Dec jan2015 by High School Sports Magazine

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MR 500 #/!#( '/.'/2! TOP 10 "!3+%4"!,, 0/,,3 VOLLEYBALL ALL STARS %!34 37%%03 7%34

CHAOS ON THE COURT

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-ON-ONE ONE WITH COACH RYAN FLORES

08 24

MR 500 PSJA NORTH H.S. JAIME GONGORA HITS MILESTONE

CHAOS ON THE COURT

NEW REALIGNMENTS PUTS RGV TEAMS IN NEW DISTRICTS, NEW MATCHUPS

SWIMMING

VOLLYBALL ALL-STARS

ROMA, SHARYLAND DEFENDING CHAMPIONS TO MEET IN DISTRICT

GIRLS BASKETBALL WHICH TEAM REALLY IS NUMBER ONE!?

TEAMS MEET AT DONNA NORTH H.S.

WRESTLING TEAMS

WESLACO EAST, MCHI, MCALLEN MEMORIAL TEAMS TO WATCH

ON THE COVER

SHARYLAND H.S. SWIM CAPTAIN ABBY GARZA, SOPHOMORE (ALEC AMADOR/HSSM IMAGES)

DAVID A. AMADOR

RICHARD DAVIDSON

TDDave@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

Richard@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

HECTOR OROZCO

MANUEL DE LA ROSA

Publisher & Sports Director

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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

Art Director

Hector@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

ALEC AMADOR Lead Sports Photographer

Alec@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

CESAR MONTALVO

Sports Photographer

Sports Journalist & Advertising Executive

Manuel@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

KAYLIE YANEZ Administrative Assistant

Kaylie@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

Sports Photographer

Cesar@HighSchoolSportsMagazine.com

home field

advantage in the

State Playoffs? laying for a district championship title in any sport seems to be a task that every high school team wants to achieve every season. Most teams would love to play every game at home too. You see, the road to winning a state title is very long and exhausting. Emotional too. In Texas, there are four regions which brings eight teams together from Class 1A to 6A to meet in the state quarterfinals. All four winning teams from each region will then play in the semifinals for a spot in the state championship game. One team from all four regions will emerge as the state champion. Region I, Region II, Region III, and Region IV all make up the University Interscholastic League’s map in Texas. So, just making the playoffs, to qualify would be sufficient too. With four teams making the playoffs from every district in Texas, this gives any team a fair chance to win a state title. Right? Maybe? Or, just ask Allen High School. They played their home games “away” from it’s $60-million dollar stadium in 2014. The 2014 UIL Football Championships featured twotime defending 5A champions, District 6-6A Allen HS (15-0) against first time finalist, second place finisher from District 17-6A, Houston Cypress Ranch (13-2). The Allen Eagles (5,987 enrollment) built a mega-stadium to accommodate some 20,000 screaming Eagles, but one year later, the stadium structure was deemed unsafe and was shut down. This did not seem to put a hinder on the Eagle’s football program or having home-field advantage. If anything, they just kept getting tougher with head football coach Tom Westerberg and the 80-listed football players on their roster ready to

play on any given Friday. As a matter of fact, the Allen Eagles showed why they were the best team in Texas by outscoring their opponents 744-401 in fifteen games this season. Coming from District 6-6A could be a nightmare for many teams. Especially, when it features other state football champions from Plano (5,300), Lewisville Flower Mound (3,236), Lewisville (3,981), just to mention. Other schools competing in this district also includes Lewisville Marcus (3,236), McKinney Boyd (3,043), Plano West (5.531), Lewisville Hebron (3,235), and Plano East (5,300). All mega-schools. Talk about trying to make the playoffs in football? Boyd, Plano, Plano West all finished tied for second with 6-2

records. All three also advanced two rounds in this year’s playoffs too. These teams all compete in 6A-Region I. Plano West lost to District 7-6A Euless Trinity, (3,246 enrollment) a six-time state champion in the second round 49-31. Trinity lost to Allen 30-27 in the 6A DI State Quarterfinals. As for Allen, playing at home, in their $60-million dollar stadium? This did not seem to matter. Playing in a state championship game means that teams play away from home. The Eagles are used to playing away from home. Playing at home would only mean no-playoffs, season over. Teams playing in this year’s UIL State Football Championships were teams from Region I (Dallas-Fort Worth area) and III (Houston area) in Class 6A Division I; Class 6A Division II featured two teams from Region I and II. Cedar Hill HS finished as Co-Champions from District 8-Region I; in Class 5A Division II featured Cedar Park 13-2 (District 25-5A Co-Champs tied for first with three other teams) from Region IV and Ennis HS from Region II; 5A Division I matched up Region I and Region II; Class 4A DI matched Region II and III; Class 4A DII, Region II & III; Class 3A DI featured Region II & III; Class 3A DII matched up Region II & III; Class 2A DI finally had another team from Region IV played against Region I; and Class 2A DII had Bremond from Region IV play Region II opponent, Albany. As for Allen High School? They just kept playing football with or without home field advantage. Since 2006, the Eagles have won three state titles; now four state titles after their win over Houston Cypress Ranch last week. Not bad, after playing away from home. Really? AT&T Stadium is now home to the Allen Eagles.

The Allen HS Eagles played its 2014 football season away from home due to structural problems. (HSSMIMages/Special)

BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

1) Sharyland 16-4

1) Harlingen 14-3

_______________

2) McAllen 16-5

2) PSJA North 16-2

3) Mission Vets 19-2

3) LJ Palmview 11-5

Edinburg N. HS Natalie Alaniz _______________

4) Hidalgo 14-5

4) Brownsville Veterans 13-5

5) Edinburg Vela 12-5

5) Weslaco 19-4

6) Harlingen 14-4

6) Edinburg Vela 10-7

7) La Joya 15-7

7) Donna 9-7

8) PSJA North 12-6

8) Weslaco East 13-9

9) Mercedes 11-3

9) Harlingen South 14-7

10) Brownsville Hanna 11-2

10) Mercedes 11-8

district begins Players Ready to compete for titles.

By Cesar Montalvo HSSM Sports Photographer

_______________ _______________ PSJA North HS Sarah Serrano _______________

Weslaco HS Kyle de la cruz _______________

(McAllen, Texas) HAOS on the court could be the best way to describe this year’s basketball playoffs. New enrollment changes were made after the University Interscholastic League realigned schools from throughout the state of Texas. Schools move up, some moved down. Student enrollments grew, some declined. A new 6A division was created, but not to the expectations that most head coaches thought would had happen. “There was not much change with the enrollment factor. The big schools with enrollments exceeding 3,500 are still part of the 6A division, still mixed with 6A schools that have enrollments with 2,200,” says head coach Jose Yerba from McAllen Nikki Rowe. The McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors (2,301 enrollment) will compete in Region IV District 30-6A, along with teams from Allen High School (5,987 students) from Region I District 6-6A. Both schools will compete for a spot in the 2015 UIL State Basketball Tournament to be played in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome on March 12-15th should either team win its region. Two-hundred and forty-five schools will now make up the new 6A Classifications along with schools moving up to the new classification are Amarillo, Buda Hays, Corpus Christi Ray, Dallas Highland Park, Denton Guyer, Friendswood, Houston Milby, Houston Northbrook, Houston Reagan, Humble Summer Creek, Kyle Lehman, Leander Rouse, Lubbock Monterey, Mission, Montgomery, Northside Brennan, Northwest Nelson, Pearland Dawson, Schertz Clemens, Wolfforth Frenship. Elevated by request was Katy Tompkins High School.

No.2 McAllen H.S.

