2015 December Basketball Preview

18th Edition December 26, 2015

> Top Ten Polls > District by District > Girls Preview > Boys Preview

PREVIEW

2015-16 BASKETBALL BASKETBALL 2015-16

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Basketball

PREVIEW 07 On The

Courtside

20 District

Standings

Head basketball coaches show their expressions on GameDay.

See which team is no.1 in your district from the Rio Grande Valley.

08 HSSM

27

Which team is No.1 from the Rio Grande Valley?

See Top Rankings...

HSSM takes a look at top teams from the Rio Grande Valley. Any guesses?

11

35 Girls

Ten Polls

HSSM

Girls

BB Preview

Boys Preview State Polls

Can Edinburg Vela, McAllen make it back to the Sweet 16 in 2016?

Take a look at the best-ofthe-best teams from Texas.

Which RGV teams are ranked?

04 HSSM

with Tddave

Going for three-points. Is it worth? Where are the football fans?

Ryan Garza leads his Edinburg Vela Sabercats in 2016.

(HSSMIMages/Alec Amador)

16

HSSM

Capello...

Guess who is back on court side going for win Number 1,000?

18th Edition December 26, 2015

> Top Ten Polls > District by District > Girls Preview > Boys Preview

PREVIEW

2015-16 BASKETBALL BASKETBALL 2015-16

OnTheCover 1-855-250-9940

Get the latest information on teams from the Rio Grande Valley...

For more on UIL State Playoffs

Play, play, and play as much as they can, till they graudate.

For the third consecutive season, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas will play host to the 2016 University Interscholastic League’s State Basketball Championships beginning with the girls semifinals on March 3-5th, 2016 while the boys games begin on March 10-12th, 2016. Last year, Rexline, Canadian, Brock, Bridgeport, Lancaster, and Plano west won titles in the boys divisions while teams like Nazareth, Martin’s Mill, Sunnyvale, Argyle, Canyon, and Houston Cypress Woods all won titles in the girls division. So here’s to all the Jordans, Parkers, and Currys that love playing this game of basketball. Keep shooting those three-pointers. Keep playing the game. It’s fun to watch.

High School Sports Magazine

SHOOTING THREE-POINTERS...

The idea of shooting three-pointers from downtown seems to be, or feel, like, wanna-be NBA pros, flip of the wrist motion, motion, emotionally shot. It’s what teens love. It’s what coaches hate. It’s what coaches love when it sinks in. But, that’s basketball. When December comes around, basketball comes around. It’s a time when fans fill the benches to watch their favorite teams play. Not like football, maybe less than fifty fans will sit and watch this game that draws no interest whatsoever from Rio Grande Valley fans. Why? Football is king in the Rio Grande Valley.

Anytime girls and boys play basketball, their seasons are cut short in the playoffs due to their lack in size and ability. Athletes from Region IV just keep getting bigger and quicker. Many basketball athletes continue to play year-round on traveling teams so that they can get better each day. Many want to play college basketball, many will not even get their chance. So instead, these players continue to make the most out of their high school years.

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2015-16

BASKETBALL

PREVIEW

Weslaco, Harlingen South, Vela, Favored

By David A. Amador HSSM Sportswriter

See Story Next Page

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HSSM captures the frustrations, dedicated, competitive, head basketball coaches on the courtside at various games throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Coaches love this game of basketball and spend countless of hours with their teams to prepare for Gameday. Their expressions tells it all. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Great Point Guards! PSJA North head coach Jaime Gongora says that he was the “best point guard” in his era while Gabe Valdez from Weslaco led the district in scoring as a senior for the Panthers. Lalo Rios graduated from Edinburg HS where the “Running Bobcats” dominated the 5A ranks in South Texas. All three led their districts in scoring during their high school years.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

POLLS

TOP10

As of Decemeber 26, 2015

Boys Rankings 1. Edinburg Vela 18-2 2. McAllen Memorial 13-5 3. Harlingen South 12-3 4. Weslaco 15-6 5. Brownsville Veterans 18-2 6. McAllen Rowe 14-8 7. Los Fresnos 14-6 8. Edinburg North 15-7 9. Weslaco East 15-6 10. Edinburg North 12-8

Girls Rankings 1. Harlingen 21-1 2. Weslaco 19-6 3. PSJA North 20-2 4. Rio Grande City 17-6 5. McAllen Nikki Rowe 14-8 6. Brownsville Veterans 17-5 7. Sharyland 16-6 8. Edinburg 19-7 9. Los Fresnos 15-8 10. La Feria 15-5

The PSJA North Raiders will be favored to make the playoffs in 2016.

