2013feb

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February 28-March 28, 2013

High School Sports Magazine SWIMMING & WRESTLING

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

STATE FINALS

PREVIEW 2013

RGV SOCCER

STATE BASKETBALL

STANDINGS

PLAYOFFS RESULTS

State Champion!

RGC Wrestler Lisa Gonzalez Wins Title in Dramatic Fashion.

32 RGV Athletes Sign Letter of Intents

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National Signing

AN INSIDE LOOK...

Day for RGV Athletes

Top RGV Athletes sign NCAA Division I Scholarships. Many athletes sign to play sports in DII & DIII colleges.

17

Sabercats ?

Are the Robert Vela Sabercats the team to beat in District 305A? See more.

15 Soccer Kicks Off

Sharyland Lady Rattlers looking to return to State 5A Region IV Tournament.

Compete Standings

February 28, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 801 East Fern Suite 131 McAllen, Texas 78501 956.631.2005

Publisher & General Manager

David A. Amador

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Assistant Sports Director UT Baby! Sharyland baseball player Tres Barrera will play for the University of TexasAustin Longhorns in 2013. Tres is also a Top 25 MLB Prospect.

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The Playoffs

March Madness Begins! Class 5A Region IV Tournament at UTPA for first time in Valley history.

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It’s All About

the Game

By David A. Amador HSSM Sports Director

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Spring Sports

Like Laundry?

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Trying to keep up with spring sports is like trying to wash my laundry. It’s hectic. It’s nerve wrecking. And above all, too many games to cover all at one time.

Like laundry, you got to wash the whites together, the colors go seperately, and the stinky socks, well...they get washed afterwards.

With spring sports, track season features many track and field meets; while baseball and softball tournaments are being played at the same time, same weekends too. Oh, and then there’s golf, tennis, and soccer. Whew! How in the world do these athletes keep fit!

Probably the most difficult sport is golf. Yup. It’s golf. Think about it. You have 14 clubs in the golf bag with golf balls in the side pockets. The object of the game is to hit the ball straight down the grassy field or golf course with one club called the driver. It’s the one with the fat head at the end of the stick. After hitting the ball, you get another chance to use a iron to get the ball to land on the green. This is where the ball lands on a smooth surface (like carpet) with a hole somewhere in

the middle, side, or corner. Once you have achieved this, the next thing is putting the ball in the hole with a stick that looks like a small

Leigh Brown Edinburg Economedes hockey stick. Sounds easy? Oh, the part I forgot to mention is that when playing this game, you must refrain yourself from getting mad, throwing clubs, and you must do this all within 72 strikes or strokes on 18 holes, and most of the time, on a course that is about 7,000

You can contact David A. Amador at tddave@highschoolsportsmagazine.net

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yards too. And don’t lose your balls or you will be penalized!

The game last a good four hours.

For high school boys and girls athletes, they must walk the course, carrying their bags that weigh about 40 lbs each.

Like golf, track and field is the most challenging. In hurdles, runners train themselves to jump over boards that stand about 33” high for girls and 39” for boys in the middle of a track at the high school level. What makes this sport exciting are the seconds.

Hurdlers try to shave seconds off the clock by clearing the hurdles with smoothness and finesse with great speed too. The problem with this sport are the take downs.

The falls. The crashes. The leg muscle pulls. The hurdler must be confident and focused.

Then you have tennis. This game really demands plenty of strength and conditioning. The matches can last 30 minutes for two sets or some may last up to five hours.

Spring Sports? Try to keep up with it. It’s like laundry. You got to wear them clothes again for practice and game day.

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BY JOHN CANNON HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

(McAllen, Tx)-National Signing Day has become one of the biggest sports days in history and it’s where thousands of High School Athletes select the college of their choice and then put the pen to the paper and make it official. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, 32 senior athletes have signed their letters of intent to play at the next level so far, three of them are heading to major college programs. McAllen Memorial’s Juan “Papito” Gonzalez will be playing golf at the University

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Going to College! Pictured are Rio Grande City State 4A Wrestling Champion, Lisa Gonzalez (Undecided) with Juan “Papito” Gonzalez of McAllen Memorial (Univeristy of Houston) with Edinburg Economedes Leigha Brown (Arkansas).

(HSSMImages/David Amador)

HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

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of Housto; Edinburg Economedes track and field star Leigha Brown will run track and compete in the heptathlon at the University of Arkansas, while Sharyland’s Tres Barrera will play baseball at the University of Texas at Austin. Gonzalez said that it took a while before he got any responses from school. But after competing at the state tournament and the American Junior Golf Association (AGJA), the offers started coming in. “After I competed in the state tournament and in the AJGA tournament, I got six offers from colleges to play Golf,” said Gonzalez. “From there, I cut it to four and my choices were Houston, Baylor, North Texas and UT-El Paso. After a visit to Houston, my choice was clear and I decided to go there.” Papito will now join Roman Robledo, a former Harlingen South graduate who is now the No.1 player on the team with the Cougars in Conference USA. As for the Economedes all-around athlete, “It was an amazing feeling to get recruited by a Division 1 school and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would achieve this.” Brown said that the process in choosing a school and preparing for signing day is a job in itself.

“Pretty much you go from the recruiting process to making your final decision,” said Brown. “When you are going through the recruiting process, you want to evaluate each school and see what it has to offer. I had offers from Arkansas, Texas State and Sam Houston and had to choose only one. But I liked what I saw from Arkansas due to their established success and that the competition was truly going to push me. From there, I informed the coach and he sent me the paperwork to fill out. You have to return the paperwork back to the school on time and then make sure you are eligible by the NCAA. It’s a pretty through process, but I can guarantee you it is definitely worth it when you make it official.”

When Barrera made his choice to attend the University of Texas at Austin, he said the signing day was something like he had

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Mustangs Going To College! Pictured top left is McAllen Memorial Angel Garcia signing his letter of intent to play football for Malane Univeristy in Canton, Ohio and bottom photo is McAllen Memorial football player Pablo Adame proudly wearing his cap to attend Truman State Univeristy in Kirksville, Missouri. The Mustangs qualified for the State 5A playoffs three straight season with both players.

(HSSMImages/David Saldana)

HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

never experienced before.

“You always watch on TV when the others do it, but never imagine it might be you,” said Barrera.

“When I had all of my teammates, my schoolmates, coaches, teachers, administration, parents and everyone else who was there show me support when I signed to play at UT, it meant so much to me and it was truly one of the best days of my life.”

McAllen Memorial Football Players Sign Scholarships (McAllen, Tx.) – McAllen Memorial’s Angel Garcia, Pablo Adame, and Garrett Sharp can only thank Mustang head coach Bill Littleton for their opportunities as all three will play football at the college level.

Garcia signed to play at Malone University while re-

ceiving a full scholarship on Monday afternoon at the McAllen Memorial Library.

Malone University is a Division II School in Canton, Ohio and is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“I really have to give a lot of

credit to coach (Bill) Littleton for helping me get this opportunity,” said Garcia “He is such a great coach and I owe all of the credit to him.”

As for Pablo Adame, he wanted to play football in the snow.

Adame signed to play at Truman State University in Kirks-

ville, Missouri. Truman State University is a Division II School and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Adame had quite an impressive senior season and was selected to the THSCA All-State Academic Team.

