Jan feb2015

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

WWW.HSSMLIVE.COM •

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State Ranked No. 12 PSJA North HS Miranda Dimas & the Lady Raiders are undefeated in District 31-6A under head coach Randy Bocanegra..

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HOOPS SECOND HALF RACE BEGINS RGV TEAMS SET FOR PLAYOFF SEEDINGS & DISTRICT TITLES

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By Cesar Montalvo HSSM Sports Photographer

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LADY CARDS FLYIN’ HIGH IN DISTRICT 32-6A INTERIM HEAD COACH TAKES OVER PROGRAM

SOCCER KICKS OFF WITH THREE CLASSIFICATIONS & BRRRR.....

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ONE ON ONE

WITH COACH ASHLEY MONCIVAIZ

RANDY BOCANEGRA

PSJA NORTH HEAD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

ON THE COVER

RANDY BOCANEGRA “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COACH” (ALEC AMADOR/HSSM IMAGES) DESIGN & PHOTO EDIT

BY HECTOR OROZCO

DAVID A. AMADOR

RICHARD DAVIDSON

HECTOR OROZCO

MANUEL DE LA ROSA

ALEC AMADOR

GONZALO AGUAYO JR

CESAR MONTALVO

KAYLIE YANEZ

Publisher & Sports Director

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

956.270.4289 • HSSMLive.com 2806 W. Trenton Rd • Edinburg, TX

Art Director

Lead Sports Photographer Sports Photographer

Sports Photographer

Sports Journalist & Advertising Executive Advertising Executive

Administrative Assistant

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

taking action and are beginning to understand that the protection of the student athlete, coaching staff, fans who love the game, will all be protected. One administrator says,”parents and fans are getting out of hand.”

And its true too. Either way, HSSM will continue to take photos of “Fans in the Stands” who love the game or hate it. HSSM will continue to capture photo moments of teams who win or lose; hugs from players and coaches; this list can go on and on. It NEVER stops. Fans love these moments. While other “haters” will despise the moments captured by our HSSM photographers. However, HSSM will not tolerate these threats fans make towards its journalist or photographers. As members of the MEDIA, we are protected by law. It’s our Constitutional right to capture the truth and report it.

any Fans are becoming negligent when it comes to high school sports.

Fans forget that they are being watched by the MEDIA AT ALL TIMES. As journalists, HSSM will strive to capture every moment and bring the news of sports to its readers.

It’s called Freedom of Speech. First Amendment.

Better yet, Freedom of the Press.

Parents who are fans or just fans in general tend to forget that these are public venues. This means that fans who are out of line will be escorted from any UIL event by administrators, TASO officials, and finally, the school POLICE. If these fans continue to become flagrant, they will be arrested with disorderly conduct of some sorts. Schools are now

HSSM will continue to be there to bring you these moments in Sports. WHY? Because we are “FREAKIN SERIOUS” as one head football coach once said in his interview.

As a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists from Washington D.C., reporting sports can be an emotional moment for the coaches, players, fans, and anyone who pays to see the game. HSSM strives to bring it’s readers the story with photos. But, keep in mind that the MEDIA has the right to capture EVERY MOMENT as we see it.

FANS WHO ARE OUT OF LINE WILL BE ESCORTED FROM ANY UIL EVENT BY ADMINISTRATORS, TASO OFFICIALS, & FINALLY, THE SCHOOL POLICE. In today’s society, parents are tough fans. They want what’s best for their children who are playing for the governing body of UIL (University Interscholastic League) Sports in Texas. This is organized sports.

It means, “stay off the field.” It means “stay off the court.” It means “quit slandering the coaches verbally.” It means “quit making physical threats.”

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emotional game nights Fans need to enjoy uil Games & be more respectful.

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By Alec Amador

HSSM Sports Photographer

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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BOYS Soccer

GIRLS Soccer

1) Valley View

1) McAllen Memorial

2) Brownsville Rivera

2) McAllen

3) Sharyland

3) Sharyland

4) Brownsville Lopez

4) Brownsville Lopez

5) La Joya Juarez-Lincoln

5) La Joya Palmview

6) Brownsville Hanna

6) Harlingen South

7) Mission HS

7) Brownsville Rivera

8) Weslaco East

8) Sharyland Pioneer

9) Brownsville Porter

9) McAllen Rowe

10) La Joya Palmview

10) Los Fresnos

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McAllen memorial high school advanced

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Sharyland high school won

to the 5A Region-IV Girls Soccer Tournament in 2014.

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the 2012 UIL 5A State Soccer title by defeating Katy Morton Ranch 3-2 in a shootout at Georgetown, Tx.

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By Alec Amador

HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

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By Alec Amador

HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

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JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

hat a difference a year makes. Hoops teams that were suppose to make a playoff run in 2015 are now finding themselves, struggling, just to qualify for the University Interscholastic League State Basketball playoffs in 2015. The playoffs are set to tip off on February 23rd with the Bi-District championships.

This year’s UIL Basketball Tournament and finals will be held March 12-14th in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome.

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Go Mustangs!

D.J. Johnson (6’6” forward) leads the McAllen Memorial Mustangs after sitting out a few weeks with an injury.

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By Alec Amador

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HSSM Sports Photographer

In District 30-6A, the McAllen Bulldogs hired longtime assistant coach Ryan Flores, who came over from McAllen Memorial High School. This is his first year as head basketball coach and he does not mind being called a “rookie.” “That’s okay. This is my first year and we are working hard to make a difference. I’m starting to lose some hair,” laughs Flores. “Playing these district games are intense.”

