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Volume 4 Issue 1 January 31, 2008
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Vol 4 Issue 1 Jan 31-Feb 29, 2008
9 Breaking Records
Edcouch-Elsa head coach Robert Capello leads the nation in wins amongst Hispanic coaches. by David A. Amador
10 Three-Time Champs
Ask...
Brian Molina, head coach of Harlingen South looks for some answers. (HSSM IMages)
Edinburg H.S. wins third title in 31-5A. Head coach Joe Filoteo says team ready for playoffs.
13 The Playoffs
Valley 5A teams ready for state playoffs. Can a 5A team make it back to the regional tournament?
16 Class 4A Playoffs
Roma and Mission Veterans primed for playoffs. Will Edcouch-Elsa or Mercedes get in?
18 26 Years Later... HSSMSPORTSTEAM
26 One on One
Head Coach Romeo de La Garza of Mission Veterans talks to TDDAVE on game day. Available at www.hssmonline.net
27 On the Sidelines
O! Say Can They Sing. HSSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David A. Amador inspired by National Anthem performances.
On the Cover: Nick Garza of McAllen/Alec Amador; Ben Gonzalez of Mission Veterans/HSSM IMages/Alec Amador; and Mike Cantu of Harlingen and Mariana Mascorro/Hidalgo/HSSM IMages/D. Amador
F E A T U R E S
McAllen Bulldogs win district title. Ready for playoffs.
Breaking
H.S. B A S K E T B A L L
RECORDS
B Y D A V I D A. A M A D O R Edcouch-Elsa head basketball coach Robert Capello is the all-time winningest Hispanic high school coach in the United States. He says he still wants to keep coaching. After 42 years of coaching, EdcouchElsa High School basketball head coach Robert Capello is not ready to call it quits. The legendary high school has won a record 945 plus wins and is the all-time winningest coach amongst Hispanics in the nation. He has coached in more than 1,343 games as a head coach and he still says he remembers every game that he has won or loss. Capello was inducted into the 2006 Laredo Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame, an honor he takes pride in. “This was a special feeling for me and I thank the Lord for this opportunity,” says Capello. Currently, Capello ranks third in the nation with his wins amongst active high school basketball coaches. Overall, he boast the 13th all-time winning record in the United States at the high school level. The legendary coach started his career at Mission High School as an assistant under head coach Lum Wright. “Every year is always different and my love this game is unexplainable,” added Capello. Every year when his Yellowjackets play Mission, he says “it’s like coming home.” “This is where I started in 1965 and the memories are still vivid,” said Capello. In 1990-91, Capello led his team to the State 4A Regional Quarterfinals before losing to Austin Westlake 87-75. In 2007, the Yellowjackets advanced to the State 4A Area championships, losing to Port Lavaca Calhoun in overtime 71-62. As another season winds down in 2008, Capello says that he still wants to keep coaching until the Lord wants him to stop.
The Best. Robert Capello of the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets wants more wins. (HSSM Images) HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
9
31-5A Edinburg Bobcats...
Johnathon Chapa of Edinburg averages 13 points per game. (HSSM IMages)
Three-Time
CHAMPS! (Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Bobcats (29-3, 140) are now the three-time 31-5A District basketball champions and it comes as no surprise to head coach Joe Filoteo. “We expect to win the title every year,” says Filoteo. The Bobcats, High School Sports Magazine’s No.1 ranked team in South Texas are led by senior Noe De La Rosa, who scored his best game of the season with 37 points against PSJA Memorial. “He was hot from the start. He just started making steals and hitting from downtown.
TOP TEN >HSSM POLLS
1. Edinburg 2. Brownsville Hanna 3. McAllen 4. Roma 5. PSJA North 6. Mission Veterans 7. Sharyland 8. Harlingen South 9. Santa Rosa 10. McAllen Mem www.HSSMONLINE.net 10
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Head coach Joe Filoteo of Edinburg leads his Bobcats. (HSSM IMages)
Noe had a great game,” added Filoteo. This marks the first time that the Bobcats have posted a perfect 14-0 record and an impressive overall record of 29-3. “This is by far the best we have played and I just hope that we can make it back to the Regional Semifinals,” says Filoteo. The Bobcats only three losses have been to CC Calallen (61-71), Laredo Alexander 46-63) and SA Taft 46-60). Last year, the Bobcats watched their State 5A playoffs come to a halt in the area round when they were surprised by Laredo United 63-59. Filoteo’s biggest wins this year have been against the PSJA North Raiders when there they won both games in district play 56-51 and 79-70. The reason the Bobcats have been successful in 2008 is due to the scoring trio of Esteban Arriola (17.5 ppg), Johnathon Chapa (13.2 ppg), and Noe De La Rosa (12.1). “We should do well in the state playoffs and I’m proud of these guys,” added Filoteo.
