2013march

March 28, 2013-April 25, 2013

HSSMLIVE.COM

MEET OF CHAMPIONS

RECORDS FALL UIL SOCCER PLAYOFFS

WHICH TEAMS

WILL WIN IT ALL?

Vince Castillo Breaking Records in Track & Field

HSSM ALL-SOUTH TEXAS

BASKETBALL SELECTIONS

DISTRICT BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

THE QUEST BEGINS FOR TITLES...

GO TO PAGE 18...

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March 28, 2013

HSSM Inside!

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Headed to State? Valley View High School Soccer team are nationally ranked and are considered a State 4A Top Ten team.

David Saldana/HSSMImages

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10

“Fingers�

Weslaco High School senior talks about his life playing sports and watching himself grow.

18

Next Hurdler

Donna H.S. hurdler Vince Castillo is only a sophomore and could be headed back to the state meet.

22

Soccer

28

Nationally ranked Valley View H.S. soccer team could be the next State 4A champ.

Basketball

The HSSM All-South Texas team announced with top coaches.

One coach has nabbed 735 wins.

Raul Resendez, Agent 200 S. Sugar Rd Edinburg, Texas 78539 Bus: 956-383-2886

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March 2013

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Bobby Palacios, Agent 411 N. Jackson Rd, Suite A-6 Pharr, Tx 78577

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*Discounts and their availability may vary by state and eligibility requirements. For more information, please see or call a State Farm agent.

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It’s All About

Send Your Comments to tddave@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

the Game

By David A. Amador HSSM Sports Director

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RGV Hot-Bed...

Track Champs!

The Best of the Best? The Rio Grande Valley seems to be the hot-bed for track and field champions produced year-in-year-out.

Dating back to 1934, seventyfour state champions have been crowned beginning with Brownsville High School’s Jack Ellington, who won the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.85 seconds at the state level and he was followed

by San Benito’s Bobby Morrow who won back-to-back state titles in the same event in 1953 and 1954. Ellington would also win the 200-meter dash in 1934 along with Morrow in 1954.

Morrow would continue to shine by winning three gold medals in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and the 4x100 meter relay.

Most interesting, Rio Grande City’s Rey Ramirez shined throughout his high school track and field career by winning the 200-meter dash at the state level in 1986. Two more Rio Grande City high schoolers, Stephen Saenz (2008 & 2009) and Alex Garza (2010 & 2012), both won two shot put titles each.

Saenz fulfilled his dream of par-

ticipating in 2012 Summer London Olympics in August like Morrow

Bobby Morrow appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in January 1957 did too.

How many can remember Laura Vasquez? She was a two-time champion at the UIL State Track and Field Championships in the 800-meters and 1600-meters in 1987 and in 1990, Sonia Sepulveda, also from Edinburg High School, would copy her feat in the

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same events at the state championships.

In Class 1A, Lisa Silva won two state titles in 1992, running in the 1600-meter run and 3200-meters in 1992. San Perlita’s Sonia Rodriguez would win back-to-back State 1A titles in 1988 and 1989.

And how can the Rio Grande Valley forget Johvonne Hernandez from Port Isabel who won two State 3A titles in 2001 in the Discus (155’5) and Shot put (44’4.5”).

Most recently, Randy Bermea from Harlingen High School won the 300-meter hurdles in 2012 at the UIL State 5A Track and Field events. Also winning state titles in 2012 were Rio Hondo’s Shawn O’Brian in the 110-Meter Hurdles in Class 3A. In the pole vault event, Billy Gene Pemelton from Mercedes High School won two back-toback state titles in 1959 and 1960.

The 2013 UIL State Track and Field Championships will be held again at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas-Austin on May 10-11th.

Want to see the best of the best?

It’s a great event to watch! See you there! It’s a hot-bed for Rio Grande Valley athletes!

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Meetof Champi 2013 Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association’s

By John Cannon/HSSM Assis

RGV Athletes Shine; Records Broken; N

Rio Grande Valley Track and Field All-Time Records

Boys Field Events Shot Put – Stephen Saenz, Rio Grande City (72-6 ¼, 2009) Discus – Stephen Saenz, Rio Grande City (204-0, 2008) High Jump – Robert Christian, McAllen Memorial (7-0 ¼, 1993) Long Jump – Rey Ramirez, Rio Grande City (7-0 ¼, 1986) Triple Jump – Javier Villarreal, Weslaco (47-5 ½, 1995) Pole Vault – Jared Ede, Harlingen South (16-2 ½, 2005) Running Events 100 Dash – Alex Trevino, Mercedes (10.23, 2008) 200 Dash – Alex Trevino, Mercedes (21.10*, 2008) 400 Dash – Mishak Rivas, Weslaco (47.29*, 2008) 800 Run – Todd Harbour, Port Isabel (1:49.46, 1977) 1,600 Run – Basilio Garcia, Weslaco (4:10.90, 1980) 3,200 Run – Aaron Ramirez, Mission (9:07.18, 1982) 110 Hurdles – Randy Bermea, Harlingen High (13.79*, 2011) 300 Hurdles – Randy Bermea, Harlingen High (36.46*, 2011) 400 Relay – Sharyland (41.93*, 2011) 800 Relay – Sharyland (1:27.33*, 2011) 1,600 Relay – Edinburg High (3:14.96, 1971)

Michael Mendez-Los Fresnos H.S.

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March 2013

Girls Field Events Shot Put – Rachel Garcia, Mission Veterans (45-6, 2006) Discus – Corina Cox, Los Fresnos (16811 ½, 2013) High Jump – Darbie Bruning, Brownsville Hanna (5-9, 1983) Long Jump – Anna Martinez, Brownsville Porter (19-3 ¼, 1982) Triple Jump – Belinda Flores, PSJA High (38-7 ½, 1987) Pole Vault – Kelsea David, Harlingen High (12-3, 2005) Running Events 100 Dash – Rochelle Barker, Weslaco High (11.75, 1970) 200 Dash – Patsy Sanchez, San Benito (24.65, 1980); Samantha Villarreal, San Benito (24.94*, 2009) 400 Dash – Katherine Trevino, Rio Grande City (55.90*, 2008) 800 Run – Maggie Salinas, PSJA High (2:08.50, 1981) 1,600 Run – Sonia Sepulveda, Edinburg High (4:54.58, 1991) 3,200 Run – Emily Perez, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (10:48.39, 2012) 100 Hurdles – Leigha Brown, Edinburg Economedes (13.97, 2012) 300 Hurdles – Leigha Brown, Edinburg Economedes (43.24, 2013) 400 Relay – Rio Grande City (48.36, 2007) 800 Relay – PSJA High (1:43.02, 1989) 1,600 Relay – PSJA High (3:55.35, 1991) * – Fully Automatic Time

(Weslaco, Tx.) – Saturday was a record breaking day in the Rio Grande Valley. At the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association’s Track and Field Meet of Champions held at the Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco, records were broken continuously throughout the day as athletes from all over the area shattered Valley’s bests for the 2013 season.

However, the biggest record fell shortly after sunset as Edinburg Economedes track star Leigha Brown broke the All-Time Valley record in the 300-Meter Hurdles with an impressive time of 43.24 seconds. The Arkansas-bound commit broke her own record which was set two weeks ago at the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriot Relays with a time of 43.49.

“I was kind of freaked out with the time I posted,” said Brown. “I came in a little faster than I was supposed too and I am very happy that this happened.”

Besides the 300m hurdles, Brown won the 100-Meter Hurdles with a time of 14.26 and placed third in the shot put and second in the high jump. Because of her accomplishments, Brown was awarded the high-point winner of the meet.

Donna’s Vince Castillo also had an impressive showing as he won the 110 and 300-meter hurdles and anchored the winning 4x400 relay team. Castillo, who achieved a Valley’s best in the 300 with a time of 37.49, was awarded the high-point winner for the boys.

In other action, Port Isabel’s sophomore Daniela Murchison pulled off an upset as she defeated Corina Cox of Los Fresnos with a Valley’s best throw of 41 feet and 4 ½ inches in the girls’ shot put.

David Anzaldua-Edinburg North H.S.

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Richard Cervantes-Sharyland H.S.

