High School Sports Magazine-Final Four

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Pla Sp yo ecia ff I l ssu e Volume 5 Issue No. 2

Hidalgo Makes it to the...

FINAL FOUR

It’s March Madness!

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s all about passion

T

he Rio Grande Valfrom the stands. Asley finally made it to sistant head coach Arthe “Final Four” in nold Martinez lifted Austin, Texas. History Coach Rodriguez off was made with high her feet before her husschools from 3A Hiband could do the same. dalgo and 2A Santa Rosa advancing That’s what makes this to the University Interscholastics job (a low paying one League’s State Basketball Tournatoo) worth it. ment held annually at the University The last time the Valof Texas-Austin Frank Erwin’s Cenley experienced this BY ter in the same season. kind of outburst was To get here, the Lady Pirates knocked when the Harlingen off undefeated second-ranked Corpus South Hawks advanced HSSM PUBLISHER to the U.I.L. State 5A Christi West Oso 37-36 in the Region Championship baseball IV Finals at the free-throw line. A basket that will be remembered forever by Lady game in Round Rock, Texas in 2007. EvenPirate, Jessica Olvera. Alone, standing though the Hawks lost to Houston Cypressfreely at the American Bank Center (7,500 Fairbanks 6-1, it was the RGV fan support capacity) in Corpus Christi, Texas, Olvera that made the difference at Dell Stadium missed her first attempt with 3.9 seconds (6,500 fans).

As the Lady Pirates stepped onto the basleft to play in the game after getting fouled.

“I was scared. This was it. I had to make ketball court where the Texas Longhorns the next shot,” she said. Her next attempt play, Rodriguez stood for a moment and swooshed the nets. “This is unbelieveable,” stared at every inch of the Frank Erwin Cencried Olvera after making the winning shot. ter. And for senior post, Victoria Gonzalez, The moment was emotional. Too emotion- it would be a moment never to be forgotal. More than 500 (1,200 attendance) Pirate ten. With the Valley pushing to host U.I.L. fans rushed onto the court hugging and Region IV Tournaments, this moment cerjumping with joy. From a distant, Monica’s tainly made an impression with the U.I.L. husband watched Olvera’s second shot go It’s time to bring these special moments to in and he too, would jump with disbelief the Rio Grande Valley in 2010.

DAVID AMADOR

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

4

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

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Final Four Support. Coaches from the RGV showed their support for Hidalgo and head coach Monica Rodriguez.

Contents Feb. 27-March 25, 2009

Volume Five

Issue Two

8

The Final Four! At the 3A U.I.L. State Girls Basketball Semifinals in the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas Hidalgo head coach Monica Rodriguez leads her team. A first for the Lady Pirates. (HSSM IMages)

Lady Pirates Make it to Final 4

By David A. Amador

Lady Pirates travel to Austin, Texas to play Argyle High School.

19 McHi Wins 33

Class 5A Region IV action.

Bulldogs make it to San Antonio, Texas. Meet SA Wagner for third time.

27 Santa Rosa Makes Too

Warriors make it the state tournament for the second time in school history.

29 Basketball

Playoff Brackets Get all Class 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, boys and girls basketball results.

Member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists

On the Cover: Hidalgo’s Lady Pirate Victoria Gonzalez at the State 3A semifinals against Argyle’s Claire Pettibon.

(HSSM IMages)

6

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2009 UIL State Basketball Results Hidalgoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victoria Gonzalez scrambles to get the ball against Argyle player Colbea Harris. (HSSM IMages)

Hidalgo Lady Pirates Makes It T

FINAL F Class 2A Semifinals: Hidalgo 43 Argyle 58 8

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

(HSSM IMages)

To...

FOUR! Frank Erwin Center-Austin, Tx

By DAVID A. AMADOR, HSSM Sports Director

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

9

(Austin, Texas)- Staring high above the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas in Austin, head coach Monica Rodriguez of Hidalgo looking at the scoreboard hanging from the ceiling, she took one sigh and smiled. “We are here. Now its time to take care of business,” Hidalgo head coach Rodriguez told HSSM right before game time. “I have waited for this moment all my life. Now we are here,” she added.