Al Perez-Edinburg
Chris Flores-Edinburg
Eric Cuellar-Edinburg
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Class 5A State Playoffs
Valley 5A Teams Clinch Final Playoff Spots
(McAllen, Texas)-Will the Rio Grande 5A Regional Tournament Valley see another team reach the Class in San Antonio? With the Weslaco Panthers out of the playoff race due to ineligible players on the roster, the door seems to be wide open for 30-5A teams McAllen, McAllen Rowe, Sharyland, McAllen Memorial; 31-5A Edinburg, PSJA North, Harlingen South, Harlingen; and 32-5A Hanna, Los Fresnos, and Brownsville Rivera. Only Brownsville Rivera, PSJA North, Harlingen, have made the trip to the 5A Region IV Tourney since 2005. McAllen Memorial emerges as the only team back from their Regional Quarterfinal appearance in 2007. Head coach Joe Filoteo says Mustangs Clinch! Mark Masso of McAllen that this could be his year Memorial hopes to lead the Mustangs back with his Running Bobcats from Edinburg High School. to the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals . (HSSM IMages)
The Bobcats swept the 31-5A district, earning their third consecutive title with
PSJA North Raiders-Neo Sanchez, top scorer in 31-5A will lead his team back to the playoffs in Class 5A. (HSSM IMages)
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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Class 5A State Playoffs
32-5A Champs-Head coach Don Denson will lead his Brownsville Hanna Eagles in the State 5A playoffs. (HSSM IMages)
an impressive overall record of 27-3, while Brownsville Hanna looked just as good with a perfect season and overall record of 26-4. Head coach Don Denson of Hanna watched his team go undefeated with only four losses coming in the preseason to San Antonio Wagner (97-64), Houston Sharpstown (68-70), Pflugerville (58-63), and McAllen 61-69. Another possible regional team with experience could be Jaime Gongora’s PSJA North Raiders. Head coach Gongora led the Raiders to the State 5A Regional tournament in 2006 where they lost to San Antonio Reagan 63-39 in the regional semifinals. Leading the team is Neo Sanchez, averaging more than 25.0 ppg. “We don’t have the depth but hopefully we can make a run in the playoffs if we stay healthy,” says Gongora. Earlier in the year, the Raiders (24-6) lost to Hanna 61-71 in the Brownsville ISD Basketball Classic. In District 30-5A, 2nd-year head coach Roy Swift will lead his McAllen Bulldogs (25-9) back to the State 5A playoffs after winning the 30-5A title for the first time in twenty-six years. Last year, McHi lost to Laredo United 14
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Class 5A State Playoffs in the first round. Sophomores Nick Garza, J.J. Avila Jr., and Ryan Evans will lead the Bulldogs in the playoffs and if there is one team that can make it to the regional tournament, it could be the purple and gold. The Bulldogs last made the trip in 1997, losing to San Antonio Jay 67-56 at the UTSA Convocation Center. The darkhorses who could upset some playoff teams along the way are Sharyland, Nikki Rowe, Los Fresnos, along with Harlingen and Harlingen South. All four teams have been up and down throughout most of the season dealing with inconsistency. Harlingen South head coach Brian Molina is just hoping that his team will come together at the right time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been unbalanced and hopefully we can get things rolling come playoff time. Both Harlingen schools played for the third place spot to determine seedings.
