High School HIgh School Sports Magazine-November 2006 Issue

Nov. 29-Dec 29, 2006

Rio Grande Valley Region H.S. Boys & Girls 32-5AAAAA 31-5AAAAA 30-5AAAAA 32-4AAAA 32-3AAA 31-3AAA 32-2AA 32-1A Edgar Segura

Weslaco

3 6 PA G E S O F S C O U T I N G R E P O R T S

PREVIEW 2006 B A S K E T B A L L

Neo Sanchez

Nathan Gonzalez

PSJA North

Mission Vets

with TDDAVE Lazaro Perez

McAllen Mem

Miranda Guzman

2.99 U.S. Dollars

C copyright

November 29, 2006

HSSM Media Group L.L.C.

Edinburg

Past State Champions RGV Standings Predictions Rosters

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Volume 2 Issue 3

November 29-December 29, 2006 Publisher & CEO David A. Amador Alec D. Amador HSSM Photographer Marc Rios HSSM Webmaster Jason O. Martinez B.B.A., C.P.T. HSSM Columnist Emails hssmonline@yahoo.com Web www.hssmonline.net HSSM Online Photos www.hssm.photoreflect.com HSSM Online Subscriptions

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New Phone Number: 956.984.8871 High School Sports Magazine 2416 Frontera Road McAllen, Texas 78504 All stories and photos published by High School Sports Magazine may not be reprinted without written premission. All stories may be submitted for consideration in the upcoming issues. High School Sports Magazine prints 13 issues annually beginning in August and ending in July. Mail all inquiries to: HSSM 5111 North 10th No. 329 McAllen, Texas 78504

Copyright Protected 2006.

a company of HSSMMedia Group L.L.C. 2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 4

PURPLE GABE VALDEZ-WESLACO H.S. HEAD COACH

REIGN

B Y D A V I D A. A M A D O R HSSM SPORTSWRITER

(Weslaco, Tx)-He used to dazzle the crowds with his baseline drives to the basket and then he would suffocate opposing players with pressure defense, and eventually, “the Wizard” would end up with another steal.

Gabe Valdez is back at Weslaco High School, but this time, as the coach, and not the player he once was for this Panther team. “This is like a dream come true”, says the former University of Texas-Pan American basketball star. “I always wanted to come back to Weslaco and coach on the court,” says Valdez. This past year, Gabe Valdez took overhead coaching duties for the Weslaco Panthers after longtime head coach Roy Swift left for another position with the McAllen Bulldogs. “This is a great opportunity for me,” adds Valdez. And why not, his Weslaco Panthers are currently ranked 21st in Class 5A featuring two senior players who dominate this game from this Rio Grande Valley region.

Gabe started his coaching career with the Weslaco Lady Panthers and then another opportunity came up with the addition of another high school. Valdez would get the nod to coach his first boy’s basketball team.

Valdez quickly brought his success as the girls head coach, where he had won two district titles and at East, he would lead them to their first bi-district title in 2006 with a huge win over Corpus Christi Calallen in a thrilling 56-55 win.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 6

Career Highlights:

Weslaco H.S. (Girls) Two District titles Weslaco East (Boys) Two Playoffs One Bi-District title Unversity of Texas-Pan American Basketball Starter/Division I

State-Ranked Weslaco Panthers enter this season as the team to beat from the Rio Grande Valley. Center, 6’10 Francisco Rodriguez leads the Panthers. (HSSM Images)

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 8

32-5AAAAA

Pete Vega

Tommy Sotuyo

Anthony Martinez

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Marcus Cabrera

Robert Trejo

Danny Ryan

Joe Martinez

Eli Gaona

Bo Bradford

Pete vega marcus cabrera robert trejo uriel segura tommy sotuyo danny reyna kiko rodriguez joe martinez anthony martinez eli gaona bo bradford

He would also lead the Wildcats in 2004 to the Class 4A playoffs, before losing to Edinburg 59-49.

Now, after nine years of coaching, Valdez hopes that he will find early success at the 5A level in District 32-5A like he did in Class 4A at 32-4A Weslaco East.

Valdez adds that with his family supporting him as “fans in the stands”, he hopes that he will continue his purple reign success at Weslaco

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For the record: The panthers have lost to harlingen twice in 2005 and 2006 in the Class 5A State Playoff bidistrict rounds. the panthers will now enter play in 32-5aaaaa.

too. The 32-5A Panthers are favored by HSSM to win the district title and with this year’s Panthers having all the makings of a state champion, Valdez knows that his Panthers, “need to stay focused and take one game at a time. We should do well.”

Note: The Weslaco Panthers have made the playoffs for the past two seasons losing in the first round of the State 5A Playoffs to Harlingen.

31-5AAAAA

2.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

PSJA Bears

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Head coach: Robert Flores Graduate: UTPA 1972, Masters in Kinesiology Career W-L Record: 550-251 Last Coaching Job: Mission High School 2000-04

Fast Facts: The PSJA Bears advanced to the Class 4A Regional Semifinals in 2002-03 with wins over Brownsville Lopez (58-45), Flour Bluff (5539), Harlingen South (66-47), before losing to SA Houston 75-47.

PSJA Head Coach Robert Flores is back to lead the Bears to the 2007 Playoffs! Pictured are l-r Issac Robles, Robert Flores, and Joan Rodriguez. Back row l-r are Ruben Perez, Ty Gough, and JD Barrera. (HSSM Images) (Pharr,Tx)-He is one of the most successful coaches in basketball and now the PSJA Bears brought back former head coach Robert Flores, with hopes of leading them to the state playoffs. Flores has been coaching for 33 years and he feels that this team can make a difference in the realigned 31-5A District.

Last year the Bears missed the playoffs by one game but key losses to Weslaco and Edinburg stopped them short in the end. “I feel great being back on the court side and I’m just having fun with these guys. They are very mature,” says Flores.

The Bears will be led by six-foot, ten inch senior, Ty Gough, who has verbally committed to play for Texas State in San Marcos this coming year. “Ty is a leader and has matured tremendously. His leadership

and dedication has filtered with the rest of the team,” says Flores.

This year’s Bears are filled with a nucleus of talent and size to compete with the addition of Harlingen and Harlingen South, who were transferred into the 31-5A district this year. Seniors Ruben Perez (6’3), J.D. Barrera (6’3), Issac Robles (5’10), Richard Garza (6’0), Danny Lopez (6’0), J.R. Castillo (5’10), and Joan Rodriguez (5’4) will be counted on for their leadership this season. Against Brownsville Lopez, Gough showed his dominance by scoring 33 points and hauling down 17 rebounds in their loss.

They open district play with at home against PSJA Memorial on Dec 30th followed by a road game with Harlingen on Jan 2nd.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 12

www.magicvalley.coop

2006-07 Basketball Game Schedules Sharyland Lady Rattlers 30-5A McAllen Memorial PSJA Rio Grande City Josten’s Holiday Tour McAllen La Joya Nikki Rowe Donna McAllen Memorial Open Rio Grande City McAllen La Joya Nikki Rowe Donna

A A H H A H A H H A H A H A

Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28-30 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6

Nikki Rowe Warriors 30-5A City of Palms Tourn San Benito Harlingen South Calallen Tourn Donna McAllen Memorial Sharyland Rio Grande City McAllen La Joya Hidalgo Donna McAllen Memorial Sharyland Rio Grande City McAllen La Joya

H H H A A H A H H A A H A H A A H

Dec. 14-16 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-28 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 sponsored by

All game times are set for 7:30 tipoff

Edinburg Lady Bobcats 31-5A Edinburg Economedes Brownsville Porter Harlingen South Josten’s Tournament Edinburg North Harlingen PSJA PSJA North PSJA Memorial Economedes Harlingen South Edinburg North Harlingen PSJA PSJA North

H H A A H A A H H A H A H H A

Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 28-30 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6

McAllen Bulldogs 30-5A Brownsville Hanna Los Fresnos McAllen Memorial Brownsville Pace San Isidro Sharyland Rio Grande City La Joya Nikki Rowe Donna McAllen Memorial Sharyland Rio Grande City La Joya Nikki Rowe Donna

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 13

A H H A A A H A A H A H A H H A

Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Dec. 30 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 13

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

31-5AAAAA

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

PSJA North

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Head coach: Jaime Gongora Career W-L Record: 354-120 Years at PSJA North: 13th year College: Tarkio College 1989 Bachelor’s in Education HS: PSJA ‘85

(Pharr,Tx)- The PSJA North Raiders made a run for the State 5A Title in 2006 by advancing to the State 5A Region IV Tournament for the first time in San Antonio with wins over Brownsville Porter (62-56), Sharyland (55-52 OT), Laredo Alexander (64-57), before falling short to San Antonio Reagan 63-39 in the Regional Semifinals.