The Bulldogs (4-1) are currently in second place behind McAllen Memorial (5-0) and under Flores, the Bulldogs have won 20 games this season.

Not bad for a rookie head basketball coach. The Bulldogs lost to Harlingen South 71-46 in the first round of the state playoffs in 2014. “We just need to finish the season and stay healthy,” says Flores.

Other teams from District 30-6A looking good for the final three playoff spots are McAllen Memorial High School, La Joya, and Palmview. The surprisingwoes of the season are the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors and head coach Jose Yerba. The Warriors are sitting in sixth place at 1-4 after first half losses to Palmview, McAllen Memorial, and McAllen.

What’s striking about the Nikki Rowe losses is that Palmview High School head coach Andy Saenz and Flores, both played basketball for Nikki Rowe High School. Rowe lost to Sharyland in the second round of the 5A playoffs last year 60-58.

The Edinburg Bobcats are back and running after missing the playoffs in 2014. The Bobcats are tied in second place, behind Weslaco in District 31-6A. As for head coach Gabe Valdez, he would like to see his Panthers, like the Bobcats, make the playoffs in 2015. The Panthers have missed two straight post seasons and in 2011, they advanced to the Class 5A Region IV Quarterfinals before losing to Harlingen 64-59. PSJA North and Weslaco East High School are holding on to the third and four place spots with one loss in the first half.

In District 32-6A, Brownsville Hanna (4-0), Harlingen South (3-1), Harlingen (2-2), Los Fresnos (2-2), Brownsville Veterans (2-2), and San Benito (2-2) all have a shot at winning the district title.

Sharing the title could pose some seeding problems too. Harlingen, Hanna, Los Fresnos, and South all

(McAllen, Texas) made the playoffs in 2014. The South Hawks made it to the Sweet 16 under head coach Brian Molina before losing to San Antonio Madison. “We should have won that game. We were in it to the end,” says Molina. The Hawks lost to the Mavericks 64-61 in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals at the University of Texas-Pan American Fieldhouse before a sellout crowd on February 28th.

On February 2014, the UIL realigned high schools in Texas. The UIL, the governing body of sports in Texas, does this every two years and added another classification called 6A. Now, there will be six classifications playing for state titles in March at the Alamodome. With the realignments, the Rio Grande Valley was granted two 5A districts. District 32-5A and District 31-5A. With the Rio Grande Valley growing in population, this means more high schools are being built. Sharyland Pioneer and Donna North High Schools opened up and moved into the Class 5A ranks. Still, the move meant nothing to basketball powers Mission Veterans and

The Bulldogs are currently in SECOND place and under Flores, the Bulldogs have won 20 games this season. Not bad for a rookie head basketball coach.

Sharyland High School. In the mix, moving down a classification were the Edinburg Vela Sabercats.

All three look primed to make the 2015 State 5A playoffs along with hopefuls, Roma, Valley View, or Rio Grande City. Back on the court is Sharyland head coach David Keith. He had to watch from the stands in 2014 after going through major brain surgery. The Rattlers advanced to the third round of the State 5A playoffs. “It feels great to be back.

This means a lot to me and my family,” says Keith.

“I’m truly blessed to have recovered.” Another coach making his debut is Rio Grande City Rattlers new head coach, Homer Garr. He was hired in the off season and they are still looking for their

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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Redskins Looking for Playoff Spot. The Donna High School Redskins compete in District 32-5A with Edward Guajardo leading the team.

(HSSMImages/Montalvo)

Weslaco High School stayed unbeaten in District 31-6A with a win over PSJA North. Pictured is Danny Torres of the Raiders.

(HSSMImages/TD-Dave Amador)

Looking for title No.10? The Hidalgo Pirates have won nine district titles under head coach Gus Sanchez in now, District 32-4A. The Pirates advanced to the fourth round of the state playoffs in 2014.

(HSSMImages/Montalvo)

high school basketball coaches can be heard calling plays, talking to TASO referees, looking at the clocks, and sometimes, trying to hold back their moments. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador/Montalvo) Basketball Courtside Mayhem! Local La Joya Palmview HS Andy Saenz

Brownsville Veterans Memorial HS Larry Gibson

Port Isabel Blake Ramsey

McAllen Nikki Rowe HS Jose Yerba

first district win of the year in District 31-5A. The Rio Grande City Rattlers recently lost to Mission Veterans 60-21. Veteran’s head coach Romeo De La Garza is excited about the new realignments and knows that District 31-5A will be tough to win out. “Playing for a district title against teams like Sharyland and Edinburg Vela is tough. We have to come to play each night. The second half is about to start and we need to finish strong,” says De La Garza.

In Cameron County, District 32-5A consists of Brownsville Pace and Porter along with Donna, Donna North, Edcouch-Elsa, Mercedes, PSJA, and PSJA Southwest. The Redskins lead the district with a 5-0 record, tied with Pace for first place. EdcouchElsa and Mercedes both look strong to hold onto to third and fourth place seedings. PSJA could make a run after two straight playoff appearances in

Brownsville Veterans Memorial HS Valentin Paz

Harlingen HS Greg Yates

2013 and 2014. In Class 32-4A, the Hidalgo Pirates are headed to another district title unless, La Feria or Progreso can change the Pirates course in the second half of the season. The Pirates, coached by Gus Sanchez finished the first half undefeated and are led by Frankie Sanchez. He averages more than 23.0 points a game. The Pirates advanced to the State 3A Regional semifinals in 2014 before losing to San Antonio Sam Houston 63-42. Houston advanced to the state tournament and lost to Dallas Madison 77-62. Madison won the state title but had to forfeit its title due to an ineligible player.