Cardinals Clinch-The Harlingen Cardinals will play in the State 5A playoffs. The UIL State Basketball tournament will be held in Austin on March 6-8th. (HSSM IMages)
Class 4A State Playoffs
Roma, Mission Veterans Clinch (Mission, Texas)-In his first year at Mission Veterans Memorial, head coach Romeo De La Garza played with a roster filled with just sophomores in the school’s first year in 32-4A competition. Since then, he
Playoff Bound? Edcouch-Elsa’s Andrew Gonzalez is still hopeful. (HSSM IMages)
has guided the Patriots to three 32-4A titles and five playoff appearances. The Pats will have to settle for second place in 2008 after Roma went undefeated in district, winning the title themselves. Roma, and Mission Veterans will represent the district in the 2008 State 4A playoffs with either Edcouch-Elsa or Mercedes taking the final spot. Only Roma advanced to the State 4A Region IV Tournament in 2007, losing to New Bruanfels Canyon 67-37 in the semifinals. The biggest surprise this season has been the Yellowjackets who have struggled in the end with losses to Mission Veterans and Roma. The Jackets’ lost to the Gladiators 68-44 on February 8th. This loss put them in a tied for third with Mercedes. “This is strange after winning the title in 2007,” says Capello. The Yellowjackets lost to Port Lavaca-Calhoun in the second round of the state playoffs, a nailbiting 71-62 score in overtime. Midway through the season Capello had to deal with the departure of junior Aaron Tanguma, a 6’4 center. At press time, Mercedes and Ed-
Mission Veterans Clinch- Ben Gonzalez will lead his team. (HSSM IMages)
couch-Elsa were tied for the third place in 32-4A. The Roma Gladiators return a nucleus of starters from last year’s playoff run after posting zero wins in 2006. The Gladiators are led by Jaime Diaz, John Gomez, Angel Garcia, Julio Garcia, Tyler Garcia, Erby Gonzalez, Jesse Lara, and Jesus Andrade. Against the Yellowjackets on Feb. 8th, Angel Garcia scored 29 points to lead his team. In 2007, Roma advanced to the Region IV Tournament in Class 4A at the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center with wins over Tulso-Midway (62-53), Corpus Christi Moody 67-63), and Port Lavaca Calhoun (52-45).
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Class 2A State Playoffs
Santa Rosa Warriors Win 32-2A Crown
(Santa Rosa, Texas)-The war path just keeps getting better for this little town located in the middle of Cameron County. The Santa Rosa Warriors captured the 32-2A district championship with an impressive 11-1 record. Head coach Johnny Cipriano says that he played with half of his basketball squad due to the fact that most of his players were still in the State 2A football playoffs at the start of the season. Since then, the Warriors have posted impressive scoring outings. For Cipriano, he says that this title was a surprise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the fourth year in a row that we have won or shared the title,â&#x20AC;? adds Cipriano. The Warriors have posted lopsided wins over La Villa (110-55), Hebbronville (100-48), Riviera-Kaufer (121-51), and Banquete (105-45). What a turn around, after defeating Santa Maria in their season opener 70-59. Then four straight losses
to San Antonio Reagan (49-108), Rio Hondo (5065), Los Fresnos (54-73),
and Freer (70-75) had Cipriano scratching his head. The Warriors ride
a nine-game win streak headed into the State 2A playoffs.
32-2A Champs-Head coach Johnny Cipriano motivates his Warriors during a timeout. This is the fourth straight year that Santa Rosa has captured the title. (HSSM IMages)
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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District 30-5A Basketball
(McAllen, Texas)-While most head coaches are hesitant to start freshmen at the varsity level, 2ndyear head coach Roy Swift of McAllen H.S. took a risk in his first season and it has paid off. The McAllen Bulldogs captured their first district title in 26 years with their win over cross-town rival, McAllen Nikki in a District 30-5A showdown. Swift came to McAllen from Weslaco in 2006 and quickly took charge and started to rebuild his program from the ground up. He decided to make this move with under classmen. Swift added three freshmen to his linemen with Nick Garza (6’3”), Ryan Evans (6’5”), Avila (6’6”), along with sophomores Hutton Edwards (5’9”), Joseph Pompa (6’2), Cory Pace (6’3”), and Mark Lopez (5’7). Now, with only one senior in the lineup, Cody McHi Center-J.J. Avila Jr. leads his team in points scored. (HSSM IMages)
26 Years Later...
CHAMPIONS! 18
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McAllen Bulldogs
Swift Moves-McAllen High School head basketball coach Roy Swift has led the Bulldogs to back-toback Class 5A playoff appearances in his first two seasons, with one district title. (HSSM IMages) Dukquits is the captain and despite not being a starter, his underclassmen admire him. “Cody is a great person and he has taught me a lot. He’s a great leader to us. He inspires me,” adds Avila. The Bulldogs have lost nine games this year, six of these losses were in the preseason against Channelview,
20
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Pasadena Memorial, Dallas Hillcrest, Pasadena Rayburn, SA Reagan, and Harlingen South. Since then, the Bulldogs (25-9) are riding a 13-game winning streak as they enter the State 5A basketball playoffs. “This team is beginning to believe and mature and I am excited,” says Swift.