For more sports

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ions!

stant Sports Director

Felipe Valencia La Joya-Palmview High School State 5A Runner-Up Shot Put Event (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

New Stars

Brownsville Rivera’s Keila Rodriguez won the 800-Meter race with a Valley’s best time of 2:14.61 while San Benito’s Esmer Sosa won the triple jump with a 35-8, which ties her for the Valley’s best and won the girls 100-dash by the skin of her teeth with a time of 12.754.

La Joya Palmview and Sharyland shared the girls overall championship title with a score of 70 points each. Palmview won the 4x100 and the 4x200 relays with Valley’s best times in both those events.

As for the boys side, Sharyland won the overall championship with 149 points. Overall, the Rattlers won six events in the 100-dash, the 800-run, the 3200-run, the discus, the pole vault and the 4x100 relay.

2013 RGVCA Meet of Champions Bobby Lackey Stadium-Weslaco, Tx Results

Girls Running Events Girls 3200 Meter Run — 1, Martinez, Krysta, Edcouch-Elsa, 11:37.59. 2, Gonzalez, Saira, Hanna, 11:46.14. 3, Rivera, Christina, Rivera, 11:52.94. 4, Antley, Savanna, Sharyland, 11:58.22. 5, Polanco, Thalia, Lyford, 12:13.79. 6, Llanos, Leslie, Economedes, 12:25.87.

4x100 Meter Relay — 1, Palmview ‘A’ 49.71. 2, Weslaco ‘A’ 49.85. 3, Sharyland ‘A’ 50.43. 4, Miss Veterans ‘A’ 50.56. 5, St. Joseph Academy ‘A’ 50.95. 6, San Benito ‘A’ 51.31.

800 Meter Run — 1, Rodriguez, Keila, Rivera, 2:14.61. 2, Rodriguez, Valerie, Sharyland, 2:15.28. 3, vasquez, jenyse, Ed North, 2:18.27. 4, Perez, Crystal, Rivera, 2:21.53.

5, Leal, Andrea, MVEM, 2:21.76. 6, Ortegon, Gabriela, Psja Memorial HS, 2:22.32.

100 Meter Hurdles — 1, Brown, Leigha, Economedes, 14.26. 2, Rodriguez, Anamaria,

e Herrera-Brownsville Hanna H.S.

Hiram Morales-Brownsville Pace H.S.

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Victor Beltran-RGC H.S.

Rene Presas-Mercedes H.S.

March 2013

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Har South, 16.14. 3, Salinas, Iliana, Mc Memorial, 16.64. 4, De Leon, Veronica, San Benito, 16.71. 5, Maldonado, Natasha, MVEM, 16.84. 6, Landeros, Valeria, Psja Memoria, 17.11.

100 Meter Dash — 1, Sosa, Esmer, San Benito, 12.75. 2, DeLeon, Brianna, Weslaco, 12.76. 3, Mancha, Valeria, PSJA, 12.88. 4, Divin, Cassie, Harlingen, 12.90.

5, Carrillo, Hannah, Sja, 12.97. 6, Fennigen, Elise, Har South, 13.10.

4x200 Meter Relay — 1, Palmview ‘A’ 1:44.62. 2, Ed North ‘A’ 1:44.82. 3, Weslaco ‘A’ 1:45.41. 4, Sharyland ‘A’ 1:45.77. 5, B’Ville Veterans ‘A’ 1:46.35. 6, Rivera ‘A’ 1:46.84.

400 Meter Dash — 1, Divin, Cassie, Harlingen, 58.33. 2, Kaufmann, Madeline, Mc Memorial, 58.92. 3, Abrego, Viviana, San Benito, 1:00.69. 4, Gonzalez, Ashley, Sharyland, 1:00.96. 5, Perez, Crystal, Rivera, 1:01.01.

6, Noyola, Mariah, Har South, 1:01.96.

300 Meter Hurdles — 1, Brown, Leigha, Economedes, 43.24. 2, De Leon, Alyssa, Mercedes, 47.78. 3, Ochoa, Bobbie, Palmview, 48.70.

4, Landeros, Valeria, Psja Memoria, 49.13. 5, Ayala, Illiana, La Feria, 49.64. 6, Gomez, Rosa, San Benito, 49.64.

200 Meter Dash — 1, Ramirez, Jessica, Palmview, 26.12. 2, DeLeon, Brianna, Weslaco, 26.18. 3, Sosa, Esmer, San Benito, 26.20. 4, Mancha, Valeria, PSJA, 26.28. 5, Divin, Cassie, Harlingen, 26.53.

6, Hernandez, Lucero, Weslaco, 26.68.

1600 Meter Run — 1, Ortegon, Gabriela, Psja Memoria, 5:11.15.

2, Martinez, Krysta, Edcouch-Elsa, 5:16.36. 3, Cruz, Alexandria, Edinburg, 5:18.63. 4, Suarez, Emily, Economedes, 5:23.98. 5, Gonzalez, Saira, Hanna, 5:28.97. 6, Rivera, Christina, Rivera, 5:33.59 4x400 Meter Relay — 1, Rivera ‘A’ 4:02.37. 2, Ed North ‘A’ 4:02.53. 3, Sharyland ‘A’ 4:05.31.

4, Economedes ‘A’ 4:05.80. 5, Palmview ‘A’ 4:08.02. 6, Weslaco ‘A’ 4:08.75 Field Events Girls High Jump — 1, Hernandez, Abigail, Palmview, 5-04. 2, Brown, Leigha, Economedes, 5-04. 3, Hayter, Kassandra, Sharyland, 5-02. 4, Maldonado, Xerrena, Port Isabel, 5-02. 5, Lipscomb, Kory, Ed North, 5-00. 6,

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March 2013

RGVCA Meet of Champs High Jumper Champion!

Bryan Casas of La Feria High School will be favored to win the 32-3A district event. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Push’em back, Push’em back, waaaay back.

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Garza, Jasmine, Weslaco, 5-00.

Pole Vault — 1, Kaufmann, Madeline, Mc Memorial, 10-03. 2, Navaro, Janeth, Donna, 10-00. 3, Lopez, Megan, Sja, 9-06. 4, Valencia, Marifer, Sja, 9-06. 5, Aubrey, Tamayo, Los Fresnos, 9-06. 6, Hernandez, Kristian, Ed Vela, 9-00.

Long Jump — 1, DeLeon, Brianna, Weslaco, 17-00.75. 2, Kaufmann, Madeline, Mc Memorial, 16-07. 3, Sosa, Esmer, San Benito, 16-06.50. 4, Mercelita, Micheline, Edinburg, 16-02.50. 5, Gonzalez, Ashley, Sharyland, 1601.50. 6, Torres, Gabriyella, Port Isabel, 16-00.50.

Triple Jump — 1, Sosa, Esmer, San Benito, 35-08. 2, Monie, Nora, Sharyland, 35-07.25. 3, Rodriguez, Keila, Rivera, 35-01.75. 4, Silva, Vanessa, Edinburg, 34-09. 5, Rodriguez, Anamaria, Har South, 3405.25. 6, Elizondo, Celeste, Grulla, 34-02.25.

Shot Put — 1, Murchison, Daniela, Port Isabel, 41-04.25. 2, Cox, Corina, Los Fresnos, 38-06.

3, Brown, Leigha, Economedes, 37-05.25. 4, Monie, Nora, Sharyland, 36-02. 5, Swink, Kelcie, Port Isabel, 34-10.75. 6, Garcia, Alyssa, Ed North, 33-08.50.

Discus — 1, Cox, Corina, Los Fresnos, 142-00. 2, Garcia, Keilah, MVEM, 131-00. 3, Ruiz, Yesenia, Pace, 128-10. 4, silva, bianca, Ed North, 118-08. 5, Monie, Nora, Sharyland, 114-05. 6, Murchison, Daniela, Port Isabel, 111-10.

Boys Running Events 3200 Meter Run — 1, Gonzalez, Jose, Sharyland, 9:26.47. 2, Guerrero, Michael, La Joya, 9:43.41.

3, Duenes, Rafael, San Benito, 9:45.29. 4, Uribe, Juan, Hanna, 9:57.62. 5, Montalvo, David, Val-

District 31-5A Championships Next? Madeline Kaufmann of McAllen Memorial High School won the 2013 RGVCA Meet of Champions in the Pole Vault. She also qualfied for the UIL State 5A Track and Field Championships in 2012. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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By JOHN CANNON

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

High School Track & Field

Medical Miracle

Weslaco Senior Jose Diaz Overcomes Childhood Difference. Opts to Play.