It was an emotional moment for Garrett Sharp’s mother as she wiped her tears away as she watched her son sign his letter of intent to play football for Blinn College located in Bryan, Texas. The 6’3” 225 lbs senior captured High School Sports Magazine’s MVP on defensive.

Sharp led his team to the State 5A Regional finals in 2011. He had 171 Tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 Forced Fumbles with 1 Fumble Recovery for TD in 2012.

Garret Sharp smiles as his mother wipes her tears away with Dale Sharp (father) seated looking along with Rosa Larsons (principal), Bill Littleton (head coach), Marcus Kaufmann (offensive coordinator), and McAllen ISD Athletic Director, Paula Gonzalez.

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National Signing Day Signees: Brownsville Hanna: Chuck Atkinson, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Football Brownsville Rivera: Christina Rivera, Incarnate Word University, Cross-Country Edcouch-Elsa: Sandy Guerrero, Coastal Bend College, Softball Reneal Rodriguez, Coastal Bend College, Softball Edinburg High: Samantha Arciba, Prairie View A&M, Softball Isaiah Galvan, Chadron State University, Football Micheline Mercelita, Our Lady Of The Lake, Volleyball Mike Moreno, Hardin-Simmons University, Football

McHi Football Player Signs (McAllen, Tx)-Garrett Thomas of McAllen High signed an academic scholarship to attend NCAA Division III Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine where he plans to study neuroscience. Thomas, who plays football and runs track at

McAllen High, and is a member of the THSCA All-Academic Elite team.

Surrounded by his brother Cody, his mother Becky, Garrett and his father Brent the senior signed his letter of intent. Also in attendance were

Athletic Coordinator & Head Football Coach Kevin Brewer, McAllen ISD Athletic Director Paula Gonzalez, and Principal Albert Canales.

Edinburg Economedes: Leigha Brown, University of Arkansas, Track and Field Harlingen High: Alex Guerra, Coastal Bend College, Volleyball Harlingen South: Priscilla Loa, San Jacinto Junior College, Softball Stephanie Lugo, Temple Junior College, Softball La Joya High: Mark Lopez, Texas Wesleyan University, Track and Field La Joya Palmview: Miguel Garza, Park University, Track/Cross-Country Alex Leal: Park University, Track/CrossCountry Joel Alaniz, Park University, Track/ Cross-Country La Villa: America Ortiz, Coastal Bend College, Softball Los Fresnos: Corina Cox, Troy University, Track and Field Debbie Lozano, University of Texas at Brownsville, Volleyball Nick Scoville, Graceland University, Baseball McAllen High: Garrett Thomas, Bowdoin College, Football McAllen Memorial: Pablo Adame, Truman State University, Football Garrett Sharp, Blinn Junior College, Football Angel Garcia, Malone University, Football Juan “Papito” Gonzalez, University of Houston, Golf McAllen Rowe: Ciaira Briseno, Our Lady Of The Lake University, Basketball Raymondville: Ralph Rubalcava, Texas A&M-Kingsville San Benito: Pete Lozano, Central Methodist University, Football Sharyland: Tres Barrera, University of Texas

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HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

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Galvan Overcomes Injury; Signs With Chadron State University (Edinburg, Tx) – After suffering a Torn ACL during his sophomore year, it appeared Edinburg High defensive tackle Isaiah Galvan’s road to recovery was going to be a tough one.

However, Galvan worked his tail off rehabbing his knee during the offseason and was able to come back and have a strong junior and senior campaign.

For his accomplishments, Galvan received a scholarship to play college ball at Chadron State University in Nebraska as he officially signed his letter on Wednesday at Edinburg High School.

Chadron State University is a Division II school and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

“My teammates and my family inspired me to get through the rehab and I am so blessed to have them in my life,” said Galvan.

“They pushed me to overcome it and now I am able to stand here today and will be achieving my dream of playing college ball.”

Even though his primary position was defensive tackle, Galvan also lined up as a fullback and at the linebacker position for the Bobcats.

“Isaiah was a very unselfish young man and always

did what he had to in order to help the team,” said Edinburg High Head Football Coach Joey Caceres. “He would play both ways and his desire to win was second to none. This young man will be a huge asset for Chadron State at the next level and I am sure he will represent the Bobcats very well.”

Pictured Isaiah Galvan signing his letter of intent with his parents looking on. Also pictured is athletic coordiantor Joey Caceres and principal Dan Roma.

(HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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Edinburg’s Moreno to Attend Hardin-Simmons

(Edinburg,Tx)-Edinburg High’s Mike Moreno always was a threat at the cornerback position at the High School level.

Moreno signed a letter of intent to play Football at Hardin Simmons this Fall and Bobcats Head Coach Joey Caceres feels he will be a huge asset for them.

“Mike is a great ideal kid and a model student athlete,” said Caceres. “He is very disciplined and always worked hard to be a better football player.”

“He was a great teammate and Hardin Simmons is getting a very special young man.”

Moreno was an Honorable Mention All-Valley Cornerback for the Bobcats this past season.

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Edinburg High School senior Mike Moreno signs letter of intent to play football for Hardin-Simmons this fall. Pictured l-r are Joe Filoteo (Edinburg CISD Athletic Director), Dan Roma (principal), Joey Caceres (Edinburg HS Athletic Coordinator) with Moreno’s parent looking on. (HSSMIMages/David Saldana)

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Edinburg High School senior Micheline Mercelita signs letter of intent to play basketball for Our Lady of the Lakes in San Antonio, Texas this fall. The Lady Bobcats won the District 30-5A title in 2013 with Mercelita averaging 15 rebounds per game and 18 points. The Lady Bobcats advanced to the State 5A playoffs before losing to Harlingen in the area round. (HSSMIMages/David Saldana)

More Seniors Sign To Play College Sports

(Los Fresnos,Tx) – Los Fresnos senior Debbie Lozano signed a letter of intent with UTB-TSC-Brownsville.The Lady Ocelots have had quite a bit of success over the past couple of years as they won the National Championship in 2011 and made it to the Final Four at the NAIA Tournament last year while comprising a 30-2 record.

Lozano was named the 32-5A Offensive Player of the Year and was awarded Second Team All-Valley and was a 2012 Academic All-State Award winner.

At McAllen Nikki Rowe, point guard Ciaira Briseno signed a letter of intent with Our Lady Of The Lake University in San Antonio, Tx to play Basketball. “I feel that my basketball career isn’t ending after High School,” said Briseno. Briseno has played a key role for the Lady Warriors this season as she is averaging 12 points per game and 8.9 assists per game as well.

Edinburg pitcher Samantha Arciba also signed a letter of intent to play softball at Prairie View A&M. Arciba has been a huge part of the Lady Bobcats success as she has been a part of three playoff appearances and led her team to the Sweet 16 three times. Prairie View A&M is a Division 1 School in the SWAC conference.

Proud to Sign! (Top photo) Los Fresnos’s Debbie Lozano signs letter of intent with UTB-TSC while (Left) Samantha Arciba will be going to Prairie View A&M and (Bottom) Nikki Rowe’s Ciaira Briseno will attend Our Lady of the Lakes in San Antonio, Tx. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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Three Sharyland Athletes

Sign Letters of Intent

(Sharyland, Tx.) – Sharyland High School proved the notion that things definitely happen in three’s. Three student athletes signed their letters of intent to pursue their sport of choice at the collegiate level on Thursday afternoon at the Sharyland Gymnasium.