The Raiders made the playoffs as the second place team from 31-5A and with Harlingen and Harlingen South now competing in 31-5A with the new realignments intact, head coach Jaime Gongora says that “his team welcomes the challenge”.

Now entering his 13th season with the Raiders, Gongora is pleased with his team’s performance early on. “We will play pressure defense and at 5-2, I think that we have gotten better each time,” he adds.

The Raiders have posted wins over 30-5A district favorite, McAllen Memorial; 32-3A title contender, Hidalgo; Progreso, and Laredo Martin. Gongora’s teams have won three of the last four 31-5A titles and he is proud to say that they have earned them outright with many challenges.

Neo Sanchez (6’2),

Fast Facts: The North Raiders advanced to the State 5A Region IV tournament for the first in school’s history in 2006. the raiders were the runner-ups in District 31-5a.

our best shooting guard,” says Gongora. In 2004, the Raiders won the 31-5A title and then defeated Corpus Christi Carroll 76-73 in the Area Championships before losing to Corpus Christi Ray 55-48 in the Regional quarter finals. Again, in 2003, the Raiders would win the district title but would fall short in the area playoffs losing to Corpus Christi King 53-47. “After this weekend, we get a breather before we get on the court again and this district with be tough but I think we have improved faster that what I expected,” added Gongora.

HSSM’s

Sweet

He’s the one. Neo Sanchez of PSJA North will lead his Raiders to a possible Sweet 16 back-to-back appearance in the State 5A Region IV Tournament. (HSSM Images) leads the team, along with Hector Jasso (5’9), who will be returning to the line up after contributing to the Raider football team this

past season and according to Gongora, he considers Jasso as the best athlete on the team.

“Hector can make things happen on the court and he’s

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 14

16

1. Weslaco 2. PSJA North 3. Mission Vets 4. PSJA 5. McAllen Mem 6. Sharyland 7. Harlingen 8. Edinburg 9. Nikki Rowe 10. McAllen 11. Los Fresnos 12. Edcouch-Elsa 13. Rio Grande City 14. Roma 15. Bro Lopez 16. San Isidro

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 15

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

32-4AAAA

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Mission Vets ................................................................................

Fast Facts: The 32-4A district champions advanced three rounds deep in the Class 4A State playoffs before losing to South San Antonio 56-49 last season.

(Mission,Tx)-Head coach Romeo De La Garza Jr. will be expecting his newest addition: a new son. With only a few days away from holding his newborn son, “Nathaniel Luke”, De La Garza Jr. just smiles and looks like the proud Daddy that he already is and his players seem to feel the same way. “Our coach is the best,” says four-year lettermen Nathan Gonzalez.

The Patriots are the three-time 324A District Champions, a trophy that once belonged to the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets and Robert Capello. Not anymore, especially with this season’s roster and talent, the Patriots should expect another golden trophy in their case. “Last year, after our loss to South San Antonio in the Regional Quarterfinals, we sat down the next day and we set our goals for this season,” added De La Garza Jr. The 1994 University of Texas-Pan American graduate understands that Gonzalez will be the leader on the court in 2006-07 and with his experience, both player and coach seem to think alike. “Nathan knows this system

Head coach: Romeo De la Garza Jr. Career W-L Record: 143-79 Years at Mission Veterans: 5th year College: University of TexasPan American ‘94 HS: Mission ‘89

and we both find ourselves discussing game plans,” says the three-time district championship coach. The Pats will play their final pre-season run at the Border Olympics Tournament in Laredo on December 28-30th before opening 32-4A play with Valley View H.S.

Nathan Gonzalez

Eric Villegas

Danny Flores

Caleb Villarreal

Romeo De La Garza Jr.

Mission Veterans Head coach

Freddy Perez

2006-07 Mission Veterans Nathan Gonzalez Diego Gutierrez Wally Garza Caleb Villarreal Matthew Villalobos Ben Gonzalez Eric Villegas Freddy Perez Danny Flores Noe Hernandez Archi Reyna

Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

5’11 6’3 6’0 5’7 5’10 5’10 5’10 6’0 6’2 6’1 6’4

Noe Hernandez

Coaching Staff: Jeff Espino (Varsity asst), Joe Espino (JV/Varsity asst), Isaac Lozano (JV/Var Asst), and Theodore Berry (Var Asst)

For the record: 2005-06 32-4A Champs State 4A Area Champs State 4A Reg Qtrs Finals

3-Time District Champions 5th year as a new school.

Nathan Gonzalez, 4year letterman, MVP in 2005.

Wally Garza

Ben Gonzalez

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 16

Archie Reyna

30-5AAAAA

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

McA Memorial ..............................................................................................

Head coach: Sam Cortez 2005-06 District: 6-4, third Years at McAllen Memorial: 4th College: Texas A&M Kingsville 1994 Major Kinesiology HS: San Benito 1988

(McAllen,Tx)-If the McAllen Memorial Mustangs can overcome the first round hiccups like the football team has done, then these Mustangs will be a team to reckon with in the state playoffs in 2007.

Head coach Sam Cortez will lead his Royal Blue and Gold in District 30-5A with hopes of going to the next level.

“We are rebuilding this year and I think we will be competitive,” adds Cortez.

In 2005, the Mustangs placed third in 30-5A and lost to Laredo Alexander in the bi-district championship game 9778 and again, the Mustangs would meet their fate twice, losing to Alexander in the first round 63-53 in 2006.

HSSM picks the Mustangs as the team to beat in 2007 once district play begins but Cortez disagrees with the picks.

“We need to come together before we take the next step,” says Cortez.

So far, he’s been right too. Against Hidalgo, Cortez watched his team lose by one point, 53-54 to a talented 3A Pirate team, but he was pleased with 6’4 Lazaro Perez’s performance of 20 points scored. Rene Vela also shined some light with 17 points, along with Mark Masso’s two points.

Cortez’s definition of “coming together” means that he has nine standouts still playing for the McAllen Memorial football who are still in the state playoffs after four rounds. “We’ll be alright,” smiles Cortez.

Note: The Mustangs have won just one game to date and have dealt with four losses.

Go Mustangs! The McAllen Memorial Mustang’s Sacho Romero gets set for a pass from his teammates. (HSSM Images)

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 17

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

30-5AAAAA

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Sharyland ...................................................................

Head coach: David Keith Coaching Experience: 1st year College: UTPA 1998 Major: History

Fast Facts: The Rattlers won their first 2006 5A District title since they moved up to 30-5A in 2005 from Class 4A. Sharyland also won the 31-4A title in 2002-03.

2005-06 Sharyland Rattlers 30-5A District Champions! Pictured l-r are Andrew Smith, Angel Ramirez, ist year head coach David Keith, and Jerry Dominguez. Back row l-r are Ryan Whitlock, Marcos Meza, Estevan Salinas, and Eddie Hinojosa. (HSSM Images) (Sharyland, Tx)-Can the Sharyland Rattlers defend their 30-5A District title in 2007?

The Rattlers begin a new era with first year head coach David Keith taking over duties and he feels that his Rattlers will be competitive in 2006-07.

In 2003, the Rattlers won the 32-4A title and then lost a heart breaker in overtime to Gregory Portland (3830) in the first round of the State 4A playoffs. They would make the playoffs again in 2004 as the third place team, only to lose

to Brownsville Lopez 74-61, again in the first round.