Since His CHILDHOOD, A MEDICAL PROCEDURE HELPS HIS GROWTH. BECOMES A CHAMPION.

My Teammates Call Me...

FINGERS

To his family, he is known as Jose Diaz. However, to his teammates, coaches, and friends at Weslaco High School, he is known as someone with a nickname that best describes himself.

“Most of my friends call me ‘Fingers’,” said Diaz.

“I got that nickname in the seventh grade and have stuck with it since then.”

There is a reason Diaz is known as ‘Fingers’.

When he was born, Jose didn’t have a set of fingers on his right hand due to the fact that the umbilical chord was wrapped around it which caused the circulation to cut off and not allow his fingers to grow. “It was a defect and when my mom found out, she got scared and cried because she thought I was different,” says the Weslaco senior.

The process of reconstructive surgery began in an attempt to try and grow the fingers out. “At six months old, I had a procedure started by Dr. David T. Netscher of Houston in which they took out bones from my right foot and placed them in my right hand,” said Diaz. “From there, they started to grow out to little nubs until the age of six.”

Diaz clearly remembers his childhood days of being made fun of, knowing that one arm only had a palm as a growth.

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March 2013

Jose Diaz proudly watched his fingers grow throughout the years.

(HSSMImages/David Saldana)

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Today, it is called “bullying” by schools. “I was a normal kid, at least that is what I felt. There were some other kids that I had to stand up too,” adds Diaz.

At the age of six, Dr. Netscher placed some brackets onto all four of the nubs and cut part of the original bone in half. Diaz’s mother would then have to turn the brackets a half a turn every day and night so the bones could separate. “As it was happening, I noticed the bone was separating and at the end, there was a gap of two centimeters and my fingers were slowly growing,” says Diaz.

Once that procedure took place, Diaz underwent another reconstructive surgery in an attempt to continue the growth. “Six months later, the doctors decided to take off the brackets and went in and performed a surgery in which they took a bone from my hip and placed it between the gap so it wouldn’t close back up,” said Diaz. “They ended up growing into three little chunks and then stuck a rod in all four of my fingers and put a cast on my hand.”

In high school, the desire to play sports grew for Diaz as he matured. He wanted to play sports badly. “I wanted to play sports so bad, but couldn’t do it when I was little due to the fact that I had a cast on,” said Diaz. “When I was in the fourth grade a n d the cast was off, I played baseball in elementary school and really enjoyed it. I ended up playing left handed and caught the ball with my left hand, then take my glove off and throw the ball left handed as well.”

Diaz played football and ran track and eventually became a running back as the years progressed. As a senior, Diaz ended up leading the Weslaco Panthers football team in rushing and he also helped lead the Panthers to two straight Class 5A Division I Bi-District titles as well. “I believe in athletes. Every player deserves a chance. Jose earned his right to play,” says Weslaco head football coach Tony Villarreal.

Diaz lettered three years on varsity and started his final two seasons.

For his accomplishments, Diaz was awarded the running back of the year for Weslaco High. In track, Diaz also won the 100-meter dash and placed third in the long jump as a freshman and placed third in the 100-meter as a junior.

But for the most part, Diaz sees himself as just an ordinary, typical high school teenager who is preparing for the next phase of his life.“I never let my hand get in the way of what I wanted to accomplish in life and now I will attend Western Michigan and major in engineering; But I can promise you one thing, I will tryout for the football team.”

Weslaco High School senior Jose Diaz lettered three years in football.

(HSSMImages/David A.Amador)

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ley View, 9:57.75. 6, garza, luis, Zapata, 10:11.55 4x100 Meter Relay — 1, Sharyland ‘A’ 42.88. 2, Los Fresnos ‘A’ 43.11. 3, Weslaco East ‘A’ 43.16.

4, Mc Memorial ‘A’ 43.43. 5, Edcouch-Elsa ‘A’ 43.65. 6, Harlingen ‘A’ 43.83.

800 Meter Run — 1, Guerrero, Alexis, Sharyland, 1:58.35. 2, Castellanos, Dominique, Hanna, 1:58.79. 3, Espinosa, Javier, Hidalgo, 1:59.17. 4, Nunez, Luis, Sharyland, 1:59.52. 5, Fajardo, Alex, W. East, 2:00.59. 6, Lara, Michel, Juarez-Linco, 2:00.73.

110 Meter Hurdles — 1, Castillo, Vince, Donna, 14.55. 2, Rosales, Ricky, Sharyland, 15.09. 3, Garcia, Ralph, Harlingen, 15.30. 4, Kraus, Sasha, Sja, 15.61. 5, Williams, Christian, Mc Memorial, 15.68.

6, Noyola, Gabriel, San Benito, 15.79.

100 Meter Dash — 1, Cole,

Long Jump! Jacquille Evans of Brownsville Rivera HS will be a favorite to win the 32-5A title.

(HSSMImages/ Alec Amador)

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James, Sharyland, 11.14. 2, Vega, Luis, Mc Memorial, 11.22. 3, Hernandez, Iram, Valley View, 11.32. 4, Speights, Trevor, Mc Memorial, 11.33.

5, Guerrero, Hernan, Rio Hondo, 11.34. 6, Davila, Johny, Ed Vela, 11.35.

4x200 Meter Relay — 1, Weslaco East ‘A’ 1:29.74. 2, Sharyland ‘A’ 1:30.19. 3, Ed Vela ‘A’ 1:30.57. 4, Los Fresnos ‘A’ 1:30.63. 5, Weslaco ‘A’ 1:31.28. 6, San Benito ‘A’ 1:32.19.

400 Meter Dash — 1, Ortiz, Frankie, Edcouch-Elsa, 49.55. 2, Mendiola, Samuel, Har South, 49.76. 3, Reyes, Carlos, Ed Vela, 49.86. 4, Medina, Marcos, Harlingen, 49.99. 5, Lopez, John M., Weslaco, 50.05. 6, Campos, Paco, Sharyland, 50.61.

300 Meter Hurdles — 1, Castillo, Vince, Donna, 37.49. 2, Cano, Carlos, Palmview, 38.71. 3, Rosales, Ricky, Sharyland, 39.26. 4, Keller, Wyatt, Sharyland, 39.52. 5, Montalvo, Ryan, Sharyland, 40.88. 6, Pecina, Rene, Palmview, 41.03. 7 200 Meter Dash — 1, Borrego, Jaime, Psja Memoria, 21.68. 2, Patino,

Breaks Record! Edinburg Economedes senior Leigha Brown broke the all-time RGV 300m hurdles record.

(HSSMImages/David A.Amador)

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The All-Time Rio Grande Valley track record in the 400-meter relay for girls is held by Rio Grande City High School with a time of 48.36 seconds.

Runners were Kendra Alaniz, Kathy Trevino, Vanessa Sanchez, and Andrea Guerra.

March 2013

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Los Fresnos Top-Ranked Discus Thrower! Corina Cox of Los Fresnos won the RGVCA Meet of Champions in the discus event and is ranked no.1 in the nation according DyeStat.com. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) File, PSJA, 22.49. 3, Harris, Justin, Sharyland, 22.60. 4, Hernandez, Iram, Valley View, 22.64. 5, Guerrero, Hernan, Rio Hondo, 22.69. 6, Gutierrez, Tristan, Mercedes, 22.71.

1600 Meter Run — 1, Arevalo, Isaac, Ed Vela, 4:26.28. 2, Cordova, Jayven, W.East, 4:27.57. 3, Rodriguez, Gabe, Sharyland, 4:28.08. 4, Hernandez, Jonathan, Palmview, 4:29.84. 5, Montero, Rick, Ed North, 4:33.36.

6, Montalvo, David, Valley View, 4:34.30.

4x400 Meter Relay — 1, Donna ‘A’ 3:21.84. 2, Sharyland ‘A’ 3:22.00.

3, Palmview ‘A’ 3:23.07. 4, Harlingen ‘A’ 3:23.27. 5, Weslaco East ‘A’ 3:25.47. 6, Ed Vela ‘A’ 3:25.84.