Valerie Rodriguez signed her letter to run Track and Cross Country at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and said she chose to go

there so she can be close to home.

“I chose A&M-Kingsville because it’s not far and I want my family to watch me run,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who will be participating in the 800-Meter run as well as Cross Country at Texas A&M-Kingsville, had a stellar High School career as she has made it to Regionals all four years in Cross Country and was a State Qualifier during her Freshman year. In Track and Field, Rodriguez has been a part of the three straight District championships with the Lady Rattlers and qualified for regionals in her Sophomore and Junior year.

Camila Anguiano signed to play Tennis at Schreiner College and is the first player from Sharyland High School in quite a while to sign a letter intent in that specific sport. Anguiano has been a member of the Lady Rattlers Tennis team for four years and was a Regional qualifier for three years and said her choice was clear when she got to participate with the team up at Schreiner.

The final signee of the day was Estefan Castillo who signed to

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HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

play Football at Angelo State University. Castillo, who was a First Team All-District and All-Valley Receiver, said that he can’t wait to strap on the pads once again.

“This is an awesome feeling,” said Castillo. “It’s so great that my Football career isn’t over yet and I will get another four years under my belt. I am ready and anxious to hit the field again.”

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RGV Soccer Update

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Sharyland Looking For Another State Playoff Run in Soccer (McAllen, Tx)-Sharyland High School soccer coach J.J. Lopez knows that last season was just one point short of making their first appearance in the State 5A Soccer Tournament in Georgetown, Tx. “We almost got there,” adds Lopez. The Lady Rattlers lost to San Antonio Churchill 1-0 on a missed block late in the second half. “That was tough but we have ten girls back from that playoff team,” added Lopez. In the 2012 State 5A playoffs, the Lady Rattlers swept past Laredo Martin, Harlingen South, Edinburg North, and San Antonio MacArthur to get to the regional finals. So far,

the Lady Rattlers are perfect in 2013 in District 30-5A with Edinburg Economedes at 7-2. In District 31-5A, all three McAllen schools are fighting for first place with both Memorial and Rowe tied for first at 9-1. In District 32-5A, Harlingen South is 9-1 with Los Fresnos and Brownsville Hanna tied at 8-2.

Rowe, Los Fresnos, McAllen, PSJA, Brownsville Rivera, Harlingen, Hanna, and Brownsville Lopez all advanced to the State 5A playoffs in 2012 but the surprise of 2013 are Donna Lady Redskins, and San Benito. The playoffs begin March 28-30th.

Girl’s Soccer Standings Standings 9-0 7-2 6-4 6-4 5-5 5-5 4-6 2-8 1-9

Pts 27 20 19 19 15 13 11 5 3

District 31-5A McAllen Memorial McAllen McAllen Rowe San Benito Weslaco Weslaco East PSJA Memorial PSJA PSJA North

9-1 9-1 8-2 6-4 4-5 3-6 3-7 2-8 0-10

27 27 24 18 10 9 9 8 0

District 32-5A Harlingen South Los Fresnos Brownsville Hanna Brownsville Rivera Harlingen Brownsville Porter Brownsville Lopez Veterans Memorial Brownsville Pace

9-1 8-2 8-2 6-4 6-4 3-6 3-6 1-9 0-10

26 25 24 18 18 9 9 3 0

District 30-5A Sharyland Economedes Donna Juarez-Lincoln Palmview La Joya HS Edinburg North Edinburg Vela Edinburg

2013 Sharyland Soccer team pictured l-r (front) are Nikki Gonzalez, Samantha Pena, Clowyie Flores, Maggi Palacios, Beatriz Garza Middle L-R: Barbara Cantu, Hannah Padilla, Daniela Cantu, Julie Alanis, Deandra Garza, Miriam Garza, Kassy De La Garza, Nallely Garza. Back row L-R: Anna Acuna, Valeria Lopez, Maried Salinas, Stephanie Barrientos, Chelsea Saenz, Mikaela Garvin, Maegan Idrogo, Taylor Marquez. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

RGV Wrestlers Compete

at State Tournament (Austin, Tx)-Rio Grande City’s Lisa Gonzalez won gold in the 148-pound class at the state wrestling meet Saturday in Austin by defeating Paige Wolf of Azel, 3-2 to claim the championship.

“It still has not sunk in. It’s like a dream,” Gonzalez said. But head coach RGC coach Ronald Pratt had already decided that she would ended up a state champion this season. “I made that decision months ago that she would win. This is something special to be part of. She is a great athlete,” said Pratt.

In more action, two other wrestlers brought home silver medals. Jackie Gonzalez of Mission Veterans (165-pound class) and, in Class 5A, Danae Sanchez of La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (148) — advanced to the state finals. Gonzalez lost 4-0 to Sandra Flores of Frisco, and Sanchez did all she could with a 5-4 loss to Chasity Villarreal of Katy Cinco Ranch.

Also picking up medals were San Benito’s Valeria Torres (128) and La Joya Palmview’s Sandra Munoz (215), who both earned 5A bronze. PSJA High’s Adriana Pena (165), McAllen Memorial’s Bobby Rodriguez (132), and Weslaco East’s Gilbert Urbina (170) all earned fifth-place finishes in 5A. Memorial’s Raul Ortiz (120) and McAllen Rowe’s Frankie Garza (113) dropped their 5A fifthplace matches.

2013 State Wrestling Boys Qualifiers Austin, Tx

Akim Gonzales McA Rowe 35-8 Juan Huerta PSJA North 24-4 Greg Hernandez San Benito 23-5 Kristian Rivera La Joya 29-2 Paul Briceno RGC 22-4 Alexander Artega San Benito 25-3 Gilbert Urbina Weslaco East 29-0 Alex Barreto RGC 31-4 Matthew Torres Weslaco 31-1 Ray Rodriguez Juarez-Lin 33-5 Victor Trevino RGC 30-7 Adonis Saucedo McA Mem 35-10 Jr Briceno RGC 35-4 Valentin Cantu RGC 31-4 Bobby Rodriguez McA Mem 27-1 Jose Villarreal McA Mem 34-3 Raul Ortiz McA Mem 33-0 Frankie Garza McA Rowe 39-2 Leo Tanguma RGC 9-5 Francisco Tirado McA Rowe 40-4

February 21-23, 2013

State 5A Wrestling Qualifiers! McAllen Memorial Mustang wrestlers pictured l-r are Raul Ortiz, Jose Villarreal, Bobby Rodriguez, and Adonis Saucedo. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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Congratulations!

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State 1A Division I Area Finalist

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

RGV Softball Update

Vela Sabercats Team To Watch By Joshua Jurado

HSSM Sportswriter

Pictured is Robert Vela HS pitcher Shayla Abbott

(HSSMImages/David Saldana)

(Weslaco,Tx)- Edinburg Vela came to play some softball.

The Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats’ (10-2 Overall, 1-1 District 30-5A) crushed Weslaco High (7-5 Overall, 0-1 District 31-5A) 8-3 in the Championship Game of the Weslaco Softball Classic Tournament in Weslaco on Saturday afternoon.