(HSSMIMages/Tddave)

(HSSMIMages/Tddave)

Like Father, Like Son. Brian Molina, head basketball coach at Harlingen South HS followed his father’s footsteps in the coaching field. His father, “Mo” Molina has coached for more than thirtyeight years in South Texas and was inducted into the RGV Coaches Hall of Fame. He is retired and now coaching at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. He has more than 440 wins in his career. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Weslaco High School Lady Panthers

Head Coach Griselda Fino

District 31-6A

Head Coach William Kromer Advertisement Paid For By WISD

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Edinburg Economedes Varsity Girls Basketball

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Defending 31-5A Champions

Edinburg Vela HS Varsity Girls Basketball

Edinburg North HS Varsity Boys Basketball-Bi District 6A Finalist Edinburg Bobcats Varsity Boys Basketball Bi-District 6A Finalist

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Edinburg Vela HS Varsity Boys Basketball

Defending Champions 31-5A

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW (McAllen, Texas)-The Edinburg Vela Sabercats will get one more chance to play for a state title in Class 5A before they are expected to move to Class 6A with the upcoming University Interscholastic League’s Relaiognments set to debut again in February 2016. The Sabercats advanced to the UIL 5A Regin IV Basketball Tournament last season under head coach Lalo Rios. “This will be our last season in Class 5A before we are expected to move up,”

says Rios. In the playoffs, the Sabercats seemed untouchable with wins over PSJA (101-57), before they played Corpus Christi Miller in a wild 70-68 win in the area championships. “That was one heck of a game,” says Rios as he clinched his fist, winning his first title as a Sabercats head coach. In the regional quarter finals, Vela wasted no time by defeating Laredo Martin 102-48. In the regional semifinals, the Sabercats lost their edge as San

Antonio Sam Houston put a stop to the high-scoring Sabercats by winning 66-57.

To date, the Sabercats are on the same path as they experienced in 2015 sporting a 19-2 overall record with District 31-5A set to begin next week. Reeturning are eight seniors, including Michael Garcia (6’2), Luis Salinas (6’5), and Robert Arevalo (6’3). Point guard and play maker, Ryan Garza also returns for his junior year to lead the Sabercats.

See Story Next Page

15

Defending Champions! The Weslaco Panthers and Edinburg Vela Sabercats both won district titles in 2015.

The Sabercats won the 31-5A title while the Panthers finished in the top spot in 31-6A. Both teams met in the Craig Weisman Tournament in La Feria with the Panthers winning 55-50 in the tournament. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

2015-16

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Playoff Contenders

The Edinburg Bobcats, Brownsville Hanna, Los Fresnos Falcons, and Sharyland Rattlers are picked by HSSM to make the playoffs in 2016. The Rattlers, coached by David Keith are expected to challenge Edinburg Vela for the title while the Tigers will be much improved this season. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

For more on UIL State Playoffs

High School Sports Magazine

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Great Warriors! In District 30-6A, the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors won the district title in 2013-14 with a perfect 16-0 record and went 31-2 that season. Can head coach Jose Luis Yerba lead his Warriors again to the state playoffs?

Rowe lost to Laredo United 60-45 in the 6A Bi-District playoffs in 2015. Bottom photo are the Misison Veterans Memorial Patriots against Brownsville Pace. Both teams will contend for playoff spots in 2016. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

In District 31-6A, the defending champions, Weslaco Panthers are off and running to with an overall record of 15-6. Trailing the Panthers are rivals, Weslaco East (15-6) followed by surprising Edinburg North (15-7)). In the contetion for possible playoff berths are the young, fiesty, PSJA North Raiders at 12-8 overall.