Again, the first round jitters would continue to haunt this Rattler team as PSJA North would defeat them in overtime 55-52, but after receiving a bye in the first round, the area title would slip away again in 2006.

Keith enters a new realigned district with Donna added to the district but this year, four teams will qualify for the state playoffs in Class 5A. “We should be able to make the playoffs and so this season will be exciting for us,” says Keith.

The quest for another 305A title begins this week

with Sharyland hosting the Diamondback Classic.

Teams playing in this year’s tournament are Weslaco, Hidalgo, La Joya, San Benito, Edinburg, Santa Rosa, Mission

Veterans, Weslaco East, PSJA, Economedes, and Hope Academy. “This year’s tournament features five of the top teams from the Valley,” adds Keith.

Weslaco Hidalgo

GYM B 8:30p Friday

GYM A 8:30p Thurs

GYM A 1:00p Friday GYM A 4:00p Saturday Consolation

La Joya San Benito

GYM A 7:00p Thurs

Edinburg Santa Rosa

GYM A 8:30p Friday GYM A 2:30p Friday

GYM A 5:30p Thurs

GYM B 1:00p Friday GYM B 7:00p Friday Losers Brackets also played (not shown)

Mission Veterans Weslaco East GYM A 4:00p Thurs

PSJA Economedes

GYM A 2:30p Thurs

Sharyland Hope

GYM B 2:30p Friday

GYM A 7:30p Saturday Championship

GYM A 7:00p Friday

GYM A 1:00p Thurs

2006 Sharyland Diamondback Classic Bracket

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 18

31-5AAAAA

7.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Harlingen .................................................................

Head coach: Greg Yates College: Southwest Texas State 1987 Years at Harlingen: 4th year W-L Record: 160-71

Repeat in 2007? Can the Harlingen Cardinals surprise District 31-5A and make it back to the State 5A Region IV Tournament?

(HSSM Images)

Fast Facts: The Cardinals made their way to the State 5A region IV tournament in 2006 with upset wins over weslaco, laredo johnson, and laredo united.

(Harlingen,Tx)-What year 2006 would turn out to be for the Harlingen Cardinal’s basketball team. “We did not expect to beat both Laredo schools in the state playoffs, but we did,” smiled head coach Greg Yates. The Cardinals advanced to the Class 5A Region IV Tournament after wins over Weslaco (53-43), Laredo Johnson (67-65), and a thriller at the buzzer over Laredo United (59-58) to advance to the “Sweet 16”. The Cards are now reloading with younger players and early success too. At the 24th Annual Kreillor Basketball Tournament, Harlingen defeated Laredo Nixon 63-46, but would lose to St. Joe by two points, 62-60. The Cards will now compete in District 31-5A after realignments were made in February.

Along with Harlingen South, the Cards will play all three Edinburg and Pharr schools. Edinburg is the reigning district champion along with PSJA, the Region IV State 5A Semifinalist.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 19

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

31-5AAAAA

8.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Edinburg

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Head coach: Joe Filoteo College: Baylor University Career W-L Record: 494-274 Masters in Education Years at Edinburg: 23rd year HS: Waco H.S.

Fast Facts: The Bobcats have been to the State Region Iv tournament twice in back to back seasons and at one time, they were ranked no.

10 in the polls.

Runnin’ for 500 Longtime head basketball coach Joe Filoteo Only a Few Wins Away from the 500 Club

Looking for Win No. 500 will be head coach Joe Filoteo and his returning lettermen pictured l-r are Johnny Chapa, Kevin Rodriguez, Rallie De La Rosa, David Guerrero, and Joey Perez. (HSSM Images) ( E d i n b u rg , T x ) - L o n g t i m e Edinburg head basketball coach Joe Filoteo spent this Monday morning with his team running drills and at times, he could be seen taking a glance at his championship banners hanging from the ceiling and smile.

And why not, after all, he is approaching win No.500 this week hopefully, against Brownsville Rivera at Bobcat Gymnasium. “I think that No.500 is a milestone for any coach,” says Filoteo. “Roy Garcia, Carl Owens, and Robert Capello all belong to this elite

group. This win would be very meaningful,” he adds. Now in his 29th year of coaching, Filoteo started his career as the head coach of Lamar Consolidated with his first win over Katy when he was just 27 years old in 1980.

After two years, he applied for the head coaching position in Edinburg and former athletic director Richard Flores hired him in 1983. “I’ve been here ever since and after beating Calallen for win No. 400, I was amazed with what we have done here at Edinburg,” says

Filoteo.

The Bobcat head coach was born in Waco, Texas, where he became the captain of his basketball team at Waco High School and then went on to graduate from Baylor University with a degree in Education, and later received his masters.

One of his most memorable moments came in back-to-back seasons when the Running Bobcats advanced to the State 5A Regional Tournament from 1999 to 2000. “Not very many teams can do this and this team was special,” added Filoteo.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 20

Last year the Bobcats surprised every team from District 31-5A by claiming the district title upsetting Weslaco, PSJA North, and PSJA. “We expect to win titles every year.

That’s our tradition right here in Edinburg. Our players expect to play in the state playoffs,” added Filoteo.

As win No. 500 approaches sometime this season, the 29year veteran says that the biggest reward in coaching is to see his former players come back and tell him what a “difference” he has made in their lives.

30-5AAAAA

9.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Nikki Rowe

Fast Facts: The warriors have made the playoffs for the past four consecutive seasons claiming two Bi-District titles.

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Head coach: Jose Yerba 30-5A Runner ups in 2006

(McAllen, Tx)- The McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors just keep winning year in and year out. This season, should proved to be just the same as the Warriors get ready for the upcoming City of Palms Basketball tournament slated for December 14-16th.

Head coach Jose Yerba begins this season coaching two basketball teams, one at the high school level, and the other at the professional level. “I’ve always wanted to coach professionally and being the head coach of the Reynosa Correcaminos (Roadrunners) is a great opportunity,” says Yerba. “This has been tough running from one place to another but it’s what I do. I love coaching,” added Yerba.

The Warriors have made the playoffs for the past four years, capturing two bi-district titles in Class 5A and they have finished second three out of the past four years in District 30-5A. Last year, the Warriors lost a heart breaker in the first round of the state playoffs to Laredo United in overtime but expect Nikki Rowe to bounce back with another playoff run and a possible district title.

Four Straight Playoff Seasons. The McAllen Nikki Rowe Warrior Fab Five are pictured l-r are Alex Chalk, Cameron Gatling, Alex Gonzalez, Olando Cedillo, and Alex Rojas. Head coach is Jose Yerba.

(HSSM Images)

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 21

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

30-5AAAAA

10.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

McAllen H.S. ..................................................................................

Head coach: Roy Swift 1st year at McAllen H.S. 11th season as head coach

(McAllen, Tx)-When opportunity presents it’s self, head basketball coach Roy Swift made the decision to make a move now. “I left Weslaco after 10 years and seven playoff runs to come to McAllen. This was a great move for me and my family,” he adds.

The new look McAllen Bulldogs needed this move too after failing to make the playoffs since 2000 and hopefully Swift’s 188 wins will continue to add up with more wins as the next generation of Bulldogs more forward. “We have a full squad with more players coming out for our program. They (players) are excited and we have these Dogs’ running hard,” laughs Swift.

The Bulldogs traveled to Houston to compete in the McDonald’s Texas Invitational which featured 72 boys and girls teams and 188 games with Kingwood capturing the Boy’s Gold Division title. The Bulldogs would be the only Valley team entered in this classic.

McAllen played Dallas Hillcrest in the Bronze Division losing 4726, followed by a win over Galena Park 64-57. In the next round, McHi lost to Houston Memorial 54-37. “Experience is what counts and we have the talent to make this possible,” says Swift.