Albert Suarez leads bulldogs By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

In Class 5A, 253 high schools will all compete for one state title after the new enrollment cutoffs (1,060-2,099) were announced in February. This puts Sharyland High School and new Sharyland Pioneer High School together in District 31-5A. New high schools Donna North, and Frisco Independence will now be competing in its first year. Moving down from 6A to 5A are Abilene Cooper, Brownsville Pace, Brownsville Porter, Bryan, College Station A and M Cons, Donna, Eagle Pass Winn, El Paso Bel Air, Fort Bend Bush, Fort Bend Elkins, Grapevine, Houston Madison, Longview, Lufkin, Mansfield Timberview, McKinney, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, Rockwall-Heath, San Marcos, South Garland, Temple. Moving up from 4A to 5A are College Station, Frisco Lone Star, Houston Yates, Lubbock Cooper, and Somerset. Elevated by request were schools from Austin Eastside Memorial, El Paso Harmony Science, Fort Worth Dunbar, San Antonio Fox Tech, and San Antonio Houston. The UIL 4A enrollment range cutoffs (465-1,059) brought 186 schools together. Moving down from 5A to 4A was Bay City, Beeville Jones, Dallas Carter,

allas Lincoln, Dallas Pinkston, Freeport Brazosport, Houston Wheatley, Orange Little Cypress-Mauriceville, and San Elizario. Moving up from 3A to 4A are Bushland, Comal Canyon Lake, Godley, Jourdanton, Lamesa, Salado, and Tatum. Elevated by request were Dallas Triple A Academy, Uplift Summit Intl Prep, and Uplift Hampton Prep. The 3A Classification is now made up of student enrollments from 220 to 464 with 214 high schools that will also compete for a state title in basketball. Moving down from 4A to 3A are Amarillo River Road, Buna, Glen Rose, Hillsboro, Lyford, Mineola, Pollok Central, Presidio, Rockdale, and Shallowater West. Teams moving up from 2A to 3A were Georgetown Gateway, Jewett Leon, Laredo Harmony Science Academy, Monte Alto, Premont, San Angelo TLC Academy, and San Antonio Harmony Science.

_______________ Valley View H.S. Cristobal CAvazos _______________

Two hundred and four teams will now make up 2A with student enrollments from 105 to 219. New 2A high schools include Brownsville Harmony Science Academy, Garland Alpha Charter, Port Arthur Bob Hope, and Waco Harmony Sci Academy. Moving down from 3A to 2A were Abernathy, Alvord, Anderson-Shiro, Anthony, Bells, Bogata Rivercrest, Boys Ranch, Canadian, Centerville, Clarksville, Como-Pickton, Crawford, Floydada, Gladewater Union Grove, Groveton, Hamilton, Hawkins, Hawley, Johnson City LBJ, Moody, Olton, Ore City, Refugio, Riesel, Riviera Kaufer, Rosebud-Lott, San Antonio Hawkins, Schulenburg, Tolar. Moving from 1A to 2A: Corpus Christi London, Frost, Fruitvale, and Roscoe Collegiate. What makes this year’s 2015 UIL State Basketball playoffs interesting is that no Division I or Division II schools will be paired. It’s one classification playing each other for a state title from four regions in Texas. All four regions will meet in the state semifinals in San Antonio, Texas in the UIL State Basketball Tournament with the winners from the

2014-2016

uil state

classifications

ouston Yates lost to Dallas Madison High School 82-70 last year but the UIL stripped Madison of its title for playing an ineligible player. Yates was awarded the title a few weeks later. This year’s UIL Boys State Basketball Championships will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio March 12-14th. (HSSMImages/Special)

6A (2,100 and above) 5A (1,060-2,099) 4A (465-1059) 3A (220-464) 2A (105-219) 1A (104.9 and below)

By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

EXP. 2-27-2015

semifinals playing for a state title. Should McAllen Nikki Rowe (2,301) make it to the semifinals in 2015, they could play another team from Region I District 6-6A Plano (5,394.5). Another mega-like high school with double-enrollment of that from McAllen Nikki Rowe High School.

University Interscholastic League’s Past State Champions Boys Basketball Since 2010... 2014

1A Division I Mumford 1A Division II Water Valley 2A Ponder HS 3A Houston Yates 4A Dallas Kimball 5A Galena Park North Shore

2013

1A Division I Dallas Triple A Academy 1A Division II Roxton HS 2A White Oak 3A Houston Yates HS 4A Rosenberg Terry 5A Fort Bend Travis HS

2012

PIRATES LANDING CAN HIDALGO MAKE IT, “SWEET 16 AGAIN!” By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

1A Division I Clarksville HS 1A Division II Calvert HS 2A White Oak HS 3A Argle HS 4A Dallas Kimball HS 5A Lewisville Marcus HS

2011

1A Division I Clyde-Eula HS 1A Division II Paducah HS 2A Idalou HS 3A Corpus Christi West Oso HS 4A Dallas Kimball HS 5A Lewisville Marcus

2010

1A Division I Cayuga HS 1A Division II Nazareth 2A Ponder HS 3A Lubbock Estacado 4A Houston Yates HS 5A Fort Bend Bush HS

MUCH IMPROVED LA JOYA, PALMVIEW AND MISSION VETERANS Compete FOR DISTRICT Title.

By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

DANNY YBARRA CONSTRUCTION A BUILDER YOU CAN TRUST

15 Years of Experience DANNY YBARRA OWNER

(956) 459-9317 dycnst@yahoo.com

5540 Camino De La Tierra • Brownsville, Texas

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

Season

11 01 12 04 01 11 10 08 00 00 00 00 00 00

District

01 01 01 01 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 01 01 01

District 32-3A

Season

Brownsville Frontier Santa Rosa Monte Alto Prep Lyford Edinburg Idea Coll

07 02 06 07 01 03 04 07 00 04

District 31-5A

Season

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

19 16 16 11 09 06 07

District 30-6A

Season

District

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

15 16 13 10 09 09 06

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District

00 00 00 00 00

District 31-6A

Season

District

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

12 11 12 09 04 05 06

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 32-6A

Season

District

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

14 11 10 09 07 07 09 03

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

06 07 09 08 11 12 14

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 HSSM Sports Writer

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

Season

14 05 11 06 11 01 07 06 03 08 06 11 01 07 00 00 Season

11 09 08 09 06 07 07 05

03 09 09 10 09 10 11 12

District

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

02 05 04 07 10 10 12

07 05 07 09 09 09 14

District

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

04 02 07 07 09 09 10 13

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

San Perlita Lasara San Isidro Bruni Harmony Science La Villa Santa Maria

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

Season

13 03 01 00 01 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

Season

11 07 07 09 05 08 11 08 06 07 00 00 00 00 00 00 Season

11 09 07 08 06 09 02 01

08 07 13 12 07 09 14 05

District

02 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District

02 01 01 00 00 00 00 00

00 01 00 01 01 00 00 00

District

02 02 02 01 01 00 00 00

00 00 00 01 01 02 02 02

District 32-3A

Season

Lyford Edinburg IDEA Santa Rosa Brownsville IDEA Monte Alto

14 05 00 01 00 04 00 00 00 00

District

00 00 00 00 00

District 31-5A

Season

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

10 11 05 11 12 03 12

District 30-6A

Season

District

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

11 07 07 05 04 10 03

02 01 01 01 01 00 00

07 09 11 07 10 13 10

05 11 09 13 14 11 15

District

02 01 00 01 01 01 00

00 00 01 01 01 01 02

While covering 6A football most of the regular season, I always noticed the visiting fans didn’t show up in large numbers. They were there, but the stadium wasn’t filled. My thinking: 6A Football would be more students with a bigger fan base, including some proud alumni. Of course, I have been attending Port Isabel games for awhile, so they always sold out their games on the road in the playoffs. It’s just a different fan base. I saw the same trend in the playoffs. The first weekend it rained. That could put a damper on attendance. The second weekend it was nice weather and it was on a Friday night. I attended McAllen vs. Rivera. I asked the students where are your students because it was mostly parents in the stands. They told me we had school today. School gets out at 4 pm and the game is at 7:30 pm. That’s no excuse.

BasketballStandings GIRLS District 32-2A

t was a trend I saw that simply didn’t make sense. Small crowds from visiting Valley fans in the playoffs at 6A games held in the Valley. It’s simply inexcusable.