In the bottom of the first inning, Weslaco had an opportunity to get on the board as Odessa Porras singled to center and Klary Abeldano reached base on a hit by pitch.

However, the Lady Pantherettes left both runners on base to finish the inning.

In the top of the second, Valerie Camacho and Alyssa Reyes of Edinburg Vela each hit a single to center. The Lady Sabercats were not able to capitalize in the inning as they left two runners on base.

The Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats’ finally got a couple of runs in the top of the third inning to take a 2-0 lead. Lady Sabercats’ Audrey Aguirre got on base on a mishandled catch by Lady Pantherettes’ Melissa Manchaca.

Following the error, Adrianna Cazares tripled to deep center and Weslaco High could not make the catch at third that resulted in an error and a score by Audrey Aguirre to take a 1-0 lead. Then, Lady Sabercats’ Shayla Abbott’s Sacrifice RBI scored Cazares which game them a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, the Lady Pantherettes had a chance to get on the board as Lily Salazar doubled with one out. Later, Lily Rodriguez hit a double and Salazar tried to score at home but was tagged out.

In the bottom of the fourth, Weslaco’s Kelsey Sada hit a line drive to left and brought in Abeldano to cut the Edinburg Vela lead to 2-1. The Lady Pantherettes had an opportunity to tack on a few more runs, but left two runners on base in the inning.

During the top of the fifth inning, Edinburg Vela managed to tally on two more runs to take a 4-1 lead. The two runs scored by Audrey Aguirre and Adrianna Cazares during the inning were off of wild pitches to extend their lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Lady Pantherettes were able to tack on a run to cut the Edinburg Vela lead 4-2 off a hit to deep center to Odessa Porras which brought in Lily Rodriguez.

In the seventh inning, the Lady Sabercats’ put the icing on the cake by adding another four runs to extend their lead to 8-2.

Two Locations

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HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

17////////

Players of the Week Presented by Robert Elizalde, agent For an auto quote, call us at 956-683-9800 JOSE LONGORIA, Senior 6’7” center

MONTE ALTO H.S.

Longoria scored an impressive 42 points to go along with 16 rebounds as the Blue Devils made school history by defeating Premont 80-74 in the Class A Bi-District round.

On the season, Longoria is averaging 28 points per game and 16 rebounds a game.

ALEXIS MARTINEZ, Senior 5’7” post

HARLINGEN H.S.

Martinez averaged 17.0 points per game and also netted 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals this season. The Lady Cardinals ended the season in third place but she helped lead her team to the State 5A Region IV semifinals in 2013.

The Lady Cards won Bi-District, Area, and Regional Qtr titles with Alexis in the lineup.

Softball Begins With

District Favorites

(Brownsville, Tx)-State Title hopes for RGV softball teams in 2013? Even though the Brownsville Lady Cowgirls lost four key players last year, they have four more that will definitely be able to carry the load. Senior first baseman Bernadette Garza and junior catcher Erika Sanchez will look to help Porter defend their District 32-5A title.

In District 31-5A, the Weslaco Pantherettes look to continue their rich tradition of making the playoffs and hope to avenge their Bi-District loss to Edinburg North last season. Weslaco will definitely ride the hot hand, or arm of Catcher Angela Johnson and pitcher Summer Smith.

District 30-5A will probably be the toughest district yet. The Edinburg North Lady Cougars look to feed off of their success from last season in hopes of returning to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in the past ten years. One of the main factors that will help North this season in Senior Faith Escobar. Escobar put up some impressive numbers last year (.531 batting average, eight

JONAH KAVANAUGH, Senior 6’2 forward

PORTER H.S.

Jonah led his Brownsville Porter Cowboys to a second place finish in District 32-5A with an overall 33-5 record. The Cowboys also qualified for the State 5A Region IV Tournament for the first time in school history. He averaged 13.0 pts, 7.0 rebounds, and four steals per game in 2012-13.

JAIME GARZA, Senior 6’3 point guard

PALMVIEW H.S.

In two seasons, Garza helped lead the La Joya-Palmview Lobos to back-to-back playoff seasons for the first time in school history. Garza avg 16.0 points per game and also had 6.0 rebounds per game this season.

MATTHEW DILLARD, Junior 6’6 center

HIDALGO EARLY COLLEGE H.S.

Only a junior, named Co-MVP in District 32-3A after leading the Pirates to their seventh district title in 12 seasons. He averaged 14 pts and 15 rebounds this season. The Pirates also advanced to the State 3A Regional Quarter finals in 2013.

2013 Raymondville Lady Kats softball team member ez, Chloe Kafka, Arianna Garza, Danielle Rubalcaba, a are Sonya Hernandez, Arianna Garza, Miranda Esparza and Vanessa Torres. Head coach is M. Villarreal. (HSSMIm

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net home runs, 22 extra base hits) and will have to carry the load for a team that lost six key players to graduation last year.

But the Edinburg Lady Bobcats possess one of the best pitchers in the Valley by the name of Samantha Arciba.

Arciba, who signed with Prairie View A&M in the fall, will definitely look to lead her team back to the Sweet 16 after posting an impressive 1.00 ERA last year to go along with 8 strikeouts per game. The Lady Bobcats should be a contender for the District 30-5A title as they bring back 13 players from last season.

Other 5A teams that could surprise are Weslaco East, Brownsville Pace, McAllen, McAllen Nikki Rowe, La Joya, Harlingen South, Los Fresnos, Sharyland, and Edinburg Vela.

With Edcouch-Elsa in District 32-4A, pitcher Sandy Guerrero will be the workhorse on

rs pictured l-r front are Sabrina Perand Samantha Meza. Back row l-r a, Natalie Janes, Gabby Ramirez,

mages/David Saldana)

the mound for the Lady Jackets after posting a 9-2 record last year to go along with a 2.33 ERA. The second part of the battery is catcher Reneal Rodriguez who was an All-District selection last year.

District 32-3A Lyford Lady Bulldogs returns some key young players after losing a couple of starters from last season’s District 32-3A championship season. Maggie Vasquez (SS) is one of the best players

in the Rio Grande Valley and will lead the way for her team.

One huge factor that will help Lyford is the return of former Softball coach Eloy Perez who led the Lady Dogs to back-toback Sweet 16 appearances.

2013 La Feria Lionettes softball team members pictured l-r front are Kayla Olivarez, Mayela Bernal, Abigail Benavides, Sarah Torres, and Annette Ruiz. Back row l-r are Alecxia Ceballos, Julissa Hinojosa, Belisa Vela, Lorena Torres, Shiann Montalvo, Connie Ceballos, and Darian Leal. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

2013 Brownsville Pace Viqueens softball team members pictured l-r front are Ashley Gutierrez, Tori Martinez, Connie Martinez, Tiffany Arroyo, Amanda Perez, Amy Balli, and Jessica Aguilar. Back row l-r are Trish Cavazos, America De La Cerda, Sarah Gonzalez, Briana Leal, Valeria Valdiviez, Bianka Castaneda, Cassie Gomez, and Chelsea Hernandez. Head coach is M. Villarreal. (HSSMImages/David Saldana) HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

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State Swim Meet

Pictured are State 5A Swim Meet Qualifiers! Pictured l-r are Juan Rocha, Humberto Salazar, William L. Holmes IV, and Aaron Longoria. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

McAllen Memorial Swimmers Compete at State Meet

(Austin, Tx.) – After winning 17 district titles in boys swimming and another 14 with girls, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs advanced to another University Interscholastic League Swim and Diving Championship in Class 5A at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swim Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

On the boys side, McAllen Memorial advanced to the State Meet after winning their sixth consecutive regional title in Brownsville last week. Memorial’s Juan Rocha qualified for the 50 and 100 Freestyle while William Holmes qualified for the 100 Back.