The Bulldogs feature a nucleus of young but talented players with size and game. Freshmen Nick Garza (6’2), Ryan Edwards (6’4), and J.J. Avila (6’5) give the Bulldogs depth while junior Cody Dukquits (6’4), sophomore Cory Pace (6’2), and

Fast Facts: The bulldogs have qualified for the state playoffs in 1954, 61, 62, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 82, 86, 89, 97, 99, and 2000.

Michael Canales

Hutton Edwards

Ryan Evans

J.J. Avila

Cory Pace

Anthony Wilkerson

junior Albert Magallan (6’2) will contribute to the front lines. Seniors Amir Turcios (6’4), Henry Valladares

Amir Turcios

Cory Dukquits

Joseph Pompa

(6’3), and Anthony Wilkerson (6-1) will add the needed leadership to guide these underclassmen.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 22

How They’ll

FINISH

DISTRICT BY DISTRICT 2006-07 BOYS STANDINGS 30-5AAAAA 31-5AAAAA 32-5AAAAA 1. MCALLEN MEM 1. PSJA 1. WESLACO 2. MCALLEN ROWE 2. LOS FRESNOS 2. EDINBURG 3. SHARYLAND 3. PSJA NORTH 3. BRO RIVERA 4. MCALLEN 4.

HARLINGEN SO 4. BRO PORTER 5. RIO GRANDE CITY 5. HARLINGEN 5. BRO PACE 6. LA JOYA 6. ED NORTH 6. BRO HANNA 7. ECONOMEDES 7. DONNA 7. SAN BENITO 8. PSJA MEM 8. BRO LOPEZ 31-3AAA 32-3AAA 32-4AAAA 1. ZAPATA 1.

HIDALGO 1. MISSION VETS 2. RAYMONDVILLE 2. LA FERIA 2. ED-ELSA 3. SAN DIEGO 3. PROGRESO 3. MISSION 4. LYFORD 4. PORT ISABEL 4. ROMA 5. FALFURRIAS 5. RIO HONDO 5. WES EAST 6. MERCEDES 7. VALLEY VIEW 2006-07 GIRLS STANDINGS 30-5AAAAA 31-5AAAAA 32-5AAAAA 1. SHARYLAND 1. EDINBURG 1. BRO HANNA 2. LOS FRESNOS 2. HARLINGEN SO 2. MCALLEN HS 3. DONNA 3. HARLINGEN 3. BRO RIVERA 4. ECONOMEDES 4. MCALLEN MEM 4. WESLACO 5. LA JOYA 5. BRO PORTER 5. PSJA NORTH 6. RIO GRANDE CITY 6. PSJA MEM 6. BRO LOPEZ 7. ED NORTH 7. BRO PACE 8. PSJA 8. SAN BENITO 32-4AAAA 1. MISSION VETS 2. ED-ELSA 3. MISSION 4. WES EAST 5. MERCEDES 6. ROMA 7. VALLEY VIEW

32-3AAA 1. HIDALGO 2. LA FERIA 3. PROGRESO 4. PORT ISABEL 5. RIO HONDO

31-3AAA 1. ZAPATA 2. RAYMONDVILLE 3. SAN DIEGO 4. LYFORD 5. FALFURRIAS

Note: The top four teams from every district in Class 5A now advance to the state playoffs.

Harlingen South’s Joslynn Benavides drives past Mission Veteran’s Melissa Chavero. (HSSM Images)

30-5A playoff hopefuls are the much improved La Joya Lady Coyotes pictured top l-r are Kasandra Pena and Gabriela Cortez, Bottom l-r are Cynthia Gonzalez and Vanessa Barrera. (HSSM Images)

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 23

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

2006-07 HSSM BASKETBALL P R E D I C T I O N S

Get these Action Photos for only $8.95 (8”x10”) at www.hssmonline.net

STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

State Girls Basketball Tournament Champions (1971-2006) 1971 3A: Victoria 55, Canyon 51 2A: Spearman 52, Buna 47 1A: Claude 46, Glen Rose 33 B: Round Top-Carmine 48, Grandview 33 1972 3A: Canyon 59, Rockdale 36 2A: Spearman 50, Waco Robinson 49 1A: Claude 57, Southlake Carroll 55 B: Round Top-Carmine 54, Huckabay 48 1973 3A: Angleton 57, Canyon 55 2A: Waco Midway 65, Comanche 46 1A: Grandview 39, Turkey Valley 37 B: Neches 49, Poolville 45 1974 3A: Canyon 65, Conroe 41 2A: Slaton 51, Comanche 45 1A: Grandview 52, Shiner 36 B: Poolville 60, Lamesa Klondike 54 1975 3A: Waco Midway 60, Canyon 52 2A: George West 52, Bellville 51 1A: Southlake Carroll 50, Vega 48 B: Crawford 45, Neches 44 1976 4A: Duncanville 70, Victoria 69 3A: Waco Midway 64, Canyon 59 2A: Phillips 83, Bellville 69 1A: Stratford 60, Archer City 57 B: Neches 53, Crawford 49 1977 4A: South Oak Cliff 79, Schertz Clemens 65 3A: Canyon 58, Waco Midway 54 2A: Spearman 61, Waco Robinson 58 1A: Cooper 85, Deweyville 69 B: Nazareth 73, May 54 1978 4A: South Oak Cliff 70, Victoria 62 3A: Canyon 59, Corpus Christi Tuloso Midway 37 2A: Slaton 55, Granbury 45 1A: Robert Lee 44, Cushing 41 B: Nazareth 47, Graford 39 1979 4A: Victoria 43, South Oak Cliff 41 3A: Georgetown 51, Sweeny 49 2A: Slaton 68, Pflugerville 54 1A: Hale Center 46, Bogata Rivercrest 29 B: Nazareth 46, Brock 43

1980 4A: South Oak Cliff 74, Lubbock Monterey 49 3A: Dumas 53, Corpus Christi Flour Cluff 43 2A: Slaton 75, Kyle Hays 44 1A: Bogata Rivercrest 68, Panhandle 41 B: Nazareth 56, Brock 50 1981 5A: Lubbock Monterey 71, Duncanville 70 4A: Canyon 64, Bay City 53 3A: Abernathy 61, Sweeny 59 2A: Hardin 61, New Deal 46 1A: Nazareth 84, Colmesneil 39 1982 5A: Victoria 46, South Oak Cliff 45 4A: AuSouth Del Valle 76, Carthage 64 3A: Barbers Hill 68, Sweeny 53 2A: Hardin 69, Phillips 61 1A: Nazareth 64, Dime Box 37 1983 5A: Houston Yates 58, Victoria 56 4A: Levelland 41, Corpus Christi Calallen 28 3A: Barbers Hill 86, Sweeny 81 2A: Hardin 41, Hale Center 39 1A: Sudan 46, La Poynor 34 1984 5A: Longview 72, Houston Yates 52 4A: Waco Richfield 56, Levelland 43 3A: Abernathy 67, Groesbeck 57 2A: Pollok Central 37, Hale Center 36 1A: Nazareth 64, Petty W. Lamar 32 1985 5A: South Oak Cliff 60, Victoria 46 4A: Waco Richfield 44, Sweetwater 35 3A: Vernon 52, Sweeny 51 2A: Troy 80, Abernathy 72 1A: Nazareth 56, Priddy 48 1986 5A: Victoria 57, Tyler Lee 44 4A: Levelland 44, A&M Consolidated 43 3A: Hardin-Jefferson 72, Ingleside 53 2A: Abernathy 51, Rogers 42 1A: Snook 36, Nazareth 33

1A: Nazareth 57, La Poynor 33

1A: Vega 70, Valley View 64

1990 5A: Duncanville 74, Houston Yates 51 4A: Corpus Christi Calallen 46, Waco Midway 39 3A: Abilene Wylie 51, Edna 37 2A: Tatum 61, Marlon 50 1A: Nazareth 53, Moulton 34

2000 5A: Mansfield 69, Plano 43 4A: Canyon 74, Waxahachie 54 3A: Winnsboro 54, Smithville 51 2A: Farwell 47, Brock 35 1A: Nazareth 72, Valley View 56