District 31-6A

Season

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

16 13 11 19 16 09 09

02 09 08 04 07 09 10

02 00 02 00 01 00 01 01 01 01 00 02 00 02

District 32-6A

Season

District

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

14 13 14 07 07 04 12 06

03 05 07 10 10 08 05 12

District

02 00 03 00 02 01 02 01 00 02 00 02 01 02 00 03

If you talk to players and coaches, they will tell the fans and the crowd noise help them, especially in the playoffs. It can mean the difference from winning and losing. I realize we have things to do, but these are the playoffs. These kids are playing for the city’s pride. On this night, it was one great game that went to overtime and Rivera won. It was sad to see a great game that many fans from McAllen missed out on. Your team could have used your spirits and cheering at the game. It might have made a difference in the final score.

00 00 01 01 01 01 02

oma High School head swimming coach Calvin Synder understands that 2014-15 will be a much different year after winning ten district titles, six in a row in District 32-4A, along with being the defending district champions with both girls and boys, winning team titles. Now, he has to worry about Sharyland High School, who moves down a classification from 6A to 5A. “They are good. They are real good,” says Synder. However, Sharyland High School Rattler head coach Tina Jensen does not agree. “After the split with Sharyland Pioneer, we were left with six girls on our team,” she laughs. 18

“Our boys team will feature 40 swimmers which should give us an edge overall.” Both Sharyland girls and boys teams won the District 30-5A titles last year when Class 5A was considered the big school in Texas. With the new University Interscholastic League’s realignments, the Rattlers missed the new Class of 6A enrollment figures and had to move down to Class 5A. The Rattlers will now compete in Class 5A-Region VIII in District 32-5A with an 11-team district which includes teams from PSJA Southwest, PSJA, Rio Grande City, Brownsville Porter, Brownsville Pace, Laredo Harmony HS, Mission

THIS WILL BE A TOUGH DISTRICT TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR. Says Synder.

BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

TOP

SWIMMER ABBY GARZA SHARYLAND H.S. By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

(PHARR, TEXAS) Veterans, Roma, Sharyland Pioneer, and Edinburg Vela High School. “This will be a tough district to compete in this year,” says Synder. Last week at the PSJA Natatorium, more than 200 swimmers competed in the annual PSJA ISD Tri-City Holiday Hustle 5A Invitational on December 12-13th. The event previewed what District 32-5A will look like once the district championships begin January 2223rd in Pharr.

did just the same. The Lady Gladiators edged the Lady Rattlers 356-351. The diving events were held on Friday with the swimming finals on Saturday. Awards were given to the Top three in each event and ribbons were awarded to 4th through 8th place. The Sharyland High School Pioneer Diamondbacks competed for the first time in this event. This is the school’s first year-opened. They would finish third overall in the girls division.

On Saturday, the Sharyland boys team dominated the event while the Roma High School girls team

At the TISCA Zone Brownsville Swim Meet, Corpus Christi King’s boys won Saturday with 298 points

with McAllen Memorial capturing second place honors and third-place went to Los Fresnos. In girl’s division, Corpus Christi King also won the event with 329 points, beating Laredo Alexander was second with 273 and McAllen Rowe was third with 205. The event was held at the Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center in Brownsville. “Right now, we just need to get past this Region VIII in Class 5A. It’s a tough region to compete in and it takes a lot of practice to bring those seconds down,” adds Synder.

TISCA Zone Final Team Results

BOYS: 1) Corpus Christi King-365 • 2) McAllen Memorial-242 • 3) Laredo United-226 GIRLS: 1) Corpus Christi King-380 • 2) Laredo Alexander-273 • 3) McAllen High-211.5

Girls 100 Freestyle A FINAL: 1) Croman, Claire, Corpus Christi King, 56.55 • 2) u, Kassie, Laredo Alexander, 56.94 • 3) Reyes, Shani, McAllen Rowe, 57.76

Boys 100 Freestyle

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS Girls 200 Medley Relay

Boys 200 IM A FINAL: 1) Velasquez, Joshua, McAllen Memorial, 2:05.43 • 2) Trevino, Ruben D, McAllen Memorial, 2:13.43 • 3) Flores, Adrian, Brownsville Rivera, 2:17.45

A FINAL: 1) Corpus Christi King A (Croman, Cecelia 12, Soriano, Nicole 9, Boyd, Elle 9, Croman, Claire 10), 1:53.41 • 2) Laredo Alexander A (Hsu, Kassie 12, Babiak, Samantha 12, Mohammed, Ayeesha c 11) Mohammed, Aneesa 9), 1:55.46 • 3) Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway A (Wooten, Marissa 12, Turner, Rianna 10, Lange, Kelsey 12, Barker, Lauren 12), 2:04.01

A FINAL: 1) Boyd, Elle, Corpus Christi King, 25.27 • 2) Besteiro, Ivana, Los Fresnos, 25.81 • 3) Martinez, Mikaela, Coyotes, 25.95

Boys 200 Medley Relay

Boys 50 Freestyle

A FINAL: 1) Corpus Christi King A (Lowder, Dale 12, Camacho, John 11) Aguirre, Henry 11) Kudlicki, Zach 10), 1:40.98 • 2) McAllen Memorial A (Velasquez, Joshua 10, Velasquez, Joseph 09,

A FINAL: 1) Aguirre, Henry, Corpus Christi King, 22.67 • 2) Kudlicki, Zach, Corpus Christi King, 22.72 • 3) Lizzotte, Errol E, McAllen High, 22.82

Girls 50 Freestyle

A FINAL: 1) Lowder, Dale, Corpus Christi King, 47.78 • 2) Ashford, Jonathan C, Brownsville Veterans, 49.86 • 3) Chang, Ryan, Corpus Christi Ray, 50.15

Girls 500 Freestyle A FINAL: 1) Imperial, Maya Athena, Hanna, 5:23.90 • 2) Croman, Claire, Corpus Christi King, 5:36.36 • 3) Barker, Lauren, Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway, 5:52.22

Boys 500 Freestyle A FINAL: 1) Duarte, Alberto g, Laredo United, 5:07.82 • 2) Rock, Christopher, McAllen Memorial, 5:13.05 • 3) Muniz, Israel, Laredo United, 5:16.50

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay A FINAL: 1) Laredo Alexander A (Mohammed, Ayeesha c 11)

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS! ROMA H.S. SWIMMERS ISIDRO GARCIA & LUIS LOZANO will lead Gladiators

By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

Villarreal, Juan Jose 12, Trevino, Ruben D 10), 1:47.73. • 3) Los Fresnos A (Euresti, Daniel 12, Munoz, Mark 12, McKinney, Will 9, Culp, Diego 11), 1:48.79

Girls 1-meter Diving 1) Ward, Kelly, Corpus Christi King, 345.80 • 2) Smith, Tammy, McAllen High, 325.00 • 3) Rivera, Savanna, Coyotes, 280.25

Girls 200 Freestyle

Boys 1-meter Diving

A FINAL: 1) Croman, Cecelia, Corpus Christi King, 1:56.77 • 2) Moreno, Andrea, Los Fresnos, 2:06.88 • 3) Castillo, Stephanie, Brownsville Rivera, 2:07.59

1) Garcia, Raul, Hanna, 318.45 • 2)Pacheco Esparza, Adolfo, Weslaco High, 314.50 • 3) Wilson, Paul, Corpus Christi King, 288.40

Boys 200 Freestyle

Girls 100 Butterfly

A FINAL: 1) Lowder, Dale, Corpus Christi King, 1:43.97 • 2) Chang, Ryan, Corpus Christi Ray, 1:53.14 • 3) Rock, Christopher, McAllen Memorial, 1:53.78

A FINAL: 1) Mohammed, Ayeesha c, Laredo Alexander, 58.85 • 2) Boyd, Elle, Corpus Christi King, 1:01.70 • 3) Moreno, Andrea, Los Fresnos, 1:03.70

Girls 200 IM

Boys 100 Butterfly

A FINAL: 1) Imperial, Maya Athena, Hanna, 2:16.99 • 2) Babiak, Samantha, Laredo Alexander, 2:17.70 • 3) Swanson, Shelby, McAllen High, 2:26.09

A FINAL: 1) Aguirre, Henry, Corpus Christi King, 53.99 • 2) Lizzotte, Errol E, McAllen High, 54.06 • 3) Calk, Noah, Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway, 56.50