The Hidalgo Lady Pirates(37-3) opened the 2009 University Interscholastic League (UIL) State 3A Girls Basketball Tournament Semifinals presented by Cricket Communications of the Rio Grande Valley at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas as the top seed in the tournament. Their opponent, the 2006 State 2A champions, Argyle (566 enrollment) Lady Eagles. And just like that, the Lady Eagles showed why they are former state champions by starting the game with an opening three-pointer by Amy Beecher and by the time the game clock had run out, the Lady Eagles would finish with seven three-pointers to end Hidalgo’s run at a state title, winning 58-43. “This was a magical experience. The UIL treated us with a Texas Welcome. We’ll be back next year,” added Rodriguez.

As Lady Pirates senior Victoria Gonzalez (6’0) was presented with her State 3A semifinal medal by University Interscholastic League athletic coordinator Traci Neeley, tears streamed down her face as she received it. “This is a dream come true. I will never forget this moment,” added Gonzalez.

Meanwhile, Argyle had a well-laid out plan for the senior post. “We had to double-

“

This was a magical experience. The UIL treated us with a Texas Welcome. We’ll be back next year... Monica Rodriguez Hidalgo Lady Pirates Head Basketball Coach

team her and keep her out of the paint. She’s an all-stater,” said Argyle head coach Steve Schmidt. However, the plan to stop Gonzalez did not seem to work as she penetrated the Lady Eagles defense with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocked shots. Instead, Schmidt switched to his outside shooting. “This is what got us here. This team was tough inside,” added Schmidt.

More than 3,000 Hidalgo fans made the journey to Austin, Texas on March 5th, along with the support of many Rio Grande Valley basketball coaches, including head basketball girls coach, Rene Garza of Mission High School and Roy Garcia of San Benito High School to witness the Lady Pirates play at the University of Texas-Frank Erwin Center. “We are proud of Monica and her team making it to state. This just opened the doors for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Garza.

In the first period, Lady Pirate Maria Perales would steal the ball from Argyle’s State 3A UIL Basketball Semifinals. Katie Eckert of Argyle chases a loose ball with Hidalgo’s Stephanie Serna. Argyle advanced to the State finals with win. (HSSM IMages) 10

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

At Hidalgo Early College...

The Season Team Roster

3 4 10 11 12 13 14/24 20 21 23 25 30 31 34

Maria Perales Jessica Olvera Stephanie Serna Nicolette Gonzales Daisy Pitones Nashae Owens Alexis Frias Jessica Castillo Mariana Martinez Edna Duran Victoria Gonzalez Brenda Reyes Nelly Flores Bianca Martinez

Junior Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Senior Freshman Freshman Senior

Opponent

Score

Mission Sharyland Weslaco East Mission Veterans Memorial Edcouch Elsa PSJA North Mission Laredo Nixon Cedar Park San Antonio Churchill El Paso Coronado Arlington Sequin Port Isabel Brownsville St. Joe Brownsville Hanna Edinburg Harlingen Progreso Gregory-Portland Edcouch Elsa Los Fresnos Edinburg North Corpus Christi King McAllen Memorial Raymondville Rio Hondo Lyford La Feria Zapata Port Isabel Progreso Raymondville Rio Hondo Lyford La Feria Zapata

65 63 52 70 63 56 75 43 65 33 58 75 65 64 62 54 80 55 68 61 53 43 49 63 75 96 67 67 103 73 69 67 73 63 99

Overall Season 37-3

21 27 19 30 39 23 33 67 60 28 33 24 41 39 43 44 11 46 36 30 37 46 42 27 16 31 41 39 41 11 38 22 19 48 35

UIL State 3A Playoffs

Claire Pettibon (14 points) and get fouled. At the free throw line, Perales would convert one shot to trail 31. The Lady Pirates, playing aggressive defense came up with the defensive rebound by Jessica Castillo and she would run up the court for a three-pointer to give the Lady Pirates its first lead of the state semifinals to 12

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

make it 4-3. On another fast break, Owens stole the ball again and decided to drive to the basket. She was fouled. Then the free-throw woes started to happen for the Lady Pirates. Owens would miss both shots to the rim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We missed (10-of-21) too many free throws,â&#x20AC;? said Rodriguez. Either way, the opportunities early on

February 27-March 25, 2009

www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

for the Lady Pirates kept flying in with more fouls by the Lady Eagles, still ahead 4-3 with 3:59 left in the first quarter. This time Olvera would get slapped on the wrist by Pettibon again. Olvera would make one of two free throws to give the Lady Pirates a 5-5 tie.