1991 5A: Amarillo Tascosa 54, Victoria 41 4A: Levelland 51, Lincoln 30 3A: Tulia 58, Winnsboro 39 2A: Abernathy 37, Honey Grove 32 1A: Nazareth 50, Moulton 30 1992 5A: San Marcos 45, Duncanville 43 4A: Canyon Randall 43, Georgetown 42 3A: Canyon 49, Winnsboro 29 2A: Panhandle 52, Marlon 49 1A: Celeste 70, Brock 57 1993 5A: Amarillo 68, Corpus Christi King 65 4A: Austin Westlake 48, Levelland 40 3A: Dimmitt 59, Dripping Springs 51 2A: Marlon 69, Hamilton 63 1A: Celeste 63, Muenster 38 1994 5A: Amarillo 62, Conroe 46 4A: Waco Midway 52, Lincoln 40 3A: Dripping Springs 64, Waco La Vega 56 2A: Tuscola Jim Ned 31, Hemphill 29 1A: Sudan 40, Jayton 36 1995 5A: Austin Westlake 59, Duncanville 56 (OT) 4A: Cleburne 55, Silsbee 50 3A: Bowie 65, Dripping Springs 50 2A: Ozona 61, Cooper 47 1A: Sudan 66, Alvord 42 1996 5A: Austin Westlake 64, Alief Elsik 60 (2 OT) 4A: Canyon 60, Cedar Hill 34 3A: Groesbeck 63, Slaton 61 2A: Ozona 45, Gunter 39 1A: Nazareth 43, Celeste 30

1987 5A: Plainview 59, Austin Lanier 47 4A: Levelland 41, Corpus Christi Calallen 30 3A: Slaton 43, Sweeny 40 2A: Morton 68, Paris 53 1A: Sudan 55, Moulton 26

1997 5A: Duncanville 44, Alief Elsik 33 4A: Levelland 36, Cedar Hill 33 3A: Barbers Hill 66, Dripping Springs 45 2A: Poth 54, Shallowater 50 1A: Whiteface 59, Celeste 39

1988 5A: Duncanville 60, North Mesquite 46 4A: Levelland 38, Corpus Christi Calallen 35 3A: Brownfield 49, HardinJefferson 40 2A: Godley 60, Grapeland 58 1A: Nazareth 64, La Poynor 28

1998 5A: Alief Elsik 58, Amarillo Palo Duro 38 4A: Canyon Randall 52, Bay City 23 3A: Comanche 65, Winnsboro 56 2A: Hamilton 54, Ozona 45 1A: Karnack 69, Nazareth 45

1989 5A: Duncanville 42, Victoria 38 4A: Levelland 45, West OrangeStark 24 3A: Hardin-Jefferson 46, Canyon 44 2A: Grapeland 54, Abernathy 47

1999 5A: Mansfield 65, Corpus Christi Carroll 46 4A: Lincoln 52, Canyon 49 3A: Winnsboro 56, Lufkin Hudson 48 2A: Hughes Springs 61, Salado 33

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2001 5A: Mansfield 62, Spring Westfield 49 4A: Plainview 51, Lincoln 40 3A: Winnsboro 51, Abilene Wylie 48 2A: Nacogdoches Central Heights 57, Boyd 56 1A: Nazareth 61, Kennard 44 2002 5A: Mansfield 47, San Antonio Taft 42 4A: Plainview 68, Lincoln 40 3A: Llano 67, Texarkana-LibertyEylau 51 2A: Buffalo 48, Abernathy 43 1A-1: Brock 58, LaPoynor 26 1A-2: Nazareth 67, Dodd City 42 2003 5A: Duncanville 47, Georgetown 27 4A: Plainview 50, Lincoln 42 3A: Canyon 76, Kountze 45 2A: Brock 55, Shallowater 36 A-I: La Poynor 52, Gruver 47 A-II: Priddy 57, Hedley 54 Texas Cup: Priddy 66, La Poynor 63 2004 5A: Spring Westfield 66, Duncanville 49 4A: Lincoln 57, Plainview 35 3A: Canyon 63, Winnsboro 33 2A: Shallowater 44, Aubrey 37 A-I: Archer City 43, Muenster 42 A-II: Fayetteville 48, Briscoe Fort Elliott 41 Texas Cup: Archer City 59, Fayetteville 47 2005 5A: Arlington Bowie 69, Humble 62 4A: Fort Worth Dunbar 56, Angleton 50 3A: Canyon 66, Cleveland 46 2A: Brock 64, Canadian 30 A-I: Seagraves 60, Moulton 45 A-II: Nazareth 62, Kennard 57 Texas Cup: Seagraves 56, Nazareth 51 2006 5A: Plano West 54, Rockwall 47 4A: Waxahachie 52, Kerville Tivy 48 3A: China Spring 57, Abilene Wylie 54 2A: Argyle 51, Wall 33 A-I: Martin’s Mill 61, Elkhart Slocum 30 A-II: Kennard 44, SpringlakeEarth 26

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1973 4A: Houston Wheatley 84, Midland 78 3A: Longview Pine Tree 45, Lamesa 38 2A: San Augustine 60, Grand Saline 58 1A: Kennard 77, Petrolia 67 B: La Poynor 72, Brock 52 1974 4A: Houston Kashmere 91, South Oak Cliff 87 3A: Gonzales 77, Crosby 62 2A: Bowie 76, Friona 66 1A: Huntington 41, Snook 39 B: Huckabay 49, La Poynor 48 1975 4A: Houston Kashmere 60, Fort Worth Paschal 58 3A: Lamesa 59, South Grand Prairie 55 2A: Dimmitt 49, Van Vleck 43 1A: Brookshire Royal 62, Whitewright 57 B: La Poynor 52, Spade 42 1976 4A: EP Eastwood 74, Tyler 62 3A: Od. Ector 78, Waxahachie 75 2A: Mart 57, Moulton 52 1A: Broaddus 82, Crowell 46 B: Richards 57, Brookeland 47 1977 4A: South Oak Cliff 78, Fort Worth Dunbar 71 3A: Daingerfield 72, Borger 68 2A: Morton 63, Kountze 60 1A: Broaddus 84, Whitewright 71 B: Avinger 68, Hedley 62 1978 4A: Houston Wheatley 84, San Antonio Fox Tech 83 3A: Huntsville 55, Mineral Wells 49 2A: Whitehouse 60, Dimmitt 59 1A: Snook 63, Coppell 62 B: Krum 69, Avinger 68 1979 4A: Lufkin 75, Fort Worth Dunbar 74 3A: Huntsville 48, Mineral Wells 45 2A: Seminole 47, Altair Rice 42 1A: Vega 52, La Poynor 44 B: Snook 57, Krum 56 1980 4A: Houston Kashmere 70, Plano 69 3A: Beaumont Hebert 88, Snyder 53 2A: Abernathy 64, Boling 58 1A: Gladewater Sabine 69, Bartlett 68 B: Snook 59, Petty West Lamar 58 1981 5A: Port Arthur Lincoln 92, San Antonio Marshall 84 4A: Beaumont Hebert 59, Canyon 57 3A: Altair Rice 56, Paris North Lamar 52 2A: Gladewater Sabine 62, Shallowater 42 1A: Snook 41, Henrietta Midway 33 1982