Coming into the State Meet, Rocha is ranked 4th in the 50 Freestyle and 7th in the 100 Freestyle. Rocha has set a pool record, a school record and is an All-American Consideration in the 50 Freestyle. On the other hand, Holmes set a District 31-5A record in the 100 Back.

In the 200 Medley Relay, Bryan Holmes, Christian Salinas, Juan Rocha and William Holmes will be battling for that event. In the 400 Free Relay, Javi Guerra, Aaron Longoria, William Holmes and Juan Rocha will try to win that event.

McAllen Memorial finished in first at the regional meet with 330 points while Corpus Christi King came in second with 268 points.

“State is always a tough meet,” said McAllen Memorial Swimming coach Roxanne Balducci. “You’re going against swimmers that are six feet and taller. There’s a lot of pressure for this championship final. The boys are ready to give it their best shot. We’ve

//////20 HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

worked hard and I told them to relax and swim their best race.”

On the girls side, Los Fresnos is coming in fresh off of their firstever district title in school history. Now, they also have a regional title to brag about.

Other Rio Grande Valley swimmers competing were Los Fresnos freshman Iviana Besteiro, who qualified for the 200 IM and Andrew Moreno qualified in the 500 Freestyle.

“We’re excited. We are here to have fun,” said Los Fresnos Swimming coach Albino Cisneros.

At the State 5A Swimming and Diving Championships, the McAllen Memorial boys team finished 27th overall in points earned with 17, while Southlake Carroll won the title with 279 points. A total of 67 teams competed at the meet.

In the boys 200 Medley Relay, McAllen finished 16th overall with a time of 1:43.75 while Juan Rocha de Murga captured seventh place in the 50 Free finals. He would also finish 16th in the Consolation finals of the 100 yard freestyle event. William Holmes brought home 16th place honors in the 100 back and in the last event of the day, the Mustangs captured 16th place in the consolation finals of the boys 400 Free Relay event with a time of 3:20.65.

“Our teams at McAllen Memorial are dedicated and they put in a lot of hours. Our teams begin competing in the middle schools and that’s what makes this team so competitive,” says head coach Rozanne Balducci of McAllen Memorial.

Ad Paid by McAllen Memorial Parents

McAllen Memorial

Mustangs

2013 Class 5A State Swimming & Diving Championships Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swim Center (University of Texas-Austin, Tx)

Aaron Longoria 2009-10 District Champion 200 IM, 100 Back stroke 2010-11 District Champion 200 IM, 100 Backstroke 2011-12 District Champion 400m Relay State 5A Qualifier 2012-13 District Champion 400 Relay State 5A Qualifier Member of McAllen Swim Club 3-year lettermen Juan Rocha De Murga 2009-10 District Champion 400m relay 2010-11 District & Regional 400m; State 5A Qualifier 2011-12 Region IV Champ 50m, 100m backstroke 400m Free Relay Regional Champ All-State 5A 50m free-style 2012-13 Region IV Champion 50m & 100 Free style, 400m Free-Relay 200m Medley Relay; State 5A Qualifier Member of McAllen Swim Club

Top Senior Swimmers Pictured are l-r Aaron Longoria, Humberto Salazar, William L. Holmes IV, and Juan Rocha De Murga

William L. Holmes IV 4-year lettermen, Co-Captain Junior-Senior Year State 5A Qualifier-4 years District & Regional Champion 100 backstroke, 200IM relay, 400m free relay Pool Record in 50m freestyle at Weslaco Aquatic Center Ranked 30/478 with 4.05 GPA Major: Pre-Med, Biology, chemistry Member of McAllen Swim Club Humberto Salazar 4-year lettermen 2011-12 District Champ 100m Backstroke, 200IM, and 400m Free-style relay team Region IV Finalist 100m backstroke State 5A Qualifier-400m freestyle relay team 2012-13 District Champ 100m backstroke, 200IM, 400M Free-Style Relay team State 5A Qualifier 400m Free Style Relay Team Member of McAllen Swim Club

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

By Joshua Jurado HSSM Sportswriter

UIL State Basketball

It's Time for

March

madness RGV Plays Host To Region IV-5A Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments

(Edinburg, TX) – For the first time in history, fans from the Rio Grande Valley drove just a few miles to watch the Region IV 5A Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament. And boy, did they show their support too. More than 6,000 fans flocked to the University of Texas-Pan American Field House to watch match ups between Harlingen-Cibolo and Weslaco-San Antonio Wagner in girls basketball.

The prize? A trip to the State 5A Tournament in Austin, Texas. Steele won the tournament and advanced to the state tournament to be played at the Frank Erwin Center this weekend.

In the past, the Region IV 5A Girls Basketball Tournament has been held in San Antonio at the University of Texas-Convocation Center.

The distractions proved to get hold of the Steele Lady Knights early on as they led Harlingen 12-11 after the first quarter. “These fans

//////22

here are unreal. Look at this support. This is awesome,” said Knights head coach

HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

Kari Wallace.

Valley fans will get to witness one more year too with-

out having to travel to San Antonio.

This year Valley fans had

The Fans from the Rio Grande Valley Showed-up...

Joe Filoteo Jr,

Class 5A Region IV Tournament Athletic Director

State 5A Region IV Champions! The Cibolo Steele Lady Knights (32-5) defeated Harlingen and San Antonio Wagner to advance to the State 5A semifinals at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Tx this weekend. They will play Pflugerville (38-0) with the winner meeting Duncanville (40-0) or League City Clear Springs (38-2). Steele head coach Kari Wallance said the “hospitality in the RGV was awesome.” HSSMImages/David Saldana

the opportunity to see Harlingen High and Weslaco High battle in the regional tournament.

After Wallace called time out, the state-ranked Cibolo Steele crushed Harlingen High 64-34, allowing just two points scored in the second quarter. In the second game, Weslaco High fell to San Antonio Wagner with a score of 58-33. Cibolo Steele defeated San Antonio Wagner on Saturday at the UTPA Field House in the Regional Finals.

Joe Filoteo, the Region IV 5A Tournament Director, said it took a proposal made in 2008 to consider relocating the Regional Tournament from San Antonio to the Valley. “It was held in San Antonio for many years,” said Filoteo. “It has never been held in the Valley before and the fans from the Rio Grande Valley showed-up.” Filoteo is in charge of organizing the locations where the regional tournaments are held.

Harlingen CISD Athletic Director Randy Cretors knows that having the Regional IV 5A Tournament in the Valley makes the distance to travel a lot shorter. “I know for a fact the kids do not sleep well in hotels,” said Cretors. “It’s keeping them at a normal routine. It keeps them closer to home.”

Cretors knows keeping the Regional IV 5A Tournament in

the Valley gives the local teams an advantage to come out and support them. “We hope to keep this rotation from here on out,” he said.

