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December 19, 2010

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Volume 10 Issue 2

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

BOY’S Pre-Season

HSSM’s TOP 10 1. EDINBURG 2. WESLACO 3. HARLINGEN 4. MCALLEN MEMORIAL 5. SANTA ROSA 6. HARLINGEN SOUTH 7. WESLACO EAST 8. SHARYLAND 9. ROMA 10. HIDALGO Become an HSSM Fan on FaceBook.

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SPECIAL ISSUE

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PAGES OF SCOUTING REPORTS

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Rio Grande Valley H.S.

BASKETBALL

PREVIEW

Final Results of State Football Playoffs Included with photos

December 19, 2010

www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

Volume Ten Issue Two

High School Sports Magazine

Contents

4 Valley Basketball

teams looking to make trip to UIL State Tourn Only four teams from four regions advance to the state tournament at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Tx.

6 It’s All About PASSION...

TDDAVE talks about making the trip to the Final Four and past high school basketball champions.

8 RGV Basketball Preview: Teams To Watch

About the Shoes

Can the Edinburg Lady Bobcats and Edinburg Bobcats both dominate District 31-5A? Will Weslaco win another district 32-5A title?

28 The State Farm

Past State Champions Sponsored by Ruben Solis, State Farm Agent from the Rio Grande Valley.

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Back in the days when Converse basketball shoes ruled on the courts. Times have changed but these classics are making a comeback.

Member Become an HSSM Fan on FaceBook.

Keyword: High School Sports Magazine Watch Real Sports on High School Sports Magazine’s

Keyword: HSSM Live/HSSM News

December 2010

National Association of Hispanic Journalists Texas Sportswriters Association Copyrighted 2010

www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

Basketball Preview RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

THE PRESEASONPOLLS

Boys Girls 1. Harlingen South 1. Edinburg 2. Weslaco 2. Edinburg 3. Harlingen 3. Los Fresnos 4. McA Mem 4. Weslaco East 5. Santa Rosa 5. Hidalgo 6. Harlingen So 6. Weslaco 7. Weslaco East 7. McAllen Mem 8. Sharyland 8. Bro Hanna 9. Roma 9. Sharyland Valley Teams looking to Advance to UIL State Tournament in 2011 10. Hidalgo 10. Miss Veterans (McAllen, Texas)-An era has end- coach Monica Rodriguez resigned trict titles and more than 60 wins reed in McAllen with Bulldog head after leading the Lady Pirates to the corded in three seasons, Swift opted coach Roy Swift and 5A All-State state tournament in 2009. The Bull- to leave and pursue coaching opplayer J.J. Avila none gone, along dogs made three straight Class 5A portunities elsewhere, outside from with girl’s basketball coach Teresa Region IV Tournament appearances the Rio Grande Valley. With the Casso now retired as the McHi Lady under Swift and with the 6’9” Avila 2010-11 season already underway, Bulldogs coach. In Hidalgo, head leading the team. Three straight dis- Homer Garr takes over the Bull-

2010

The 2009 Hidalgo Early College Lady Pirates advanced to the State 3A Tournament and faced Argyle in the semifinals.

The Lady Pirates lost to Argyle 58-43. Teams from South Texas will be vying for another state appearance. (HSSM IMages) December 2010

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www.highschoolsp

2010 Boys Champions: 1A Division I Cayuga; 1A Div II Nazaret Class 1A Div I Smyer; Class 1A Div II Neches; Class 2A

Official Site of the University Interscholastic League’s St dog program, looking to build the rich tradition he garnered at Roma High School. Last year, the Gladiators were ousted in the first round losing to Laredo Ciagarroa 52-47.

He will have tough shoes to fill now that Swift is gone. Under Swift, the Bulldogs made four straight playoff appearances and won three Class 5A Regional Quarterfinal titles. No

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Valley boys basketball team has advanced to the state tournament other than the Santa Rosa Warriors who made history in 2009 when they upset Randolph in overtime 63-62 to advance. The Warriors would lose to three-time State 2A champion, Ponder 77-54. In girls basketball, two Edinburg teams made it to the State 5A Regional Tournament

December 2010

last season. The Edinburg Bobcats and Edinburg North Lady Cougars made the trip north to meet Converse Wagner and San Antonio Jay in the regional semifinals. Wagner dominated the Lady Bobcats 83-35, while Jay escaped the Lady Cougars 62-41. Teams to watch in 2010-11 in boys action will be San Isidro, Santa Rosa, Weslaco, and McAllen Rowe

portsmagazine.net

R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

th; Class 2A Ponder; Class 3A Lubbock Estacado; Class 4A Houston Yates; Class 5A Fort Bend Bush. 2010 Girls Champions: A Brock; Class 3A Texarkana Liberty-Eylau; Class 4A Mansfield Timberview; Class 5A Houston Cypress Fairbanks

tate Championships: Frank Erwin Center-Austin,Texas Warriors. In girls action, Harlingen South will be favored in 31-5A with Weslaco East and Hidalgo in 32-4A. All three teams could make strong impacts at the Regional level.

Players dream about playing in Austin. Most Valley players or students have never been to Austin, Texas. The trip to a state championships would be a memorable one

The 2011 UIL Girls Championships Thursday, March 3rd Semifinals 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

All 1A, 3A, 4A

Friday, March 4th Semifinals 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

All 2A, 1A Div II, 5A Saturday, March 5th The Finals 8:30 a.m.

Class 1A Division I 10:00 a.m.

Class 3A 2:00 p.m.

Class 2A 3:30 p.m.

Class 4A 7:00 p.m.

Class 1A Division II 8:30 p.m.

Class 5A

December 2010

The 2011 UIL Boys Championships Thursday, March 10th Semifinals 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

All 1A, 3A, 4A

Friday, March 11th Semifinals 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

All 2A, 1A Div II, 5A Saturday, March 12th The Finals 8:30 a.m.

Class 1A Division I 10:00 a.m.

Class 3A 2:00 p.m.

Class 2A 3:30 p.m.

Class 4A 7:00 p.m.

Class 1A Division II 8:30 p.m.

Class 5A

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s all about passion

N

Springs North Hopkins ot many basketball 83-75 in 1956. Two teams fans know that the have dominated girls UIL State Championbasketball from 1951 to ships are played at the 2007. Nazareth made 21 University of Texas appearances from 1976Longhorns home 2007 winning 18 titles in court, the Frank Erwin Center in 1977, 78’, 79’, 80’, 81’, Austin, Texas. It was a great experi81’, 84’, 85’, 88’, 89’, ence when I first made my state ap90’, 91’, 96’, 00’, 01’, pearance as a reporter in 2009 when 02’, 05’, and 2007. Anthe Class 3A Hidalgo Lady Pirates BY other team was Duncanmade their first-ever appearance after ville, from 1951-2004 with knocking off West Oso 37-36 in the 3A 20 appearances in the UIL Region IV finals. Not to mention, the HSSM PUBLISHER Tournament with six titleSanta Rosa boys 2A team also made the wins in 1976, 88’, 89’, 90’, 97’, and 2003. trip to the state tournament that same year with their 63-62 overtime win against But times do change as it did for the statesemifinalist, Hidalgo Lady Pirates. Head San Antonio Randolph.

When I first stepped on the court, I felt coach Monica Rodriguez left the program to alone and a long way from home. After all, become a physical therapist and Duncanville this is where the boys 5A Austin High team has made only four tournament appearances, has played in 19 state tournaments from winning only one since 2000. It becomes ad1922 through 1961. Sadly, Austin High was dictive making the trip to the Frank Erwin disqualified and stripped of its title in 1928 Center. Now, I know how these teams strive after beating Temple 33-13 for an ineligible to get here too. It’s tough. This will be my player. Austin played in five finals and won third straight tournament appearance and none. This is the same place where Port Ar- hopefully, I will see another team from the thur Lincoln has won seven state 4A titles Valley in 2011 on courtside. from 1984, 86’, 88’, 89’, 91’, and most recently, in 1995. They also won as a State 5A team in 1981. Probably, the most impressive record and team playing in Class 1A Boys, Snook has made 18 tournament appearances and won ten titles from 1962-1985. In girls basketball, when both teams used to play half-court scoring back in the 1970’s, Collinsville Juvean McWhorter scored a game-high 68 points in their win over Sulphur

DAVID AMADOR

..................................