More DQ Players at: www.hssmonline.net
Dairy Queen Academic Honor-Harlingen High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Johnathon Davis was honored by High School Sports Magazine and Dairy Queen at the Dodge Arena during the RGV Vipers NBA-Developmental League game. Players are recognized for maintaining a 3.0 GPA and excelling in their sport. Pictured is Dairy Queen representative Frank Villanueva presenting Davis with the award, with HSSM Publisher David A. Amador and Manny Gomez, Harlingen Atheltic Coordinator. Davis is ranked No.2 in his class and has been accepted to attend the University of Texas in Austin. (Alec Amador/HSSM Images)
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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State Basketball Playoffs
Basketball Playoffs for RGV Girls Begin
(Hidalgo, Texas)-The Hidalgo Lady Pirates clinched a share of the 32-3A District title with the La Feria Lionettes after dominating their second match-up with a 44-36 win. Both teams will squared off to determine who will get the number one seeding in the State 3A playoffs. The Lady Pirates won. In 2007, the Lady Pirates advanced to the Class 3A Regional Quarterfinals, losing to Corpus Christi West Oso 46-41. La Feria and Port Isabel will once again make the trip to the playoffs in 3A. In Class 2A, sophomore Anika Lopez, one of the leading scorers in the Rio Grande Valley and Freshman Diamond Caballero will lead the Santa Rosa Lady Warriors in the state playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Lady Warriors clinched a share of the 32-2A District Championships with the Banquete Lady Bulldogs, who is ranked 15th in the Texas High School Basketball Association polls in 2A. The Lady
HSSM Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
TOP
Warriors had not won a championship since 1991. Secondyear head coach Lottie Zarate led the Lady Warriors to an im-
TEN
>HSSM POLLS 1. McAllen 32-4 2. Harlingen South 31-3 3.Bro Pace 23-9 4. Mission Vets 19-10 5. Hidalgo 28-6 6. La Feria 26-9 7. Weslaco 22-12 8. Economedes 25-10 9. McA Memorial 20-10 10. San Isidro 24-3
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Co-Champs! Hidalgo Lady Pirates clinched a share of the 32-3A title with La Feria. Victoria Gonzalez has her eyes on the State 3A playoffs. (HSSM IMages)
RGV High School
Standings DISTRICT BY DISTRICT
2007-08 BOYS DISTRICT STANDINGS 32-5AAAAA 1. BRO HANNA** 2. LOS FRESNOS* 3. BRO RIVERA* 4. BRO PACE 5. SAN BENITO 6. BRO PORTER 7. WESLACO# 8. BRO LOPEZ
13-0 11-2 9-4 6-7 6-7 3-10 2-11* 2-11
31-5AAAAA 1. EDINBURG** 12-0 2. PSJA NORTH* 9-3 3. HAR SOUTH* 8-4 4. HARLINGEN* 7-5 5. ECOMOMEDES 5-7 6. ED NORTH 4-8 7. PSJA MEM 2-10 8. PSJA 1-11
#Weslaco forfeits five district games due to ineligible players.