The district will begin this week with teams set to make runs at the district title but the Panthers looks like the team to beat as they return Justice Free (6’3), Nick Mora (6’1), Jordan Young (6’0), Diego Rodriguez (5’8), and Jason Morales (6’0). The Raiders have posted wins over McAllen Memorial (64-61), Sharyland (69-39), McAllen (58-42), and Edcouch-Elsa (97-65) in non-

Big Challenge! The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers, led by Eduardo Guzman from District 32-6A, hopes to lead his team to the UIL State 6A playoffs while the District 31-6A Edinburg Economedes Jags head coach Jaime Olivarez leads his in his first season. (Bottom photo) The Hidalgo Pirates will be favored to wingthe 32-4A title in 2016. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

For more on UIL State Playoffs

High School Sports Magazine

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Winningest Hispanic Basketball Coach! In District 32-5A, the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets head coach Robert Capello is the winningest Hispanic basketball coach in the United States with 970 wins and counting. He retired and then decided to come back to coach the Yellowjackets, again. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

“

Pride of Harlingen. In District 32-6A, the Harlingen Cardinals will be looking to make the UIL State 6A Basketball playoffs in 2016 under head coach Greg Yates after missing the playoffs in 2015. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

conference games. Returning for the Raiders are Mario Hernandez, Anthony Chavez, Josh Garcia, RayRay Lopez, Dante Chapa, along with five more juniors and one freshmen listed on their roster. “We are young,” says head coach Jaime Gongora. “We play with a lot of heart and I’m proud of our team.”

Another 31-6A team looking to challenge Weslaco will be the Edinburg North Cougars.

Head coach Rudy Garcia knows that his team will be put to test when they begin district play. Returning for the Cougars are Bobby Cerda (6’5), Ublado Pegueno (6’3), Kobe Patterson (6’4), Christian Espinoza (6’3), and Alexis Bocanegra (6’0).

The Cougars also found room for one freshmen, point guard Ricardo Alaniz (5’8) who is showing promise in his first year on varsity. Alaniz has played in fourteen games this season. Leading the Cougars are Patterson with 15.0 ppg and seven rebounds.

In District 30-6A, one question remains: Can the McAllen Bulldogs make it back to the UIL 6A Region IV Tournament under second-year head coach, Ryan Flores? The Bulldogs won the 30-6A title in 2015 and rolled into the playoffs with wins over Del Rio (5643), Hanna (64-56), Harlingen South (54-48) before being eliminated by Shertz-Clemens 97-47 at the UTSA Convocation Center in San Antonio, Texas last March 6th. Basketball season tipsoff again on January 4th.

We play with a lot of heart and I’m proud of our team...

“

Jaime Gongora, PSJA North HS

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Another Sweet 16? In District 30-6A, the McAllen Bulldogs will be looking to make the UIL State 6A Basketball playoffs under head coach Ryan Flores. The Bulldogs advanced to the Region IV-6A tournament in 2015. (HSSMImages/Tddave)

Playoffs Region IV

2014-2015 Season

Boys Class 6A Bi-District McA Memorial 54 Lare Alexander 63 Weslaco 57 Brownsville Veterans 52 Laredo United 60 McAllen Rowe 45 Los Fresnos 54 PSJA North 47

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Edinburg 26 Harlingen South 56 Laredo United South 58 Palmview 64 Bro Hanna 53 Edinburg North 43 McAllen 56 Del Rio 43 Region IV-Area Championships Harlingen South 56 LJ Palmview 53 Bro Hanna 56 McAllen 64 Weslaco 56 Laredo Alexander 68 Laredo United 57 Los Fresnos 30

Regional IV Qtrs McAllen 54 Harlingen South 48 Laredo United 55 Laredo Alexander 66 Region IV Semifinals McAllen 47 Shertz-Clemens 97 Laredo Alexander 54 SA Warren 51 Region IV Finals Laredo Alexander 85 Shertz-Clemens 117

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High School Sports Magazine

San Benito Greyhounds! In District 32-6A, the Greyhounds missed the UIL State 6A Basketball playoffs for the second time since 2013 under head coach Edward Abrego. The Greyhounds will be much improved in 2016. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) Boys