2009 State 3A Semifinals.

The Hidalgo Lady Pirates made its first-ever UIL State Basketball tournament appearance in school history.

(HSSM IMages)

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December 2010

High School Sports Magazine Publisher & CEO David A. Amador Staff Photographer Alec D. Amador 956.929.4700 Office 956.971.8871 Fx High School Sports Magazine McAllen, Texas 78504 Website www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net Email tddave@highschoolsportsmagazine.net

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Copyright Protected 2010 PRINTED IN U.S.A.

RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010 too. The Frank Erwin Center is the site of the UIL State Basketball Championships since 1980. “This is where the excitement begins. Hopefully someday more Valley teams will play here,” says Sam Cortez, head coach

of the McAllen Memorial Mustangs. “It takes a special group. You got to have strong point guards and shooting guards. You need to have a solid five,” he adds. “You got to get lucky and pull off some upsets too.”

Site of the 2011 UIL Basketball Championships. The Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, home of the Texas Longhorns basketball teams, was built in 1977 at a cost of $34 million. It holds 16,755 spectators.

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

PREVIEW

Aaron Ramirez, Jr Forward 6’4”

Kike Lopez, Sr Center 6’9” Hidalgo Early College

Santa Rosa HS

Joel Reyna, Sr Forward 6’3” McAllen Memorial

HSSM Previews Teams to Watch in 2010-2011

By DAVID A. AMADOR, HSSM Sports Director

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

December 2010

www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

SPECIAL HSSM COVERAGE Ashley Benavides, Sr Center 6’1” Los Fresnos HS

Inez Cardenas, Sr Point Guard 5’10” Weslaco HS

30-5AAAAA 31-5AAAAA 32-5AAAAA 32-4AAAA 32-3AAA 31-3AAA 32-2AA 32-1A

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P R E V I E W 30-5A (McAllen, Texas)-So who’s the best team in South Texas? The doors are wide open in 2010-11 now that the McAllen Bulldogs have graduated their seniors, including J.J. Avila Jr, the 6’9” all-stater who led the Bull-

31-5A 32-5A 32-4A

dogs to four straight playoff appearances, including three district titles, and three straight Class 5A Region IV semifinals. The Bulldogs from District 30-5A also lost their head coach Roy Swift, who resigned this past

The three-time defending 31-5A Champions, Edinburg Bobcats will be vying for a fourth title under head coach Zeke Cuellar. The Bobcats lost to Laredo United in the Class 5A Regional-Qtrs 74-68 last year. (HSSM IMages)

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December 2010

RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010 summer. Now, the Bulldogs will rebuild under Homer Zeke Cuellar. The Runnin’ Bobcats should be the team Garr, the replacement for Swift. He comes to McAl- to beat with Steven Guerrero and player of the year, len from Roma High School. The Bulldogs lost to Con- Aaron Olvera. Both players combined for 35 points last verse Judson 54-49 in the regional semifinals last year. year, leading the Bobcats to the third round of the Class They were the only team from the Rio Grande Valley 5A State playoffs, before losing to Laredo United 74advancing to the tournament. Their replacement in 68. Phillip De La Rosa also returns with junior Nick 2010 and 2011? The Edinburg Bobcats and head coach McAllif returns and Cord Arriola to give the Bobcats

30-5A District favorites, McAllen Memorial will be looking to win its third district title in school history. The Mustangs finished as district runner ups and lost to Laredo Martin in the Class 5A Bi-District round.(HSSM IMages) “Your hometown full service pharmacy”

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team in its district. Head coach Sam Cortez will enjoy sophomore Juan Gonzalez, senior transfer Joel Reya run at another District 31-5A title Cardinals, with the fourth place spot na, sophomore Pablo Adame, junior for the fourth season under Cuellar. wide open for even the PSJA Bears. Gus Martinez, and guard, Freddy Challenging the Bobcats will be the In District 30-5A, the McAllen Me- Regalado. The big question for the Harlingen South Hawks, Harlingen morial Mustangs will be the surprise Mustangs: Can they adjust without

The two-time defending Class 5A Bi-District Champions, the 32-5A Weslaco Panthers will be favored to win another district championship in 2010-11. The Panthers head coach is Gabe Valdez. (HSSM IMages)

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RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010 two-year lettermen Jake Garza (6’3) who decided to concentrate on track and field, and Nikko Maxwell (6’4), who transferred to San Antonio Clark after the season? “They are big losses to our program but we’ll adjusts,” says Cortez.

With the Mustangs hoping to improve in 2010 with two all-district players now out of the lineup and the Bulldogs having to rebuild with four starters, this pretty much opens up the door for the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors and Sharyland Rattlers. “This district is wide open. Any team can beat each other. Another team to watch will be La Joya,” says Rowe head coach Juan Yerba. The Warriors seem to be the team with more experience this season with Raul Villarreal and Josh Torralda returning. Both were all-district selections. Also returning will be Jonathan Bimpong and Terrell Thomas.

These players will make a double impact under the boards, especially with 6’4 Thomas under the basket.

The Rattlers return junior 6’4”, Joaquin Pistokache, an all-district pick from 2010 along with Fred Ramos.

In District 32-5A, the Weslaco Panthers should be favored to win the title in 2010-11, after Brownsville Hanna ran away with the championships last season. Head coach Gabe Valdez returns Raul Garcia, Andrew Rangel, Garrison Lackey, and newcomer, Gabe Valdez Jr. “This year will be interesting. First, we want to win the title and second, I have my own son on the roster. This will be interesting,” says Valdez. District favorites will be Brownsville Hanna, with returning lettermen Adrian Hernandez and Andrew Benton looking to fill slots for head coach Don Denson.

San Benito, Brownsville Rivera, and Porter should all compete for

The PSJA Bears will be looking to improve in 2010-11. The last time the Bears made the Class 5A playoffs was in 2007 when they finished third in District 31-5A. HSSM picks the Bears to contend for the final playoff spot along with PSJA North and PSJA Memorial. (HSSM IMages) playoff spots.

Making the Class 5A playoffs were Sharyland, Weslaco, Harlingen, San Benito, Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville Porter, Harlingen South, Hanna, and Nikki Rowe.

Only five these advanced to the second round. Porter, Hanna, McAllen, Edinburg, and Weslaco all won BiDistrict titles last year. Hanna, Edinburg, and McAllen also claimed area

titles, with only McAllen advancing to the Class 5A Region IV tournament at the University of Texas-San Antonio.

This will be the last year that the UTSA Convocation Center will host the regional championships as the Rio Grande Valley will play host in 2012 and 2013.

The Region IV Champion, San Antonio Wagner (38-2) lost to Gar-

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Wildcats won the 32-4A district title with a 12-1 record, then East won the Class 4A Bi-Championships with a win over Laredo Johnson 60-52 and in overtime, the land Lakeview Centennial (32-4) in the State 5A Semi- Wildcats held on to beat Uvalde 37-36 in the area playfinals before losing to first-time state champions, Fort offs. Castillo also mentions that 2010 was a great year Bend Bush 65-58 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, and that “it will be tough to match” in 2011. The Wildcats ended their season with a loss to Gregory-Portland Texas.