5A: San Antonio Churchill 75, Galveston Ball 74 4A: Beaumont Hebert 76, Waxahachie 71 3A: Dimmitt 60, Linden Kildare 59 2A: Shelbyville 46, Nixon 39 1A: Snook 52, Midland Greenwood 45 1983 5A: Bryan 71, Fort Worth Paschal 54 4A: Waxahachie 79, Borger 66 3A: Dimmitt 81, Van Vleck 54 2A: Morton 91, Bartlett 69 1A: Snook 76, Nacogdoches Central Heights 40 1984 5A: Bryan 68, Houston Memorial 56 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 61, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 52 3A: New Boston 76, Sour Lake Hardin-Jefferson 65 2A: Shelbyville 73, Somerville 67 1A: Snook 39, Nazareth 30 1985 5A: Houston Madison 86, Conroe 69 4A: Bay City 65, Lamesa 63 3A: Sweeny 55, Brownsboro 43 2A: Grapeland 63, Morton 56 1A: La Poynor 47, Nazareth 41 1986 5A: Amarillo 68, Kimball 63 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 55, Mansfield 39 3A: Cleveland 57, Dimmitt 56 2A: Morton 73, Dripping Springs 59 1A: Nazareth 53, Archer City 49 1987 5A: LaPorte 64, San Antonio Holmes 58 4A: Hillcrest 54, Cleburne 42 3A: Sweeny 66, Hughes Springs 64 2A: Morton 84, Liberty Hill 72 1A: Paducah 71, Bronte 39 1988 5A: Houston Sam Houston 73, Fort Worth Dunbar 68 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 66, Wichita Falls Hirschi 59 3A: Sweeny 59, Corpus Christi West Oso 50 2A: Archer City 80, Liberty Hill 69 1A: Paducah 99, Livingston Big Sandy 61 1989 5A: League City Clear Lake 86, San Antonio Jay 69 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 86, Austin Travis 72 3A: San Antonio Cole 66, Clarksville 60 2A: Edgewood 48, Tidehaven 46 1A: Ladonia Fannindel 75, Moulton 58

3A: Sour Lake Hardin-Jefferson 75, Clarksville 68 2A: Abernathy 55, Troup 46 1A: Moulton 53, Bronte 44 1992 5A: Longview 71, Victoria 67 (OT) 4A: South Oak Cliff 73, Georgetown 60 3A: Stafford 73, Groesbeck 72 2A: Troup 60, Krum 40 1A: Laneville 51, Petersburg 49 1993 5A: Fort Worth Dunbar 74, Converse Judson 64 4A: Lincoln 46, Port Arthur Lincoln 45 3A: Southlake Carroll 66, Ferris 56 2A: Troup 69, Amarillo Highland Park 49 1A: Laneville 77, Brock 68 1994 5A: Sugar Land Willowridge 50, Plano East 44 4A: Plainview 54, Austin Anderson 52 3A: Ferris 84, Littlefield 66 2A: Krum 56, Troup 45 1A: Lipan 62, Nazareth 60 1995 5A: San Antonio East Central 108, Carter 86 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 57, Austin Anderson 56 3A: Clarksville 87, Madisonville 69 2A: La Poynor 60, Maypearl 56 1A: Sudan 74, Calvert 71 1996 5A: Kimball 72, Euless Trinity 64 4A: Pampa Arthur 82, Madison 68 3A: Sinton 66, Graham 59 2A: Krum 53, East Chambers 39 1A: Avinger 51, Anderson-Shiro 48 1997 5A: Kimball 64, Galena Park North Shore 53 4A: San Antonio Fox Tech 68, Lincoln 59 3A: Madison 64, Tulia 58 2A: Italy 71, Industrial 63 1A: Wortham 50, Nazareth 42 1998 5A: Midland 63, San Antonio Taft 51 4A: Houston Waltrip 67, Highland Park 60 3A: Clarksville 90, Crockett 83 2A: Krum 64, Little River Acdemy 52 1A: Moulton 67, Goodrich 44 1999 5A: Duncanville 78, Kimball 61 4A: Crowley 60, Port Arthur Lincoln 51 3A: Mexia 77, Seminole 71 (OT) 2A: Peaster 66, Wellington 62 (OT) 1A: Moulton 54, Brookeland 49

1990 5A: Kimball 59, Houston Clear Lake 56 4A: Lincoln 87, Boerne 77 3A: Navasota 71, Lamesa 54 2A: Ingram Moore 73, Troup 72 1A: Santo 67, Moulton 64

2000 5A: Sugar Land Willowridge 59, Klein Forest 52 4A: Denton Ryan 80, Madison 69 3A: Waco La Vega 60, Gainesville 47 2A: Peaster 67, Van Vleck 58 1A: Brookeland 63, Moulton 53

1991 5A: Duncanville 65, San Antonio Jay 38 4A: Port Arthur Lincoln 77, San Antonio Alamo Heights 68

2001 5A: Sugar Land Willowridge 65, Bryan 58

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 26

4A: Beaumont Ozen 58, San Antonio Lanier 42 3A: Mexia 74, Corpus Christi West Oso 49 2A: Ponder 50, Danbury 49 A-I: Evadale 61, Stratford 47 A-II: Goodrich 62, Nazareth 51 Texas Cup: Evadale 66, Goodrich 60 2002 5A: San Antonio Jay 54, Kimball 53 4A: Lincoln 71, Beaumont Ozen 51 3A: Gainesville 79, Kountze 62 2A: Little River Academy 49, Frankston 48 A-I: Brock 76, Kennard 59 A-II: Nazareth 61, Goodrich 58 Texas Cup: Brock 70, Nazareth 50 2003 5A: DeSoto 94, Corpus Christi Ray 73 4A: Fort Worth Dunbar 66, Beaumont Ozen 54 3A: Everman 72, Tatum 44 2A: Brock 81, Hitchcock 52 A-I: Tenaha 72, Lipan 55 A-II: Nazareth 69, Oakwood 60 Texas Cup: Nazareth 51 Tenaha 47 2004 5A: Houston Milby 72, Cedar Hill 67 4A: Houston Jones 63, Lincoln 61 3A: Kountze 73, Midland Greenwood 54 2A: Shallowater 47, Argyle 45 (OT) A-I: Normangee 53, Morton 51 (OT) A-II: Lenorah Grady 55, Neches 49 Texas Cup: Normangee 50, Lenorah Grady 37 2005 5A: Humble Kingwood 54, DeSoto 52 4A: Dallas South Oak Cliff 76, Ft. Worth Dunbar 58 3A: Van 62, Graham 41 2A: Kountze 77, Tuscola Jim Ned 64 A-I: Morton 66, Snook 38 A-II: Lipan 58, Paducah 49 Texas Cup: Morton 69, Lipan 53 2006 5A: Plano 60, Humble Kingwood 58 (OT) 4A: Dallas SOC 64, San Antonio Houston 43 3A: Dallas Roosevelt 61, Carrollton Ranchview 46 2A: Arp 65, Ponder 49 A-I: Bogata Rivercrest 57, Gruver 49 A-II: Nazareth 53, Lipan 48

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NOVEMBER 29, 2006

STATE boyS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

State Boys Basketball Tournament Champions (1973-2006)

2006-07 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1.

ww

HIDALGO ..............................................................

After back-to-back 32-3A District titles and the loss of two teammates, the Lady Pirates enter this season as the team to beat.

(HSSM Images)

New Beginnings

(Hidalgo, Tx)-If last season would be any indication of a mental let down for the Hidalgo Lady Pirates basketb basket this season as High School Sports Magazine’s top-rated team in South Texas despite all the set backs this tea teammates who both died in a car accident after defeating Progreso. “This team is ready to play and go to th Abby De Anda and Nedra Rodriguez because this is a tight knit community. However, we are ready to play,” s two seasons the Lady Pirates have won the 32-3A district titles and have been crowned 32-3A area champio led her team to the State 3A Regional Tournament where they lost to Llano 74-44. “I am excited with our pro notched transfers, but this will only help our program get better,” adds Rodriguez. The Lady Pirates are curre pondering the loss of transfers Madelyn and Victoria Gonzalez, the Hidalgo Lady Pirates are destined to star 2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 26

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2006-07 Hidalgo Lady Pirates

tball ball team in 2006-07, think again. The Lady Pirates enter am has endured since last February with the loss of two he next level. We (Lady Pirates) all had to deal with the loss of says head basketball coach Monica Rodriguez. For the past ons in back-to-back seasons. In 2005, head coach Rodriguez ogram this year. Everyone knows that we have two topently undefeated in the pre-season and with La Feria still rt this season with new beginnings.