For Argyle, they were staying patient, despite their

Pure Perfection. With the State 3A Basketball Region IV Title on the line, Hidalgo’s Jessica Olvera missed her first free throw with 3.9 seconds left in the game, tied with West Oso 36-36. Her second shot was perfect. “This was the biggest shot of my life. I had to make it perfect,” said Olvera. With her shot, her team advanced to the state tournament. Head coach Monica Rodriguez is lifted by assistant Arnold Martinez in celebration. (HSSM IMages) HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

13

own miscues in the first period. “We were luck y that Hidalgo was missing,” added Schmidt. Argyle’s Molly Hennesy forced Rodriguez to call a timeout trailing 7-5 with 3:23 left in the first. Playing man-to-man defense with full court pressure, Argyle’s Jessica Bonefield fouled Owens on a drive to the basket tied the game at 7-7. Owens would miss her extra point opportunity. The Lady Eagles answered right back with another threepointer by senior Beecher. This put the Lady Eagles up 10-7 with 2:28 left. The Lady Eagles scored again with Meghan McIaney laying it up to make it 12-7. Another three-pointer by Pettibon gave the Lady Eagles 15-9 lead. However, Gonzales kept fighting and was fouled going to the basket. She converted both free throws to narrow the Lady Eagles lead 15-11. But Bonfield bomb another shot to the basket for another score to extend the Lady Eagles lead to 17-11 with 2:14 left in the first.

In the second quarter, Hidalgo closed the gap after Gonzalez added two straight baskets to bring the Lady Pirates trailing 19-15 with two assists by Owens on a fast breaks. “She’s tough,” said Argyle head coach Steve Schmidt. This time Argyle called timeout to regroup. “I told our team to stay focused,” added Schmidt. That they did.

The Lady Eagles would redeemed themselves with a another three-pointer by Beecher to extend their lead to 24-15. Pettibon would hit another three-pointer to put the Lady Eagles up 27-15 with 3:57 left in the half.

The cold-shooting Lady Pirates looked tired with 2:17 left in the half, shooting shots from the three-point line that never seemed to reach its final destination. Olvera would give Hidalgo one more point from the free throw line after being fouled by Beecher to make it 16-29.

On the rebound, Gonzalez would get fouled too but she would miss her opportunities. A three-pointer by Perales brought Hidalgo closer, trailing by ten points, 19-29 as the first half expired. The Lady Pirates made only 7-of-23 shots from the field and converted only 3-of-10 shots from the free throw line. Argyle made 5of-13 three point attempts.

At the start of the second half, a different Lady Pirate team hit the court. The Lady Eagle’s Pettibon would pick up her third foul on Owens after going up for two points. This ignited a Lady Pirate attack, beginning with Gonzalez making a big shot under the basket to pull the Lady Pirates 25-31 with 4:54 to play in the third. Then a smooth three-pointer from Perales put the Lady Pirates down 28-31.

With more than 6,504 in attendance, the crowd grew louder in the Frank Erwin Center. But Argyle would 14

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Great High School Career. UIL athletic coordinator, Traci Neeley presented Hidalgo’s Victoria Gonzalez with her State 3A Semifinalist medal. Gonzalez led the Valley with 25.0 points per game in 2008-09. (HSSM IMages)

February 27-March 25, 2009

State 3A Playoffs Area Championships

Lytle 55-40 Regional Qtrs

Ingleside 61-44 Regional Semifinals

Brookshire Royal 44-34 Region IV Championships

CC West Oso 37-36 Class 3A State Semifinals lost to Argyle 58-43

Tough Defense. West Oso’s Keara Lanehart is guarded

by Hidalgo’s Jessica Castillo (20) and Jessica Olvera in the Class 3A Region IV Championship game played at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. (HSSM IMages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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For more on UIL Basketball go to: www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

answer right back with back-to-back baskets, including Beecher’s 15-footer to make it 35-28 Lady Eagles. “It was loud. The fans get loud in this arena. It’s hard to talk to your players,” said Rodriguez.