Moving on to Class 32-4A, ten teams will compete for 49-42. “We could have won that game too. We gave it the title with the addition of Brownsville Veterans Me- up,” adds Castillo. In 2010-11, the Wildcats return allmorial and Hidalgo Early College joining the district. district performer Jason Jasso, Luis Zamora, and Joey Last year, the Weslaco East Wildcats made school his- Garcia. Can the Wildcats defend their title in 2010-11? tory in 2010 with head coach Arturo Castillo. First, the They will have to fend off Roma, Hidalgo and Mission Veterans Memorial, along with Mercedes who will all contend for the title.

The Gladiators, Tigers, Patriots, all participated in the State 4A playoffs, but all were ousted in the first round. Newcomer in Class 32-4A Hidalgo Pirates, advanced to the State 3A Regional quarterfinals before losing to Boerne 57-44. The Pirates feature 6’9” center Kike Lopez, who towers his team. Also returning, last year’s 32-3A Offensive Player of the Year, Fabian Nino, and Trazon Jones.

“We will be challenged and this will be a tough district with ten teams.

The 32-4A defending champions, Weslaco East will compete in the new realigned ten team district. The Wildcats advanced to the State 4A Regional Quar- It will be a long season,” says Pirate head coach terfinals in 2010 under head coach Art Castillo. (HSSM IMages)

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RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010 Gus Sanchez. Probably, the mosting rebuilding season will take place with the MissionVeterans Memorial Patriots team. The Patriots will have to replace the 32-4A MVP, Ben Gonzalez and all-district first team performers, Carlos Vela and Kent Warren and second

teamer, Caleb Villarreal. Four starters are gone. The Roma Gladiators will also try to rebound after losing head coach Homer Garr to the McHi Bulldogs in the offseason. And with Ed-Elsa losing head coach Robert Capello, the Yellowjackets will be tested.

The two-time 32-3A defending champions Hidalgo Early College moved up to District 32-4A for the first time in school history. They will now compete against nine other teams for the district championships. (HSSM IMages)

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P R E V I E W The 2010 5A Playoffs Here are the Class 5A-Bi District Championships: Sharyland 40 Laredo United 40; Weslaco 69 Harlingen 66; Edinburg 60 San Benito 44; McAllen Memorial 51 Laredo Martin 54; McAllen 59 Laredo Alexander 35; Brownsville Porter 53 Harlingen South 49; Brownsville Hanna 79 Edinburg Economedes 51; SA Southwest 61 McAllen Nikki Rowe 59;

Class 5A Area Championships: Laredo United 63 Weslaco 41; Edinburg 72 Laredo Martin 60; Porter 54 McAllen 59; SA Southwest 46 Hanna 65; Class 5A Regional Qtrs: McAllen 72 Hanna 60; Laredo United 74 Edinburg 68; Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Judson 54 McAllen 49

The District 32-4A Valley View Tigers will compete in the new realigned ten team district. The Tigers will be looking to improve from last year’s last place finish. The Tigers have not made the State 4A playoffs in school history. (HSSM IMages)

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RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010

Small Schools Looking to Make Impact District 32-3A District 31-3A District 32-2A District 32-1A

(McAllen, Tx)-Now that Hidalgo is out of the 323A District, and moved up to Class 4A, teams could breathe just a little bit in 2010-11 just knowing that the two-time defending champions will not be back.

This will leave Port Isabel, La Feria, and Rio Hondo as the teams to beat in 32-3A, while District 31-3A will feature Raymondville and Lyford, but these two teams will find it difficult to match up against Corpus Christi Miller, West Oso, and Robstown.

Rio Grande City will debut with its newest high school, La Grulla Gators and Donna IDEA College Prep will both compete in 32-3A, make this a seven team district.

In District 32-2A, the de-

fending champions, Santa Rosa Warriors will be trying to make it another state Final Four appearance at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas since

2009. The Warriors will be favored to win its district again. The Warriors lost to State 2A champ, Ponder. Like the Warriors, this could be the year that

San Isidro advances to the state tournament. San Isidro advanced to the State 1A Division II Region IV semifinals, losing to Burton 51-42 in 2010.

The 32-2A Santa Rosa Warriors open the season ranked No.25 in Class 2A. Theywill be favored to repeat as district champions after advancing to the State 2A Region IV Semifinals in 2010. The Warriors lost to Hallettsville 63-55. (HSSM IMages)

December 2010

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Who Will D

Bianca Casas of Edinburg leads her team in District 31-5A with ten assists per game. (HSSM IMages)

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(Edinburg, Texas)-If Rio Grande Valley girls basketball teams can figure out a way to beat the San Antonio-area schools at the State Region IV tournaments, eventually teams from Districts 30-5A, 31-5A, 32-5A, and 32-4A will get to the UIL State Tournament in Austin, Texas. Teams like Duncanville, who has been to the state tournament a record 20 times, winning six titles, or Nazareth who has made the trip 21 times and won 18 titles, already found a way. IF girls basketball teams in South Texas would figure out a way too, then it would be sweet every year.

But instead, San Antonio teams like Converse Wagner, SA Jay, San Antonio Madison, Pflugerville, SA Churchill, Converse Judson, SA Warren, SA Taft, SA Holmes, or even Austin Westlake, have created the road blocks in the Region IV brackets for all Valley teams who have made it this far. “It’s frustrating but we need to work harder and become more athletic. Once you get to this level, teams are taller and more experienced. That’s how you succeed,” says longtime head basketball coach, Nora Zamarippa of Harlingen.

Last year, Edinburg was ousted by SA Wagner 83-35, while SA Jay knocked off Edinburg North 62-41. Jay advanced to the state tournament.

In 2012, the UIL will bring the Regional Tournaments to the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas and hopefully, this will give the Valley squads an advantage. Maybe?

Harlingen South, the defending 31-5A champion and 325A champions, Los Fresnos sport the strongest teams that could launch the Valley into the state tournament in March.

In 32-4A, Hidalgo could make another appearance in the

December 2010

RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010

RGV Girls Teams

Dominate?

state tournament, but this time Class 4A. In 2009, the Lady Pirates went all the way before losing to Argle in the Class 3A semifinals. If the Lady Pirates expect to make a state title run 2011, they will meet teams like Floresville, Flour Bluff, in the first rounds of the Class 4A State playoffs.

But, as for teams like Harlingen, it’s been frustrating. Since 2003, the Lady Cardinals have won two district titles in 325A and have lost in the first rounds to Corpus Christi Ray and Carroll. The Lady Cards have advanced to the regional quarterfinals twice since 2003, losing to Brownsville Rivera in 2005 and last year, to Edinburg North 60-41 in the regional quarterfinals. “Before you can get to state, you have to beat teams from your region,” added Zamarippa.

Since 2003, the Valley-area teams have been to the Region IV Tournament in San Antonio, Texas at the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center only five times.

Harlingen South, coached by Dawn Englemann, has been there three times in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Edinburg has matched her success in 2005, 2006, and 2010. The McAllen Lady Bulldogs have been to the regionals twice since 2003 in 2008 and 2009.

The Lady Falcons, coached by Kim Edquist won the 325A title last year and says her team is coming together with senior Ashley Benavides, the 6’1” center staying healthy this season, she could help the Lady Falcons get past the regional tournament. “That would be nice but we really have to play great basketball,” she laughs.

High School Sports Magazine takes a look at the teams to watch district by district in 2010-11.

December 2010

Taylor Stanton of the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs will lead her team in District 30-5A. (HSSM IMages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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P R E V I E W 30-5A 31-5A RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Clarissa Suarez of Sharyland leads her team in District 30-5A with 5.0 assists per game. (HSSM IMages)

(McAllen, Texas)-The McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs won the 30-5A district title in 2010 under head coach Maritza Pedraza. Can the Lady Mustangs do it again with new head coach Jina Johnson in 2011? Pedraza resigned after the season to pursue her educational needs and assistant Johnson gets her first opportunity to coach a 5A team. The Lady Mustangs will be led by Taylor Stanton, who averages more than 15 points per game and Rebekah Jimenez, the 5’5” defensive player selection.