Field Events Boys High Jump — 1, Casas, Bryan, La Feria, 6-03. 2, Gonzalez, Josue, Har South, 6-02. 3, Lopez, Mark, La Joya, 6-00. 4, Magallon, Anthony, Palmview, 6-00. 5, Valdes, Lee, La Feria, 6-00. 6, Alvarado, Oscar, Sharyland, 6-00.

Pole Vault — 1, Denham, Augustus, Sharyland, 15-00.50. 2, Flores, Hayden, Harlingen, 14-00. 3, Salazar, Derek, Rio Hondo, 13-06. 4, Gaitan, Sergio, Psja North, 13-06. 5, Hinojosa, Justin, Psja Memoria, 13-06.

6, Villareal, Albert, Harlingen, 13-00.

Long Jump — 1, Rafac, Jason, Los Fresnos, 21-10.25. 2, Borrego, Jaime, Psja Memoria, 21-05. 3, Villanueva, RJ, Harlingen, 21-01.25. 4,

Masso, Jose, Sja, 20-08.50. 5, Landez, Sean, Sharyland, 20-05.50.

6, alvarez, mike, Zapata, 20-04.25.

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March 2013

Triple Jump — 1, Villanueva, RJ, Harlingen, 43-10.50. 2, Rosales, Guadalupe, Progreso, 42-08.50. 3, Campos, Paco, Sharyland, 42-03. 4, Garcia, Robert, B’Vet, 42-00. 5, Gatling, Chris, Rowe, 41-11. 6, alvarez, mike, Zapata, 41-11.

Discus — 1, Cervantes, Richard, Sharyland, 166-03. 2, Salinas, Tony, Mission, 160-02. 3, Morales, Hiram, Pace, 158-10. 4, Valencia, Felipe, Palmview, 156-07. 5, Herrera, Jose, Hanna, 148-02. 6, Perez, Rick, Donna, 145-00. www.kidzcrusade.org

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Long Jumpers at RGVCA Meet of Champs! Jaime Borrego of PSJA Memorial and Los Fresnos’s Jason Rafac both competed at the event. Rafac won the contest.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Shot Put — 1, Valencia, Felipe, Palmview, 58-09. 2, Morales, Hiram, Pace, 54-04. 3, Herrera, Jose, Hanna, 54-00. 4, Anzaldua, David, Ed North, 51-03.50. 5, Mendez, Michael, Los Fresnos, 5103. 6, Cervantes, Richard, Sharyland, 49-04.

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INVINCE AB www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

Donna High School Hurdler Vince Castillo Ranks Top in Region IV. Seeks Another Trip to State 5A Track & Field Meet.

(Donna, Tx.) – Ever since he was a little boy, Donna High School sophomore, Vince Castillo always ran with the big boys.

“My brothers Richard and Dylan (Castillo) were members of the Donna H.S. track team and I would run alongside them when they were training,” said Castillo. “In fact, even when I was in the smaller grades and ran track, I always trained with the older kids.”

Now, the big boys are running with Castillo as the sophomore track star is making his name known all over the Rio Grande Valley and Texas.

Castillo has won every track meet with the exception of one this year while competing in the 110 and the 300-meter hurdles and hopes to continue that trend all the way to the 2013 UIL State Track and Field Meet in Austin.

“I have been very fortunate this year to do well in all the meets I have competed in and hopefully it will continue so I will be ready for State,” said Castillo. “I work real hard and I am always trying to perfect my times so when it comes to the State meet, I will be ready.”

Castillo started running track in the seventh grade and has won the district titles every year in multiple events.

“I started running hurdles in the seventh grade and ended up winning the 110 and 300-meter hurdles as well as the long jump,” said Castillo. “Since then, I placed first and have been a District champion as an eighth grader and as a freshman.”

As a freshman, Castillo breezed through the competition and advanced to Regionals in which he placed second in the 300-meter hurdles and advanced to the 2012 UIL State Track and Field Meet where he ended up 7th place overall.

Castillo said that he took the advice of a fellow runner and it helped

B Y

J O H N C A N N O N

HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

make him a better runner. “Harlingen’s Randy Bermea stopped me at a meet one time last year and told me if I followed him in each and every race we competed in, he would lead me to state,” said Castillo. “So my goal in each and every meet was to stay neck and neck with him since he was one of the best runners in the state of Texas.”

“Randy helped me a lot and always gave me pointers as well. He was a huge part of my success.”

Donna Track and Field Coach Basilio Mendoza said that Castillo is constantly working of perfecting his running style and has a goal that he feels Vince can easily achieve.

“If Vince can get a good fully automatic time in both the 110 and the 300-meter hurdles, then I have no doubt in my mind he will be a tough draw at state,” said Mendoza. “Last year, his target time was 37.64 in the 300-meter hurdles and he ended up with a 38.00 because his shoelace was undone. If he would have hit the 37.64 mark, he definitely would have medaled.”

“This year, we have been working on a lot of speed endurance drills which will help him get the time he needs to be successful. Vince has constantly been working on improving his times and puts in a lot of work on the track. This young man is a very special athlete and fortunately I get to work with him for another two years.”

Donna ISD Athletic Director Manny Moreno remembers watching Castillo run at the junior high level and knew he was going to be something special. “I was amazed because all I did was see him fly over the hurdles and he caught my attention,” said Moreno. “From that point on, I kept my eye on him because I knew he was going to be something special.”

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March 2013

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Vince Castillo, only a sophomore from Donna High School will be looking to make his second straight trip to the UIL Class 5A Track and Field Championships in Austin, Tx. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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HSSM December 2012 Basketball Preview

HSSM November 2012

HSSM October 2012

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

HSSM September 2012

HSSM August 2012

Football Preview

March 2013

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Top

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State-Ranked San Benito Softball Highlights

1. San B 2. Ed No 3. Edinb 4. Bro Po 5. McAlle

P

Making Bid To Return to Region IV 5A Finals; Lady Cougars Not Far Behind (San Benito, Tx)-Softball season is in full swing as the first half of the season is already in the books.

So far, it has been a wild and wacky season as certain District races are closer than some local political runoffs.

Last season, both Edinburg and Edinburg North advanced to the State 5A Region IV softball tournament. The Lady Bobcats were swept and blanked by San Antonio O’Connor with a combined score of 18-0 while the Lady Cougars fell short to San Antonio Holmes (8-3, 7-6).

Both Edinburg teams seem to be headed in the same direction in 2013. O’Connor lost to Deer Park in the State 5A semifinals 13-2 in five innings. Deer Park went on to win the title in 2012.

District 30-5A is extremely competitive and seeing the caliber of teams in it, it’s completely understandable. The top three teams beat each other up in the first half as Sharyland beat Edinburg High, Edinburg High beat Edinburg North and then North defeated Sharyland. All three of these teams possess some solid pitching,

2013 San Benito Lady Greyhounds Softball Team (not in any order) are Blandina Trevino, Amber Jasso, Jav’ana Gonzalez, Sabrina Mendoza, Mel Gonzalez, Mel Ramirez, Kimberly Harper, Crystal Castillo, Emily Garcia, Ali Huerta, Clarissa Huerta, Dorothy Millan, Jackie Elizondo, Kourtney Vasquez and head coach Elias Martinez. (HSSMImages/David Saldana) defense and have some pop to their bats too.

Currently, there is a two-way tie for first place between Edinburg High and Edinburg North and it will remain close until the

end of the season.

One surprise team that has turned some heads is the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats who are still in the mix for a possible playoff spot. The first-year

program, under the direction of Belinda Trevino, has a solid ace pitcher by the name of Shayla Abbott. The freshman is having a stellar season as she currently has a 1.70 ERA and is one of the

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league leaders in strikeouts.

The San Benito Lady Hounds sit atop District 31-5A and look to be the front runners at sealing the title for the eighth time.

Even though the Lady Hounds appear to be a lock for the title, there are three teams that could give them a run for their money. PSJA North, McAllen Rowe and Weslaco are within striking distance and have certain strengths that might help them slip past San Benito.