Standings

Region IV-Rio Grande Valley As of Decemeber 26, 2015

District 30-6A Overall McAllen Memorial 13-5 14-8 McAllen Rowe 12-8 La Joya La Joya Palmview 12-10 9-10 McAllen 4-6 LJ Juarez-Lincoln 4-15 Mission

District 31-6A Weslaco East Weslaco Edinburg North PSJA North Edinburg Economedes PSJA Memorial

Overall 15-6 15-6 15-7 12-8 9-8 4-9 4-9

District 32-6A Overall 18-2 Brownsville Vets 12-3 Harlingen South 14-6 Los Fresnos 11-7 Harlingen Brownsville Lopez 9-9 Brownsville Rivera 8-10 Brownsville Hanna 6-12 5-8 San Benito

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District 32-5A Overall 9-9 Brownsville Pace 9-10 Mercedes 6-8 Donna North Brownsville Porter 6-10 6-14 Ed-Elsa 5-16 PSJA 1-9 Donna 1-9 PSJA Southwest

District 32-4A La Feria Grulla Hidalgo Rio Hondo Progreso Port Isabel Raymondville Zapata

District 31-5A Overall 18-2 Edinburg Vela 14-8 Mission Veterans Sharyland Pioneer 12-8 13-10 Valley View 8-12 Roma 9-14 Rio Grande City 4-13 Sharyland

District 32-3A Overall 13-3 Lyford 6-8 Santa Rosa Brownsville Frontier 5-9 2-9 Monte Alto 2-8 Edinburg IDEA

Overall 12-7 8-6 9-9 8-7 6-7 6-11 4-11 4-11

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Overall 14-3 11-6 9-10 2-8 2-8 2-8 2-8

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Go Rio! In District 31-5A, the Rio Grande City Rattlers will be favored to make the UIL State 5A Basketball playoffs under head coach Homer Garr. Pictured is senior, Ivan Garcia diving on court. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) Girls

Standings

Region IV-Rio Grande Valley As of Decemeber 26, 2015

District 30-6A District McAllen Memorial 3-0 2-0 McAllen Rowe La Joya Palmview 1-1 1-1 McAllen 1-2 La Joya 1-2 LJ Juarez-Lincoln 0-3 Mission

District 31-6A Weslaco Weslaco East Economedes PSJA North Edinburg Edinburg North PSJA Memorial

District 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-2

District 32-6A District 3-0 Harlingen 3-0 Brownsville Vets 2-1 Los Fresnos 2-1 Harlingen South 1-2 San Benito Brownsville Rivera 0-1 Brownsville Hanna 0-1 Brownsville Lopez 0-2

District 32-5A District 2-0 Mercedes 2-0 PSJA 1-1 Ed-Elsa 1-1 Brownsville Pace 1-1 Donna 1-1 Donna North 0-2 PSJA Southwest Brownsville Porter 0-2

District 32-4A La Feria Zapata Hidalgo Rio Hondo Grulla Progreso Raymondville Port Isabel

District 2-0 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 0-2 0-2 0-2

District 31-5A District 2-0 Sharyland 2-0 Rio Grande City 1-1 Roma Sharyland Pioneer 1-1 0-1 Mission Veterans 0-1 Valley View 0-2 Edinburg Vela

District 32-3A Monte Alto Brownsville IDEA Lyford Edinburg IDEA Santa Rosa

District 2-1 1-1 1-1 0-2 0-2

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District 3-0 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-3 1-0

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2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Ready for 2016! In District 30-6A, the La Joya Palmview Lobos will be looking to make the UIL State 6A Basketball playoffs for their third straight season under head coach Andy Saenz. Pictured are John Castanon, Damian Quintanilla, Fernando Ochoa, Brandon Hernandez, Mando Alaniz, Ever Perez, Dante Olmeda, Jacob Salinas, and Paco De La O. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) RGV Basketball Tournament Results

Thursday, Dec. 17 City of Palms Classic Pool A: McAllen Rowe, Edinburg High, Donna High Pool B: La Joya Palmview, Brownsville Rivera, Mercedes Pool C: Brownsville Pace, Edinburg North, Mission High Pool D: Los Fresnos, Roma, Corpus Christi London Pool E: Laredo United, Brownsville Lopez, La Joya High Pool F: Weslaco High, Laredo United South, Brownsville Porter at McAllen Rowe (main gym) G1: McAllen Rowe 54, Edinburg High 26 G3: Edinburg North 63, Brownsville Pace 53 G7: Mercedes 72, La Joya Palmview 57 G9: Los Fresnos 74, CC London 38 G13: Edinburg High 67, Donna High 58 G15: Roma 54, Corpus Christi London 40