Madelyn Gonzalez Karista Viduarri Damaris Rodriguez Victoria Gonzalez Mariana Mascorro Debbie Cepeda Diana Vargas Stephanie King Isamar Negrete Sandra Hernandez For the record: 2005-06 32-3A Co-Champs State 3A Area Champs State 3A Reg Qtrs Finals

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 28

10 12 14 25 32 21 23 13 22 31

2004-05 32-3A Champions State 3A Area Champions State 3A Regional Champions State 3A Regional Semi-Finals

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

2006 District 31-5A Champions! The Edinburg Lady Bobcats return only one starter from last season’s State 5A Region IV Tournament appearance. Head Coach Rachel Carmona are ready to “uphold” their tradition in 2006-07. The Lady Bobcats are reigning 31-5A District Champions. (HSSM Images)

2.

EDINBURG ..............................................................

The Lady Bobcats return only one starter from last season’s State 5A Region IV Semi-finalist team.

(Edinburg, Tx)-The Edinburg Lady Bobcats have won 36 district games in a row and much to head coach Rachel Carmona’s surprise, “I did not even know that we had won this many district games in a row.”

The Lady Bobcats enter 315A District play with even more challenges in 2006-07.

After the 2006 season, the UIL realigned most of the districts throughout the Rio Grande Valley by placing Harlingen South, Harlingen, and PSJA

Memorial in 31-5A. “This will make our district tough to defend with only one returning starter back from our championship team,” says Carmona.

That player is spunky 4’11” Miranda Guzman, the younger sister of Marah Guzman, HSSM’s Player of the Year in 2006. “She is our leader and we hope that our team will gel at the right time,” added Carmona.

To date, the Lady Bobcats are undefeated in the pre-season and will play in the Brownsville Invitational (December 7-9th)

and Josten’s Border Bash Tournaments (December 28-30th).

Both tournaments will determine where Carmona’s two-time Regional Semifinalist stand. Last year, the Lady Bobcats handed Laredo Nixon a 64-55 loss in the Regional Quarterfinals.

The Lady Bobcats, again, made another appearance in the Class 5A Region IV Tournament and lost to San Antonio Warren 50-47. “That game (Warren) still keeps me thinking.

We should have won that game,” adds Carmona.

2006-07 Edinburg Lady Bobcats Miranda Guzman Janice Vela Brianda Ledesma Jenetta Sanchez Victoria Ponce Felicia Pena Cassandra Trevino Sabrina Rios Sarina Rios Samantha Casas Madalyn Lopez Anaka Garcia Patricia Lopez Yadira Salinas For the record: 2005-06 31-5A Champs State 5A Area Champs State 5A Reg Qtrs Champs

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 28

10 11 13 15 20 21 22 30 32 33 34 35 40 44

State 5A Sweet 16 Perfect Season 12-0 5-Time District Champions 36-0 in District record for the past three seasons

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

State 5A Regional Semi-finalists in 2006! The Harlingen South Lady Hawks will now compete in District 31-5A after the University Interscholastic League realigned all State 5A Districts in February. The Lady Hawks defeated McAllen H.S. 56-54 in the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals. (HSSM Images)

3.

HAR SOUTH ..............................................................................

The Lady Hawks have now competed in three different districts and classifications since 2003. They have made the playoffs in both Class 4A and 5A.

(Harlingen,Tx)- The Harlingen South Lady Hawks surprised District 32-5A by winning the title and romped their way throughout the playoffs with wins over Laredo Alexander (90-43), McAllen (56-54), before falling to San Antonio Converse Judson in the Class 5A Region IV Tournament 7952.

Now the Lady Hawks find themselves in a another new realigned 31-5A district and after making the regional

tournament last year for the first time since 1999, Bianca Torre will be looked upon to lead Harlingen South.

In 2005, the Hawks captured the runner up spot in District 32-5A and again, they made another run for the State 5A Regional Tournament by downing Weslaco in the Bi-District Championships (43-32) and handed Laredo Alexander an Area Championship loss.

Edinburg would then stop

the Lady Hawk’s bid by upsetting them convincingly 78-58.

The Lady Hawks will be looking for another playoff spot now that four teams from every State 5A district qualifies for the playoffs in two classes: Division I and Division II. In 2003, the Harlingen South Lady Hawks competed in Class 4A, District 32-4A where they advanced to the state playoffs as runnerups with a bi-district win over Mission (4533) before losing to Floresville 65-43.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 29

HSSM’s

Sweet

16

1. Hidalgo 2. Edinburg 3. Harlingen South 4. Bro Hanna 5. McAllen H.S. 6. Harlingen 7. Mission Vets 8. Donna 9. Los Fresnos 10. Weslaco East 11. Sharyland 12. PSJA North 13. La Feria 14. La Joya 15. Mission 16. PSJA NOVEMBER 29, 2006

32-5AAAAA

4.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HANNA

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

The Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles have made the playoffs twice, in 2003 and 2006.

The Lady Eagles are favored to win the title.

(Brownsville, Tx)-Hanna Lady Eagles head coach Willie Brown could be seen on the court side doing high kicks, stomping his feet, and throwing all sorts of teethgrinding-fits, but what ever he does, his Lady Eagles all seem to respond with more hustle

on the court. The Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles enter the season as a clear favorite to win the 32-5A district title, now that Harlingen and Harlingen South were transferred to another district in 2006-07. “This is a great opportunity for our team and we are playing harder to get back into the playoffs,” adds Brown.

Last year, the Lady Eagles easily defeated Donna in the first round of the State 5A playoffs 54-17 and then lost a heart breaker to McAllen in the Area Championships 45-41.

The Lady Eagles will be led on the court by starters Eileen Pineda, Claudia Villanueva, and Darlene Pineda.

The Lady Eagles easily defeated Weslaco in the Whataburger Mid-Valley Classic Championships 51-31.

Eileen Pineda was named the most valuable player where she collected 11 rebounds, scored 22 points, and had four steals to lead her Lady Eagles. Also scoring were Deena Garcia 18, Jessica Plata 5, and Claudia Villanueva with four points. “This was a great win and we just need to play more aggressive,” added Brown. Brownsville Hanna still remains undefeated in nondistrict play.

2006-07 Bro Hanna Lady Eagles Kim Perez Jessica Plata Nikki Barreda Deena Garcia Cassey Hinojosa Darlene Pineda Gabriela Maraboto Eileen Pineda Claudia Villanueva Kristtela Castro Ashley Vento For the record:

State 5A Bi-District Champs! The Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles defeated Donna 54-17 to win the bi-district title. The Lady Eagles are favored to win the title in 325A. Eileen Pineda of Hanna guards Weslaco’s Kim Armstrong. (HSSM Images) 2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 30

3 10 11 12 15 21 22 23 24 25 32

2002-03 Placed 3rd in District 2005-06 32-5A 32-5A Playoffs State 5A Bi-District Lost to McAllen Nikki Rowe 51-42 Champs in Bi-District State 5A Area Championships Finalists

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5.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW Lady Bulldogs Rule

MCHI

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

Lady Bulldogs have won nine consecutive district titles since 1998. They are favored to win another 30-5A title in 2007.

2006 District Champs 2005 District Champs 2004 District Champs 2003 District Champs 2002 District Champs 2001 District Champs 2000 District Champs 1999 District Champs 1998 District Champs

Nine-time District Champs! Pictured are the McAllen H.S. Lady Bulldogs front l-r Rocio Garza, Dalia Contreras, Ana Garza, Cassie Solis, Cristina Guerra, and Destiny Cox. Back l-r are Michelle Dhansinghani, Andi Garza, Rebecca Valdez, Ali Bills, and Lyndsie Currie. (HSSM Images) (McAllen, Tx)- She is a legend amongst Texas high school basketball coaches and McAllen High School’s Teresa Casso does not know when to call it quits after 30-plus years. “I will keep coaching till the good Lord tells me differently,” says Casso. Anyone who walks into the McAllen H.S. Gym will see golden banners hanging from the ceilings boasting all the championship titles Casso’s teams have won throughout her successful career. To date, the Lady Bulldogs have made the state playoffs for the past nine seasons but most importantly, they have won 12 district titles since 1981 and have made the Regional tournament twice in Casso’s career.