In Cameron County, District 32-5A, Los Fresnos currently sits in the lead with a

2013 Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles Softball Team: Sitting L/R: Vivian Reyes, Brianna Garza, Megan Naylor, Adriana Garza, Samantha Ibarra, Guianna Hinojosa. Kneeling L/R: Gabriela San Miguel, Paris Hernandez, Britany Rey, Clarissa Andrade, Cassandra Abrego. Standing L/R: Bryanna Garcia, Jasmine Tamez, Itzel Martinez, Sausha Brown, Tania Matamoros, and Jacque Gonzalez. (HSSMImages/David Saldana) 9-1 record. However, Porter (8-1), Harlingen South (7-3), Brownsville Hanna (7-3) and Harlingen High (7-3) are tight on their heels.

Mission High is the only team in District 32-4A that possesses an undefeated record as they sit at 8-0. Edcouch-Elsa who is 7-1 and is riding a twogame win streak. Sandy Guerrero is one of the best hurlers in the Valley and has totaled over 100 strikeouts so far. In 3A, Port Isabel and Rio Hondo sit atop 32-3A and are the two favorites to clinch the title while Lyford should be a shoe in for the 31-3A title. The UIL State Softball playoffs begin April 30th through May 29th.

Top Batter! Samantha Cordon of Edinburg North High School leads her team in District 30-5A. Right photo is Summer Smith of Weslaco in District 31-5A. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

March 2013

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Softball Feature

By Joshua Jurado

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

A Family Tradition

HSSM Contributor

Esparza’s Love For Softball Spreads All Over The Valley

Pictured L/R: Brett Esparza, Lizzette Esparza, Debbie Esparza, and Albert Esparza. (HSSM Images/David Saldana)

The love for softball has spread over to Harlingen South, PSJA Memorial and Rio Hondo, especially with the Esparza family. After all, all are now softball coaches.

While the love for the sport may be spread out in three different high schools, the entire Esparza family resides in Harlingen. Debbie Esparza, wife of Albert Esparza and mother of Brett Esparza, has been coaching for 32 years and has spent the last four years as the head coach at Harlingen South.

Esparza has been with South for a total of 13 years and prior to that she was at Raymondville High School where she spent eight years as a head coach and another 11 years as an assistant coach.

Debbie says her favorite part of softball has been the pitching.

“We each have our unique cliff from the sport,” said Esparza. “I like the pitching.

We each have our aspect of the game and like to get together and talk about

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March 2013

our last practice or game. We talk about what we can do to get stronger.”

The 53-year old West Texas native was brought up to play baseball because at the time, there was no softball when she was in school.

Albert Esparza, Debbie’s husband and father of Brett, is in his 15th year as a coach. The 63-year old native started his high school coaching career in Raymondville with his wife as a pitching coach back in 1996 and continued to coach in Raymondville until 2002.

In August 2002, Esparza became the head baseball Coach at MMA until 2010.

While at MMA, Esparza accomplished a milestone for the school. When he walked into the doors at MMA, the baseball team had not won a single district game. However, during his eight years as head coach, Esparza was able to accomplish winning four district titles.

PSJA Memorial’s Athletic Coordinator Gus Cavazos called Esparza in July to

offer him the position as the head softball coach and he accepted the position.

Albert said sharing is a big key in his family. “Sharing is the biggest thing in our family and the honesty we all feel is great. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to help each other, even if it means bringing each of our teams together to have batting practice. We win together.

We lose together. We heal together.”

Rio Hondo head softball coach Brett Esparza, son of Debbie and Albert and husband of Lizzette Esparza, has been coaching softball for seven years. The 30-year old has been the head coach at Rio Hondo for the last three years and spent his first year of coaching as an assistant coach. As a kid, Brett was always around softball and enjoyed being at practices near by. When it comes to softball, Brett says it’s not the same like other sports. “I think softball is a unique sport,” said Esparza. “It’s like family.

Like, our family.”

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

PSJA, Sharyland Leads Baseball Highlights

Other District Baseball Teams Looking to Clinch Playoff Spot (McAllen, Tx.) – As the season crosses the mid-way point of the season, Sharyland (30-5A), PSJA (31-5A), Brownsville Hanna (32-5A), Mission Veterans (32-4A) are the leaders in their respective districts. In Class 3A, Port Isabel (32-3A) and Zapata (31-3A) lead the rest, both looking for playoff spots.

Currently, the Rattlers are the top team in the Valley and sit atop District 30-5A with a perfect 8-0 record. Senior pitcher Tres Barrera, who has already committed to UT-Austin, possesses one of the best arms in the Rio Grande Valley. Head Coach Bart Bickerton will be looking to get his team back to the State 5A Region IV baseball tournament. The Rattlers lost to Corpus Christi Carroll in two games in the Class 5A Region IV semifinals.

The Edinburg North Cougars have really turned the corner the past couple of years as just two years ago they only won six games and last year barely missed the playoffs. This season, the Cougars are currently 8-1 in District 30-5A and are a shoe in for a spot in the playoffs. La Joya High sits in third place with a 7-2 record and La Joya Palmview is nipping at their heels at 6-3 in District 305A. District 31-5A looks like its going to be a knockdown, drag out throughout the rest of the season. PSJA High sits atop the District with a 7-1 record, but

has quite a bit of heat on them.

Currently, there are four teams that sit at 5-3 in District 31-5A. PSJA Memorial, PSJA North, Weslaco High and McAllen High all possess the same record and while it would be nice to get all of them in. But only three, besides the District champ will advance. The Bears advanced to the State 5A Region IV quarterfinals, before losing to Laredo Alexander in three games (8-1, 3-14, 10-2).

Hanna is looking pretty in District 32-5A as they are the top dogs with a 7-1 record.

Then things get interesting.

Harlingen South, Brownsville Veterans and Lopez are tied for second place with a 5-3 record while Los Fresnos (4-4) and Harlingen are within striking distance.

Both Mission schools are currently the frontrunners in District 32-4A. Mission Veterans sits atop the District with a 5-1 record while the Eagles are one game behind them at 4-2. Rio Grande City and Valley View are tied with the Eagles for second with a 4-2 record and Roma trails by a game.

Even though Hidalgo (1-0, 16-6) is in 32-3A, they sure haven’t been playing like it.

The Pirates have been able to play with the big boys as they have produced non-district wins over PSJA High, Mission, Rio Grande City and Roma.

Being able to beat teams in 4A and 5A should be a good sign that the Pirates will truly con-

tend for the title once District play begins for them. “We have a senior ball club this year and the kids are committed to the

program,” said Hidalgo Head Coach Karlos Carrasco.

However, don’t count out Rio Hondo (1-1, 11-8) and Port Isabel (2-0, 8-4) who brings a nice mixture of talent to the table.

Other Valley teams who should be able to contend for a postseason berth in their respective districts are Lyford and La Villa.

Safe! Jesse Brown of McAllen HS High School slides back to first in District 31-5A. The Bulldogs are in the playoff hunt for a Class 5A spot. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

Bear Pack! PSJA players Chris Menchu, Gabriel Murillo, and Michael Castillo have lead the Bears to a 31-5A first place standing. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

The Harlingen South Hawks baseball team advanced to the 2007 UIL State 5A Baseball Finals, before losing to Cypress-Fairbanks 6-1.

March 2013

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Soccer Feature

By Vincent Davis HSSM Contributor

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

Valley View Nationally Ranked Tigers enter State 4A Soccer Playoffs with High Hopes

Valley View Tigers Soccer Team: Sitting L/R: Jose Sotelo, Erick Amador, Luis Ramirez, Jesus Morales, Jose Flores, Alexis De la Garza. Kneeling L/R: Jose Soto, Emmanuel Vasquez, Eddie Montalvo, Reyes Espino, Carlos Cortez, Erik Martinez, Arturo Ponce, Arnoldo Ventura, Rene Garcia. Standing L/R: Juan Vasquez, Andres Lopez, Adrian Flores, Javier Olvera, Evan Alonzo, Livan Hernandez, Rubisel Bastar, and Daniel Lince.

(HSSMIMages)

(Pharr, Tx.) – A lot has changed since Damian Magallan took over the District 63-4A Valley View High School Boys’ Soccer program three years ago since he changed the mentality of the offense. They now attack and have gone undefeated for the fourth consecutive season in district.

Just recently, the Tigers received some good news about their placement in the world of soccer as they are currently ranked 10th in the State 4A polls and 47th in the nation according to Elite Soccer Report.com and carry a 13-1 overall record and an 8-0 record in 63-4A.