G17: La Joya High 70, Brownsville Lopez 60 at McAllen Rowe (back gym) G2: Palmview 80, Brownsville Rivera 63 G4: Los Fresnos 73, Roma 41 G8: McAllen Rowe 63, Donna High 33 G10: Brownsville Pace 61, Mission High 56 G14: Brownsville Rivera 65, Mercedes 52 G16: Edinburg North 52, Mission High 49 G18: Laredo United South 58, Porter 37

G32: Weslaco 57, Ed North 52, OT at McAllen Rowe (back gym) G23: Roma 52, La Joya High 46 G25: Mercedes 61, Edinburg North 48 G27: Laredo United 77, Los Fresnos 68 G33: Los Fresnos 43, Edinburg High 40 Saturday, Dec. 19 at McAllen Rowe (main gym) G34: Roma 82, La Joya Palmview 68 (fifth place)

G35: McAllen Rowe 62, Mercedes 52 (semifinal) G36: Laredo United 54, Laredo United South 52 (semifinal) G37: Los Fresnos 62, Weslaco High 59 (consolation) G38: Laredo United South 67, Mercedes 48 (third place) G39: Laredo United 53, McAllen Rowe 46 (championship)

at Lincoln Middle School G5: Laredo United 78, Brownsville Lopez 51 G11: Laredo United 70, La Joya High 59 at De Leon Middle School G6: Laredo United South 64, Weslaco High 51 G12: Weslaco High 68, Brownsville Porter 32 Friday, Dec. 18 at McAllen Rowe (main gym) G22: La Joya Palmview 53, Brownsville Pace 45 G24: McAllen Rowe 38, Weslaco High 30 G26: Laredo U South 63, Edinburg 51 G30: La Joya High 57 Pace 53

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2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Javelinas Playoff Bound? In District 32-5A, the PSJA Southwest Javelinas will be looking to make the UIL State 5A Basketball playoffs for the first time in school history.(Bottom Photo) Valley View HS Miguel Garcia will lead his team in District 31-5A. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) RGV Basketball Tournament Results Thursday, Dec. 17 PSJA Tri-City Classic Pool A: PSJA North; Sharyland High; La Feria; Edcouch-Elsa Pool B: PSJA Memorial; Harlingen South; Valley View; Laredo LBJ Pool C: PSJA Southwest; Brownsville Hanna; Sharyland Pioneer; Hidalgo Pool D: PSJA High; Edinburg Economedes; Brownsville Veterans; Rio Grande City

Hidalgo 56, PSJA Southwest 39 Bro Veterans 67, Edinburg Economedes 42 Harlingen South 69, Valley View 48 PSJA North 97, Edcouch-Elsa 65 Sharyland Pioneer 77, PSJA Southwest 40 Brownsville Hanna 65, Hidalgo 43 Edcouch-Elsa 84, Sharyland High 74 PSJA North 71, La Feria 53 Sharyland Pioneer 56, Brownsville Hanna 43 Rio Grande City 39, PSJA High 35 La Feria 55, Sharyland High 35 Laredo LBJ 64, PSJA Memorial 57 Brownsville Veterans 58, Rio Grande City 38 Edinburg Economedes 51, PSJA High 43 Harlingen South 70, Laredo LBJ 48 Valley View 71, PSJA Memorial 45

La Feria 59, Edcouch-Elsa 43 PSJA North 71, Sharyland High 48 Harlingen South 70, PSJA Memorial 35 Laredo LBJ 64, Valley View 50 Brownsville Hanna 56, PSJA Southwest 36 Sharyland Pioneer 47, Hidalgo 45 Edinburg Economedes 43, Rio Grande City 41 Brownsville Veterans 58, PSJA High 42 Brownsville Hanna 47, PSJA North 45 Harlingen South 64, Edinburg Economedes 53 Bro Veterans Memorial 86, Laredo LBJ 71 La Feria 59, Sharyland Pioneer 49 PSJA Southwest 66, Edcouch-Elsa 56 Valley View 59, PSJA High 39 Rio Grande City 40, PSJA Memorial 23 Sharyland High 69, Hidalgo 64