Leading the Lady Bulldogs in 2006-07 will

be Ali Bills, Rebecca Valdez, Lyndsie Currie, Andi Garza, and Vanessa Delgado. Others looking for playing time are Rocio Garza, Michelle Dhansinghani, Dalia Contreras, Denise Saenz, and Ana Garza. Currently, the Lady Bulldogs are the eight-time district champs and will be favored again to win the 30-5A district title this season. Casso, last year, watched her Lady Bulldogs clinched an area championship title with a win over Brownsville Hanna 45-41, but fell short in the 5A Regional Quarterfinals to Harlingen South 56-54. Casso knows that this team has the talent, experience, and height to make it to the Region IV 5A tournament. “This could be our year,” says Casso.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 31

1993 Bi-District Champs 1989 Bi-District Champs 1985 Bi-District Champs 1983 (30-3) Record District Champs Region IV Tournament 1982 District Champs 1981 (30-4)District Champs Region IV Tournament

2006-07 McHi Lady Bulldogs Rocio Garza Dalia Contreras Ana Garza Cassie Solis Cristina Guerra Destiny Cox Michelle Dhansinghani Andi Garza Rebecca Valdez Ali Bills Lyndsie Currie For the record:

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

Won 87 games from 1981-83.

Two 5A Region IV Defeated Brownsville Tournament Hanna in 2006 for the Appearances.

Bi-District Title in Two 5A Area Class 5A playoffs.

Championships.

Four Bi-District titles

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2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Amanda Adams

April Villagraw

Laura Hernandez

Frances Marino

6.

Elyse Vela

Annalee Moncivaiz

HARLINGEN .............................................................................

The Lady Cardinals enter another district for the third time in the past ten years and will now compete for a district title in 31-5A.

(Harlingen,Tx)-The Harlingen Lady Cards will be moving again to another district after the University Interscholastic League realigned most of the State’s 5A district in February. This puts the Lady Cards in District 31-5A, along with powerhouses Harlingen South, Edinburg, and PSJA Memorial, who move up from 32-4A. “This is one tough district,” says head coach Nora Zamarippa. This year, the Lady Cards will be led by Frances Marino, Laura Hernandez, and Amanda Adams. Now in her 29th year, the Lady Cards finished the 2005-06 campaign with a second place finish and 26-8 overall record. Zamarippa’s squad will be favored to give four-time district champs, Edinburg a run for the title after clinching a bi-district trophy with a win over PSJA 51-34. For the past three seasons the Lady Cards have tried to get back to the State 5A Region IV Tournament but all three attempts have failed. The Cards were one step away of making it to the Sweet 16 in 2004, but they fell short, losing to Brownsville Rivera 74-60. In 2003, the Lady Cards would also fall short of making it to the Region IV State 5A Tournament with a second round loss to Corpus Christi Carroll 36-25, after clinching the 325A title. “We would like to make it back this year,” says Zamarippa. With four teams now headed to the State 5A playoffs from each district, the Lady Cards will try to make another bid for the Regional tournament in San Antonio.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 32

Amanda Hernandez

Jessica Gonzalez 2006-07 Harlingen Lady Cards Tiffany Hernandez Michelle Doria Jamie Angulo Vanessa Aguilar Michelle Martinez Amanda Adams Cindy Gonzalez Elyse Vela April Villagraw Nicolette Wiesman Amanda Hernandez Laura Hernandez Frances Marino Annalee Moncivaiz Jessica Gonzalez For the record:

10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 31 32

2004-05 Defeated McAllen H.S. 2005-06 51-49 State 5A Bi-District in 5A Area Champs Championships.

Defeated PSJA 51-34 32-5A runner-up Won 32-5A title in ‘03

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 33

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

32-4AAAA

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Melissa Chavero

7.

Maria Cardova

Cassie Brown

Brandi Taylor

Mission Veterans ...............................................................................................................

After back-to-back 32-4A Playoff appearances, the Lady Patriots will be favored to make it back to the playoffs in 2007.

(Mission, Tx)- The Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots finally won their first ever 32-4A District title this past season by going 8-1 in district play and head coach Ralph Cantu Jr. knows that every team with be playing them harder this year. “We had a great season last year and after making the playoffs for the second time in back-to-back seasons, we should be better,” says Cantu. The Lady Patriots played Flour Bluff in the first round of the 2004 playoffs and lost 48-18 and then fell to a tough Floresville team 50-41 in the area championships in March. In the off season, Jackie Lopez transferred to Sharyland but still, the Lady Pats return five lettermen. Melissa Chavero leads the team with 18 points per game, most of then coming from the 3-point line, while Laura Rodriguez and Audrey Cantu will add another 15 points per game combined.

8.

2006-07 Mission Veterans Samantha Rodriguez Laura Rodriguez Sarah Benavidez Veronica Garza Audrey Cantu Lori Gonzalez Melissa Chavero Maria Cardova Brandi Taylor Cassie Brown For the record: 2005-06 32-4A District Champions State 4A Area Finalists 2003-04

10 11 12 14 15 21 23 31 32 35

32-4A third place team in 2004 Return five lettermen to the lineup.

Donna

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Head coach Mark Knuckles will be vying for another playoff spot in District 30-5A.

Cecila Mora

Clare Arrambide

Jennissa Arrambide

(Donna, Tx)-Head coach Mark Knuckles would love to see his Donna Bravettes get back in the playoffs, but this time, in their new shuffled District 30-5A in 2007. Last year, the 31-5A Bravettes captured the runner-up slot and advanced to the State 5A playoffs but were easily eliminated by the Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles, 54-17.

The Lady Redskins went 19-9 last year and return three starters with cousins Jennissa Arrambide (6’0, 11 ppg, 12 rpg), Clare Arrambide (5’11, 10 ppg, 9 rpg), and senior Amanda Hernandez. Not only do the Bravettes return this crop of talent, they also have eight more returning lettermen that will give 30-5A a run for their money. In non-district play, the Bravettes posted a huge upset by downing Harlingen 57-23 and then challenged Edinburg in an overtime loss 44-36. Expect the Bravettes to make the playoffs and maybe a possible district title.

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 34

32-5AAAAA

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW

9.

Los Fresnos .........................................................................

The Lady Falcons should contend for a district title in 2006. This will the second year that Lady Falcons compete in Class 5A.

(Los Fresnos, Tx)-Head coach Kim Edquist is not used to not making the playoffs and missing the state playoffs for the first time since 2004 does not please her. The Lady Falcons moved up to Class 5A after being in District 32-4A and winning district titles. In 2003, the Lady Falcons placed third in 32-4A and lost to Sharyland in the first round of the playoffs but she would rebound her team the following year with a district title. The Lady Falcons return Margie Mejia (5’8 sr) and Michelle Rico (5’6 sr) to the lineup, along with Sharon Lee, Jessica Encinia, and Briana Cole. They could contend for the playoffs this year now that Harlingen and Harlingen South were transferred to 31-5A.

10.

Wes East

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The Weslaco East Lady Wildcats could find themselves in the post season in Class 4A for the first time.

(Weslaco, Tx)-Head coach William Kromer will see a much improved Weslaco Lady Wildcat in 2007. Last year they went 11-21 for the season but showed good promise in district after posting five wins. Weslaco East showed tremendous improvement by clawing the Brownsville Rivera Lady Raiders 50-37 and then blasted 30-5A McAllen Memorial 62-18.

Kromer also watched his team post another win over Mercedes in the Whataburger Classic and after picking up three solid wins, only Hidalgo would be the team to stop the Lady Wildcats 48-42. “I am please with our team and hopefully we can get better by the time district comes around,” says Kromer.

Tough Weslaco East Wildcats! The Lady Wildcats will be favored to clinch a playoff spot in 32-4A. (HSSM Images)

2006 HSSM BASKETBALL PREVIEW 35

NOVEMBER 29, 2006