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March 2013

“It is a great accomplishment for the kids,” said Magallan. “We started three years ago and the ranking reflects the hard work the kids have been doing.”

The Rio Grande Valley has a history of producing state soccer champions and being where this area is located might explain everything. ”I think it has a lot to do with the culture,” said Martinez.

“We are so close to Mexico and soccer is the national sport over there. A lot of us grew up kicking the ball when we were little.”

Every year, the coaches at Valley View evaluate the

team and see what they can improve on.

“We set new goals every year and challenge our kids,” said Martinez.

Magallan also believes that hard work and what his program has gone through lately is going to make his team successful.

“The experiences that we have had the last three years is preparing us for the State 4A Tournament,” said Magallan.

A couple of players on the team that stood out last year are Jose A. Soto and Eric Martinez. Soto, who was named Offensive MVP last season, totaled 52

goals last year and is one of the best players in the Valley.

Both coaches agree the work ethic that the team has been displaying is the main reason for their success.

Magallan believes in his team, but is careful about not being overconfident.

“We have all the opportunity in the world just like the other teams. But it will all depend on our hard work that we put in,” he added.

Note: Valley View defeated Raymondville 16-0 in the first round of the State 4A Soccer playoffs on Tuesday night.

Soccer Playoffs

By David Amador

McHi Wins District Title!

HSSM Sports

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

Fernando Segovia, head coach will lead team against Brownsville Lopez in State 5A Playoffs.

(McAllen, Tx)-The McAllen Bulldogs won the District 315A title under head coach Fernando Segovia and will now play Brownsville Lopez in the first round of the Class 5A State playoffs. But, the real question remains: Can the Sharyland Rattlers actually win back-toback State 5A Soccer titles in 2013? “This will be a tough District 30-5A,” said Sharyland head coach Reveriano Hernan-

dez prior to the season. And he was right too. The Rattlers finished second place while La Joya Juarez-Lincoln won the title with a 15-1 record.

In District 32-5A, four Brownsville ISD schools clinched playoff spots. Lopez, Rivera, Porter, and Hanna will all playoff for a state title. Lopez met Sharyland in the Class 5A Region IV finals in 2012.

Lopez and Porter both won

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Boys Top Ten

Girls Top Ten

1. Valley View 2. Bro. Hanna 3. LJ Juarez-Lincoln 4. McAllen High 5. PSJA North 6. Bro. Rivera 7. Sharyland 8. Donna 9. San Benito 10. Mission High

1. Sharyland 2. McAllen High 3. Los Fresnos 4. McAllen Rowe 5. Harlingen South 6. McAllen Memorial 7. Bro. Hanna 8. Mission High 9. Valley View 10. Donna

March 2013

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state titles in Class 4A and 5A. In Class 4A, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers went undefeated in District 30-5A and will be favored to return to the State 5A Region IV Tournament to be played at the Northeast ISD Bloosom Athletic Center in San Antonio, Texas on April 12-13th. The Lady Rattlers lost to San Antonio Churchill 1-0 in the regional finals in 2012.

Both could meet again.

Here are the RGV Soccer Playoff teams in Class 5A for boys: Brownsville Rivera, Hanna, Lopez, Porter, Sharyland, Juarez-Lincoln, Donna, Economedes, PSJA North, San Benito, Weslaco East, and McHi. In Class 4A boys soccer, Mission, Rio Grande City, Roma, Mission Veterans, Valley View, PSJA Southwest, Hidalgo, Mercedes, La Feria, Progreso, Port Isabel, and Raymondville.

2013 RGV Girls Soccer 5A Playoff Qualifiers: Sharyland, Donna, Juarez-Lincoln, Economedes, McHi, McAllen Memorial, McAllen Rowe, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Harlingen South, Brownsville Rivera and Hanna. In Class 4A, Mission, Roma, Rio Grande City, Mission Veterans, Valley View, Hidalgo, Mercedes, Edcouch-Elsa, Lyford, La Feria, Raymondville, and Progreso.

McHi Wins Title! Guillermo Sandoval leads Bulldogs.

Bottom photo is Sharyland’s Daniella Cantu. (HSSMImages)

Edcouch-Elsa ISD proudly salutes,

2013 Class 4A State Bi-District Girl’s Soccer Champions Team Members include Front l-r: Samantha Silguero Janeli Montoya Selena Cavazos Samantha Vargas Karla Ortiz Middle row l-r: Alejandra Garcia Magdalena Ramirez Cecila Marin Jennifer Cervantes Araceli Salas Leetoria Hinojosa Back row l-r: Dominique Ibarra Joyce Palomin Cynthia Rodriguez Ali Reyes Ezalea Montoya Grimaldi Garcia Julie Silva

2013 District 32-4AAAA Edcouch-Elsa Baseball Team Pictured front l-r are Albert Salinas, Jacob Martinez, Hector Espinoza, Jaleen Segura, Mat Vela, Adrian Sanchez, and Jaleen Segura.

Back row l-r are Assistant coaches, Chad Ashabranner, Alejandro Gomez; Issac Cardoza, Nick Vela, Noe Gonzales, Rick Villarreal, Raul Quintero, and head coach Brady Honeycutt.

www.eeisd.org Edcouch-Elsa ISD Athletic Director Christian Navarro Edcouch-Elsa HS Athletic Coordinator Joe Marichalar

Edcouch-Elsa High School Principal Rene Ramos Edcouch-Elsa ISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera

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Pena has a solid outing as he went 4-for-5 and scored four runs while leading the Patriots to 18-7 win over Edcouch-Elsa.

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CORINA COX, SENIOR, DISCUS THROWER

LOS FRESNOS H.S.

Cox,a senior finished fourth at the 2012 UIL State 5A Track and Field Championships in the discus throw with a mark of 151’06” and finished ninth in the shot put. She currently holds the No.1 National ranking with 168’11” in the discus event according to www.TexasTrack.com.

JORGE GARCIA, SENIOR, FORWARD

MCALLEN H.S.

Garcia scored the first two goals for the Bulldogs and led them to a convincing 6-1 win over McAllen Memorial. For the season, Garcia has 14 goals and has led the Bulldogs toa playoff spot.

BRIANNA DE LEON, JUNIOR, LONG JUMPER Only a junior at Weslaco High School, Brianna leaped 17’1 to win the 2013 Meet of Champions Track and Field event. She also participated in the pole vault, 100-meter dash, and the 200-meter dash.

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Rio Grande Valley Golf Feature

HSSM CONTRIBUTOR

Sharyland’s H.S. Golfers, Jose and Sabina Pena Ready for District

They both love golf. They both love each other. They both play golf for Sharyland High School. Both are brother and sister. And both are the top golfers in the Rio Grande Valley. And both have played at the State 5A Golf Championships.

Jose Pena and Sabina Pena started playing golf when they were 10-years old. Jose, a junior, and Sabina, a sophomore, each started their high school golf careers as freshman on the varsity squad. Jose won his first District 31-5A title in 2012 along with Sabina who won it too. And finally, both were named 30-5A MVPs. But these honors did not come easy for Jose. “We both spend many hours at the golf course everyday and every week. Our rounds of golf are twelve months a year,” says big brother Pena.

Jose is currently shooting a 72 average per round while Sabina is shooting a 73.3 average per round.

Jose and Sabina may not be on the same page when it comes to studying for school. But when it comes to practicing for upcoming tournaments, they help each other to get better at the game whether it’s during the week or on the weekend. For Jose, school work and playing golf pretty much eats up his entire schedule each week. He is currently in the top four percent of his class and is eyeing Rice University as a choice for college.

Jose is extremely happy he was able to meet a goal this year. “I’ve come under par this season,” said Pena. “It shows I was able to achieve something this year.”

During his freshman year, Jose and the rest of the Sharyland boys’ squad qualified as a team for the Regional IV Tournament. However, they fell short of qualifying for the State Tournament.

In 2012, they reached the State 5A Tournament and placed seventh overall as a team with a two-day score of 600 and Jose would finish 38th overall. “This year, I want to get the best average in the Valley, qualify for the State Tournament and place in the top five,” said Pena. “I’m here practicing everyday and I’m for real. I’m not playing around. I want to get a scholarship and want to get things done.”

Sharyland boys golf coach Fernando Rodriguez knows Jose works really hard with not only getting better in golf, but with his school work too.