Other teams looking for playoff spots from District 32-3A are Santa Rosa and Lyford. In District 32-2A, San Isidro and San Perlita are favored to make the playoffs. Santa Maria and La Villa could lock up the final two playoff spots.

Mission Veterans Memorial HS Romeo De La Garza

Rio Grande City HS Simon Garza

uil basketball playoff dates Bi-District February Class 3A 3:00p 23-24th Class 5A 7:00p Area Championships Class 5A 8:30p February 26-28th Friday, March 13th Class 2A 8:30p Regional Class 2A 10:00a Quarterfinals Class 4A 1:30p March 2-3rd Class 4A 3:00p Regional Semifinals Class 6A 7:00p March 6th Class 6A 8:30p Quarterfinals UIL Championships March 7th Alamodome Alamo Convocation San Antonio, Tx Center-San Antonio, Tx Saturday March 14th UIL State Semifinals Finals March 12th Class 1A 8:30a Alamodome Class 3A 10:00a San Antonio, Tx Class 2A 1:30p Thursday, March 12th Class 5A 3:00p Class 1A 8:30a Class 4A 7:00p Class 1A 10:00a Class 6A 8:30a Class 3A 1:30p

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Air Jordan? Harlingen High School point guard Jordan Wilson leads the Cardinals in District 32-6A. (HSSMIMages/Alec Amador)

Go Patriots! Mission Veterans Memorial High School is 24-3 in 2015 and are tied with Sharyland for second place. (HSSMIMages/Tddave)

District title? Sharyland High School defeated Valley View in District 31-5A and then lost to Edinburg Vela. The Rattlers are 21-5 for the year. (HSSMImages/Montalvo)

Jump Ball! McAllen defeated McAllen Nikki Rowe in District 30-6A. Pictured is William Smith from McAllen up against Rowe’s Freddy Ayala as Deon Ellis (McAllen) looks on. (HSSMIMages/Montalvo)

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

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JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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State Ranked No. 17 The Harlingen Lady Cardinals defeated Brownsville Veterans Memorial to take sole possession of first place in District 32-6A. •

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By Alec Amador

HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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(Harlingen, Tx)

hree Rio Grande Valley girls basketball teams are ranked in the Top 25 by the Texas High School Girls Coaches Association and with the second half still left to play, in Class 2A, no.20 Lyford High School Lady Bulldogs (20-6), along with Class 6A no.12 PSJA North Lady Raiders (23-4) and no.17 Harlingen Lady Cardinals (23-3) could be looking at a possible 2015 University Interscholastic League Girls Basketball state tournament appearance on March 5-7th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Again, that’s what these polls are are saying, for now.

If the polls are correct at predicting which teams could win their regions, then state-ranked teams, Corpus Christi Carroll (20-3), Laredo United South (22-5), Schertz Clemens (23-4), and San Antonio Brandeis (17-8) would all meet in the Region IV semifinals along with the Lady Raiders and Lady Cardinals. Only Weslaco (23-5) advanced to the State 5A Region IV semifinals last year and lost to San Antonio Stevens 63-46. The Lady Panthers were ranked in the Top 20 polls for the most part in 2014. Harlingen advanced two rounds. PSJA North High School lost in the bi-district playoffs. In Class 3A, Lyford High School lost to 59-21 to Corpus Christi West Oso in the area championships.

“It’s a tough road and at PSJA North we have made the playoffs three times in the last six seasons,” says North Lady Raiders head basketball coach Randy Bocanegra.

The District 31-6A Lady Raiders defeated Edinburg High School last week behind the scoring of Cynthia Martinez and her 23 points scored in their 60-32 win. “That was a huge game for our program,” adds Bocanegra. “We still have the rest of the season to go.”

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies are in fourth place in District 30-6A. Playoffs? (HSSMimages/Cesar Montalvo)

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respect for the united states flag

Lady during the National Anthem. Teams from Sharyland High School and Sharyland Pioneer HS meet for the first time in District 31-5A. •

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By Cesar Montalvo HSSM Sports Photographer

In District 30-6A, La Joya Palmview, McAllen Nikki Rowe, McAllen Memorial, along with La Joya are in the race for a district title. But, how quickly things can change. McAllen (2-4) upset McAllen Memorial (4-2) last Friday night night 39-25 to notch their second straight win of the season. “We needed that win,” says Lady Bulldogs head coach Roy Gonzalez, as he clinched his fists as time expired. “Wow, we played great defense and stopped them from scoring.” At the end of

he District 2-5A Canyon Lady Eagles (17-2) are a powerhouse in the world of women’s basketball and the man leading them is head coach Joe Lombard. At 61-years old, Lombard has won a total of 16 UIL State Basketball titles. At Canyon HS, a few miles from Amarillo, he has coached 30 years and has won 10 titles and at Nazareth HS, he coach seven years and won six titles.

His wife Babs, also a high school coach, won the UIL State title in 1979 from Hales Center High School and Lombard won it that same year while at Nazareth HS in his first season with the Swiftettes. “It was a great foundation for me for what has become Canyon. I always considered Canyon as a big Nazareth. We try to do things similar to what we did years ago with modern day updating,” he said. He credits his success to the community, parents, players, and the junior high programs. He has more than 1,158 wins in his career.

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The Edinburg High School Lady Bobcats are currently in third place in District 31-6A. The 2015 UIL State Basketball Playoffs begin February 16-17th.