Gonzalez still fought hard. She would break loose down court with Owens spotting her for a sure basket. But she would get fouled by Lady Eagles Katie Echert.The two points were good. At this point, Hidalgo trailed 30-35 with 1:40 left in the third period.

Owens again, would get her fifth steal of the afternoon and Echert chased her down court but Owens would score and get fouled. Her extra point hits the nets to bring the Lady Pirates within two points, trailing 33-35. With the Lady Eagles getting in foul trouble early, the Lady Pirates had their opportunities. Owens would get fouled again by Echert. The extra bonus brought the Lady Pirates closer to 35-37. Owens again, on another break-away steal, she would get fouled by Colbea Harris going up for two points. Harris made sure the basket would not fall. The extra bonus shot would bounce off the rim with :23 seconds left in the third still trailing 35-37.

In the final period, the Lady Pirates managed to tie the game at 37-37 but the Lady Eagles unleashed their barrage of three-pointers beginning with Harris, to make it 40-37 with 6:49 left in the game.

Hidalgo’s Nelly Flores would get called for a foul bringing Pettibon to the line. She would score both free throws to make it 42-37. The Lady Eagles extended their lead to 50-42 with Harris scoring on a drive with 3:02 left in the game. The Lady Pirates started to watch their hopes of a state title grow dimmer. Beecher’s basket to the rim ended the Lady Pirates hopes as they trailed 52-42. The Lady Eagles then went into a stall with 1:36 left in the game. “We will be back next year,” said Rodriguez.

At the press conference, Rodriguez fought back tears but added that, “I thank the UIL for their support and I thank the Hidalgo administration and the parents. This was special.” Reporters also questioned senior Victoria Gonzalez about her experience at the state tournament. “This was amazing. Argyle did a great job today.

I told our players that we got here as a team and together, this will be well remembered,” she added.

In the locker room, head coach Rodriguez spoke to her players and told them how proud she was of one of her players. Hidalgo athletic director Albert Guerra also expressed his thoughts by adding, “be proud ladies, because you just made history in Hidalgo and the Rio Grande Valley.”

HSSM Boxscores Team

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Total

Argyle 17 12 8 21 58 Hidalgo 11 8 16 8 43 Leading scorers: Argyle-Claire Pettibon 14, Jessica Bonfield 13, Colbea Harris 10; Hidalgo-Victoria Gonzalez 12, Nashae Owens 10 16

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

She Owns. Nashae Owens scored 19 points in their wi Corpus Christi West Oso 37-36 played at the American Center in Corpus Christi to advance to the State 3A Sem in Austin, Texas. (HSSM IMages)

Class 3A Region IV Finals

Hidalgo Lady Pirates defeat West O

Advance to State 3A Basketball Tournament

(Corpus Christi, Texas)-Looking back, with three s break layup and was fouled with the game tied at 3 bounced off. Her second attempt went right through as she wept with tears of joy. “We are going to the st of 37-36 was a sight to read on the scoreboard at th onto the court in celebrationHidalgo head coach Mo what it could take to make it to the State 3A basket the regional quarterfinals after knocking off Lytle i regional semifinals. Sophomore Nashea Owens (13 basket and four steals that kept West Oso off-balanc Pirates were to Cedar Park 43-67 and Corpus Chris 2301-1238, or 64.0 points per night on offense.