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Harlingen South 75, Brownsville Hanna 59 Brownsville Veterans Memorial 67, La Feria 41 Bro Veterans 74, Harlingen South 71, 2 OT La Feria 60, Brownsville Hanna 54 (third place) Edinburg Economedes def. PSJA North Sharyland Pioneer def. Laredo LBJ Pioneer 62, Economedes 34 (consolation) Silver bracket Valley View 55, PSJA Southwest 37 Rio Grande City 45, Sharyland High 42 Sharyland 54, PSJA Southwest 46 (third place) Valley View vs. Rio Grande City (forfeited; Valley View wins) (championship) Hidalgo 52, PSJA High 42 (consolation) PSJA High 58, Edcouch-Elsa 49 Hidalgo 61, PSJA Memorial 49

Good Luck Weslaco and Weslaco East!

THANK-YOU WESLACO! GOOD LUCK TEAMS!

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High School Sports Magazine/December 26, 2015

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2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW Another Showdown? In District 31-6A, the Weslaco Pantherettes will be favored to make the playoffs for their 8th straight season under head coach Griselda Fino.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

2015-16

BASKETBALL

PREVIEW

By David A. Amador HSSM Sportswriter

See Story Next Page

28

Weslaco, PSJA North, Harlingen Favored

“30 Years Serving Hidalgo County” Experience Commitment

Leadership Accountability

Dedication Respect

Don’t Drink and Drive.

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High School Sports Magazine

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Looking For Playoff Bid? District 30-6A La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies will be looking for a playoff bid in 2016 as they will be much improved. District resumes January 8th with the Lady Lobos at McAllen Memorial in a key game. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

(McAllen, Texas)-Three basketball programs from the Rio Grande Valley have dominated the South Texas Region IV area. Harlingen, PSJA North, and Weslaco in Class 6A are the basketball programs on the rise. All three have experienced third round appearances since 2012, with only Harlingen and Weslaco making it to the University Interscholastic League Region IV Basketball Tournament. “We thrive on working hard when odds are against us,” says Randy Bocangera from PSJA North. “We were undersized and played with a lot of heart last year.”

The PSJA North Lady Raiders are off and running with an impressive 17-1 overall record in 2015 and as the new year is just a few days away, their only enemies will be

“We thrive on working hard when odds are against us...”

Randy Bocanegra PSJA North HS Head Coach

the Weslaco Lady Panthers. Both teams will be picked to contend for another district title. The Lady Panthers, coached by Griselda Fino, defeated the Lady Raiders 52-49 in their district opener on December 15th setting the tone of what could turn out to be

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High School Sports Magazine/December 26, 2015

Top Basketball Programs

Season By Season Since 2011 PSJA North Lady Raiders 2015-16 Tied for 2nd place 2014-15 District 31-6A Champions 2013-14 Bi-District Champions 2012-13 Bi-District finalist 2011-12 Area Finalist Weslaco HS Lady Pantherettes 2015-16 Tied for 1st place 2014-15 Bi-District Champions 2013-14 Regional Semifinals 2012-13 Regional Semifinals 2011-12 Bi-District Champions Harlingen HS Lady Cardinals 2015-16 Currently in 1st place 2014-15 District 32-6A Champions 2013-14 Bi-District Champions 2012-13 Regional Semifinals 2011-12 Regional Qtrs Finals

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a down-to-the-wire preview of what to expect on January 19th when both teams collide again. A win by the Pantherettes could mean a district title for Fino, or the Lady Raiders could end up as co-champions? The Lady Pantherettes have carried an impressive resume since 2011. They have won four straight district titles, including two UIL State Region IV Tournament appearances.

Not bad, for a team that is located in the central part of the Rio Grande Valley with less population.