Chemas, Regina 11) Babiak, Samantha 12,u, Kassie 12), 1:46.61. • 2, Los Fresnos A (Moreno, Andrea 11) House, Kendall 11) Gracia, Anna 12, Besteiro, Ivana 11), 1:48.95. • 3, McAllen Rowe A (Te, Ina 10, Santos, Daniella 10, Cueva, Raquel 09, Reyes, Shani 12), 1:49.32

Boys 200 Freestyle Relay A FINAL: 1) Corpus Christi King A (Lowder, Dale 12, Aguirre, Henry 11) Camacho, John 11) Kudlicki, Zach 10), 1:30.56 • 2) Los Fresnos A (Euresti, Daniel 12, Culp, Diego 11) Morales, Ari 10, Munoz, Mark 12), 1:36.84 • 3) Corpus Christi Ray A (Fisher, Reily 10, Cavazos, Jonathan 11) Clark, Cy 12, Chang, Ryan 10), 1:36.87

Girls 100 Backstroke A FINAL: 1) Croman, Cecelia, Corpus Christi King, 57.93 • 2) Mohammed, Ayeesha c, Laredo Alexander, 1:00.69 • 3) Babiak, Samantha, Laredo Alexander, 1:04.49

Boys 100 Backstroke

Men 100 Yard Butterfly Varsity

A FINAL: 1) Velasquez, Joshua, McAllen Memorial, 56.44 • 2) Babiak, Luis A, Laredo Alexander, 58.59 • 3) Perez, Aaren, Coyotes, 1:00.42

1) Trevino, Ahren, Roma, 59.76 q • 2) Myska, Brett, MISH, 1:00.16 q • 3) Farias-Ramirez, Luciano, MISH, 1:01.83 q

Girls 100 Breaststroke

1) Valdez, Andrea, MISH, 1:02.26 q • 2) Canales, Marianna, Roma, 1:05.38 q. 3, Saldana, Briseida, Roma, 1:06.01 q

A FINAL: 1) Bradford, Hannah J, McAllen Memorial, 1:11.45 • 2) Soriano, Nicole, Corpus Christi King, 1:12.95 • 3) Schuster, Gwyneth, Corpus Christi Ray, 1:14.13

Boys 100 Breaststroke A FINAL: 1) Ashford, Jonathan C, Brownsville Veterans, 1:01.41 • 2) Velasquez, Joseph, McAllen Memorial, 1:04.26 • 3) Camacho, John, Corpus Christi King, 1:04.29

Girls 400 Freestyle Relay A FINAL: 1) Corpus Christi King A (Soriano, Nicole 9, Boyd, Elle 9, Croman, Claire 10, Croman, Cecelia 12), 3:45.08 • 2) Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway A (Barker, Lauren 12, Turner, Rianna 10, Wooten, Marissa 12, Lange, Kelsey 12), 3:58.05 • 3) Los Fresnos A (Moreno, Andrea 11) House, Kendall 11) Gracia, Anna 12, Besteiro, Ivana 11), 4:06.54

Women 100 Yard Freestyle Varsity

Men 100 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Lozano, Luis, Roma, 56.07 q • 2) Martinez, Esteban, MISH, 57.15 q • 3) Vazquez, Christian, PSJA, 57.23 q

Women 500 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Martinez, Jocelyn M, Roma, 5:27.52 q • 2) Garza, Clea, MISH, 6:04.89 q • 3) Gonzalez, Isabella, Roma, 6:17.00 q

Men 500 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Garcia, Isidro, Roma, 5:41.40 q • 2) Benavides, David, Pioneer H.S., 5:48.49 q • 3) Graybill, Carlos, MISH, 5:52.06 q

Women 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Varsity 1) Roma ‘A’ 1:51.91 q • 2) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 1:58.89 q • 3) Veterans Memorial Patriots ‘A’ 2:01.86 q

Boys 400 Freestyle Relay

Men 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Varsity

A FINAL: 1) McAllen Memorial A (Rock, Christopher 12, Garza, Caden 10, Velasquez, Joseph 09, Velasquez, Joshua 10), 3:30.12 • 2) McAllen High A (Saenz, Max 09, Ramirez, Marco A 12, Wilkins, Thomas 10, Lizzotte, Errol E 11), 3:33.74 • 3) Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway A (Baldeschwiler, Collin 11) Garza, Tyler 10, Vargas, Caiman 11) Crisp, James 12), 3:35.49

1) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 1:40.10 q • 2) Roma ‘A’ 1:40.98 q • 3)

Veterans Memorial Patriots ‘A’ 1:42.27 q

Women 100 Yard Backstroke Varsity 1) Garza, Clea, MISH, 1:10.23 q • 2) Suelto, Samantha, MISH, 1:16.34 q • 3) Perez, AnaMariella, Roma, 1:16.76 q

Men 100 Yard Backstroke Varsity 1) Mejia, Juan, Psja SW, 1:02.38 q • 2) Robles, Noah, PSJA, 1:11.59 q • 3) Lopez, Miguel, Psja North, 1:13.74 q

Women 100 Yard Breaststroke Varsity 1) Garcia, Shakerah, MISH, 42.99 q • 2) Chandler, Autumn, Pioneer H.S., 1:18.34 q

Men 100 Yard Breaststroke Varsity 1) Vasquez, Mauro, MISH, 1:08.48 q • 2) Garcia, Isidro, Roma, 1:10.01 q • 3) Rivera, Marco, MISH, 1:10.66 q

Women 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Varsity 1) Roma ‘A’ 4:14.35 q • 2) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 4:27.53 q • 3) Veterans Memorial Patriots ‘A’ 4:46.14 q. 4, Psja Bears ‘A’ 5:29.72 q. 5, Sharyland Pioneer HS ‘A’ 5:35.94 q

Men 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Varsity 1) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 3:45.55 q • 2) Veterans Memorial Patriots ‘A’ 3:51.22 q • 3) Psja SW Javelinas ‘A’ 3:57.63 q

Girls 3-meter Diving 1) Ward, Kelly, Corpus Christi King, 319.80 • 2) Rivera, Savanna, Coyotes, 216.15

Boys 3-meter Diving 1) McKinzey, Devan, Corpus Christi King, 223.85 • 2) Wilson, Paul, Corpus Christi King, 223.35 • 3) Garcia, Raul, Hanna, 147.70. 4, Marks, Joshua, Hanna, 53.05

TRI-CITY HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5A INVITATIONAL

12/12/2014 TO 12/13/2014

Women 200 Yard Medley Relay Varsity (Preliminaries) 1) Roma ‘A’ 2:13.20 q • 2) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 2:14.17 q • 3) Sharyland Pioneer HS ‘A’ 2:19.03 q

Men 200 Yard Medley Relay Varsity 1) Sharyland Varsity ‘A’ 1:52.67 q • 2) Roma ‘A’ 1:53.00 q • 3) Psja SW Javelinas ‘A’ 2:00.77 q

Women 200 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Martinez, Jocelyn M, Roma, 2:00.75 q • 2) Garza, Abby, MISH, 2:14.89 q • 3) Thomas, Sydney, Pioneer H.S., 2:21.26 q.