February 27-March 25, 2009

in over n Bank mifinals

Class 3A Region IV Basketball Champions. Hidalgo Lady Pirates head coach Monica Rodriguez lifts the Region IV trophy with assistant head coach Arnold Martinez. (HSSM IMages)

Oso in Thriller

t: Meet Argyle H.S.

seconds left to play in the final period, Jessica Olvera went up for a fast 36-36. Her first shot from the free throw line sailed right of the rim and h the rim for the win. “I can’t believe this. This is amazing,” said Olvera tate tournament.” It was Olvera’s third point of the game. The final score he American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas as Pirate fans raced onica Rodriguez believed from the start of the season that this team had tball tournament in 2009. The Lady Pirates defeated Ingleside 61-44 in in the area round. They would also defeat Pattison Royal 44-34 in the 3.0 ppg) led all scorers with 19 points but it was her driving force to the ced throughout the afternoon. The only two losses this year for the Lady sti King 43-46. For the season, Hidalgo has outscored their opponents

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

McHi Wins 33 Games Advances to State 5A Region IV Tournament Again

For basketball playoff photos go to www.hssmphotos.com

Class 5A Region IV Basketball

(McAllen, Texas)-The McAllen High School Bulldogs basketball team had to ask the McHi Basketball Booster Club for revenues to get them to San Antonio a day earlier due to financial problems from McAllen I.S.D. Instead, the school wanted to provide busing on the day of the event. One fan, upset, spoke and said that, “if this was the football team they would have all the funding in the world. This is not fair.”

The McHi Basketball team traveled via/booster bus on Thursday to get ready for their game against the San Antonio Wagner Thunderbirds on Friday, March 6th at the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center. The Bulldogs would be playing the T-Birds for the third time in less than twelve months. This time, it would be in the State 5A Region IV Semifinals, again. And again, the T-Birds would win 84-65.

McHi head coach Roy Swift watched from the bench as the T-Birds took a 47-26 lead at the half by forcing Bulldog points guards Nevin Franks and Mark Lopez to numerous of turnovers.

Wagner’s Jordan Clark would lead all

scorers with 19 points, including four three-pointers. Junior center, J.J. Avila scored 17 points to lead his Bulldogs.

“I’m proud of these players. We had a great year and won 33 games. This is great. I’m just glad to be here in San Antonio,” said Swift.

The Bulldog’s dynasty started with four freshmen in 2006. Swift was hired to coach the Bulldogs that year and found that Avila, Nick Garza, Ryan Evans, Nevin Franks had the talent to make the team. A risk he took, a risk that has paid off too. That year, the Bulldogs made the playoffs for the first time since 2000, when the Bulldogs lost to Edinburg 77-66 in the area playoffs.

For Swift, the Road to the Sweet 16 does not happened with luck in backto-back seasons. He says that it happens with dedication and hard work in the off-season. “These guys play yearround,” says Swift.

Against Weslaco in the State 5A Regional Quarterfinals played before a sellout crowd at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House, the two-time 30-5A champions McAllen

Bulldogs converted only 3-of-19 threepoint attempts but still managed to pull out a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Weslaco Panthers 54-53 in double-overtime to advance to the State 5A Region IV Semifinals.

Playing before some 5,000 fans, junior

High Flyin Bulldog. Junior center, J.J. Avila has led the McAllen Bulldogs to three playoff appearances, including two 30-5A titles and 5A Regional Semifinal rounds. Head coach Roy Swift watches Avila against San Antonio Wagner. (HSSM IMages)

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

center J.J. Avila, was fouled under the basket by Weslaco’s Danny Ryan with 3.5 seconds left in double overtime as he went up for two points. “It was the scariest moment in my life,” Avila said. His first shot bounced off the rim with the score tied at 53-53.

“I was hoping that I would make my free throws.” His second shot went through. Weslaco still had one more shot at the rim, but Eddie Cantu’s shot sailed right. Cantu led all scorers with 30 points and Avila led his team with 15 points and Corey Pace added another 13 points for the Bulldogs.

McHi raced past Laredo Martin 6144 to win it’s second straight Class 5A Bi-District title and then barely escaped Harlingen South (22-12) 4944 in the area championships before capturing their second regional quarterfinal title.