(HSSMimages/Cesar Montalvo)

Edinburg North’s Melissa Mojarra hopes to lead her Lady Cougars back to the State 6A playoffs.

(HSSM Images/Cesar Montlavo)

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Erin Castaneda from PSJA HS leads her team in District 32-5A. The Lady Bears moved down a classification in 2015.

(HSSM Images/Cesar Montalvo)

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2015 UIL Girls basketball state tournament Alamodome-San Antonio, Tx March 5-7th Semifinals Thursday, March 5th

Class 1A 8:30a Class 1A 10:00a Class 3A 1:30p Class 3A 3:00p Class 5A 7:00p Class 5A 8:30p

Friday, March 6th

Class 2A 8:30a Class 2A 10:00a Class 4A 1:30a

Class 4A 3:00p Class 6A 7:00p Class 6A 8:30p Championships Saturday, March 7th

Class 1A 8:30a Class 3A 10:00a Class 2A 1:30p Class 5A 3:00p Class 4A 7:00p Class 6A 8:30p

the first quarter, McAllen was tied with McAllen Memorial at 9-9. The win puts the Lady Bulldogs tied for fourth place with La Joya Juarez-Lincoln vaulting, them back into the playoff hunt.

Both Weslaco (6-1) and PSJA North (6-1) lead District 31-6A along with Edinburg (4-3) and Edinburg Economedes (3-3). Weslaco East still has an outside chance of clinching a playoff spot, trailing Economedes by one game. The Lady Panthers are trying to win another district title with head coach Griselda Fino but they will have to win out and hope that the North Lady Raiders lose. The Lady Panthers have two back-toback Region IV Semifinal appearances.

In District 32-6A, the Harlingen Lady Cardinals (22-3, 7-0) are flying high with a perfect 7-0 record after defeating Harlingen South 56-14. What was suppose to have been an epic battle, turned out to be a nightmare for the Lady Hawks (17-8, 5-2) with the Lady Cardinals pressuring them with great defensive play throughout the night. Brownsville Veterans, Brownsville Hanna, and Los Fresnos are all looking to challenge the Lady Hawks for playoff sports. The Lady Cardinals look destined to win the title behind seniors Casey Lopez, Kayla Perez, Grizelda Ortiz, Tiffany Alvarado, Chelsy Barron, and Hazel Quilantan.

Moving over to Class 5A, Edinburg Vela (7-0) easily defeated Mission Veterans 55-34 in a key district game last week to take sole possession of first place in District 31-5A. Vela HS head coach Lottie Zarate has watched her team take a one game lead and another win over Sharyland could cap a 7-0 first half run. The Lady Sabercats have won 59 games under Zarate since 2012-13 with just 25 losses. Four sophomores, five seniors, and three juniors make up the Lady Sabercats with Ariel Rodriguez leading her team with 18 points

per game and three rebounds. Sophomore Jaida Muhammad adds another ten points per game with tough rebounding. Other teams looking for playoff spots are Roma (4-2) with Rio Grande City (2-3), Sharyland (2-3), and Sharyland Pioneer (2-4) all looking to get in the UIL state playoffs. “We need to play better and keep competing,” says Sharyland High School head coach Dale Whitaker after their win over Valley View High School. The Lady Rattlers followed that win with another victory over Rio Grande City 37-28 the next week. Two straight wins have put Whitaker’s team back in the playoff hunt.

Other teams looking to make the playoffs are Mercedes, Donna, PSJA, Brownsville Pace, and PSJA Southwest. The Lady Viqueens knocked off Southwest 38-15, while Donna manhandled Edcouch-Elsa 59-27. PSJA kept in the race with a win over Donna North 41-26. The Lady Tigers finished the first half at 7-0 in District 32-5A with Donna one game back at 6-1. In District 32-4A, La Feria leads the district along with Rio Hondo while District 32-3A leaders are Edinburg IDEA Academy, Lyford, Santa Rosa with Brownsville Frontier looking in as well. UIL Graphic.

District 31-6A •

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OH, Angela!

The Weslaco High SchoolLady Panthers defeated PSJA North in District 31-6A to share the lead with the Lady Raiders for first place with UTPA signee Angela Villarreal.

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By Td-dave HSSM Sports Photographer JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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edinburg hs head coach john salinas

talks with his Lady Bobcats during the game. The Lady Bobcats are in third place with hopes of making it to the state playoffs in 2015.

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By Cesar Montalvo HSSM Sports Photographer

Go Lady Bulldogs! The McAllen Lady Bulldogs won two straight District 30-6A games to get back into the playoff hunt. (HSSMImages/Tddave)

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Can McAllen Memorial and McAllen Nikki Rowe make the 6A playoffs in 2015?

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Sharyland defeated Valley View to keep their playoff hopes alive.

(HSSMIMages/Tddave)

BasketballStandings BOYS District 32-2A San Isidro San Perlita Santa Maria Lasara La Villa Riviera Kaufer Bruni

Season

18 03 18 05 14 10 08 14 01 18 00 00 00 00

District

05 05 04 02 01 01 00

00 00 02 03 04 04 05

District 32-3A

Season

Santa Rosa Lyford Brownsville Frontier Edinburg Idea Quest Monte Alto

15 09 07 14 07 02 00 04 00 00

District 31-5A

Season

Edinburg Vela Mission Veterans Sharyland Roma Valley View Sharyland Pioneer Rio Grande City

21 24 21 08 12 13 08

District 30-6A

Season

District

McAllen Memorial McAllen La Joya Palmview La Joya Mission McAllen Rowe LJ Juarez-Lincoln

