could actually play. It was actually fun to be out there with them.” It seemed as though the Crimestoppers were not fazed at all as they came out firing to take an early lead in the first quarter. The Crimestoppers had a slight lead right before halftime but Watkins (16 points) nailed a trey right before the buzzer to give the ‘Boys a 51-50 lead at the half.
“This game was for a good cause,” Watkins said. “It was also a good workout. It’s nice to stay in shape for these kinds of charity events.”