Chris King, UTPA Athletic Director, knows that having the Regional IV 5A Tournament in the Valley is great. “We would like to host this every year if we could,” said King.

“It’s great for the community and the Valley.”

March Madness! Crazed fans show their support at the Class 5A Region IV Basketball Tournament held at the UTPA Field House. (HSSMImages/David Saldana) HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

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The Playoffs:

T- Birds Too Much

Weslaco Lady Panthers Lose in Region IV Semifinals

(Edinburg, Tx.) – What a season it was for the Weslaco Lady Panthers in 2012-13. Over coming “adversity” could best describe the Lady Panthers this past season. But last weekend, their state title hopes ended with a loss to the San Antonio Wagner Lady Thunderbirds.

The state-ranked Lady Thunderbirds dominated inside the paint all night long as they accumulated 48 rebounds on the night and were extremely aggressive underneath the basket as they move on to the next round thanks to a 58-33 victory over Weslaco in the Region IV-5A Semi-Final game on Friday night at the University of Texas-Pan American. Wagner improved to 32-6 and lost to Cibolo Steele in the Regional Finals. Weslaco’s season ends at 36-3.

The Lady Panthers overcame one forfeit this past season which cost them one District 31-5A win and in the first round of the state playoffs, Laura Van Tilburg went down with a devastating knee

//////24 HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

T-Birds vs Weslaco! Ashley Ross of San Antonio Wagner dribbles past Lady Panthers, Summer Smith in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals Tournament at the University of TexasPan American Field House. (HSSMImages/David Saldana) injury. The 6’3” junior will be out for nearly eight months and will maybe, be ready for the upcoming season. The loss of Van Tilburg dimmed the Lady Panthers hopes of winning a state title. “That hurt us when Laura went down. But, overall, I’m proud of these players. It was a great season,” said Griselda Fino, head coach.

At the regional semifinals, home-field advantage proved to rattler the T-Birds at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House. This was the first time in Rio Grande Valley history that a UIL Basketball Region IV Tournament was ever played in South Texas. And the Weslaco fans came to show their support too. Wag-

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

ner wasted no time getting on the board early on as they jumped out to an 11-2 lead in the first quarter. This drew chants from the crazed Weslaco fans as they battled back with a three-pointer by Jazz Garza, fueling a 5-0 run which trimmed the lead to 11-7 with 7:49 left in the second quarter.

However, the Lady Thunderbirds put it into cruise control as they outscored Weslaco 47-26 the rest of the way. Amber Ramirez led Wagner in scoring as she netted 15 on the night while Tesha Smith brought down 14 boards. San Antonio Wagner Head Coach Christina Camacho knew it was going to be loud due to the fact it was pretty much a home game for Weslaco. “It was nearly sold out and the crowd was wild,” said Camacho. “I told the girls they needed to just stay focused and take care of business and we were able to do that.”

Weslaco Head Coach Griselda Fino said that the size definitely hurt her team. “The size was obviously a disadvantage for us,” said Fino. “We are still a 5 foot team. I am proud of the girls’ effort and they have nothing to be ashamed of. I have nothing but pride at the way these kids played. Now we will go back to the drawing board in the summer and will say farewell to the seniors and move forward,” added Fino.

In the playoffs, the Lady Panthers defeated Brownsville Rivera 48-31 in bi-district followed by an upset over Sharyland 58-39. In the state regional quarterfinals, Weslaco avenged last year’s loss to Laredo Alexander, this time, winning 49-45. The Lady Panthers also won the 31-5A District title in 2013.

Tough Loss! Weslaco Lady Panther teammates hug and share tears after their loss to San Antonio Wagner in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals Tournament at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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Cibolo Steele Wins! Brianna Millet of Steele guards Harlingen’s Iris Cerrillo in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals Tournament at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

The Playoffs:

Steele

Shuts down

Harlingen Lady Panthers Lose in Region IV Semifinals

Too Many Turnovers Plagued Lady Cardinals (Edinburg, Tx.) – The Harlingen Lady Cardinals proved they could hang with the big girls in the first quarter.

Unfortunately for them, there are four quarters in basketball.

Cibolo Steele fed off of Harlingen’s 32 turnovers on the night

//////26 HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

and turned them into points as they rolled to a 64-34 victory in the Region IV-5A Tournament Semi-Final held at the Univer-

sity of Texas-Pan American on Friday night.

With the win, the 20th ranked Lady Knights improve to 31-5 overall and will face San Antonio Wagner in the Regional Final on Saturday at 1 p.m. As for the second ranked Lady Cardinals, their season ends at 30-7.

Harlingen was able to keep up with Steele in the first quarter as they kept it to a one-point game (12-11) going into the second quarter.

But the second quarter was one that the Lady Cardinals would like to forget as they committed nine turnovers and the Lady Knights took advantage of them as they outscored Harlingen 19-3 and went into the half with a 31-13 lead.

Weslaco East Lady Wildcats

www.WISD.us

Head coach: Weslaco East Head Coach William Kromer

Weslaco High School Principal Isidro Nieto Weslaco East H.S. Principal Susan Peterson

State 5A Region IV

Weslaco ISD Superintendent Dr. Ruben Alejandro WISD Athletic Director Oscar Riojas

Basketball Semifinalists

Weslaco Lady Panthers Head coach:

2012-13 31-5AAAAA District Champions

Weslaco H.S. Lady Panthers

Griselda Fino 31-5A District Champs 5A Bi-District Champs 5A Area Champs 5A Reg Qtrs Champs

2012-2013

www.hidalgo-isd.com

Seven-Time District Basketball Champions!

2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013

Hidalgo Early College

Pictured front l-r are Daniel Alday, Mike Espinoza, Frankie Sanchez, Gus Sanchez (head coach) Oscar Ruiz, Hugo Frias, and Chris Anderson. Back row l-r are Jesse Castillo, Aaron Carrasco (assistant coaches); Reymundo Alaniz, Eric Valdez, Matt Dillard, Andy Garza, and assistant coaches, Eric Garcia, Tony Frias.

Since 2001...12 Straight Playoff Appearances 11 Bi-District Titles 5 Area Titles 5 Region IV Qtr Finals 2006 “Sweet 16� Region IV Semifinals Hidalgo Early College H.S. Athletic Director Scott Ford Hidalgo Early College High School Principal Domingo Villarreal III Advertisement paid by Hidalgo ISD.

Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Librado S. De Hoyos 910 E. Pirate Dr. Hidalgo,Texas 78557 956-843-4300

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net “We switched to a half court trap in the second quarter and were able to limit the shot selection for Harlingen,” said Cibolo Steele The 2013 Playoffs Results Head Coach Kari Wallace. “Also we were able to get into an offensive rhythm from there.”

Cibolo Steele didn’t let up in the second half as they outscored Class 3A State Basketball Class 5A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Girls Playoffs Region IV-Girls Harlingen 33-21 from there. Baylor commit McKenzie Calvert Area Playoffs Feb 14-16 Bi-District Feb 11-12 Bi-District Feb 11-12 was the leading scorer on the night as she ended up with 22 on Los Fresnos 41 Los Fresnos 44 Raymondville 54 Del Rio 30 PSJA North 39 the night.