After 32 seasons and 841 career wins, Teresa Casso retired from coaching her McAllen Lady Bulldogs. Her assistant, Roy Gonzalez steps in to take over a new generation. Gonzalez watched from the bench for 13 seasons just for an opportunity and now his time has arrived. The Lady Bulldogs return Ashley Dube, Joanna Reyes, and Arie Guerra. The Bulldogs will be tested under Gonzalez after finishing their season at 19-19 and runner-up to McAllen Memorial. The Lady Bulldogs were ousted in the first round of the 2010 Class 5A playoffs by Laredo Alexander 37-36.

Other teams to watch in 30-5A, will be Sharyland and the fourth place slot will be up for grabs. A surprise team looming in the background could be the La Joya Lady Coyotes. Leading the Lady Rattlers will be junior Clarissa Suarez, an all-district pick from 2010 but they will be young under the boards. “We need to play aggressive rebounding,” says head coach Dale Whitaker of Sharyland.

In 31-5A, Harlingen, Edinburg North and Edinburg

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December 2010

32-5A

R G V B A S K E T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

will need to fend off defending champions Harlingen South. All four teams made the playoffs in 2010, so expect these teams to contend for the district title. Both Edinburg schools advanced to the State 5A Regional Tournament last March.

Returning for the Lady Hawks will be seniors Taylor Key, Alli Cano, Alyssa Romero, and Amanda Garcia. The Lady Hawks play tough defense and will be challenged.

Seniors Ashley Bukowski The San Benito Lady Greyhounds could surprise teams in District 32-5A with new and Jazmin Villarreal both head coach Clarissa Arredondo. The Lady Greyhounds finished fourth overall in average 11.0 ppg along 2010 and lost to Harlingen South in the Class 5A playoffs. (HSSM IMages) with Key adding another 8.0 ppg.

If the Lady Bobcats expect to challenge the Lady Hawks, head coach Rachel Carmona will need Sharmee Tigner (7.0 ppg, 9.0 rgg) to step up along with sophomore Micehlline Mercelita, a 5’11 center from the Dominican Republic. Her sister, Moriel should give the Lady Bobcats some balance, but their inexperience will be looked at throughout the season.

Head coach Zamarippa knows that her team will be young but at guards, her twin seniors, Megan and Ashley Adams will give the Lady Cardinals plenty of experience in game situations. Megan The Weslaco Lady Panttherettes finished their season as runnerups in 32-5A and plays defense and likes to lost to Edinburg in the Class 5A Bi-District Championships. The Lady Pantherettes return only one starter. (HSSM IMages) December 2010

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

PREVIEW

Longtime head coach Nora Zamarippa of the Harlingen Lady Cardinals has led her 31-5A team to the state playoffs six times since 2003. (HSSM IMages)

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put pressure on her opponents by stealing the ball at least seven times per game. Her sister Ashley, adds another six steals per game. Both players average eight points per game.

In District 32-5A, the Los Fresnos Falcons will be looking to repeat as district champions with Ashley Benavides, the 6’1” center. If she can dominate the boards and score, she could lead he Lady Falcons to the state tournament in 2011. She averages 12.0 rebounds per game and scores 13.0 ppg.

The Lady Falcons will be challenged by the San Benito Lady Greyhounds and new 5A head coach, Clarissa Arredondo. She comes over from Valley View High School. The Lady Greyhounds will be led by Amanda Garza and Kassandra Sanchez.

“It’s great to be here at San Benito. It’s exciting.

We have the athletes but if we expect to succeed, we have to practice harder,” says Arredondo.

Other teams to watch in District 32-5A are the Weslaco Lady Pantherettes and Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles. Both teams have playoff experience and have won past district titles. Last year, the Lady Pantherettes lost to Edinburg 45-42 in the first round of the State 5A playoffs. They return only one starter this season.

RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010

Ten Teams To Compete in District 32-4A Newcomers Rio Grande City, Brownsville Veterans Added with Realignments

(Weslaco, Tx)-The shuf- area championships. The post along with teammate points per game last year fling has begun as ten Lady Patriots will be led Kassy Lopez, 5’11. Both and if the Lady Patriots teams will compete for by Briana Casas, a 5’10” players combined for 30 expect to contend for a the District 32-4A championships in 2010-11.

This district will play 18 district games, making this season, a long one.

“Teams will be competitive and this opportunity at Brownsville Veterans Memorial will be challenging,” says first-ever head coach Lottie Zarate.

The Chargers will be led by freshmen and sophomore players in their first season in district competition. Sophomores Gisela Angeles (5’10), Monica Chacon (5’10), and Jasmine Flores (5’7) will be called upon to lead their team.

Zarate comes from Santa Rosa where she first led the The Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots will be seeking win its third district Lady Warriors to the State title in 32-4A with hopes of advancing to the regional finals. (HSSM IMages) 2A Bi-District championships in 2008 with a win over Bloomington 61-59 and again, in 2010 by defeating Freer 72-56.

The Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots will bring plenty of tradition and experience. For the past five seasons the Lady Patriots have made the playoffs every year since 2005, winning two district titles. But, this is where the road stops for Valley 32-4A teams. Not since 2003 has there been New team. The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers will compete in District 32-4A in their season debut. Head coach Lottie Zarate is the new coach. a team advancing past the (HSSM IMages)

December 2010

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PREVIEW playoff spot after finishing the district as runner ups, these two will need to play aggressive under the boards.

Challenging the Lady Patriots will be the Hidalgo Lady Pirates, who moved up from Class 3A to 4A with the new realignments. The Lady Pirates made history two season ago by advancing to the State 3A Tournament under-then head coach Monica Rodriguez. The Lady Pirates will be tough to beat in 2011. Jim Post takes over the program. The Lady Pirates have won 69 games and lost six for the past two seasons, including undefeated district seasons in back-to-back seasons, and one state tournament appearance. Nelly Flores will be back for fourth season with the Lady Pirates. She has seen it all. The six-foot center will dominate the boards and her success will depend on her teammates coming together as a team.

Probably, the only team with enough firepower to stop Hidalgo, will be the 32-4A defending champions, Weslaco East Wildcats. This

could be the year that a Valley 4A team will advance past the area round with East and Hidalgo featuring the athletes needed to get past the area round in Class 4A. Darcy Cuellar, a 6’0 wing will be the go to player for head coach Chris Kromer. Cuellar is tough under the boards and could put the points needed. Teammates Juliana Benitez (5’11), Ana Arevalo (5’10), and Caroline Cuelar (5’10) will give the East Wildcats plenty of height and talent too.

The Wildcats defeated TulosoMidway 45-39 in the Class 4A bidistrict championships to earn its first ever bi-district title before losing to Medina Valley 43-33 in area playoffs last season. The Wildcats have won two district titles since 2003 and have made the playoffs since 2007.

Other teams to watch will be the Mercedes Lady Tigers, EdcouchElsa, and La Joya Juarez-Lincoln.

The Lady Tigers have not made the playoffs since 2003 and with six seniors in the line up, this team could

Playoff hopes. The 32-4A Mercedes Lady Tigers will be looking to make the playoffs in Class 4A for the first time since 2003. (HSSM IMages)

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contend for a playoff spot. Head coach Marisa Gutierrez says that she is excited about the upcoming district season. “We have a good team.

We have the players that can make a difference this year,” she adds.

Helena Hernandez leads the team in scoring and Celeste Partida gives the Lady Tigers rebounding opportunities. Other players to watch will be Taylor Morrell, a 5’10 junior post; Marlen Trevino (5’7), Sona Flores (5’8), and Monica Pena.

Here are HSSM predictions: District Champion: Weslaco East 2. Hidalgo 3. MissionVeterans Memorial 4. Mercedes 5. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 6. Rio Grande City. 7. Ed-Elsa 8. Roma 9. Brownsville Veterans Memorial 10. Valley View H.S.