32-4AAAA 1. ROMA** 2. MISS VETERAN* 3. ED-ELSA* 4. MERCEDES 5. MISSION 6. WESLACO EAST 7. VALLEY VIEW
11-0 9-2 6-5 6-5 4-7 3-9 0-11
32-3AAA 1. LA FERIA** 2. RIO HONDO* 3. HIDALGO* 4. PORT ISABEL 5. PROGRESO
6-1 5-3 4-3 3-4 0-7
30-5AAAAA 1. MCALLEN** 2. MCALLEN MEM* 3. SHARYLAND* 4. MCALLEN ROWE* 5. LA JOYA 6. RGC 7. DONNA
9-2 9-3 7-4 6-5 4-7 2-9 2-9
31-3AAA 1. SAN DIEGO** 2. FALFURRIAS* 3. LYFORD* 4. RAYMONDVILLE 5. ZAPATA
6-1 5-2 2-5 2-5 3-5
OTHERS LA VILLA 7-4 SANTA MARIA 10-1** SANTA ROSA 11-1** SAN ISIDRO 5-1* SAN PERLITA 2-4
2007-08 GIRLS DISTRICT STANDINGS 32-5AAAAA 1. BRO PACE** 2. WESLACO* 3. BRO HANNA* 4. BRO LOPEZ* 5. SAN BENITO 6. LOS FRESNOS 7. BRO RIVERA 8. BRO PORTER
11-3 10-4 9-5 9-5 9-5 4-10 3-11 0-14
32-4AAAA 1. MISSION VETS** 2. ROMA* 3. WESLACO EAST* 4. MERCEDES 5. VALLEY VIEW 6. ED-ELSA 7. MISSION
12-0 8-4 7-5 6-6 4-8 3-9 1-11
31-5AAAAA 1. HAR SOUTH** 2. ECONOMEDES* 3. EDINBURG* 4. ED NORTH* 5. PSJA NORTH 6. HARLINGEN 7. PSJA 8. PSJA MEM
32-2AA 1. SANTA ROSA 7-0 32-1A 10-2 1. LA VILLA
Note: The top four teams from every district in Class 5A now advance to the state playoffs. **DISTRICT CHAMP *CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH
14-0 11-3 11-3 7-7 6-8 4-10 2-12 1-13
30-5AAAAA 1. MCALLEN** 2. McA MEM* 3. SHARYLAND* 4. McA Rowe* 5. DONNA 6. LA JOYA 7. RGC
12-0 9-3 7-5 6-6 5-7 3-9 0-12
31-3AAA 1. RAYMONDVILLE** 8-0 4-4 2. ZAPATA 4-4 3. FALFURRIAS 4-4 4. SAN DIEGO 0-8 5. LYFORD 32-3AAA 1. HIDALGO** 2. LA FERIA** 3. PORT ISABEL 4. RIO HONDO 5. PROGRESO
7-1 7-1 4-4 2-5 0-8
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32-2A Champs! Pictured are the 2008 Santa Rosa Varsity girls basketball team pictured front sitting l-r are Adelasia and Ariana Prado; Middle l-r are Natalie Cepeda, Brittany Rickford, Cristal Rodriguez, Diamond Caballero, and Anika Lopez. Back l-r are Assistant coach Amos Salas, Senaida Rodriguez, Crystal Sepulveda, Cehlsea Vela, Brittany Barocio, and head coach Lottie Zarate. (HSSM IMages)
pressive 25-6 overall record and finished 11-1 in District 32-2A. In 32-4A, the Mission Veterans Lady Patriots went perfect on the season with a 12-0 record, while 31-5A Harlingen South (14-0) and
30-5A McAllen (12-0), both stayed undefeated in district play. Brownsville Pace surprised everyone by winning the outright 32-5A title. Get playoff pairings at www. hssmonline.net.