Senior Bulldog team members include Pace, Joseph Pompa, Hutton Edwards, Carlos Cruz, Charles Follmar, and Stephen Guerra.

Set to return in 2009-2010 are Avila (6’6), Ryan Evans (6’6), David Atkinson (6’4), Chris Smith (6’4), Nick Garza (6’3), Nevin Franks (5’9), and Joey Pompa (5’7). Swift hopes that his senior ball club will lead them to the State 5A Tournament in 2010 just like Wagner made it this past weekend. The T-Birds defeated San Antonio Southwest 84-54 in the Region IV Finals before losing to Cedar Hill 61-58 on a three-pointer by Tanner Hill with two seconds left to play in the state semifinals.

“It was a great year and I wish all my seniors the best of luck. They made this happen these past two years. It’s been the best experience in my career,” said Swift.

For basketball playoff photos go to www.hssmphotos.com

Fighting Dogs. McHi Senior Corey Pace (left) played his last game against San Antonio Wagner with teammate (right) junior Ryan Evans getting double-cover

by Wagner. “It was a great season,” said Pace. (HSSM IMages) > Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Back to the Region IV Tournament Again. McHi head coach Teresa Casso cheers as her Lady Bulldogs defeat Weslaco 42-32 in the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals played at PSJA High School. (HSSM IMages)

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

Class 5A Region IV Basketball

For basketball playoff photos go to www.hssmphotos.com

Lady Bullogs Win 30-5A Title Again Top Hispanic Basketball Coach Teresa Casso leads team to Region IV Tournament (Pharr, Texas)-Buzzer after buzzer, the shot clock kept going off stopping play and causing confusion for both McAllen (31-7) and Weslaco (28-9) teams in the Class 5A Region IV quarterfinals. In the end, the Weslaco Panthers would fall to the two-time Region IV Quarterfinal Champions, McAllen 4232. The Lady Bulldogs, led by senior Ali Bills who dominated the boards and scored 24 points, ended the Lady Panthers first run at the regional tournament. “This was a great win. We are going back to the regional tournament,” said Bills.

The Weslaco Lady Panthers, making their first appearance in the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals in school history were held scoreless in the first quarter 0-8, with missed shots from under the basket, from the three-point line, and even from the free throw line but a three-pointer

by Amber Polvado put the Lady Panthers on the board with 6:56 left in the half to make it 10-3 McAllen.

In the first round, the Lady Bulldogs met Laredo United. The Lady Bulldogs needed overtime to escape the Lady Longhorns 48-40.

Then, McHi head coach Teresa Casso grinded her teeth as she watched her

team pull off another comefrom-behind win over the Edinburg Lady Bobcats in Palmview, Texas.

In the regional semifinals,

San Antonio Jay (34-4), making its first playoff appearance since 1998 Mustangs ended Casso’s bid at a state tournament

appearance with a 51-27 loss. Casso has won more than 815 games as a coach in high school basketball in more than 31 years.

Tough Panther Defense.

Kimberly Armstrong of Weslaco blocks a pass to McHi’s Christy Garza in the State 5A Region IV Quarterfinals. (HSSM IMages) > Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

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Lady Cards Win

(Harlingen)-Head coach Nora Zamarripa is probably just as surprise as her players were after making the State 5A playoffs and then winning the 5A Bi-District title with their win over Los Fresnos 52-46.

Even though the Lady Cards lost to Laredo Alexander in the next round 60-63, this season ended with much hope for the Lady Cardinals.

In District 31-5A, Zamarippa watched her team lose the final two games of the season against PSJA North and Harlingen South but they had already clinched a playoff spot with their third place finish (10-4).

Players Crystal Gasca, twins Ashley and Megan Adams, along with Annalee Moncivaiz helped the Lady Cards scored 1,736 points this season while allowing 1,546 points on defense. At home, the Lady Cards were 13-3.