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David “TDDAVE” Amador HSSM SportsDirector

HSSM Preseason Picks

TOP 10 POLLS Girls Rankings 1. Harlingen South 2. San Benito 3. Los Fresnos 4. Harlingen 5. Edinburg 6. Weslaco East 7. Hidalgo 8. Mission Veterans 9. McAllen Memorial 10. Sharyland www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010

Lyford, Raymondville move to 31-3A

Corpus Christi West Oso, CC Miller, Orange Grove, Robstown, make up district

(Raymondville, Tx)-Felix Silva, head coach of the Raymondville Bearkats is probably thinking how about the “luck of the draw” could impact is basketball program. He is probably smiling too. The Raymondville Bearkats will compete in the same 31-3A district with powerhouse Corpus Christi West Oso, now that the new realignments have changed.

The Lady Bearkats have made the playoffs since 2006, including winning one district 31-3A title.

Last year, the Lady Bearkats were runner ups in the league and were matched with West Oso in the first round of the State 3A playoffs. The Lady Bears easily won 47-25. Maybe that’s why he’s smiling now. “We don’t have to face the Lady Bears since we are in the same district,” he laughs. Returning players are senior captains Ashley Silva and Frankie Rivas. Also back is junior post Stephanie Perez and Abbie Rivas.

The West Oso Lady Bears have been to the Class 3A Region IV finals from 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2008, the Lady Bears went all the way to the State 3A Tournament after knocking off Llano 5327 in the regional finals. West Oso would lose 59-60 to Kennedale in the semifinals. The previous season, Llano won in the regional finals over the Lady Bears 45-41. In 2010, the Lady Bears struggled in the playoffs losing to Wimberley 48-37 in the area playoffs. Most fans will remember West Oso’s regional finals with Hidalgo in 2009.

The game went to down to the last shot at the free throw line with the

Lady Pirates converting both shots to win 37-36.

Another team to watch in 2011 will be the Orange Grove Lady Bulldogs, coached by Lee Ann Barker.

Seniors Julia Briones, Heather Franco, Melanie Garcia, Chelsea, Kristah Balboa, Melissa Ortiz, and Bianca Cantu should give this team plenty of experience to contend for the 31-3A title. Silva leads the team with 16 ppg and Perez rebounds 6.0 per game.

Other teams to watch are the Corpus Christi Lady Buccaneers who went 1-17 last season under head coach Tracy Giddens and have fallen on hard times with enrollments.

The Robstown went 0-21 last year under coach Marle Belford. The Lady Cottonpickers have struggled in the past three seasons winning only 16 games since 2008.

New opponent: Corpus Christi West Oso will be favored to win the 31-3A title in 2011. (HSSM IMages)

The Raymondville Lady Bearkats will be vying for their sixth post seasontrip to the State 3A playoffs in 2011. The Lady Bearkats will compete in District 31-3A. (HSSM IMages)

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P R E V I E W 32-3AAA

Progreso Making Bid for 3A Playoffs Rio Grande City’s Newest school La Grulla, and Donna IDEA Academy added to district

(Progreso, Texas)-After the Progreso Lady Red Ants lost to 5A opponent Edinburg Economedes in double overtime 68-64 at the Weslaco Whataburger Tournament, right away new head coach Patrick Self watched the determination from his players of wanting to win.

“These players are great. They have great attitudes and are coach able,” says Self.

The only time Progreso made the playoffs was back in 1997-98, as the runner up in 32-3A and it was the same season that the Lady Red Ants would win its first ever Bi-District Championship title in Class 3A by defeating George West 55-53. That was last time this team has been back too. Self is hoping to turn things around.

Leading the Lady Red Ants are seniors, point guard

Sheila Hernandez and forward Alex Trevino. They will compete against Port Isabel, Rio Hondo, and La Feria for possible playoff spots. Zapata, Donna IDEA Academy, and La Grulla will also make up the seven team district in 2010-11.

With the new realignments, Hidalgo, Raymondville, and Lyford were transferred to another district, leaving only La Feria as the contender for the title in 2011.

The Lady Lions return eight seniors, post Erika Gilbert and guard Jasmine Rodriguez.

As for the Lady Red Ants, Hernandez has heard of her coaches’ championship rings he received while he was an assistant at his alma mater Northwestern State in Louisiana. “He’s a great coach. It’s fun coming to practice and he does work us out.”

Pictured are the 2010-11 Progreso Lady Red Ants with new head basketball coach, Patrick Self. The 32-3A Lady Red Ants last made the state playoffs in 1997-98. (HSSM IMages)

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RGV BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2010

Santa Rosa looks to improve with new coach; LaSara enters District 32-1A Div II

(Santa Rosa, Tx)-Now that Lottie Zarate left to Brownsville Veterans Memorial to take over a new basketball program, the Santa Rosa Lady Warriors will look to a new head coach, Amos Salas to continue the winning traditions at Santa Rosa High School. The Lady Warriors return seniors Diamond Cabellero and Kim Mendoza in 2010-11. Last year, the Lady Warriors won their second Class 2A Bi-District Championships after finishing district runner-ups in 32-2A. Teams to watch are Santa Gertrudis Academy, Hebbronville, and IDEA Quest. The defending 32-1A Division I, Gertrudis Lady Lions feature Carla Noel, Calle Borchardt, and Kacee Ritter. They move to Class 2A in the new realignments.

In District 32-1A Division I, the Santa Maria Lady Cougars and head coach William Huerta should contend for a district title with returning lettermen, all seniors, Kiara Morales, Melissa Morales, Naydean Saldivar, and Aida Gonzalez back for their final season. Other teams to watch are Ben Blot and Benavides.

In the smallest Class 1A school, 32-1A Division II, the LaSara Lady Lions are set to enter district play for the first time in school history. This tiny community is an eye-blink away from Edcouch, Texas. Head coach Jessica Garza will lead her team with players sophomores Karina Covarrubias and Gabby Trevino. Other Lady Lions include Margie Barco, Amy Cantu, and Lilly Salinas.

The Santa Rosa Lady Warriors will be looking to win its third Class 2A Bi-District Championship title under new head coach Amos Salas in District 32-2A. (HSSM IMages) December 2010

UIL Reclassification and Realignments

DISTRICT BY DISTRICT

BASKETBALL District 32-1A-1 Santa Maria Ben Bolt Benavides Agua Dulce La Villa District 32-1A-DII San Isidro San Perlita LaSara Bruni CC College Prep Tilden McMullen

District 32-4A Hidalgo Weslaco East Roma Rio Grande City La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Mercedes Mission Veterans Edcouch-Elsa Valley View Brownsville Veterans