La Feria 53 “That second quarter killed us,” said Harlingen Head Coach Nora Harlingen 52 Del Rio 62 Ed North Port Isabel 34 Edinburg 30 49 Lyford 48 Zamarripa. “We turned the ball over way too much and Cibolo Area Feb 14-16 Weslaco 58 Edinburg 70 outscored us 19-2 and couldn’t bounce back from there.”

Rio Hondo 46 Lytle 35 Sharyland 39 Laredo Johnson 44 “But I am proud of the season we had and will hope for a different Lyford 30 West Oso 60 Raymondville 28 Hondo 58 La Alexander 65 Weslaco East 47 outcome next year.”

Nikki Rowe 34 Harlingen 53 Reg Qtrs Feb 18-19 Alexis Martinez, who played her last game in a Lady Cardinals Rio Hondo 21 West Oso 38 Reg Qtrs Feb 18-19 Weslaco 48 uniform, ended up with 10 on the night and was glad to end her Brownsville Rivera 31 Weslaco 49 La Alexander 45 Harlingen 36 Los Fresnos 20 career close to home.

Sharyland Class 1A-DII State Basketball Region IV Tournament Laredo United “It feels good to be able to play here in front of our hometown Playoffs Region IV-Girls February 22-23 fans,” said an emotional Martinez. “It really meant a lot to me to Cibolo Steele 64 Harlingen 34 Edinburg Vela 61 Area Feb 18-19 SA Wagner 58 Weslaco 33 Laredo Alexander 70 San Perlita 46 Knippa 82 be able and get one last game in close to home.”

Girls Basketball

More Basketball Playoff Action

Vela, North Both Get First Round Wins; La Villa, Santa Maria Clinch Playoff Spots

Harlingen South 49 McAllen Nikki Rowe 52

Class 4A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Girls Bi-District Feb 11-12 MissionVets 37 Laredo Cigarroa 40 CC Flour Bluff 48 Roma 31 CC Ray 78 Ed-Elsa 30

CC Moody Mercedes

Class 1A-DI State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Girls Bi-District Feb 11-12 Lasara 62 Woodsboro 65 Santa Maria 21 Ben Bolt 36 Area Feb 18-19 La Villa 10 Shiner 73

(Edinburg, Tx)-Edinburg Vela High School clinched its first ever playoff berth in girls basketball, along with Edinburg and Edinburg North in District 30-5A. But for the Lady Sabercats, their playoff run lasted only one round as they lost to Laredo Alexander 70-61 in the State 5A Bi-District championships. “I wished we could have made more free throws,” said head coach Lottie Zarate.

Edinburg North also fell short with a first round loss to Del Rio

62-49, while Edinburg, the District 30-5A champion (14-2) won 70-44 over Laredo Johnson. The Lady Bobcats would lose in the second round to Harlingen 52-30 to end its season.

In Class 1A Division I, the La Villa Lady Cardinals drew a first round bye while Santa Maria lost in the opening round to Ben Bolt 36-21. Lasara also lost to Woodsboro in a close one, 65-62. In the area playoffs, the Lady Cardinals were stopped by Shiner 73-10.

Two Class 1A Divisions are played in the state basketball playoffs.

Great Season! Both Edinburg Vela and Edinburg North clinched playoff berths. Pictured is Natalie Alaniz from North H.S. guarding Vela H.S., Emily Azubell. Top photo are La Villa’s Connie Martinez and Santa Maria’s Melissa Morales.

Both teams also clinched playoff berths in Class 1A. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

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The Playoffs:

Porter

Upsets No.1

Nikki Rowe Cowboys Headed to State 5A Region IV Tournament (Weslaco, Tx.) – The Brownsville Porter Cowboys were hot as a pistol on Tuesday night.

Porter played extremely aggressive underneath the basket as they pulled out a 67-51 victory over McAllen Rowe in the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals game held at Weslaco East High School.

With the win, the third ranked Cowboys improve to 33-5 and will face San Antonio Brandeis

in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals which begins Friday at the University of Texas at Pan American. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. As for the top ranked Warriors, their season ends at 31-5.

“The kids believed that their season wasn’t going to end tonight and we are able to advance to the Regional Tournament,” said Porter Head Coach Luis Garza. “We didn’t shoot

the three-ball real well and to be honest with you, I think that Rowe probably shot from there better than we did.”

“These guys are fighter’s man and believe that they will be playing in Austin.”

The “Porter Nation” will now represent the Rio Grande Valley as the only and first team, to play in the regional tournament hosted by the Rio Grande Valley for the first time in history.

“We made history,” said Garza.

“We will be the first team to play in South Texas in a regional meet.”

In the playoffs, the Cowboys easily defeated San Benito 6951 in the bi-district round followed by a surprise upset of Del Rio in the area playoffs 6862. But against the top-ranked team from the Rio Grande Valley, the momentum carried as the Cowboys stopped Rowe in the end.

Porter players Jonathan Martinez and Jonah Kavanaugh were key factors in their first come back against Rowe. Trailing 17-16 with 6:36 left in the second quarter, the Cowboys scored the remainder of their points underneath the basket as they outscored Rowe 12-7 the rest of the way and went into the half with a 28-24 lead.

“Porter did a good job on defense tonight and deserved the win,” said Rowe Head Basketball Coach Jose Yebra. “I wish them the best of luck at regionals.” As for Porter, the dream season continues.

Headed to the Regional Tournament! The Brownsville Porter Cowboys qualified for the State 5A Region IV Basketball Tournament this weekend in Edinburg. They will be the first team ever from the Rio Grande Valley to play in this tournament hosted by this region at the UTPA Field House. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

//////30 HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

2012 Bi-District Champions

2012Overall AreaRecord: Finalists 31-5

District 32-5A Playoff Qualifier

HSSM Coach of the Year-David Cantu

District 32-5A: 13-3

2013 State 5A Regional Quarter Finalist Area Champions Bi-District Champions 32-5A Runner-Ups Head Coach: Luis Garza

Porter HS Athletic Coordinator Hector Garcia

2012-13 Team Roster

32-5A

Eric Martinez Gio Bentacourt Moises Hernandez Martin De Los Santos Hugo Salazar David Pizana Jonathan Martinez Eli Martinez Jonah Kavanaugh Herbie Eckersley

PORTER

Porter HS Principal: Liz Valdez

1 Blvd. of Champions/Sams Stadium 956.548.8261 www.BISD.us Mark Guess, Director of Athletics

www.rgccisd.org

2013 State 4A Wrestling

Grulla HS Wrestling State Qualifiers!

Champion!

Lisa Gonzalez, Rio Grande City High School, Senior

Pictured are Christina Silva, Safira Perez and head coach Oscar Ozuna.

Not pictured is Jackie Barrera

2013 State 4A

Wrestling Regional Qualifiers

Front row: Julissa Alvarado, Alexandra Zurita, Anissa Galvan, Lisa Gonzalez, Maria Acevedo, Mayra Gonzalez Back row: Victor Trevino, Noe Reyes, Steven de la Cruz, Paul Briceno, Andrew Pratt, JR Briceno, Alex Barreto, Orlando Garcia, Valentin Cantu, Humberto Rodriguez Not Pictured: Alouette Gonzalez

Wrestling Head Coach Ronald Pratt Principal-Adolfo Pena Jr. Athletic Coordinator-Carlos Longoria Female Athletic Coordinator-Nicole Smedley

2013 State 3A

Basketball

Bi-District Champions!