15 20 16 18 12 12 06

05 04 02 02 02 02 00

District

00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00

District 31-6A

Season

District

Weslaco Edinburg PSJA North Weslaco East Edinburg North Ed. Economedes PSJA Memorial

17 15 15 09 11 06 04

05 04 03 03 02 01 00

District 32-6A

Season

District

Brownsv. Hanna Brwnsv. Veterans San Benito Harlingen South Harlingen Los Fresnos Brownsv. Rivera Brownsv. Lopez

16 13 13 10 17 14 07 03

05 04 04 04 03 03 01 00

09 09 08 16 12 20 16

00 01 02 02 03 05 05 HSSM Sports Writer

District 32-4A Hidalgo E.C. La Feria Progreso Rio Hondo Raymondville Grulla Zapata Port Isabel District 32-5A Donna Brownsville Pace PSJA Edcouch-Elsa Brownsville Porter Mercedes PSJA Southwest Donna North

Season

20 05 18 06 17 05 09 10 07 14 08 15 02 12 00 00 Season

16 14 12 10 09 15 08 05

09 09 12 14 14 09 16 18

District

06 05 04 03 03 02 01 01

00 01 02 03 03 04 05 05

District

06 06 03 03 03 02 01 00

00 00 03 03 03 04 05 06

05 03 05 13 14 11 17

10 06 11 10 12 13 17

District

05 04 04 02 02 01 00

00 01 01 03 04 04 05

03 09 12 12 07 10 14 19

00 01 01 01 02 02 04 05

San Perlita La Villa Lasara San Isidro Santa Maria Rivera Kaufer Bruni

District 32-4A Rio Hondo La Feria Zapata Port Isabel Hidalgo Grulla Raymondville Progreso District 32-5A Mercedes Donna PSJA Brownsville Pace PSJA Southwest Donna North Brownsville Porter Edcouch-Elsa

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District 32-3A

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Edinburg IDEA Lyford Santa Rosa Brownsville IDEA Monte Alto

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District 31-5A

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Edinburg Vela Mission Veterans Roma Sharyland Rio Grande City Valley View Sharyland Pioneer

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McAllen Rowe La Joya Palmview McAllen Memorial LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen La Joya Mission

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It’s something we miss out when watching high school athletes play on the field or in the gym or in the pool. We are taught to represent our high school and dislike the other team. It’s taught to the kids from as early as little league and pop warner sports. We also teach them to be good in sports, but that’s forgotten in the heat of battle.

I went to watch the Battle of Southmost in soccer at the Brownsville Independent School District Soccer Tournament. Lopez vs. Porter. It’s the largest soccer tourney in the state. Thirty two teams battling to win it. These teams were playing to get to the finals.

The game was filled with emotion, drama and it was a great early season matchup. Porter was down 2-0 with 10 minutes left in the game and the Cowboys overcame the deficit to tie the game. It went to penalty kicks. After five kicks, it was tied. The same at six, seven and eight kicks before Porter won in the ninth kick.

BasketballStandingsGIRLS District 32-2A

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portmanship.

District 31-6A

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PSJA North Weslaco East Edinburg Ed. Economedes Weslaco East Edinburg North PSJA Memorial

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District 32-6A

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Harlingen Brwnsv. Veterans Harlingen South Brownsv. Hanna Los Fresnos San Benito Brownsv. Rivera Brownsv. Lopez

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You’d think no biggie. It’s an early season tourney, but the fans went crazy. Some couldn’t even watch the kicks. Porter jumped for joy, while Lopez slumped in defeat with even a few players shedding some tears.

Afterwards, both teams gathered in a circle and were next to each other arm and arm. It was an amazing show of sportsmanship. They said a prayer and congratulated each other on a great game. Win or lose. This is how every game should end.

Players and coaches should respect each other for what they do in the game. It’s not all about winning.

It’s about appreciating your opponent for their play.

I just wish I saw more of this when covering athletic events in the Rio Grande Valley.

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valley view high school

graduate Jose “Torito” Soto became the all-time leading scorer in Texas with 208 goals in his four-year high school career. He led the Tigers to back-to-back State 4A Tournament appearances. He also scored 78 goals in one season.

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By Alec Amador

HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

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(Mission, Texas)

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he 2015 soccer season started off with plenty “brrrrsss” as temperatures dipped to the low 30s across the Rio Grande Valley.

The Mission Eagles Boys Soccer Tournament featured 36 teams with powerhouse from District 27-6A San Antonio Warren making the trip along with Del Rio from 29-6A. In McAllen, San Antonio teams from San Antonio Taft High School, San Antonio Clark, and Corpus Christi King also traveled South to play in the McAllen Girls Soccer Showcase on January 8-10th. This will be the first year that the University Interscholastic League will add another classification.

Three classifications from 6A, 5A, and 4A will now compete for state titles in boys and and girls soccer.

CAN THE VALLEY VIEW TIGERS MAKE ANOTHER UIL STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE IN 2015? (HSSM IMAGES/ALEC AMADOR)

For the past four years, the Rio Grande Valley has sent teams to the UIL Soccer Tournament in Georgetown, Texas. Teams from Valley View High School 2013 and 2014; Sharyland-5A Boys State Champions 2012; Brownsville Lopez 2014, Brownsville Hanna 2013; to the UIL State Soccer Tournament in Georgetown, Texas. Sharyland earned its first state championship title by defeating Mansfield 3-1 in the semifinals and Katy Morton Ranch 3-2 in a shootout. One, fans will remember and never forget. “That game was heroic,” says “Rev” Hernandez, head coach of the Rattlers.