District 30-5A McAllen McAllen Memorial District 32-2A McAllen Nikki Rowe Santa Rosa La Joya Hebbronville La Joya Palmview Premont Donna Falfurrias Mission Santa Gertrudis Academy Sharyland IDEA Quest Rivera-Kaufer District 31-5A IDEA Frontier Edinburg Edinburg North District 31-3A Edinburg Economedes Raymondville Harlingen Lyford Harlingen South Corpus Christi Miller PSJA West Oso PSJA North Robstown PSJA Memorial Orange Grove District 32-5A District 32-3A Brownsville Hanna Rio Hondo Brownsville Porter Zapata Brownsville Pace Port Isabel Brownsville Lopez La Feria Brownsville Rivera Progreso San Benito Donna IDEA Los Fresnos La Grulla-RGC Weslaco HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Boys Champions 1980 4A: Houston Kashmere 70, Plano 69 3A: Beaumont Hebert 88, Snyder 53 2A: Abernathy 64, Boling 58 1A: Gladewater Sabine 69, Bartlett 68 B: Snook 59, Petty West Lamar 58 1981 5A: Port Arthur Lincoln 92, San Antonio Marshall 84 4A: Beaumont Hebert 59, Canyon 57 3A: Altair Rice 56, Paris North Lamar 52 2A: Gladewater Sabine 62, Shallowater 42 1A: Snook 41, Henrietta Midway 33 1982 5A: San Antonio Churchill 75, Galveston Ball 74 4A: Beaumont Hebert 76, Waxahachie 71 3A: Dimmitt 60, Linden Kildare 59 2A: Shelbyville 46, Nixon 39 1A: Snook 52, Midland Greenwood 45 1983 5A: Bryan 71, Fort Worth Paschal 54 4A: Waxahachie 79, Borger 66 3A: Dimmitt 81, Van Vleck 54 2A: Morton 91, Bartlett 69 1A: Snook 76, Nacogdoches Ct Heights 40 1984 5A: Bryan 68, Houston Memorial 56 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 61, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 52 3A: New Boston 76, Hardin-Jefferson 65 2A: Shelbyville 73, Somerville 67 1A: Snook 39, Nazareth 30 1985 5A: Houston Madison 86, Conroe 69 4A: Bay City 65, Lamesa 63 3A: Sweeny 55, Brownsboro 43 2A: Grapeland 63, Morton 56 1A: La Poynor 47, Nazareth 41 1986 5A: Amarillo 68, Kimball 63 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 55, Mansfield 39 3A: Cleveland 57, Dimmitt 56 2A: Morton 73, Dripping Springs 59 1A: Nazareth 53, Archer City 49 1987 5A: LaPorte 64, San Antonio Holmes 58 4A: Hillcrest 54, Cleburne 42 3A: Sweeny 66, Hughes Springs 64 2A: Morton 84, Liberty Hill 72 1A: Paducah 71, Bronte 39

State Basketball Ch 1988 5A: Houston Sam Houston 73, Fort Worth Dunbar 68 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 66, Wichita Falls Hirschi 59 3A: Sweeny 59, Corpus Christi West Oso 50 2A: Archer City 80, Liberty Hill 69 1A: Paducah 99, Livingston Big Sandy 61 1989 5A: League City Clear Lake 86, SA Jay 69 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 86, Austin Travis 72 3A: San Antonio Cole 66, Clarksville 60 2A: Edgewood 48, Tidehaven 46 1A: Ladonia Fannindel 75, Moulton 58 1990 5A: Kimball 59, Houston Clear Lake 56 4A: Lincoln 87, Boerne 77 3A: Navasota 71, Lamesa 54 2A: Ingram Moore 73, Troup 72 1A: Santo 67, Moulton 64 1991 5A: Duncanville 65, San Antonio Jay 38 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 77, San Antonio Alamo Heights 68 3A:Hardin-Jefferson 75, Clarksville 68 2A: Abernathy 55, Troup 46 1A: Moulton 53, Bronte 44 1992 5A: Longview 71, Victoria 67 (OT) 4A: South Oak Cliff 73, Georgetown 60 3A: Stafford 73, Groesbeck 72 2A: Troup 60, Krum 40 1A: Laneville 51, Petersburg 49 1993 5A: Fort Worth Dunbar 74, Judson 64 4A: Lincoln 46, Port Arthur Lincoln 45 3A: Southlake Carroll 66, Ferris 56 2A: Troup 69, Amarillo Highland Park 49 1A: Laneville 77, Brock 68 1994 5A: Willowridge 50, Plano East 44 4A: Plainview 54, Austin Anderson 52 3A: Ferris 84, Littlefield 66 2A: Krum 56, Troup 45 1A: Lipan 62, Nazareth 60 1995 5A: San Antonio East Central 108, Carter 86 4A: PA Lincoln 57, Austin Anderson 56 3A: Clarksville 87, Madisonville 69 2A: La Poynor 60, Maypearl 56 1A: Sudan 74, Calvert 71 1996 5A: Kimball 72, Euless Trinity 64 4A: Pampa Arthur 82, Madison 68 3A: Sinton 66, Graham 59

2A: Krum 53, East Chambers 39 1A: Avinger 51, Anderson-Shiro 48 1997 5A: Kimball 64, GP North Shore 53 4A: San Antonio Fox Tech 68, Lincoln 59 3A: Madison 64, Tulia 58 2A: Italy 71, Industrial 63 1A: Wortham 50, Nazareth 42 1998 5A: Midland 63, San Antonio Taft 51 4A: Houston Waltrip 67, Highland Park 60 3A: Clarksville 90, Crockett 83 2A: Krum 64, Little River Acdemy 52 1A: Moulton 67, Goodrich 44 1999 5A: Duncanville 78, Kimball 61 4A: Crowley 60, Port Arthur Lincoln 51 3A: Mexia 77, Seminole 71 (OT) 2A: Peaster 66, Wellington 62 (OT) 1A: Moulton 54, Brookeland 49 2000 5A: Willowridge 59, Klein Forest 52 4A: Denton Ryan 80, Madison 69 3A: Waco La Vega 60, Gainesville 47 2A: Peaster 67, Van Vleck 58 1A: Brookeland 63, Moulton 53 2001 5A: Sugar Land Willowridge 65, Bryan 58 4A: Beaumont Ozen 58, SA Lanier 42 3A: Mexia 74, Corpus Christi West Oso 49 2A: Ponder 50, Danbury 49 A-I: Evadale 61, Stratford 47 A-II: Goodrich 62, Nazareth 51 Texas Cup: Evadale 66, Goodrich 60 2002 5A: San Antonio Jay 54, Kimball 53 4A: Lincoln 71, Beaumont Ozen 51 3A: Gainesville 79, Kountze 62 2A: Little River Academy 49, Frankston 48 A-I: Brock 76, Kennard 59 A-II: Nazareth 61, Goodrich 58 Texas Cup: Brock 70, Nazareth 50

2004 5A: Houston Milby 72, Cedar Hill 67 4A: Houston Jones 63, Lincoln 61 3A: Kountze 73, Midland Greenwood 54 2A: Shallowater 47, Argyle 45 (OT)

112 E. Expressway 83

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A-I: Normangee 53, Morton 51 (OT) A-II: Lenorah Grady 55, Neches 49 Texas Cup: Normangee 50, Grady 37 2005 5A: Humble Kingwood 54, DeSoto 52 4A: SA Houston 2, Dal-Oak Cliff 0 (forfeit) 3A: Van 62, Graham 41 2A: Kountze 77, Tuscola Jim Ned 64 A-I: Morton 66, Snook 38 A-II: Lipan 58, Paducah 49 Texas Cup: Morton 69, Lipan 53 2006 5A: Plano 60, Humble Kingwood 58 (OT) 4A: Ft. Worth Dunbar 2, Oak Cliff 0 (forfeit) 3A: Dal-Roosevelt 61, Carrol-Ranchview 46 2A: Arp 65, Ponder 49 A-I: Bogata Rivercrest 57, Gruver 49 A-II: Nazareth 53, Lipan 48 2007 5A: Duncanville 60, Humble Kingwood 46 4A: Dallas SOC 54, Beaumont Ozen 42 3A: Hardin-Jefferson 56, Abilene Wylie 44 2A: Kountze 71, Shallowater 57 A-I: Thorndale 39, Martin’s Mill 37 A-II: Nazareth 52, Laneville 43 2008 5A: North Crowley 73, Ft. Bend Dulles 67 4A: South Oak Cliff 80, FW Southwest 77 3A: Kennedale 61, Burkburnett 59 2A: Ponder 72, Jim Ned 51 A-I: Thorndale 53, Big Sandy 42 A-II: Laneville 56, Goodrich 50 2009 5A: DeSoto 59, Cedar Hill 47 4A: Houston Yates 94, Dallas Kimball 78 3A: Dallas Madison 68, Lub-Estacado 66 2A: Ponder 51, New Waverly 39 A-I: Elkhart Slocum 45, Nazareth 27 A-II: Roscoe 52, Plains 48

2003 5A: DeSoto 94, Corpus Christi Ray 73 4A: Fort Worth Dunbar 66, Ozen 54 3A: Everman 72, Tatum 44 2A: Brock 81, Hitchcock 52 A-I: Tenaha 72, Lipan 55 A-II: Nazareth 69, Oakwood 60 Texas Cup: Nazareth 51 Tenaha 47

Ruben F. Solis Jr. 28

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Three-time State 2A Champs Ponder High School.