“It takes a lot of will-power and he’s 100% focused on the game and it’s what separates him as a golfer. When he sees his teammates down, he motivates them,” adds Rodriguez.

Although Jose focuses on school as much as he does on golf, Sabina focuses more on her golfing.

Right now, Sabina feels very confident in her game but knows there is still work to be done. “There’s been a lot of progress, but there’s a lot of work to do,” said Pena. “I feel my hard work is paying off by being at the golf range. I tend to focus more on golf then school.”

Sabina said when her brother first started to golf, she slowly started liking golf too.

Sharyland girls golf coach Susan Lopez believes Sabina is probably one of the hardest workers she’s ever had.

“Sabina will put in her practicing with us and also go for another hour everyday after school,” said Lopez. “She is extremely focused, driven and knows what she wants to do. She wants to win every time she goes out.”

Lopez says if ever Sabina is behind in a tournament and she let’s her know, it only makes her get on fire. Both will compete in the upcoming District 30-5A Golf Championships on April 8-9th at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg. Can they repeat as MVPs? “With lots of practice and focus they will be tough to beat,” adds Rodriguez.

2012-13 Record for Sabina Pena Defending 30-5A Champion Won McAllen ISD Invitational 66-70 Won Harlingen Invitational 75-72 Won RGVGCA Meet 73-73 Won Sharyland ISD Invitational 74-67 Won RGVGCA at San Antonio 74-79

20-12-13 Record for Jose Pena Defending 30-5A Champ Defending Class 5A Region IV Team Won McAllen ISD Invitational 72-71 Won RGVGCA Meet 68-77

March 2013

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HSSM All-South Texas

basketball

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net HSSM Basketball

Top Athletes

Capture Honors Brownsville Porter, Harlingen, head coaches named 2013 Coaches of the Year after leading teams to State 5A Region IV Semifinals.

B Y J O H N C A N N O N, ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

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Gilbert Reza, 5’9, Harlingen High 23 PPG, 5 SPG, 127 Three-Pointers

Lorenzo Garza, 6’5” Brownsville H.S. 22 PPG, 14 RPG 3 assist per game

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TOP Athletes

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HSSM Basketball

(Brownsville, Tx.) – After leading his team to the Region IV5A Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history, Brownsville Porter Head Coach Luis Garza was selected as the 2013 All-South Texas Coach of the Year for High School Sports Magazine.

“This feels gratifying and I am very happy hearing this news,” said Garza. “All of the hard work year in and year out has finally paid off.”

The Cowboys made school history as they qualified for the Class 5A Regional IV Tournament in Edinburg at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House after defeating then state-ranked McAllen Nikki Rowe 67-51 in the Regional Quarterfinals. Porter accumulated an impressive 33-6

Jose Longoria, 6’7” Monte Alto HS 28 PPG, 15 RB, Six Blocked Shots PG

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Top Athletes

overall record and their magical season ended against San Antonio Brandeis, the seventh ranked team in the state of Texas by a score of 72-61.

“We had one heck of a run here at Porter and I can’t say enough about these kids. It was a historical season for us and this award definitely puts the icing on the cake.”

Named to the HSSM First team were Harlingen’s Gilbert Reza who averaged 23 points per game and hit an astronomical 127 three-pointers on the season. Also receiving first team honors were Jaime Garza of Palmview, who averaged 16 points per game and led his team to the playoffs for the second straight season.

Brownsville Hanna’s Lorenzo Garza also etched his name on the first team as he averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds per game.

Rounding out the team are Hidalgo’s Matt Dillard who averaged 15 and 13 points per game and

Matt Dillard, 6’6” Hidalgo H.S. 17 PPG, 13 RPG Four Blocks per game

Jaime Garza, 6’2 Palmview H.S, 17 PPG, 6 RPG, Two Steals PG

her teams to the playoffs for 23 years as well as four trips to the Regional Tournament.

This year, Zamarripa led her Lady Cardinals to a 30-7 record and defeated a second seed as well as two District champions to make it to the Sweet 16. Even though the Lady Cardinals season ended at the hands of Cibolo Steele in the Region IV-5A Tournament, her team was the only 5A squad to make it to the Regional Tournament as a third seed.

“This is truly a great honor to receive the Coach Of The Year award,” said Zamarripa. “As a team, we accomplished a lot this season and the kids were playing the right level of basketball at the right time.”

“But I didn’t do all of

this by myself. I had some excellent assistant coaches who made all of this happen and I want to thank all of the girls for their hard work and sacrifice that they put into the season.”

Edinburg North’s Larissa Arriola received a first team selection and had quite an impressive season as she averaged 22 points per game to go along with 10 steals and four rebounds per game as a point guard.

Joining Arriola is Mission Veterans senior Briana Casas who put up some impressive numbers as well. The senior

All-South Texas Basketball

HSSM

averaged 18 points per game, 12 rebounds per game and six assists per game.

Harlingen’s Alexis Martinez was also selected to the first team as she led her team to the Region IV Semi-Finals while averaging 17 points per game as well as six rebounds and four steals per game.

Rounding out the first team is Edinburg High’s Micheline Mercelita who averaged 19 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks per game as well as Weslaco’s Laura Van Tilburg who averaged 20 points per game, 15 rebounds and five blocks per game.

“These girls all have to tools to be successful and I feel we would have a good chance of getting to the state tournament and competing, adds Zamarippa.”

HSSMImages by David Saldana

Monte Alto’s Jose Longoria who led the Valley in scoring with 28 points per game and brought down 15 rebounds per game as well. Both Dillard and Gonzalez led their team’s to the Regional Quarterfinal round of the playoffs in their respective districts. “This is like a Dream Team,” said Garza. “These are the best of the best in the Rio Grande Valley and I guarantee this team would be playing this weekend in the State tournament.”

In girl’s basketball, Harlingen’s Nora Zamarripa captured 2013 Coach of the Year honors after leading the Lady cards to the State 5A Region IV semifinals.

She finished with 735 wins to date in her 30-year career. Zamarripa has led

Harlingen head coach Nora Zamarippa notched her 700th win in 2012 against Edinburg North. To date, she has 735 wins.

HSSM All-South Texas First Team Larissa Arriola-Edinburg North-PG Micheline Mercelita-Edinburg-Forward Briana Casas-Mission Vets-Guard Alexis Martinez-Harlingen-PG

March 2013

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net All-South Texas Basketball

HSSM

The Rest of the Best!

Second Team: Papito Gonzalez, 5’7 McAllen Memorial H.S. 16 PPG, 6 APG, 115 3-Pointers Nick Garcia, 6’0, Harlingen South H.S. 19 PPG, 8 RPG, 4 SPG Jonah Kavanaugh, 6’1, Brownsville Porter H.S. 14 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 SPG Rudy Campos, 6’5, McAllen NIkki Rowe H.S. 13 PPG, 8 RPG, 3 BPG Gabriel Rivas, 6’6, Edinburg High School 18 PPG, 16 RPG, 6 BPG Third Team: Gio Betancourt, 5’8, Porter, 16 PPG, 3 SPG, 103 Three-Pointers Kevin Andrade, 5’10, Roma 16 PPG, 8 RPG, 4 Assists Per Game Josue Gonzales, 6’3, Harlingen South, 13 PPG, 7 RPG, 5 Blocks Per Game Patrick De La Torre, 6’5, Sharyland, 11 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 Assists Per Game David Anzaldua, 6’7, Edinburg North, 12 PPG, 10 RPG, 4 Blocks Per Game

Second Team: Ciaira Briseno, McAllen Rowe H.S., 12 PPG, 8 APG, 4 SPG Jaz Garza, 5’6, Weslaco High, 17 PPG, 8 SPG, 5 Assists Per Game Itzayana Sanchez, 5’7, Harlingen High, 14 PPG, 7 RPG, 7 SPG Chanel Ebanks-Texada, 5’8, Los Fresnos, 17 PPG, 9 RPG, 4 SPG Emily Azubell, 5’11, Edinburg Vela, 19 PPG, 13 RPG, 3 SPG Third Team: Kristen Sifuentes, 5’4, PSJA North, 14 PPG, 7 RPG, 6 APG Maggie Vasquez, 5’6, Lyford, 19 PPG, 7 RPG, 6 Assists Per Game Falisha Villanueva, 5’7, Weslaco East, 20 PPG, 5 RPG, 3 BPG Jackie Martinez, 5’8 , Harlingen South, 18 PPG, 9 RPG, 6 SPG Monica Salinas, 6’1, Sharyland, 13 PPG, 7 RPG, 3 Blocks Per Game

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March 2013

Top Honors! At 6’3”, Laura Van Tilburg led the Weslaco Lady Panthers to the State 5A Region IV Tournament in 2013. She injured her knee before the the tournament.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

A Cannon Blast ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Send Your Comments to John@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

A Fourth Team?