Area Finalists Pictured front l-r are Luis Cantu, Ryan Zamora, Aaron Gutierrez, Mark Garcia, Jose Salad, Jesus Herrera, and Omar Nedzelsky. Back row l-r are Nacho Mejorado, Joe Ramos (head coach), Leo Martinez, Edgar Solis, David Mendiola, Jose Solis, Juan Hernandez, and Eddie Anzaldua.

Assistant coaches Rodriguez and Gonzalez.

Boys Basketball Head Coach Joe Ramos

Special thanks to RGCCISD School Board meeting Basilio D. Villarreal Jr (president), Roberto Gutierrez (VP), Cesar Gonzalez (Secretary); Board members Leonel Lopez, Ruben Klein, and Daniel J. Garcia.

Learn Today.

Succeed Tomorrow!

Principal-Joel Trigo Jr. Athletic Coordinator-Abel Gonzalez Female Athletic Coordinator-Cita Jimenez

RGCISD

Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District RGCCISD Superintendent-Roel Gonzalez

RGCCISD Director of Athletics-Rey Ramirez

Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City,Texas 78582 956-716-6700

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Class 3A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys Bi-District Feb 18-19 Raymondville 55 La Feria 59 OT

Class 5A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys Bi-District Feb 18-19 Harlingen South 67 PSJA North 54

Area Playoffs Feb 21-23 Harlingen South 41 Laredo United 64

Laredo United 70 Edinburg 42

Edinburg North 67 McAllen Memorial 56

Edinburg North 76 Laredo United So 70

McAllen Nikki Rowe 67 Laredo Alexander 52

McAllen Memorial 55 Harlingen 43

Porter 68 Del Rio 68

McAllen Nikki Rowe 67 Los Fresnos 44

Reg Qtrs Feb 25-26 Laredo United Edinburg North

Sharyland 50 Laredo Alexander 81 Del Rio 79 Palmview 42 Brownsville Porter 69 San Benito 51

5A Bi-District Champions! Harlingen South head coach Brian Molina cuts down the nets after their win over PSJA North. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

More Basketball Playoff Action

Reg Qtrs Feb 25-26 Hidalgo 44 CC West Oso 59

Area Feb 21-23 Santa Rosa 31 SA Randolph 54 CC West Oso 74 La Feria 28

Region IV Tournament March 1-2 Porter vs SA Brandeis Laredo United vs Cibolo

Class 1A-DII State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys Bi-District Feb 18-19 San Perlita 36 Waelder 58 Area Feb 21-23 San Isidro 63 Leakey 61 Reg Qtrs Feb 25-26 San Isidro 34 D’Hanis 59

Class 1A-DI State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys

Bi-District Feb 18-19 Roma 57 CC Flour Bluff 52 Valley View 41 CC Ray 72 Laredo Nixon 73 Mercedes 45

Area Feb 21-23 RGC-Grulla 32 Hondo 63 Hidalgo 61 Sinton 50 CC West Oso 74 La Feria 28

Class 2A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys

McAllen Nikki Rowe 51 Bro Porter 67

Class 4A State Basketball Playoffs Region IV-Boys

Rio Hondo 37 RGC-Grulla 46

CC Miller 67 Mission Veterans 42

Area Feb 21-23 Roma 66 Floresville 56 2OT

Bi-District Feb 18-19 Monte Alto 81 Premont 74 La Villa 53 Woodsboro 66 Area Feb 21-23 Santa Maria 45 Weimar 56 Monte Alto 61 Shiner 59

Reg Qtrs Feb 25-26 Roma 43 Port Lavaca-Calhoun 57

Reg Qtrs Feb 25-26 Monte Alto 47 Port Aransas 84

Valley View Makes History With Playoff Berth (Pharr, Tx)-Just call him Mr. Basketball! First-year head coach Arnold Martinez led theValley View Tigers to it’s first playoff berth in Class 4A. The

Tiger’s playoff run did not last long as they met Corpus Christi Ray in the first round and lost 72-41. “We had a great season.

This season was special be-

cause I had the chance to coach my two sons,” added Martinez.

After six straight first round losses, the 31-5A runner-ups McAllen Memorial Mustangs

defeated Harlingen in the Class 5A Bi-District playoffs while Roma advanced to the third round of the State 4A Region IV quarterfinals.

David Keith of Sharyland watch his Rattlers lose in the first round of the state playoffs.(HSSMImages/David Amador)

Kevin Andrade of the Roma Gladiators led his team to the 4A Region IV Quarterfinals. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Valley View H.S. Jerry Flores led his team to the playoffs for the first time in history.

McAllen Memorial AJ Saldana led his team 5A Bi-District title after six playoff tries.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

33//////

On One One I NT E RV I EW www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

with

Larry Gibson

HSSM Assistant Sports Director John Cannon sat down with Brownsville Veterans Memorial Head Boys Basketball Coach Larry Gibson and talks about his high school career in coaching basketball.

HSSM: Tell us a little bit about your playing days in High School?

Gibson: I played high school ball at Houston Sterling as a Forward from 1969-1973. I averaged 23 points a game as a Senior and was a First Team AllCity selection.

HSSM: What about your college career?

Gibson: I started playing college ball at Ranger Junior College in ‘73 and was a First-Team All Conference Selection as well as an Honorable Mention All-American. Then I went to McMurray University in Abilene and also was a First-Team All-Conference player plus an All-American my Junior year. I graduated

in 1979.

HSSM: What did you end up doing after college?

Gibson: I was hired as an Assistant Basketball Coach at McMurray University and was there from 1979-1983.

HSSM: When did you get your first Head Basketball Coaching job?

Gibson: It was in 1984 at Anahuac High School.

HSSM: I understand you went back to coach at the Collegiate level. Is that true?

Gibson: Yes I did. I became the Head Boys and Girls coach at Ranger Junior College in 1984 and was there until 1991. Then, I went to Texas A&M-Kingsville and became an Assistant Coach in 1991 and was there until 1994.

HSSM: Did you return to coaching at the High School level?

Gibson: Yes I did. I came

//////34 HSSM/FEBRUARY 2013

to Pace High School in 1994 and got a job and was there for 17 years before accepting the job at Brownsville Veterans in 2011.

HSSM: So what brought down to the RGV?

Gibson: I went to recruit a kid at Hanna when I was as Texas A&M-Kingsville and I remember the gym at Pace high school, who Hanna was playing that night was packed. I really enjoyed the area here and wanted to get a coaching job here.

HSSM: Do you feel athletes in the Rio Grande Valley can ever compete at the state level?

Gibson: Absolutely.

HSSM: So how much longer you plan on coaching?

Gibson: I would like to get three more years in if I can. (he laughs) ...we’ll see...

2012 Donna ISD Administration Superintendent of Schools Roberto F. Loredo Donna H.S. Principal Nancy Castillo Donna ISD Athletic Director Manny Moreno Donna H.S. Athletic Coordinator Ramiro Leal Jr.

2012-13 Donna ISD School Board Ernesto Lugo President Michael Flores, M.D. Vice-Pres Nick Castillo Secretary Rey Alegria Board Members Efren Ceniceros Angel Magallanes Alfredo Lugo

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