New Realignments Released
For more on UIL Realignments: www.hssmonline.net
District 32-3A Gets Three More Teams Rio Grande Valley Gets Five 8-Team Districts
(McAllen, Texas)-The wait is over and most of the 5A coaches from the Rio Grande Valley can now breathe a sign of relief as the new UIL (University Interscholastic League) Reclassification and Realignment information for 2008-09/2009-10 for all high schools in the state of Texas was released at the Region One Center in Edinburg. Rio Grande Valley coaches expected to see 31-3A get moved and take three Valley teams back to 32-3A. Those schools moving in were 313A district football champion Raymondville, Lyford, and Zapata. They will now team up in 32-3A with Port Isabel,
Progreso, La Feria, Hidalgo, and district champion in football, Rio Hondo. “We expected this move to happen,” said Alex Leal of Raymondville High School. “This makes sense to our
district. I was surprised that Zapata was moved to the 32-3A district,” added Leal. Earlier in the year, Port Isabel head football coach Monty Stumbaugh told HSSM that if Zapata were to move into 32-
Bearkats move to 32-3A. Raymondville athletic director and football coach Alex Leal expected the move from 313A to 32-3A. (HSSM IMages)
3A, it would create traveling problems and the bus drives would be longer. “I would hate to see this happen. Driving to Zapata is about 150 miles,” said Stumbaugh. While the long drives for Port Isabel would seem to be an inconvience, the cutoff enrollment for Class 4A was extended to 2,084. This increased in enrollment kept Mission High School in 324A, along with new La JoyaJuarez Lincoln High School. The addition of the new high school created a tough eightteam district. In Class 5A realignments, all three Valley districts were balanced with eight teams per district. District 30-5A added La JoyaPalmview High School to its district while District 31-5A stayed the same. In Class 2A, Santa Maria moved up to 322A with Santa Rosa.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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OneOnOne I N T E R V I E W WITH ROMEO DE LA GARZA
MISSION VETERANS MEMORIAL HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
He played for the UTPA Broncs Basketball team and was named to the 1991-92 Sun Bent All-Academic Conference; In his first six years at Mission Veterans, he has led the Patriots to five State 4A playoffs; he also has won three consecutive 32-4A District titles. Now, he has been nominated to coach in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Basketball Game. HSSM: It’s game day. What do you do to prepare for a game? ROMEO: (laughs) Well, I keep trying to think about what I really do. I try to stay calmed and focused with my game plan. HSSM: What is the mood of your players before tipoff? ROMEO: They are focused and prepared. Our players understand my program and what I expect from each one. HSSM: You were recently nominated to coach in the Texas High School Coaches Association Basketball game. What does this
nomination mean to you? ROMEO: It’s an honor. (pauses) I am blessed. Coaching in this game would be a blessing. HSSM: What’s been your biggest challenge in coaching? ROMEO: When I got the job here, this was a new school. I had sophomores and I had to convince our players to buy into the program. The following year we won our first district title in 32-4A. HSSM: What kind of love do you have for this game? ROMEO: I have a tremendous passion. There are so many ups and
downs but I am always trying to be better. HSSM: On the courtside, I see your family supporting you. How does this make you feel? ROMEO: My wife, my kids, my in-laws, my Mom. They are at my games. I really thank them so much. HSSM: Do you think that you have made a difference in your players lives? ROMEO: Well, I hope so. They keep coming back. This game of basketball...wow...It’s tough love. HSSM: Good luck tonight coach. ROMEO: Thanks.
Court-side Plays. Mission Veterans head coach Romeo De La Garza sends signals to his players. (HSSM IMages) 26
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OnTheSideLines
For more on “The Star-Spangled Banner,” log on: www.wikipedia.org
O! say can they sing.
O!
say can you see b y D a v i d A. A m a d o r by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming...These words always send chills running down my spine when the National Anthem or should I say “The Star-Spangled Banner” is sung at football games, basketball games, and most sporting events. The lyrics come from a poem written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after seeing the British bombardment at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland in Chesapeake Bay. “The StarSpangled Banner” was recognized by the Navy in 1889 and then by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, until finally, it was made the national anthem by a Congressional resolution on March 3, 1931. At high school games, listening to students sing this poem reminds me of what it really feels like to be free in this country that we all live in. These high school students who gather as above all, freedom. The freedom a group or individually prepare way to express how they feel is very in advanced, singing with pride and gratifying. I have caught myself, at
“O’er the Land of the free, and the home of the brave?
times, shedding a tear right before a game listening to these young minds express themselves with so much pride. In the stands, everyone is quiet with one arm next to their hearts. Those that wear hats, remove them with respect. In the stands, I can see those who sing aloud, while others might whisper, or close their eyes. “And the Rockets red glare, the Bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there...” these words continue to remind me of the how hard our fathers of this country fought for our freedom and to this day, America still fights for our freedom. Recently, I was touched by one young teenager who sang “The StarSpangled Banner” at a McAllen H.S. basketball game. Her words and expression inspired me. Her ending, overwhelmed me completely. “O’er the Land of the free, and the home of the brave? What does this last line mean? It ends with a question mark. Brave? This word is repeated in all four verses of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the end of each verse. I have sang the “The Star-Spangled Banner” on several occassions and singing this gives me courage to do. I salute you and those who proudly sing our national anthem. O! say can they sing.