Surprising Lady Cards. Head coach Nora Zamarripa talks to her team during a game. (HSSM IMages)

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

Participating RGV Locations 7411 Padre Island Blvd-Brownsville 831-7161 3100 Boca Chica Blvd-Brownsville 544-4300 1300 Central Blvd-Brownsville 544-5475 3235 International Blvd-Brownsville 982-3945 1912 W. Tyler-Harlingen 428-7169 601 South Sam Houston -San Benito 361-9797 1102 North Main -La Feria 797-9546 419 1/2 S. International -Weslaco 447-8868 1617 N. Texas -Weslaco 968-3747 1702 W. University Drive -Edinburg 318-5130 4006 S. McColl -Edinburg 664-9142 2313 Military Hwy -McAllen 618-5030 2120 N. La Homa Rd -Palmview 584-0125 688 East Exp 83 -La Joya 583-2325 1100 E. Main -Rio Grande City 488-1402 390 East Grant -Roma 849-5806

Hartrmi 2007 > Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

Have It

Your Way! OPEN LATE! HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

25

Weslaco Knocks off Laredo United For more sports go to www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

More than 9,000 Fans Attend Playoff Games at UTPA Field House

(Edinburg)-More than 9,000 fans attend both Weslaco basketball playoff games held at the University of Texas-Pan American Field House when they played host to Laredo United and again, to McAllen in the State 5A playoffs.

“We do bring the crowds and our fans support our Panthers,” said athletic coordinator Tony Villarreal.

Against Laredo United, the Panthers stopped their barrage attempts of three-pointers to eliminate the Longhorns 74-55.

The Panthers had already reserved the UTPA Field House for their possible meeting with the McAllen Bulldogs in the State 5A Region IV Quarterfinals. The gamble paid off. “This is why we need the U.I.L. to host Regional Tournaments here in the Valley. We bring the fans,” added Villarreal.

With both sides filled to capacity, the twotime 30-5A champions McAllen Bulldogs pulled out a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Weslaco Panthers 54-53 in doubleovertime to advance to the State 5A Region IV Semifinals on a free throw by junior center J.J. Avila with 3.5 seconds left in double overtime as he went up for two points and fouled by Danny Ryan of Weslaco.

Weslaco’s Eddie Cantu led all scorers with 30 points and Avila led his team with 15 points.

Corey Pace added another 13 points for the Bulldogs.

Weslaco Wins Area Title. Sophomore Raul Garcia drives past a Laredo United defender . (HSSM IMages)

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February 27-March 25, 2009

Santa Rosa Advances to 2A Semifinals Warriors Upset Universal Randolph in Overtime 63-62

(Austin, Texas)-The Santa Rosa Warriors basketball team begun its season with a win over Brownsville St. Joe 69-63 and after clobbering Mission Veterans Memorial 83-56 in the preseason, many Warrior fans started to think playoffs. But how deep in the playoffs?

Head coach Johnny Cipriano knew that his team would be young in the lineup with only two seniors, Ivan Martinez and Jacob Garcia leading his team. However, fate had its own destiny for this Santa Rosa basketball team in 2008-2009.

The Warriors (30-7) won the 322A title and then knocked off Vanderbilt Industrial 66-57 in the area playoffs. Three more playoff wins against Jourdanton (80-69), Jarrell (59-56), and an overtime victory against Randolph capped the Cinderella Season for the Warriors.

Their next game against eventual state champion, Ponder (40-1) 7754 ended their magical year at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

Santa Rosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior Dario Mendoza led his team with 17 points along with sophomore Mark Cor- Santa Rosa Makes History. The Warriors advanced to the State 2A deroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ten points. Freshmen Aaron Basketball Tournament for the second time in school history with a win Ramirez added 13 points. over Universal Randolph 63-62. (HSSM IMages)

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

For State Playoff Photos by High School Sports Magazine go to www.hssmphotos.com

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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For State Playoff Photos by High School Sports Magazine go to www.hssmphotos.com

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

31

For State Playoff Photos by High School Sports Magazine go to www.hssmphotos.com

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

33

For State Playoff Photos by High School Sports Magazine go to www.hssmphotos.com

34

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

February 27-March 25, 2009

> Send your scores and stats to David A. Amador, @ hssmonline@yahoo.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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