Women 200 Yard IM Varsity 1) Gonzalez, Isabella, Roma, 2:38.18 q • 2) Polanco, Veronica, Roma, 2:41.14 q • 3) Garcia, Shakerah, MISH, 2:49.72 q

Men 200 Yard IM Varsity 1) Rivera, Marco, MISH, 2:18.38 q • 2) Lozano, Luis, Roma, 2:20.27 q • 3) Vasquez, Mauro, MISH, 2:20.30 q

Women 50 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Valdez, Andrea, MISH, 28.45 q • 2) Suelto, Samantha, MISH, 29.17 q • 3) Castillo, Lauren, VMHS, 29.64 q

Men 50 Yard Freestyle Varsity 1) Suarez Moreno, Javier, MISH, 24.38 q • 2) Chapa, Orel, Roma, 24.80 q • 3) Salinas, Israel, VMHS, 24.86 q

Women 100 Yard Butterfly Varsity 1) Garza, Abby, MISH, 1:07.57 q • 2) Polanco, Veronica, Roma, 1:12.51 q • 3) Rodriguez, Yeye, Psja North, 1:19.85 q

BACK STROKE

RENE PEREZ SHARYLAND H.S. By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

MVPS! • Sean Landez, Sharyland H.S. • Ray Dinnall-Guerra, Edcouch-Elsa H.S. • Trevor Speights, McAllen Memorial H.S. • Ron Adame, Sharyland H.S. head football coach

By Alec Amador

Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

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

verlooked for his accomplishments, Sharyland High School head football coach Ron Adame led his Rattlers to its third straight Region IV Regional finals in Class 5A, after moving down a classification from the new-6A division in only his first three seasons as a head football coach. He also led his Rattlers to an impressive 35-4 record, including three straight district and area titles. For his accomplishments, High School Sports Magazine names Adame as the 2014 All-South Texas Football Coach of the Year presented by Church’s Chicken of the Rio Grande Valley. “This is quite an honor,” says Adame. “It speaks volume. This is a tribute to my players and staff.” The Rattlers were faced with the dilemma of splitting into two high schools this season, with new high school, Pioneer High opening. Some players transferred, some players stayed. “That was challenging but we stayed focused on our season. Most of our seniors stayed, but next year will be a rebuilding season,” adds

(McAllen, Texas)

Adame. The 31-5A champions, Rattlers, posted huge wins over 30-6A champions, McAllen Memorial (9-2) and followed by wins over district champions, Laredo United (8-5) from 29-6A. Both games were non-district games. In the playoffs, the Rattlers blanked Calallen 28-0 in the second round before ending its season against state finalist, Cedar Park 52-24. “To lose to the state finalist only gives our team and staff reason to believe that we can get to the next level,” says Adame. “Those teams are tough to play but we are getting there.” The All-South Texas Most Valuable Player awards went to McAllen Memorial High School running back, Trevor Speights on offense; defensive end, Ray Dinnall-Guerra from Edcouch-Elsa HS was honored as the Defensive MVP; and the special teams/all purpose player MVP award went to Sean Landez, from Sharyland High School. All three players made the all-state teams in Class 6A and 5A. Junior running back, Speights rushed for 2,655 yards on 238 carries and 30 touchdowns. He also returned one punt for a touchdown and had 199 yards returned

on special teams. To date, he has 6,673 yards rushing in three seasons and 66 total touchdowns. Speights was also named to the first team in Class 6A by the Associated Press. Senior defensive back, Sean Landez from Sharyland High School returned a kickoff 109-yards in 2013 to set a national record and then returned his senior year to intercept 10 balls from opponents. He also had 36 solo tackles, one forced fumble, in addition to his 15 kickoff returns for 338 yards. He had another 19 punts returned for 437 yards and three touchdowns. He was also named to the Class 5A First Team as a defensive back. “Sean has been a tremendous leader. Very deserving. We will miss him,” says Adame. Senior defensive end, Ray Dinnall-Guerra was a nightmare to opposing teams from South Texas. At 6’2 and 265 lbs, he recorded 18 quarterback sacks and had more than 106 tackles throughout his senior year. “He’s well-deserving of this award,” says head coach Joe Marichalar from Edcouch-Elsa High School. “He was our captain and anchored our defense.” Guerra was also named to the first team on defense in Class 5A.

BY MANUEL DE LA ROSA • HSSM SPORTS JOURNALIST

TOO SWEET? CAN WESLACO H.S. ASHLEY GONZALEZ LEAD TEAM TO ITS THIRD STRAIGHT REGION IV APEARANCE?

By Alec Amador Lead HSSM Sports Photographer

_______________ WESLACO H.S. ASHLEY GONZALEZ _______________

(Brownsville,TX)

re-season rankings. It’s something that many fans read before the season starts, but what happens in the end can be a totally different scenario.

Those rankings are also based off the performance of a team from the year before. If we could look into a crystal ball and see the future, that would be perfect, but, again, the rankings always seem to either disappoint us or make fans as happy as can be when they do better than expected. There was a lot of excitement for the Weslaco Lady Panthers after back-to-back Region Semifinal appearance in 2013-14. For that reason, they were ranked number one, but, so far, that team with that experience hasn’t been the best in the Rio Grande Valley. Already, they have lost four times, including getting beaten by PSJA North. Stunning losses for a team that many expected to do better early on in the season. PSJA North has been the best team by far in the early part of the season. They have come up with big victories and look like a good team that may go far in the

VALLEY VIEW H.S. WILL COMPETE IN DISTRICT 31-5A.

playoffs. They were ranked six in the pre-season and now they are the top team with a 15-2 record.

Edinburg is having a good year and beginning to catch the attention of others.

The next group of good girls basketball teams comes from the 6A-District 32. This is expected to be one of the more competitive leagues in the RGV.

In every sport, coaches talk about peaking. You want to peak at the right time. Obviously, you want consistent play, but coaches want their team to grow, develop chemistry and get better each game. For many of these coaches, they want their team to peak at the end of the season, not the beginning. It’s those who peak at the end of the season who will make a run in the playoffs.

The Lady Cardinals have been impressive and won a few key district games already. They are playing tight defense and look like the team to beat. Right behind them is Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Hanna. The Lady Golden Eagles and Lady Cardinals were projected to do well, but the Lady Chargers weren’t expected to be this good. They came up with a big win over Hanna on their home floor and may be better than expected. A team that has dropped off a bit this year are the Lady Falcons. They were one point from the Sweet 16 round last year, but this year, the team has lost some key players and faced injuries. They are hoping to overcome that and rebound by the end of the season. Some other teams to watch out for are La Joya Palmview and Edinburg. Palmview wasn’t even mentioned in the top 10 pre-season picks, but they are cruising along having a good season. They will be a team to watch out for once the playoffs come around.

BROWNSVILLE PACE H.S. WILL TRY TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IN 2015.

That goes back to our point about ranking teams. It’s something the media loves to do. We cannot predict what is going to happen or who is going to improve or what injuries are going to occur. We cannot find out how good some of the younger players are until they are on the basketball court. We definitely do not know how hard these players worked during the off season. When I was in high school, there was a sign in the athletic weight room that said: what you do in the off season determines what you do during the season. It’s true and we will soon find out which girls basketball team worked the hardest as we get closer to the playoffs.

HIDALGO WAS STATE 3A SEMIFINALS IN 2008.

University Interscholastic League’s Past State Champions-Girls Since 2010... 2014 1A Division I Plains HS 1A Division II Nazareth HS 2A Wall HS 3A Waco La Vega HS 4A Canyon HS 5A Manvel HS

2012 1A Division I Sudan 1A Division II Neches HS 2A Brock HS 3A Abilene Wylie HS 4A Mansfield Summit HS 5A Duncanville HS

2013 1A Division I Martin’s Mill 1A Division II Whitharral HS 2A Brock HS 3A Mexia HS 4A Georgetown HS 5A Duncanville HS

2011 1A Division I Smyer 1A Division II Neches 2A Brock HS 3A Abilene Wylie HS 4A Canyon HS 5A Irving MacArthur HS

2010 1A Division I Smyer HS 1A Division II Neches HS 2A Brock HS 3A Texarkana Liberty-Eylau 4A Mansfield Timberview HS 5A Houston Cy-Fair

anvel High School are the defending 2014 University Interscholastic League’s 5A Basketball Girls Champions. They will now compete in Class 6A with the championship games to be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on March 5-7th. (HSSMImages/Special)

BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

FLORES TALKS ABOUT HIS FIRST YEAR AS A HEAD COACH AND FIRST WIN... ST EDWARDS 2002 (4-YEARS) HSSM: YOUR FIRST SEASON ON COURT-SIDE FOR THE MCALLEN BULLDOGS. HOW DOES THIS FEEL? RYAN: I FEEL GREAT AFTER PUTTING IN 11-YEARS AS AN ASSISTANT. I STARTED AS A FRESHMEN COACH AT MCALLEN NIKKI ROWE HIGH SCHOOL. YOU LEARN A LOT

rookie coach Ryan Flores McAllen H.S. By Alec Amador

HSSM Lead Sports Photographer

and most, I learned a lot about myself. It’s way different from playing the game of basketball. I was given another opportunity at to coach at McAllen Memorial High School for nine years. HSSM: You used to play high school basketball for McAllen Nikki Rowe High in 1998. Now, you are coaching the rival team you used to not like? Ryan: It’s a long story. I should have of gone to McHi. You see, my dad was an assistant head coach with Romy Vela at McAllen Nikki Rowe High School. I followed my Dad to Rowe. Now I’m wearing purple and gold. It feels great too. HSSM: What have you learned in your first season as a head coach? Ryan: Be prepared. Have your team ready to play defense and offense. HSSM: How does it feel to be coaching your team with your own philosophy. Are you in complete awe? 26

Ryan: Yes. My philosophy? Whew! Making the basketball in the basket is the goal. It’s a great feeling to know the team has responded to my philosophy. To be able to believe and watch these guys play both defensively and offensively. I was successful because I was fundamentally sound. HSSM: Playing basketball in high school and college at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. You were only 5’6”. You were short and scrawny. Ryan: I played four-years of basketball at St. Edwards University. It doesn’t matter what size you are, anyone can be successful. I was in the best shape of my life. HSSM: How important is practice now? Ryan: Practice like you play. Give it 100%. What ever the drills are...defensively...if you play hard...this will all be a reflection on gameday. HSSM: Winning your first head coaching basketball game,

how did it feel? Ryan: It felt great. I was overwhelmed. Nervous. Nervous. I was so happy it was over. HSSM: Talk about winning. The Bulldogs are 16-5 this season. Winning sixteen games this season? How does it really feel? Ryan: It feels great. The boys have responded. Being a new coach, with a new philosophy, these players welcomed me. HSSM: Are we talking playoffs? Ryan: I’m not even thinking about that now. It’s a new season. District begins. And, so does practice. HSSM: Overall, who supports you the most in this game of basketball? Ryan: My wife. She’s been with me through my career.

arents attended the 13th Annual RGVCA All-Star Volleyball Showcase on Sunday hosted by Donna ISD at Donna North High School. The East teams dominated the West All-Stars in 6A, 5A and sub-5A. The 6A East team defeated the West All-Stars 23-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-13.“These type of games are fun to watch and coach. It’s a tribute to the players hard work,” said Harlingen High coach Jennifer Martinez, who led the 6A East team. “It was just an honor to be on that sideline.” In Class 5A, East squad again, came up victorious in a 25-12, 25-21, 25-18 win. Mercedes High School volleyball coach Judy Gutierrez, who led the 5A East unit, enjoyed her all-star moment too. “These games are always fun for our seniors. We will miss them.” Port Isabel’s Gabriyelle Torres paced the sub-5A East team in a 25-19, 20-25, 25-17, 19-25, 15-13 win over the West squad. Monte Alto High School head coach Kerry Villarreal, who led the sub-5A East group. “Today, I think it was just a combination of all the girls, all the talent I had in the group,” she continued. “There was some outstanding players. It was great to be able to coach all that talent.”

With the completion of the all-star games, the AllDistrict Volleyball selections were released. Mayda Garcia from McAllen Nikki Rowe High School captured the 30-6A Outstanding Hitter Award while McAllen High School’s Julia Monday was named the 30-6A Most Valuable Player in 2014. The Lady Bulldogs advanced to the University Interscholastic League’s Class 6A Region IV Tournament or “Sweet 16” and met up with San Antonio Clark in the semifinals. The Lady Bulldogs lost in three sets 25-17, 25-19, 25-18 ending a great season at 38-6 under head coach Paula Dodge. In District 31-6A, two coaches captured top honors for coach of the year. Adrian Cavazos from Edinburg North shared top coaching honors with rival school, Edinburg High School and head coach, Deanna Sanchez. The Lady Bobcats finished tied for first place and share the title with the Lady Cougars. Also sharing the District title from 32-6A was Los Fresnos and Brownsville Veterans Memorial. The Lady Falcons also advanced to the State 6A Region IV Tournament under head coach Becky Woods. She was named Coach of the Year. The Lady Falcons lost to San Antonio Churchill 25-8, 25-15, and 25-15. The Lady Chargers advanced to the state tournament in Garland,

Texas and lost to the Woodlands in the 6A Semifinals. Here are the complete all-district selections from Class 6A to 1A in South Texas.

All-District Volleyball Selections

DISTRICT 30-6A MVP: Julia Monday, McAllen High Newcomer of the Year: Carter Helmcamp, McAllen High Outstanding Hitter: Mayda Garcia, McAllen Rowe Outstanding Setter: Tayler Marburger, McAllen Memorial Outstanding Defensive Specialist/Libero: Kazzandra Rodriguez, Mission High Outstanding Blocker: Sydney Pemelton, McAllen High FIRST TEAM Selene Iracheta, La Joya High; Alexis Giusti, McAllen High; Hannah Bishop, McAllen High; Allie Nitsch, McAllen Memorial; Draik Banks, McAllen Memorial; Brianah Muñoz, McAllen Memorial; Sophia Luna, McAllen Rowe; Ryla Rodriguez, McAllen Rowe SECOND TEAM Monica Olguin, La Joya High; Lissete Vela, Mission High; Emily Alvarado fro Mission High; Julissa Villarreal, McAllen High; Brooklyn Santellana, McAllen Memorial; Alex Alaniz, La Joya Palmview; Klarissa Gomez, McAllen Rowe; Deanna Spear, McAllen Rowe; Vanessa Lopez, McAllen Rowe HONORABLE MENTIONS Yulisa Treviño, La Joya High; Maria Garcia, Mission High; Dominique Peña, McAllen High; Helen Kang, McAllen Memorial; Brianna Chaidez, McAllen Rowe;

DISTRICT 31-6A MVP: Clarivel Garza, Edinburg North Co-Outstanding Hitter: Samantha Serna, Edinburg High Co-Outstanding Hitter: Justine Cavazos, Edinburg High Outstanding Setter: Dezi Marmolejo, Edinburg High Outstanding Blocker: Victoria Saenz, Weslaco East Libero of the Year: Elizabeth Olivarez, Edinburg High Newcomer of the Year: Kristi Gomez, PSJA Memorial Co-Coach of the Year: Deanna Sanchez, Edinburg Co-Coach of the Year: Adrian Cavazos, Edinburg North FIRST TEAM Victoria Rodgers, Edinburg North; Katherine Facundo, PSJA Memorial; Sabrina Rodrigues, Weslaco East; Natalie Alanis, Edinburg North; Madelyn Ybarra, Weslaco High; Breanna Pe単a, Edinburg High; Mireya Martinez, PSJA Memorial; Michelle Marquez, Weslaco East; Faith Olszak, Weslaco East; Yessi Molina, Edinburg High; Carla De Leon, PSJA Memorial; Annica Vela, Edinburg North; Gabby Rios, Weslaco East SECOND TEAM Brooke Bloomquist, Weslaco High; Marissa Arce, Edinburg High; Emily Rivera, PSJA Memorial; Stephanie Crispin, PSJA North; Amanda Lopez, Edinburg North; Amy Garza, Weslaco High; Abri Saenz, Edinburg North; Sydney Cid, Weslaco High; Rachelle Galindo, PSJA Memorial; Lindell Galvan, Weslaco High HONORABLE MENTIONS Krista Armstrong, Edinburg Economedes; Marixa Viera, Edinburg Economedes; Daisy Garcia, Edinburg Economedes; Silvia Perez, Edinburg Economedes; Arianna Mu単oz, Edinburg Economedes DISTRICT 32-6A MVP: Joseline Caraveo, Los Fresnos Offensive Player of the Year: Mariza Cardenas, Brownsville Veterans Libero of the Year: Daniela Carrion, Brownsville Rivera Defensive Player of the Year: Sam Ibarra, Los Fresnos; Taylor Garcia, Brownsville Hanna; Krista Lopez, Brownsville Veterans; Anabel Ricardo, Harlingen High Setter of the year: Clarissa Chavez, Brownsville Veterans Newcomer of the year: Lexi Kruse, Harlingen South FIRST TEAM Peyton Sales, Los Fresnos; Alex Cano, Los Fresnos; Pam Ellis, Brownsville Hanna; Sarah Sandoval, Brownsville Veterans; Briana Brown, Brownsville Veterans; Addison Dicky, Harlingen High; Kailha Reyes, San Benito; Paloma Trevino, Brownsville Lopez SECOND TEAM Alex Moya, Los Fresnos; Bianca Olivares, Brownsville Hanna; Daniella Collaso, Brownsville Veterans; Stephanie Ramirez, Brownsville Rivera; Kassandra Garcia, Brownsville Rivera; Zelda Ortiz, Harlingen High; Samantha Quilantan, Harlingen High; Tina Montes, Harlingen South; Emily Susen, Harlingen South; Blandina Trevino, San Benito HONORABLE MENTIONS Jackie Kungsbury, Los Fresnos; Jordan Marinez, Los Fresnos; Miranda Gonzalez, Los Fresnos; Flora Herrera, Brownsville Hanna; Yelitza Barrientos, Brownsville Hanna DISTRICT 31-5A MVP: Gabriella Lerma, Mission Veterans Outstanding Setter: Darian Ibarra, Mission Veterans Outstanding Blocker: Daisy Reyna, Mission Veterans Outstanding Hitter: Nora Monie, Sharyland Pioneer Newcomer of the Year: Audrey Smith, Sharyland Pioneer Outstanding Defensive Specialist/Libero: Maranda Washington, Edinburg Vela FIRST TEAM Karina Garcia, Mission Veterans; Maddie Garza, Sharyland High; Paige Jones, Sharyland High; Caleigh Hausenfluck, Sharyland High; Deandra Garza, Sharyland Pioneer; Alejandra Galindo, Roma; Luz Gonzales, Roma; Jaida Muhammad, Edinburg Vela