Brownsville Hanna lost in the finals to Coppell in overtime 3-2 in 2013.

Soccer is popular in Texas, especially down South, next to the bordering country of Mexico. Many players with strong Mexican-roots have grown up listening to their families talk about “futbol” in their country. The Rio Grande Valley is home to many of these roots and fans. “Soccer is world-wide sport but in Mexico, this is their sport,” says Hernandez. “In the Rio Grande Valley, soccer is becoming wide-spread.”

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By Alec Amador HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

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TIGERS WILL BE BIDDING FOR A STATE SOCCER PLAYOFF RUN IN 2015.

Brsss...

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mercedes

With soccer growing deep in South Texas, many teams from across the state are now taking notice. Brownsville has built mega-like soccer sports parks along with McAllen’s newest soccer complex set for completion in 2015. Combined, these two parks will feature more than 30 fields for anyone wanting to compete from ages five years old to teens. “This is a popular sport in Texas and with three classifications, it opens the field for more Rio Grande Valley teams to compete for state titles,” says head coach Pat Arney from McAllen High IT’S ALWAYS School. “Hopefully, we will COLD WEATHER IN THE RIO get our girls teams from the GRANDE VALLEY Valley competing at the state WHEN SOCCER tournament too.” In Class 4A, SEASON STARTS. Lyford and Rio Hondo will field

By Alec Amador only two girl teams.

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District soccer to begin!

The Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets will compete in the District 32-5A and Harlingen will move over to District 32-6A. Can both teams make a state title run in 2015?

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By Cesar Montalvo

HSSM Sports Photographer

Sweet 16 Again? McAllen Memorial lost to San Antonio Churchill in the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals in 2014 at the Blossom Center in San Antonio. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Valley View High School Advanced to the 4A UIL Soccer Tournament in 2013 and 2014. The Tigers lost to El Paso Del Valle 1-0 in the semifinals in 2013 and lost in the 2014 finals to Northwest 2-1 in Georgetown, Texas.

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DANNY YBARRA CONSTRUCTION A BUILDER YOU CAN TRUST

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5540 Camino De La Tierra • Brownsville, Texas 30

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

2014-15 OFFICIAL SOCCER DISTRICT ALIGNMENT Region 4 DISTRICT 25

DISTRICT 26

CONFERENCE 5A DISTRICT 25

Cameron Yoe Giddings La Grange Smithville Taylor District 27 BYE

Austin Vandegrift Cedar Park Cedar Park Vista Ridge Dripping Springs Georgetown Georgetown East View Leander Marble Falls

DISTRICT 28

DISTRICT 26

Georgetown Gateway * College Prep Jarrell Lampasas Liberty Hill Salado

Bandera Boerne Comal Canyon Lake Fredericksburg Wimberley

DISTRICT 29

Bye

DISTRICT 30

Beeville Jones Kingsville King La Vernia Pleasanton Rockport-Fulton

McAllen Memorial defeated Harlingen South to advance to the Class 5A Region IV Semifinals in 2014. Both teams are favored to make another deep playoff run in 2015. (HSSMIMages/AlecAmador)

Hidalgo Early College Monte Alto Raymondville Rio Grande City Grulla Zapata +

DISTRICT 32

Brownsville Frontier Coll Prep La Feria Lyford * Port Isabel Progreso Rio Hondo *

DISTRICT 27

DISTRICT 28

SA Brackenridge San Antonio Burbank San Antonio Edison San Antonio Harlandale San Antonio Highlands San Antonio Houston San Antonio Jefferson San Antonio Lanier San Antonio McCollum

Cibolo Steele Comal Canyon Comal Smithson Valley Converse Judson New Braunfels San Antonio Wagner Schertz Clemens

DISTRICT 29

DISTRICT 26

San Antonio Churchill San Antonio Johnson San Antonio Lee San Antonio MacArthur San Antonio Madison San Antonio Reagan San Antonio Roosevelt

DISTRICT 27

Northside Brandeis Northside Brennan Northside Clark Northside Holmes Northside Jay Northside Marshall Northside O’Connor Northside Stevens Northside Taft Northside Warren

DISTRICT 28

Corpus Christi Carroll Corpus Christi King Corpus Christi Ray San Antonio E. Central San Antonio Southwest South San Antonio

DISTRICT 29

Del Rio Eagle Pass Laredo Alexander Laredo Johnson Laredo United Laredo United South

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Austin Ann Richards Schl * for Young Women Ldrs Austin Crockett Austin Eastside Memorial Austin Johnson Austin KIPP Collegiate + Austin Lanier Austin McCallum Austin Reagan Austin Travis Bastrop Bastrop Cedar Creek Boerne Champion Floresville Kerrville Tivy Lockhart SA Alamo Heights San Antonio Kennedy San Antonio Memorial San Marcos Seguin

DISTRICT 31

CONFERENCE 6A DIVISION DISTRICT 25

hree Classifications in 2015. UIL Soccer Tournament will now feature Class 4A, 5A, and 6A at Georgetown ISD.