Teams Should Earn it.

By John Cannon, HSSM Assistant Sports Director

“

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// the postseason.

But in the 3A Districts and below? The numbers are much lower. There are five teams that make up both District 31 and 32-3A in all sports. In 32-2A, there are eight teams in basketball, baseball and volleyball while there are six in softball.

As for football, there are seven teams that represent District 162A which is the old 32-2A in the sport. UIL is trying to keep the playoffs uniformed for each District by having four teams make it. And as for 32 and 16-2A, I am OK with it. But if you look at 31 and 32-3A, four of the five teams will make the playoffs. So that means a team with a sub500 record in their respective District will make the postseason. That’s insane!

“

Just recently, the UIL approved an amendment to add a fourth playoff team advancing from each district in team sport activities in Class 2A and 3A. The amendment, which is pending approval by the Commissioner of Education which would begin effective August 1, 2013, would include the sports of Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

Currently, Class 4 and 5A have four teams making the playoffs and that’s understandable because there are so many teams in various Districts around the State of Texas. In the Rio Grande Valley alone, there are nine teams in each 5A District and eight teams in 4A. So I can see the point of having four teams making it to

a team with a sub-500 record in their respective District will make the postseason. That’s insane!”

This kind of makes it watered down if you make the playoffs in these Districts. Would you want to be known as the fourth best team out of five to make the postseason? So does that mean down the road we can expect Class A to have four teams making it to the playoffs?

After all, there are only four teams in both 32-A Division 1 and Division 2?

If the UIL truly wants to keep the playoff format uniformed, don’t leave out the little guys.

Looking at that, if the UIL did decide to do that for Class A, then each team in District 32-A Division 1 and 2 would be in the playoffs without even playing a District game. Hmmm?

Looking ahead? Hmmm...

But already in Class A, three teams make the playoffs. So do the math. The solution? Have four teams make the playoffs in Class 5A and give 4A four teams as well. But in 2A and 3A, keep at three and only allow two teams to make it in Class A. Make these playoff teams EARN a spot to the postseason and let it have some meaning as well.

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March 2013

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

National Player Signings

RECRUI TING

College Recruits

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Rio Grande Valley Athletes

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College Signings

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Rio Grande Valley Athletes

More Signings from RGV

(McAllen, Tx) – McAllen Memorial has been the hot bed for college signing as of late and Luis Vega has just added another one to the list. Vega officially signed to play football at Lindenwood University on a scholarship.

“We have had a few kids signed this year and are definitely proud of that,” said McAllen Memorial Head Football Coach/Athletic Coordinator Bill Littleton. “Luis (Vega) is another athlete that will represent the Mustangs in college and we wish him the best.”

Vega was a District 31-5A honorable mention Cornerback for the Mustangs and accounted for 32 tackles on the season. The Mustangs have made the playoffs three straight seasons under Littleton, including two-back-to-back State 5A Region IV finals in 2010 and 2011.

Other athletes who will be competing in college are McAllen Rowe’s Kaanan Flores will play football at Kentucky Wesleyan College and Andrew Pratt and Jesus Lucero will both play football

Luis Vega of McAllen Memorial is headed to Lindenwood University and will play football as his parents proudly watch with recruiter Ben Lopez. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

Kaanan Flores of McAllen Nikki Rowe High School is headed to Kentucky Wesleyan College and will play football this fall. (HSSMImages/Mark May/MISD)

Done Deal! Rio Grande City High School teammates Pratt and Lucero will both attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas this fall. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

La Villa

at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

Flores anchored an offensive line that part of one of the most explosive offensives in the Valley. As for Pratt and Lucero, they are the first two Rattlers to sign letters of intent to play football since Abel Gonzalez signed to play at Texas A&I-Kingsville.

www.lavillaisd.org

Independent School District 500 E. 9th Street La Villa, Texas 78562

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956-262-4755

March 2013

GoToCollege!

Congratulations!

2012-13 Girls District 32-1A Champions

State 1A Division I Area Finalist

Start with your FAFSA! Apply Now! It’s Free Financial AID. www.FAFSA.com

We Are Proud of Our Student Athletes.

At Brownsville ISD, We Are Striving to Become the Best.

2615 Price Road 956.548.7600 Rene Medrano, Athletic Coordinator

6955 FM 802 956.831.8700 Tom Chavez, Athletic Coordinator

4550 U.S. Military Hwy 281 956.574.5600 David Cantu, Athletic Coordinator

3500 Int’l Blvd 956.548.7800 Hector Garcia, Athletic Coordinator

3205 S. Dakota Avenue 956.982.7400 Jason Starkey, Athletic Coordinator

314 W. Los Ebanos Blvd 956.548.7700 William Deen, Athletic Coordinator

1 Blvd. of Champions/Sams Stadium Mark Guess-Director of Athletics

956.548.8261

On One One I NT E RV I EW

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www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

with

Kevin Brewer

HSSM Assistant Sports Director John Cannon talks with New McAllen High School Bulldogs Head Football Coach, Kevin Brewer about coming to start his first head coaching career in South Texas.

HSSM: Coach Brewer. Welcome to the Rio Grande Valley.

How do you like the area so far?

KB: I love it so far. The people are very friendly and the at-

ing days in High School?

KB: I played High School football at Rockwall which was on the East side of the Dallas Metroplex. I played every sport there with the exception of baseball. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to play football at TCU under head coach Jim Wacker.

HSSM: What was the experience like at TCU? KB: It was a great experience. I got to play in the Independence Bowl in 1994 and won the Southwest Conference Championship. I ended up being a four-year letterman there.

HSSM: Did you go right into coaching out of college?

KB: Yes I did. Right out of college I went to a small private school right out of Rockwall and we played Six-Man football. In fact, I coached every sport there for one year.

HSSM: Did you have any other coaching stops before you got to McHi?

sphere is electric.

mo-

HSSM: Tell us a little about your play-

KB: I did. I worked at Lakeview Centennial as a Freshman and Varsity Assistant Coach. Then I went to Bryan Adams High School in Dallas for two years and finally, I went to Rowlett High School 10 years ago and started coaching the offensive line and ended up getting an opportunity to become the offensive coordinator.

How did you find out about the McHi job?

KB: I went to a coaches website called the Old Coach and they have a U-Haul report with all the classifications and openings from across the state.

HSSM: What intrigued you about the McHi job?

KB: The tradition and opportunity.

HSSM: What do you plan on bringing to the football program from your previous experiences?

KB: Hopefully, I can bring a knowledge of being around teams who have been on those 15 or 16 game runs in the season and instill what it takes to do that. Also, we will have a lot of structure from the junior high programs all the way to the varsity and can instill our type of offense and defense.

HSSM: How excited are you about hitting the ground running?

KB: As we get closer to spring football, I told our players on the first day that we were going to have spring football this year because I didn’t want to wait till August.

HSSM: What will you tell your team before they hit the field?

KB: Play fast, play physical and have fun!

HSSM:

March 2013

A Closer Look

Brewer will relocate 503 miles to begin his career as a first-year head football coach. He will pack his U-HAUL and move from the Dallas-area to the Rio Grande Valley.

2013 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.

Donna ISD Administration Office 116 North 10th Street Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-1600 Advertisement paid for

by Donna ISD

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

2013

BASEBALL TEAM

2013 Donna Varsity Baseball players pictured are front l-r are Joshua Medrano, Chris Zapata, Auggie Cantu, and Axel Vasquez.

Middle row are l-r RJ Alegria, Cody De La Paz, Austin Nash, Sergio Garza, and Adam Gonzalez.

Back row l-r are Miguel Ramirez, Frank Villegas, Jorge Herrera, and Dion Padilla.

Play Sports. Play Protected.

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