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Players Get Ready for Golf District Championships (McAllen, Texas)-Harlingen South freshmen Roman Robledo has created a storm on the Valley links by capturing several wins with a stroke of 75.0 per round average. He will be favored to win the 31-5A District title but he will be challenged by two-time defending champion, senior Adam Haley of Edinburg High School. Another challenger will be PSJA Memorial’s Johnathon Sloss, regional qualifier in 2007. In District 32-5A, Weslaco will challenge Brownsville Hanna for the team title with freshmen Garrison Lackey and Kalen Vos. In District 30-5A, Shary-
land’s duo of Brandon Reyna and Abraham Ancer should guide their team to the Regional tournament with McAllen and McAllen Memorial both vying for the
second place team spot. Edinburg North’s junior Felicia Espericueta, the two time defending champ in 315A should capture her third title.
RGV High School golf schedules and district meets. Edinburg CISD Mercedes La Joya Donna 32-5A Pre District 30-5A Pre District 32-4A Pre District 31-5A Pre District 32-5A District 30-5A District
Feb 22-23 Feb 29-Mar 1 Feb 29-Mar 1 Mar 7-10 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 28 Mar 28-29 Mar 31-Ap 1 April 2-3
Los Lagos The Palms Martin Valley Tierra Santa Tony Butler Martin Valley Tierra Santa Del Sol Tony Butler Martin Valley
GOLF Tournaments-FREE to Public 2008 UIL State Golf Championships May 5-9th Roy Kizer/Jimmy Clay Golf Courses Austin, Texas
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Top Golfer. Freshmen Roman Robledo of Harlingen Log on to: www.hssmonline.net South will be favored to win the 31-5A title. 28
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Story by David A. Amador (Hidalgo, Texas)-The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the newest NBA Developmental League continues to excite crowds at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas averaging 3,000 plus fans per home game. This weekend, the NBA D-League tips off with their national televised AllStar game in New Orleans, Louisana on Saturday at 2 p.m. live on NBA-TV. The RGV Vipers had C.J. Watson selected to play by fans and coaches but since the voting, Watson was signed by the NBA Golden State Warriors for the rest of the season. The Vipers, currently are riding a nine-game losing streak but head coach Bob Hoffman knows that his team will rebound in the upcoming games. The Vipers have had four players signed
RGV Viper Defense! Jesse Smith guards Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ian Mahinmi. NBA Devlopmental League All-Star game tips off Feb. 16th in New Orleans. (Alec Amador/HSSM Images)
Vipers Rio Grande Valley
REBOUND ! NBA D-League All-Star Weekend In New Orleans
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Wrapped Up! RGV Viper Desmon Farmer scores 34 points in loss to Colorado. (Alec Amador/HSSM Images)
of Dakota; Jeremy Richardson of Fort Wayne; and RGV Vipers/Golden State Warrior signee C.J. Watson. The RGV Vipers return home on February 27th against Fort Wayne. Tickets are available at www.rgvipers. com for area schools and fans.
Dallas, Texas
or returned to their NBA teams with the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors. The Vipers roster have since depleted to just nine players listed as active players. During All-Star Weekend, along with the NBA All-Stars, the D-League announced that legends Rick Barry and Lenny Wilkins will serve as honorary coaches for the 2008 Red and Blue teams. The D-League Red Team will be coached by Bryan Gates of Idaho. Members include: Lance Alfred of Idaho; four players from Colorado were voted in
by their fans and they are Elton Brown, Kaniel Dickens, Eddie Gill, and Billy Thomas; Nick Fazekas of Tulsa/Dallas Mavericks; Cory Violette and Randy Livingston of Idaho; Dwayne Mitchell of Iowa; and Kasib Powell of Sioux Falls. The Blue team will be coached by Dan Panaggio of Los Angeles. Blue team members are Kyrylo Fesenko and Morris Almond of Utah/Jazz; Sean Banks of Los Angeles; Andre Barrett of Bakersfield; Rod Benson of Dakota; Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keith Langford and Ian Mahimi/Spurs; Jelani McCoy of Los Angeles; Carlos Powell
American Airlines Center
4.14.08
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