In District 32-6A, Harlingen High School head coach Ashley

Moncivaiz took over a Lady Cardinal team last year as interim coach and led her team to a district title with a perfect 14-0 record. The former Harlingen HS Lady Cardinal basketball player now enters her second season and the Lady Cardinals just keep getting better with a state-ranking of No.8 overall with a 18-1 record. Early season wins over Weslaco (65-41), Port LavacaCalhoun (57-45), and McAllen Memorial (78-51) seem to have these Lady Cards on track for a possible deep-playoff run in Class 6A. Their only blemish was a 58-29 loss to San Antonio

Defending Champions, District 30-6A McAllen Memorial High School Lady Mustangs and Selma Regalado will lead the Lady Mustangs in 2016 while Donna HS Celeste Mata and the Lady Bravettes will compete in 32-5A for a playoff bid. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) 1988 McAllen Memorial Graduate

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30 High School Sports Magazine/December 26, 2015

2015-16 Donna ISD Administration Deputy Superintendent of Schools Fernando Castillo Donna H.S. Principal Nancy Castillo Donna ISD Athletic Director Manny Moreno Donna H.S. Athletic Coordinator Ramiro Leal Jr.

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2015-16 Donna ISD School Board Alberto Sandoval President Eloy Infante Vice-Pres Nick Castillo Secretary Board Members Tammy Ramos Elipidio Yanez Jr Ernesto Lugo Efren Ceniceros

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Pictured are Sarah Gonzalez, Desiree Hernandez, Melanie Arenas, Tatyana Epperson, Celeste Mata, Mercedes Castaneda, Daisy Rios, High School Sports Magazine 31 Alex Cantu, Ashlee Moreno, Laurynn Williams, Bridget Guillen, Aileen Garza, Edith Zuniga, and Stacy Lugo. Head coach is Kevin Kromer.

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District 32-6A Brownsville Rivera High School Lady Raiders are coached by Willie Brown. The Lady Raiders have not made the playoffs since 2007. Pictured are Kourtney Shears, Ulyssa Alvarado, Litzy Medina, Jenny Cardenas, Darcy Cardenas, Kassandra Garcia, Michelle Morales, Giselm Hinojosa, Jovi Garcia, Natalia Pereida, Mayte Gonzalez, Alexandra Gonzalez, and Monica Lamas.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

District 32-5A Playoff Drought. The Brownsville Porter Lady Cowgirls enter the 2015-16 season with playoff hopes. The last time the Lady Cowgirls made the playoffs was back in 2007.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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High School Sports Magazine/December 26, 2015

Clark. Returning for the Lady Cards are ten seniors, two juniors, one sophomore, and four freshmen. Seniors Marissa Gasca, Addison Dickey, Sami Quilantan, and Elvira Fraga will lead the team in 2015-16.

Quilantan averages 12.7 points a game and 4.9 rebounds, along with almost six steals per game. Dickey is also scoring in double figures with 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Lady Cards will continue district play on January 5th against Los Fresnos followed

by Brownsville Veterans Memorial on January 8th. Los Fresnos (2-0), Veterans Memorial (2-0), and Harlingen (3-0) lead District 32-6A. Last year, the PSJA North Lady Raiders ended their season ranked No.1 overall by High School Sports Magazine after ending their season in the UIL State 6A Region IV Quarterfinals. The Lady Raiders were the only team that went three rounds deep before losing to 29-6A Laredo Alexander 62-46. To date, the Lady Raiders won the 1st Annual DQ’s Pack Brawl on the Border with wins over Brownsville Hanna (69-55), Roma (68-41), PSJA Memorial (40-30), La Joya Palmview (53-47), and Rio Hondo (59-41). At the Tommie Wiseman Tournament in La Feria the Lady Raiders defeated Raymondville (6919), La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (56-26), Brownsville Rivera (55-32), and La Feria 58-50.

Leading the Lady Raiders in 2015-16 are six seniors, five juniors, two sophomores, and one freshmen.