Volleyball Action! The 6A East All-Star Volleyball teams easily defeated the West All-Stars on Sunday in the 13th annual RGVCA All-Star Volleyball game. By Julio Montalvo

HSSM Sports Photographer

SECOND TEAM Adela Parras, Mission Veterans; Claudia Ibarra, Valley View; Rae Ashley Ramirez, Rio Grande City; Maddie Hatzold, Sharyland Pioneer; Elise Lopez, Sharyland Pioneer; Kassandra Rocha, Roma; Annette Jasso; Larissa Navarro, Edinburg Vela HONORABLE MENTIONS Valeria Osorio, Mission Veterans; Isela Rodriguez, Mission Veterans; Franchesca Munguia, Valley View; Evelyn Saenz, Valley View; Kumary Castañeda, Valley View DISTRICT 32-5A Co-coaches of the year: Cindy Viesca, Donna High; Ofelia Griffith, Edcouch-Elsa MVP: Marina Martinez, Donna High Offensive Player of the Year: Cassidy Martinez, Edcouch-Elsa

Pictured are Sub-5A West All-Stars.

Great Win! The Sub-5A All-Stars from the East swept past the West All-Stars on Sunday at Donna North High School. (HSSMImages/Montalvo)

Teammates. Pictured are members of the 2014 Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association West Volleyball All-Stars. (HSSMIMages/Montalvo)

“Quad” Defensive Players of the Year: Sarah Gonzalez, Donna High; Jazmin Campos, Edcouch-Elsa; Sabrina Garcia, Brownsville Porter; Ashlynn Marchan, Brownsville Pace “Tri” Newcomers of the Year: Madeline Acevedo, Edcouch-Elsa; Myranda Garza, PSJA High; Nila Palomo, PSJA Southwest “Tri” Setters of the Year: Emily Cavazos, Donna High; Valerie Gonzales, PSJA High; Kristen Gutierrez, Mercedes Libero of the Year: Daniela Rivera, Edcouch-Elsa FIRST TEAM Yvette Tamez, Donna High; Kara Yanez, Donna High; Valeria Mancha, PSJA High; Summer Vento, Mercedes; Karla Sosa, Brownsville Porter; Rose Perez, Brownsville Pace; Ana Prado, PSJA Southwest; I’Dasha Sorrell, Donna North SECOND TEAM Crystal Hernandez, Edcouch-Elsa; Alejandra Martinez, EdcouchElsa; Cecilia Torres, Edcouch-Elsa; Mariah West, PSJA High;

Pictured are the 2014 Rio Grande Valley 5A All-Stars from East Division. The East team defeated the West All-Stars on Sunday. (HSSMIMages/Montalvo)

Gavy Guerrero, Mercedes; Mere Guevara, Mercedes; Marquel Rivera, Brownsville Porter; Litdzy Cervantes, Brownsville Pace HONORABLE MENTIONS Melanie Arenas, Donna High; Adrienne Garza, Donna High; Allison Loredo, Donna High; Samantha Martinez, Edcouch-Elsa; Gabrielle Fonseca, PSJA High DISTRICT 32-4A MVP: Gabriyella Torres, Port Isabel Newcomer of the Year: Myah Salas, Rio Hondo Offensive Player of the Year: Cassandra Garcia, Zapata Defensive Players of the Year: Jennifer Castillo, Hidalgo; Belisa Vela, La Feria; Kelcie Swink, Port Isabel Libero of the Year: Alexandria Martinez, Port Isabel Setter of the Year: Ari Jalomo, Port Isabel Coaches of the Year: Julie Breedlove, Port Isabel; Rebea Fraga, La Feria; Rosie Villarreal, Zapata FIRST TEAM Alexandria Andrade, Grulla; Illiana Ayala, La Feria; Simone Harry, Port Isabel; Alondra Torres, Progreso; Camille Kafka, Raymondville; Jazzleen Barraza, Raymondville; Bethany Atkinson, Rio Hondo; Alex Garcia, Zapata SECOND TEAM Yanelli Flores, Hidalgo; Briana Garcia, Hidalgo; Karla Cantu, Hidalgo; Michelle Salazar, Grulla; Delma Ozuna, Grulla; Annette Ruiz, La Feria; Cecily Niles, Port Isabel; Larissa Torres, Port Isabel; Lucy Veloz, Progreso; Lori Jaramillo, Rio Hondo; Victoria Aguilar, Rio Hondo; Isela Gonzalez, Zapata; Alexis Alvarez, Zapata

The 6A West All-Stars lost to the East on Sunday. By Cesar Montalvo

HSSM Sports Photographer

HONORABLE MENTIONS Evelyn Zarate, Grulla; Victoria Gonzalez, Grulla; Danielle Lopez, Grulla; Shelsie Hernandez, Grulla; Kayla Gonzalez, Grulla DISTRICT 32-3A MVP: Rachel Bartels, IDEA Quest Co-Newcomer of the Year: Desiree Garcia, Monte Alto Co-Newcomer of the Year: Cristina Alvarez, Lyford Offensive Player of the Year: Rebekah Perez, Lyford Defensive Player of the Year: Miranda Ramirez, Lyford Coach of the Year: Jennifer Soto, Lyford FIRST TEAM Michaela Elbert, Frontier; Shanelle Flores, Frontier; Alyssa Hanshaw, IDEA Quest; Alyssa Cuellar, IDEA Quest; Brenda Alaniz, Monte Alto; Jennifer Guerra, Santa Rosa; Mariah Contreras, Santa Rosa

Pictured are the 2014 Rio Grande Valley 5A All-Stars from the West Division. (HSSMIMages/Montalvo)