DISTRICT 32

Brownsville Hanna Brownsville Lopez Brownsville Rivera Brownsville Veterans Memorial Harlingen Harlingen South Los Fresnos San Benito

+ Boys Only * Girls Only

Sharyland Head Soccer Coach Reveriano “Rev” Hernandez leads his top ranked Rattlers in 2015. (HSSMIMages/Montalvo)

PSJA North Weslaco Weslaco East

Castroville Medina Valley Eagle Pass Winn Laredo Cigarroa Laredo Martin Laredo Nixon San Antonio Southside Somerset + Uvalde

DISTRICT 30

Alice CC Calallen CC Flour Bluff CC Tuloso-Midway Corpus Christi Miller Corpus Christi Moody Gregory-Portland Victoria East Victoria West

DISTRICT 31

Edinburg Vela Mission Sharyland Mission Veterans Memorial Pharr Valley View Rio Grande City Roma Sharyland Pioneer

DISTRICT 32

Brownsville Pace Brownsville Porter Donna Donna North Edcouch-Elsa Mercedes Pharr-San Juan-Alamo PSJA Southwest

DISTRICT 30

La Joya La Joya Juarez-Lincoln La Joya Palmview McAllen McAllen Memorial McAllen Rowe Mission

DISTRICT 31

Edinburg Edinburg Economedes Edinburg North PSJA Memorial

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BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

AT 31 YEARS OLD, MONCIVAIZ IS GIVEN THE TASK TO LEAD THE LADY CARDINALS WHILE HEAD COACH IS OUT ON MEDICAL LEAVE. THE FORMER 2002 HARLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE HAS HER TEAM LEADING THE DISTRICT 32-6A. A COLLEGE GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXASBROWNSVILLE, SHE TALKS ABOUT HER OPPORTUNITY AND WHO INSPIRES HER ON THE COURT.

rookie coach Looking for a 32-6a Title?

By Alec Amador HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

HSSM: What an opportunity to coach at the same high school you graduated from and played?

HSSM: Playing Brownsville Veterans with both teams undefeated in league play. Were you nervous?

Ashley: It’s an honor to come back. I have been an assistant here at Harlingen High School and to have this opportunity. It’s breath taking but, I have been taught to coach by my peers. This is just an honor and these players are buying into the program.

Ashley: No. (she laughs) I was not nervous. When the game starts...it game time. I pay attention to the team.

It’s our time to play.

HSSM: With head coach Nora Zamarippa out on medical leave, how challenging has this opportunity been for you?

Ashley: Walking onto the court brought me back to reality. I knew it was always in me to coach. You look back at the years I played. This is something I loved.

Ashley: You dream about these opportunities and it comes. When I was asked to take over at the start of the season I felt I was ready. I was ready to coach.

HSSM: Do coaches dream of coaching at the 6A level?

Ashley: Yes they do. I am fortunate.

HSSM: What does it take to step right in and lead your district in the standings?

Ashley: I love what I do. It’s about dealing with parents and working together. We have to walk together. Our parental support is great. That’s what we have here.

This team does community work for the Boys and Girls club. I encourage my team that “giving back” with core values. That’s what will make you successful.

will be played in San Antonio. What does that mean to you?

Ashley: We have to stay healthy. Its about having the mental aspect. At state, players are bigger. It becomes a mental game. That’s what we need to do once the playoffs come around.

HSSM: How did it feel to play your first home game in the gymnasium you once played on?

HSSM: Who inspires you the most?

Ashley: (pauses)...My Dad. He died of cancer at 33-years-old when I was ten. He still inspires me.

He was always there for me. I coach in his honor.

HSSM: Growing up and playing basketball. Was it hard to not see your Dad in the stands?

HSSM: Many teams want to beat the Harlingen Cardinals in any sport. It’s that Cardinal Pride. Is it for real now?

Ashley: Yes. Teams are out to beat us. You can feel that Harlingen Pride. I feel that all the time. I tell our players that we can never let our guard down. Its Harlingen.

HSSM: So what will it take to win the district title as an interim coach?

Ashley: Our main thing is compete for district. We are doing great. We have to focus on peaking each week.

That’s what will make us better.

HSSM: This year the UIL State Basketball Championships

Ashley: That was difficult. It was hard not to see my Dad in the stands. I still have images of seeing my Dad. HSSM: Was your dad a Harlingen Cardinal fan?

Ashley: No. He was a San Benito Greyhound fan and graduated in 1978 from San Benito HS. He knew we were Cardinal fans all the way.

HSSM: So who is your biggest fan?

Ashley: My Dad and my Mom. I admired my Mom for raising us as a single parent.

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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All South Texas Most Valuable Players Sean Landez, Sharyland H.S. • Ray Dinnall-Guerra, Edcouch-Elsa H.S. • Trevor Speights, McAllen Memorial H.S. • Ron Adame, Sharyland H.S. head football coach Named Coach of the Year

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verlooked for his accomplishments, Sharyland High School head football coach Ron Adame led his Rattlers to its third straight Region IV Regional finals in Class 5A, after moving down a classification from the new-6A division in only his first three seasons as a head football coach. He also led his Rattlers to an impressive 35-4 record, including three straight district and area titles.

For his accomplishments, High School Sports Magazine names Adame as the 2014 All-South Texas Football Coach of the Year presented by Church’s Chicken of the Rio Grande Valley. “This is quite an honor,” says Adame.

“It speaks volume. This is a tribute to my players and staff.”

The Rattlers were faced with the dilemma of splitting into two high schools this season, with new high school, Pioneer High opening. Some players transferred, some players stayed. “That was challenging but we stayed focused on our season. Most of our seniors stayed, but next year will be a rebuilding season,” adds

(McAllen, Texas)

Adame. The 31-5A champions, Rattlers, posted huge wins over 30-6A champions, McAllen Memorial (9-2) and followed by wins over district champions, Laredo United (8-5) from 29-6A. Both games were non-district games. In the playoffs, the Rattlers blanked Calallen 28-0 in the second round before ending its season against state finalist, Cedar Park 52-24. “To lose to the state finalist only gives our team and staff reason to believe that we can get to the next level,” says Adame.