Senior Arianna Medrano has found some early success with 14.0 ppg, 4.0 rebounds, and four assists. Teammate Isabel Palacios leads the all scorers with 22 points and eight rebounds and six steals. Most teams know that the Lady Raiders like shooting threepointers. Something Bocanegra

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

GIRLS

Basketball TOP TEN POLLS As of December 26, 2015

Class 6A 1. Duncanville 16-0 2. Cibolo Steele 19-1 3. Waco Midway 14-1 4. North Shore 17-1 5. Amarillo 13-2 6. Cedar Hill 15-3 7. Dekaney 13-1 8. Harlingen 15-1 9. Clear Springs 12-4 10. Plano West 11-2

District 32-5A PSJA High School Lady Bears are currently in first place with an overall record of 7-11. Pictured are Ashley Pecina, Mariah West, Sara Jo Hernandez, Brianna Bazan, Jackie Cano, Erin Castaneda, Dionne Villarreal, Elisa Gracia, Bekah Trevino, Teresa Rodriguez, Reanna Rocha, Darianna Galvan, and Taylor Calderon. Head coach is Iris Garza. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Class 5A 1. Canyon 11-0 2. Lumberton 18-0 3. John Tyler 14-1 4. Vista Ridge 14-2 5. Wichita F Rider 14-1 6. Frisco Liberty 11-3 7. Lufkin 15-0 8. Timberview 11-0 9. Hereford 12-2 10. San Angelo L 17-2 Class 4A 1. Argyle 15-1 2. Navasota 16-0 3. Waco Conally 17-1 4. Wharton 13-0 5. Waco La Vega 13-2 6. Liberty Hill 16-0 7. Mexia 12-1 8. Sanger 14-1 9. Tatum 13-1 10. Ranchview 11-2

Defending District 31-6A Champions, PSJA North High School Lady Raiders are currently in third place with an overall record of 17-1. Pictured are Sarah Serrano, Angela Ochoa, Mellie Palacios, Ashlyn Castillo, Toni Acevedo, Stephanie Crispin, Vanessa Maldonado, Crystal Ibarra, Arianna Medrano, Ashia De La Garza, Isabel Palacios, Amanda Villegas, Alexia Neal, and Kara Ramirez. Head coach is Randy Bocanegra.

The Lady Raiders advanced to the Class 6A Region IV Regional Qtrs in 2015. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Class 3A 1. Jarrell 15-0 2. Brock 12-1 3. Mathis 16-0 4. Winnsboro 12-2 5. Wall 11-3 6. Shallowater 12-2 7. SA Cole 21-2 8. Bowie 10-4 9. Sunnyvale 11-3 10. Central Hgts 10-2 Class 2A 1. Weimar 12-0 2. LaPoyner 15-1

High School Sports Magazine

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prides himself with every season. To date, the Lady Raiders have attempted 452 three-point shots with 129 made from downtown.

Other teams looking for success in 2015-16 are Edinburg Economedes (8-8, 1-0) in

2015-16 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW District 31-6A along with EdJoya Palmview and Juarezinburg and Edinburg North.

Lincoln could surprise as both In District 30-6A, the McAlare tied for third place early on len Nikki Rowe Lady Warriors with McAllen. and McAllen Memorial Lady In District 32-5A, PSJA and Mustangs could be the two Mercedes are early frontrunteams that could contend for a ners in the win column while district title. On the outside, La Brownsville Pace and Ed-

couch-Elsa, along with Donna and Donna North could all contend for the final two playoff spots in 2016. And finally, District 31-5A we’ll see Rio Grande City, Sharyland, Roma, and Edinburg Vela as teams to watch.

Defending District 32-6A Champions, Harlingen High School Lady Cardinals are currently ranked 8th in Class 6A in the latest Texas HS Girls Coaches Association Top Ten Polls with an impressive 21-1 overall record. The Lady Cardinals are led by second-year head coach, Ashley Moncivaiz. The Lady Cardinals are picked by HSSM to return to the Class 6A Region IV Tournament in 2016. Harlingen will resume play on January 5th against Los Fresnos in a key showdown with both teams undefeated in district play. Lasy year, the Lady Cards went undefeated with a 16-0 record. Pictured is senior, Sami Quilantan from Harlingen going up against PSJA North Isabel Palacios in non-conference. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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District 32-5A Brownsville Pace High School Lady Vikings are currently in third place overall as the season begins. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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District 30-6A McAllen High School Lady Bulldogs are currently in fourth place.

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District 32-5A Mercedes High School Lady Tigers will compete for the title in 2016. Pictured is senior, Alyssa Marquez leading her team. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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