Sav

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R G V B A S K E T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

hampions 1980-2009 Girls Champions

1980 4A: South Oak Cliff 74, Lubbock Monterey 49 3A: Dumas 53, Corpus Christi Flour Cluff 43 2A: Slaton 75, Kyle Hays 44 1A: Bogata Rivercrest 68, Panhandle 41 B: Nazareth 56, Brock 50 1981 5A: Lubbock Monterey 71, Duncanville 70 4A: Canyon 64, Bay City 53 3A: Abernathy 61, Sweeny 59 2A: Hardin 61, New Deal 46 1A: Nazareth 84, Colmesneil 39 1982 5A: Victoria 46, South Oak Cliff 45 4A: AuSouth Del Valle 76, Carthage 64 3A: Barbers Hill 68, Sweeny 53 2A: Hardin 69, Phillips 61 1A: Nazareth 64, Dime Box 37 1983 5A: Houston Yates 58, Victoria 56 4A: Levelland 41, Corpus Christi Calallen 28 3A: Barbers Hill 86, Sweeny 81 2A: Hardin 41, Hale Center 39 1A: Sudan 46, La Poynor 34 1984 5A: Longview 72, Houston Yates 52 4A: Waco Richfield 56, Levelland 43 3A: Abernathy 67, Groesbeck 57 2A: Pollok Central 37, Hale Center 36 1A: Nazareth 64, Petty W. Lamar 32 1985 5A: South Oak Cliff 60, Victoria 46 4A: Waco Richfield 44, Sweetwater 35 3A: Vernon 52, Sweeny 51 2A: Troy 80, Abernathy 72 1A: Nazareth 56, Priddy 48 1986 5A: Victoria 57, Tyler Lee 44 4A: Levelland 44, A&M Consolidated 43 3A: Hardin-Jefferson 72, Ingleside 53 2A: Abernathy 51, Rogers 42 1A: Snook 36, Nazareth 33 1987 5A: Plainview 59, Austin Lanier 47 4A: Levelland 41, Calallen 30 3A: Slaton 43, Sweeny 40 2A: Morton 68, Paris 53 1A: Sudan 55, Moulton 26

1988 5A: Duncanville 60, North Mesquite 46 4A: Levelland 38, Corpus Christi Calallen 35 3A: Brownfield 49, Hardin-Jefferson 40 2A: Godley 60, Grapeland 58 1A: Nazareth 64, La Poynor 28 1989 5A: Duncanville 42, Victoria 38 4A: Levelland 45, West Orange-Stark 24 3A: Hardin-Jefferson 46, Canyon 44 2A: Grapeland 54, Abernathy 47 1A: Nazareth 57, La Poynor 33 1990 5A: Duncanville 74, Houston Yates 51 4A: Corpus Christi Calallen 46, Waco Midway 39 3A: Abilene Wylie 51, Edna 37 2A: Tatum 61, Marlon 50 1A: Nazareth 53, Moulton 34 1991 5A: Amarillo Tascosa 54, Victoria 41 4A: Levelland 51, Lincoln 30 3A: Tulia 58, Winnsboro 39 2A: Abernathy 37, Honey Grove 32 1A: Nazareth 50, Moulton 30 1992 5A: San Marcos 45, Duncanville 43 4A: Canyon Randall 43, Georgetown 42 3A: Canyon 49, Winnsboro 29 2A: Panhandle 52, Marlon 49 1A: Celeste 70, Brock 57 1993 5A: Amarillo 68, Corpus Christi King 65 4A: Austin Westlake 48, Levelland 40 3A: Dimmitt 59, Dripping Springs 51 2A: Marlon 69, Hamilton 63 1A: Celeste 63, Muenster 38 1994 5A: Amarillo 62, Conroe 46 4A: Waco Midway 52, Lincoln 40 3A: Dripping Springs 64, Waco La Vega 56 2A: Tuscola Jim Ned 31, Hemphill 29 1A: Sudan 40, Jayton 36 1995 5A: Austin Westlake 59, Duncanville 56 (OT) 4A: Cleburne 55, Silsbee 50 3A: Bowie 65, Dripping Springs 50 2A: Ozona 61, Cooper 47 1A: Sudan 66, Alvord 42 1996 5A: Au-Westlake 64, Alief Elsik 60 (2 OT) 4A: Canyon 60, Cedar Hill 34 3A: Groesbeck 63, Slaton 61

2A: Ozona 45, Gunter 39 1A: Nazareth 43, Celeste 30 1997 5A: Duncanville 44, Alief Elsik 33 4A: Levelland 36, Cedar Hill 33 3A: Barbers Hill 66, Dripping Springs 45 2A: Poth 54, Shallowater 50 1A: Whiteface 59, Celeste 39 1998 5A: Alief Elsik 58, Amarillo Palo Duro 38 4A: Canyon Randall 52, Bay City 23 3A: Comanche 65, Winnsboro 56 2A: Hamilton 54, Ozona 45 1A: Karnack 69, Nazareth 45 1999 5A: Mansfield 65, Corpus Christi Carroll 46 4A: Lincoln 52, Canyon 49 3A: Winnsboro 56, Lufkin Hudson 48 2A: Hughes Springs 61, Salado 33 1A: Vega 70, Valley View 64 2000 5A: Mansfield 69, Plano 43 4A: Canyon 74, Waxahachie 54 3A: Winnsboro 54, Smithville 51 2A: Farwell 47, Brock 35 1A: Nazareth 72, Valley View 56 2001 5A: Mansfield 62, Spring Westfield 49 4A: Plainview 51, Lincoln 40 3A: Winnsboro 51, Abilene Wylie 48 2A: Nacogdoches Cen Heights 57, Boyd 56 1A: Nazareth 61, Kennard 44 2002 5A: Mansfield 47, San Antonio Taft 42 4A: Plainview 68, Lincoln 40 3A: Llano 67, Texarkana-Liberty-Eylau 51 2A: Buffalo 48, Abernathy 43 1A-1: Brock 58, LaPoynor 26 1A-2: Nazareth 67, Dodd City 42

2005 5A: Arlington Bowie 69, Humble 62 4A: Fort Worth Dunbar 56, Angleton 50 3A: Canyon 66, Cleveland 46 2A: Brock 64, Canadian 30 A-I: Seagraves 60, Moulton 45 A-II: Nazareth 62, Kennard 57 Texas Cup: Seagraves 56, Nazareth 51 2006 5A: Plano West 54, Rockwall 47 4A: Waxahachie 52, Kerville Tivy 48 3A: China Spring 57, Abilene Wylie 54 2A: Argyle 51, Wall 33 A-I: Martin’s Mill 61, Elkhart Slocum 30 A-II: Kennard 44, Springlake-Earth 26 2007 5A: Rockwall 59, Cypress Fairbanks 54 4A: Fort Worth Dunbar 62, Dickinson 51 3A: Canyon 53, Crockett 38 2A: Poth 72, Winnsboro 70 2OT A-I: Lindsay 43, Sundown 36 A-II: Nazareth 61, Garden City 31 2008 5A: Cypress-Fairbanks 50, Desoto 33 4A: Dallas Lincoln 50, Dickinson 47 3A: Canyon 59, Kennedale 43 2A: Tuscola Jim Ned 65, Poth 49 A-I: Martin’s Mill 48, Sudan 43 A-II: Follett 71, Kennard 51 2009 5A: Mansfield Summit 52, Nimitz 43 4A: Waco Midway 50, Man-Timberview 27 3A: Robinson 49, Argyle 33 2A: Brock 61, Woodville 32 A-I: Roby 44, Neches 34 A-II: Sudan 71, Roscoe 38