“Those teams are tough to play but we are getting there.”

The All-South Texas Most Valuable Player awards went to McAllen Memorial High School running back, Trevor Speights on offense; defensive end, Ray Dinnall-Guerra from Edcouch-Elsa HS was honored as the Defensive MVP; and the special teams/all purpose player MVP award went to Sean Landez, from Sharyland High School. All three players made the all-state teams in Class 6A and 5A. Junior running back, Speights rushed for 2,655 yards on 238 carries and 30 touchdowns. He also returned one punt for a touchdown and had 199 yards returned

on special teams. To date, he has 6,673 yards rushing in three seasons and 66 total touchdowns. Speights was also named to the first team in Class 6A by the Associated Press.

Senior defensive back, Sean Landez from Sharyland High School returned a kickoff 109-yards in 2013 to set a national record and then returned his senior year to intercept 10 balls from opponents. He also had 36 solo tackles, one forced fumble, in addition to his 15 kickoff returns for 338 yards. He had another 19 punts returned for 437 yards and three touchdowns. He was also named to the Class 5A First Team as a defensive back.

“Sean has been a tremendous leader. Very deserving.

We will miss him,” says Adame.

Senior defensive end, Ray Dinnall-Guerra was a nightmare to opposing teams from South Texas. At 6’2 and 265 lbs, he recorded 18 quarterback sacks and had more than 106 tackles throughout his senior year.

“He’s well-deserving of this award,” says head coach Joe Marichalar from Edcouch-Elsa High School. “He was our captain and anchored our defense.” Guerra was also named to the first team on defense in Class 5A.

JANUARY 23, 2015 - FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

(Pharr, Texas)

I

t’s been a long time since the PSJA North Lady Raiders basketball team has won a district title. As a matter of fact, the Lady Raiders have not won a title, yet. The University Interscholastic League realigned the districts throughout the state of Texas this past February by putting the PSJA North Lady Raiders in District 31-6A, the same district with Weslaco, Weslaco East, Edinburg, Edinburg North, Edinburg Economedes, and PSJA Memorial. Seven teams with plenty of playoff rich history. “I was stunned and I knew that we would have our work cutout for us in 2014-15,” said head coach Randy Bocanegra. The Lady Raiders would compete in the same district with two-time defending Region IV Quarterfinal Champions, Weslaco. “Our team is about team first,” says Bocanegra. “Our team understands that hard work

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and play to the finish would help us succeed against teams like Weslaco.”

Bocanegra teaches his players about team-work.

The tallest player on the squad is senior Samantha Guzman at 5’7” and the shortest player, Ariana Medrano stands tall at 5’0”. Despite their size, the rest of the team plays even taller on game nights.

Team captain Cynthia Martinez leads the Lady Raiders with 14.0 points per game and against Edinburg, the senior carried her team with 23 points in their 64-41 win to stay undefeated at 6-0 to finish the first half of district play alone in first place. “We move the ball up court and shoot,” says Bocanegra.

“We have to keep teams off balance because of our height disadvantage.”

To date, the Lady Raiders have attempted 676 three-point attempts and have scored 1,402 points.

Six Seasons with Bocanegra 2014-15 23-3 (Currently in first place) 2013-14 21-11 (Bi-District Finals) 2012-13 24-10 (Bi-District Finals) 2011-12 27-8 (Bi-District title) 2010-11 18-16 (Missed Playoffs) 2009-10 14-22 (Missed Playoffs)

Notable Wins in 2014-15 Lardeo United 53-44 McAllen Nikki Rowe 54-47 Rio Hondo 63-33 (No.20 state ranked 3A) McAllen Memorial 70-35 Weslaco 64-54 Brownsville Veterans Memorial 55-53 Los Fresnos 49-33

Notable Losses in 2014-15 Harlingen 55-58 (6A No.20 state-ranked) San Antonio Churchill 50-74 Cedar Park 34-44 (5A No. 18 state-ranked)

Martinez is always a threat with 347 attempts from the three point line. These attempts by the Lady Raiders leads to fouls by their opponents and that has put the Lady Raiders at the foul line with 347 free throw attempts. “We have to get what we can,” adds Bocanegra. “The attitudes of the girls is just amazing.

They know that they have to play four quarters of basketball on game day.”

Bocanegra has only six years of head coaching experience with girls basketball. He was an assistant with PSJA North boys head basketball coach, Jaime Gongora for five years before accepting his first head coaching position. “I never thought I would coach a girls basketball team. It’s the best decision I have made in my career. These girls keep me busy,” laughs Bocanegra.

In his first six seasons, Bocanegra says that building the basketball program did not come easy when he first took over the program. “Girls just did not come and play. I had to recruit girls and work with them on their fundamentals. It had to start at the junior

high level too,” says the Lady Raider coach. Today, there are more than 80 players in his basketball program at the high school level.

Fact:

the Lady Raiders have attempted 676 threepoint attempts & have scored 1,402 points.

Pictured: are the 2014-15 PSJA North Lady Raiders Sarah SerranoSophomore, Cynthia MartinezSenior, Tiffany Puente-Senior, Samantha Guzman-Senior, Toni Acevedo-Senior, Stephanie Crispin-Sophomore, Vanessa Maldonado-Junior, Ariana Medrano-Junior, Lisa PalaciosSenior, Isabel Palacios-Junior, Miranda Dimas-Senior, and Kara Ramirez-Sophomore.

(HSSM Images/Alec Amador)

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