SECOND TEAM Abigail Gonzalez, IDEA Quest; Victoria Vela, Lyford; Jasmin Palafox, Lyford; Abigail Perez, Lyford; Brenna Rosa, Monte Alto; Lisa Gomez, Monte Alto; Jazzlynn Robles, Santa Rosa HONORABLE MENTIONS Aubrey Valdez, Frontier; Lizbeth Longoria, Frontier; Victoria Rodriguez, IDEA Quest; Jillian Terry, IDEA Quest; Natalie Garza, IDEA Quest ACADEMIC LIST Brenna Rosa, Monte Alto; Lisa Gomez, Monte Alto; Selina Cardoza, Monte Alto; Brenda Alaniz, Monte Alto; Michaela Elbert, Frontier; Mariah Contreras, Santa Rosa; Jasslynn Robles, Santa Rosa; Rachel Bartels, IDEA Quest; Ilialina Luevano, IDEA Quest; Abigail Gonzalez, IDEA Quest; Jillian Terry, IDEA Quest; Esmer Rodriguez, IDEA Quest; Natalie Garza, IDEA Quest; Leann Castillo, IDEA Quest; Victoria Rodriguez, IDEA Quest; Kylee Colorado, IDEA Quest; Crystal Sanchez, IDEA Quest; Rebekah Perez, Lyford; Miranda Martinez, Lyford; Skyler Villarreal, Lyford; Victoria Vela, Lyford TAPPS DISTRICT 6-1A MVP: Jasmine Long, Juan Diego Academy Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Perez, Juan Diego Academy Coach of the Year: Vic Garza, Juan Diego Academy FIRST TEAM Elizabeth Roberts, Brownsville First Baptist; Paulina Camara, Juan Diego Academy; Ana Balcazar, Brownsville First Baptist; Shelby Fernald, Juan Diego Academy; Daniela Gonzalez, Brownsville First Baptist; Kayla Hickle, Juan Diego Academy; Sandra Masso, Brownsville First Baptist; Breya Ebe, Alamo Macedonia Christian Academy; Jackie Wallace, Palmhurst Faith Christian Academy; Valeria Nino, Edinburg Harvest Christian Academy; Paola Schwebel, Palmhurst Faith Christian Academy SECOND TEAM Jasmine Perez, Juan Diego Academy; Madeline Ayala, Juan Diego Academy; Jenny Alvarez, Palmhurst Faith Christian Academy; Samantha Valte, Palmhurst Faith Christian Academy; Justine Orcullo, Palmhurst Faith Christian Academy; Carmen Salinas, Edinburg Harvest Christian Academy; Kaylee Johnson, Alamo Macedonia Christian Academy; Cassie Ault, Alamo Macedonia Christian Academy; Amy Landin, Brownsville First Baptist; Gloria Angela, Brownsville First Baptist

Bloodied saturday!

WESLACO • RIO GRANDE CITY • MCALLEN SAN BENITO • WESLACO EA ST MCALLEN MEMORIAL HIGH SC • LA JOYA HOOL BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

The new 6A-Wrestling District Alignment in Texas is now made up of 16 Districts with 15 teams making up the new 6A-District 16 for the Rio Grande Valley. Teams from the Valley include Edinburg, Edinburg Economedes, Edinburg North, La Joya, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, La Joya Palmview, McAllen, McAllen Memorial, McAllen Rowe, Mission, PSJA Memorial, PSJA North, San Benito, Weslaco, Weslaco East. In Class 5A, sixteen districts also make the state’s regions with District 5A-16 teams Corpus Christi Moody, Donna, Donna North, Edinburg Vela, Sharyland, Mission Veterans Memorial, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, PSJA Southwest, Rio Grande City, Rio Grande City Grulla, Roma, Sharyland Pioneer.

Masked Man! McAllen Nikki Rowe High School Manny Rodriguez protects his cheek bones, nose, lips, teeth, from possible hits to the face during wrestling matches. (HSSMImages/Julio Montalvo)

This year’s 5A University Interscholastic League’s Region IV-5A Wrestling Championships will be held at the Austin ISD Delco Activity Center and in Class 6A, the regional championships will take place at the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio, Texas. Both regional meets begin February 13-14, 2015. The state meet will be held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas on February 20-21, 2015. In recent wrestling meets throughout the Rio Grande Valley, the Rio Grande City High School boys team finished in second place last week in the Mustang Invitational, winning with 139 points behind first-place La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (191).

Weslaco High School freshmen wrestler Manny & Abraham Cantu of San Benito HS were hit in his nasal area during a match last week.

By Cesar Montalvo

HSSM Sports Photographer

coming by pin in addition to a 5-4 decision over Grulla’s Angel Zuniga. Reyes (195) pinned all three of his opponents, including McAllen Memorial’s Jose Plata. The two seniors boast 15-1 individual marks, having earned gold in a tournament for the first time this season. The 6A district dual will be held at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. The singleelimination meet, featuring boys and girls team, will host 15 schools in District 16-6A. The 16-6A individual tournament will be held until Feb. 5-6 at Mission High.

McAllen Memorial will hosted the third annual Mustang Invitational, featuring fifteen teams, including Edinburg North, Edinburg Vela, Donna High, Donna North, Grulla, all three La Joyas, Mission Veterans, three Carlos Hernandez (152) and Noe Reyes (195) led the PSJA schools (minus PSJA High), Rio Grande City and way for RGC. Hernandez won all four of his sets, three Sharyland High. McAllen High School also is hosting its inaugural Dog Pound Armando Trejo from San Benito HS hopes to make it Classic, a 12-team, The UIL Wrestling State Tournament is set for Feb 20th & 21st to the UIL State Wrestling Championships to be held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland TX. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas on one-day tournament. It (HSSMImages/Julio Montalvo) February 20-21, 2015. (HSSMImages/Julio Montalvo) included Edinburg High, Edinburg Economedes, McAllen Rowe, Mission High, PSJA High, PSJA North, Rio Grande City, San Benito, Sharyland Pioneer, Weslaco High and Weslaco East. 33

career milestone

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psja north h.s. jaime gongora BY DAVID A. AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

SJA North HS head basketball coach Jaime Gongora won his 500th career game against PSJA at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas during the San Antonio Spurs game. This is Gongora’s 24th year as a head coach and he has won eight district championships and has made it to the UIL State Region IV tournament twice with 17 playoff appearances in his career. His career started in Hidalgo 1991 where he led the Pirates to its first district title. Winning 500 games is something that is attribute to the players that I have had the opportunity to coach. I’m very grateful that I was given the chance to coach at 24-yearsold. I would do this all over again. I love coaching. This is perfect for me. Former players have told me how I have made a difference in their lives as they graduated from high school. (laughs) Two of my assistant coaches used to play for me. How time has flown, says Gongora. Making the playoffs in 2015 would fulfull now, Mr. 500, as most will now call him in his brilliant career as a head coach. He’s modest. He loves basketball.

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for the

record

Gongoras Career Basketball Record

Record at PSJA North High School: (287-109 overall) 2002-2003 ALL-VALLEY COACH OF THE YEAR 2000 DISTRICT 31-5A COACH OF THE YEAR 1998-1999 ALL-VALLEY COACH OF THE YEAR YEAR

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2007-2008 Third Place

SEASON

• RECORD

(17th) (27-7 overall, 11-3 dist)

2006-2007 (16th) (28-8 overall, 9-3 dist) Second Place 2005-2006 (15th) (30-6 overall, 9-3 dist) Second Place 2004-2005 (14th) (30-6 overall, 12-0 dist) 31-5A District Champions 2003-2004 (13th) (29-5 overall, 12-2 dist) 31-5A District Champions 2002-2003 (12th) (21-11 overall, 11-3 dist) 31-5A Co-District Champions 2000-2001 (10th) (31-4 overall, 13-1 dist) 31-5A District Champions 1999-2000 (9th) (27-5 overall, 9-1 dist) 31-5A Co-District Champions 1998-1999 (8th) (24-8 overall) 31-5A District Champions 1997-1998 (7th) (18-12 overall, 4-4 dist) 31-5A East Zone, 2nd Place Tie 1996-1997 (6th) (20-11 overall, 6-2 dist) 31-5A East Zone, 1st Place 1995-1996 (5th) (26-9 overall, 14-4 dist) 31-5A District Champions 1994-1995 Third Place

(4th) (19-13 overall, 10-8 dist)

Class 3A Hidalgo High School Pirates 1992-1993 (2nd) (25-9 overall, 11-3 dist) District 32-3A Runner-Up 1991-1992 (1st) (26-9 overall, 11-1 dist) District 32-3A Champions 1991-1992 School’s first Area Championship (vs. Freer, 63-57)