2003 5A: Duncanville 47, Georgetown 27 4A: Plainview 50, Lincoln 42 3A: Canyon 76, Kountze 45 2A: Brock 55, Shallowater 36 A-I: La Poynor 52, Gruver 47 A-II: Priddy 57, Hedley 54 Texas Cup: Priddy 66, La Poynor 63 2004 5A: Spring Westfield 66, Duncanville 49 4A: Lincoln 57, Plainview 35 3A: Canyon 63, Winnsboro 33 2A: Shallowater 44, Aubrey 37 A-I: Archer City 43, Muenster 42 A-II: Fayetteville 48, Briscoe Fort Elliott 41 Texas Cup: Archer City 59, Fayetteville 47

2010 State 5A Finalist Irving Nimitz

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Almost...D 2010 State Football Playoffs

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Harlingen, Edinburg, McAllen Memorial, and Weslaco East Adva (McAllen, Texas)-Four Rio Grande Valley high school football teams advanced to the state regional finals in 2010, with 31-5A champions, Harlingen making their third straight appearance. Fans also witnessed what a state champion plays like when 30-5A runnerup, McAllen Memorial tangled with the eventual State 5A Division II champions, Cibolo Steele Knights in the third

round. That was 2010 in South Texas. The Rio Grande Valley almost inched its way to the state quarterfinals.

“These players are very talented once you reach this level of competition,” says McAllen Memorial Mustang head football coach Bill Littleton. “We just lost to the state champions,” Littleton said after their 48-31 loss to the Knights in the Class 5A Division II Regional

Class 5A Regional Finalist verse-Wagner while Harling both in the Class 5A Divisio finals for the past three sea under head coach Joey Cac

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Does Count!

portsmagazine.net

2010 State Football Playoffs

anced to the State Regional Championships in Class 4A and 5A finals played at the Laredo Student Activity Center Stadium. In the playoffs, the Harlingen Cardinals (12-1) missed their extra point in double-overtime as San Antonio Stevens (10-3) matched the game at 30-30 all, but placekicker Manuel Ramos would convert his kick to send the Falcons to the State 5A Division I Quarterfinals for the first time in school history with a 31-30 win

ts. District 31-5A teams, the Edinburg Bobcats fell to Congen came up short against the San Antonio Stevens Falcons, on I Regional Finals. The Cardinals advanced to the regional asons in a row, while Edinburg made its first appearance ceres. (HSSM IMages) December 2010

at Phil Danaher Stadium in Calallen. “That was heart breaking. You can’t begin to imagine what this feels like. More so, the faces of our players made it worst.

It was a tough loss,” said head coach Manny Gomez of Harlingen. “We will have a team from the Valley become state champions someday. It’s coming.” Harlingen quarterback Kevin Ledesma had a big night rushing for 227 yards and scored three touchdowns on 38 carries. He also passed for another 92 yards and including a scoring strike to Randy Bermea in overtime to tie the game at 24-24. Cardinal placekicker Moses Membreno’s extra point was good. The Cardinals then took possession in the second overtime, with Ledesma scoring on a three-yard run. Cardinal placekicker Membreno’s extra point attempt would sail wide to give the Falcon’s an opportunity to win the game outright, trailing 30-24.

Falcon’s quarterback Mykkele Thompson would take control and score the game-tying touchdown. All eyes were on place kicker Ramos. The Falcons kicker aced the uprights to give the Falcons the win and a Class 5A Division I Regional title.

At the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas the Edinburg Bobcats and head coach Joey Caceres brought their confidence after upsetting Sharyland the previous week in the area playoffs 31-28 with hopes of knocking off the 25-5A Converse-Wagner Thunderbirds (76). But turnovers plagued the Bobcats in the second half after ending the first two periods trailing 7-3. “You cannot turnover the ball in games like this,” said Caceres. Thunderbird running back Jacquoi Beaurgard thundered his way to scored three touchdowns, as the Wagner T-Birds eliminated the Bobcats from the State 5A Division I Regional finals 31-10. The Thunderbirds would get on the scoreboard first in the second half with Beauregard taking advantage of a turnover by the Bobcats punter David Ramirez who lost control of the punt and was tackled at his own ten-yard line. Beaurgard would then score on a given four-yard run with 9:51 left in the third quarter. Edinburg would fumble again on its next possession, this time by QB Steven HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Class 4A Div I Regional Finalists. The Weslaco East Wildcats faced No.4 Cedar Park.

(HSSM IMages)

Guerrero and T-Bird’s Byron Mills would recover the ball at Edinburg’s eight-yard line. Beauregard would take it in for free from 8-yards out with 9:27 left in the third quarter. Just like that, the Bobcats dugged themselves a quick hole, trailing 21-3. The Bobcats would never recover as the third quarter ended with 21-unanswered points scored by Wagner. Edinburg (10-3) ends its season with a Bi-District title, Area Title, and Regional Appearance for the first time in Caceres third-year career as a head coach, all with Edinburg.

Like the Bobcats, at the Alamodome, Weslaco East (11-2) lost 48-7 to No.4 state-ranked Cedar Park (130) in the Class 4A Division I Regional finals. Wildcat running back Bobby Gonzalez rushed for 134 yards but the Timberwolves defense held the Wildcats to 245 yards total as they racked up 449 yards to advance to the state quarterfinals next week against three-time defending state champions, Austin Lake Travis or Victoria East. Wildcat head coach Armando Cuellar praised the Timberwolves. “They are good.

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They have talent. We played our best here tonight. But, they were better,” said Cuellar. “We probably lost to the eventual state champions.”

In Laredo, McAllen Memorial senior punter Alec Amador punted seven times for 267 yards, including a 53-yarder which rolled to the Cibolo 13-yard line, but the 25-5A District champions, Knights would score on its first five possessions to beat the 30-5A runner-ups Mustangs 48-31 in the Class 5A Division II Regional Finals played at the Laredo Student Activity Complex in Laredo, Texas.

The Mustangs started their first drive with an interception by junior quarterback Matthew Kaufmann. Cibolo scored on the interception, with running back Malcomb Brown breaking loose for a 20-yard score to make it 7-0 with 10:28 left in the first quarter. Steele commanded a 48-7 lead at the half. The Mustangs would score 24 points in the second half with running back Gabe Alonzo scoring three touchdowns in the second half along with Aaron Freeland’s threeyard run right before the half.

The last time a Rio Grande Valley football team won a state football ti- Class 5A Div II Regional Finalists. The McAllen Memorial Mustangs tle was back in 1961 when the Don- finished second in 30-5A and advanced to the regional finals with wins na Redskins defeated Quanah 28-21 over Eagle Pass, PSJA Memorial, before losing to eventual state chamto win the Class 2A championships. pion, Cibolo Steele. Mustang junior QB Matthew Kaufmann is sacked by Steele defenders. (HSSM IMages) The PSJA Bears made back-to-back state final appearances in 1962 and 1963, losing both 3A final games to Dumas 14-3 and Corsicana 7-0. In 1959, Corpus Christi Ray Texans 2514 W. Freddy Gonzalez • Edinburg, TX 78539 beat Wichita Falls 20-6 to win the Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Monday - Friday Class 4A title and in 1960, another Appointments Preferred Corpus Christi school would win, “We Treat Your Family Like Our Own” this time, Miller beat Wichita Falls The Monitor’s 2009/2010 again 13-6. More than 300,000 Rio Reader’s Choice Grande Valley football fans paid for Favorite Physician Leroy Moreno, PA-C Alison Garza, M.D. game tickets to watch their favorite teams win and lose games. And in On-Call 24/7 For Emergencies the football state playoffs, almost does count.

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