March april2015

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MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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WWW.HSSMLIVE.COM

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TRACK & FIELD

THE MEET OF CHAMPIONS.

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SEASON IS OVER.

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led his team to the 4A Region iv semifinals against wharton hs. •

IT’S BEEN WET WET WET... RGV TEAMS LOOKING GOOD!

GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS GOLLY GEE-WHIZ.

matt soza hidalgo h.s. •

BASEBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS MARCH MADNESS!

OH HOW SWEET IT IS!

ON THE COVER •

JOSE “PEPE” GARCIA OF MCALLEN HS AT THE 6A REGION IV SEMIFINALS AGAINST SHERTZ CLEMENS HS IN SAN ANTONIO.

By juan orozco HSSM Images

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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

(PHOTO BY ALEC AMADOR) DESIGN & PHOTO EDIT BY HECTOR OROZCO

DAVID A. AMADOR

ALEC AMADOR

Publisher & Sports Director

Lead Sports Photographer

HECTOR OROZCO

CESAR MONTALVO

Art Director

Sports Photographer

RUDY J. LOPEZ JR

JUAN OROZCO

Sports Journalist

RICHARD DAVIDSON Sports Photographer

GONZALO AGUAYO JR Advertising Executive

Sports Photographer

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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uil track

field

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championships at the Mike A. Myers Stadium Crowd May14-16. MOre than 25,000 fans attend the event in austin. pictured is vince castillo from donna hs winning the 300m hurdles in Austin in 2014. •

By ALEC AMADOR HSSM images

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MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015


BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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(Weslaco, Texas) he annual Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association Track and Field Meet of Champions is set for March 27-28th at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco. This is the meet that features the best athletes from South Texas before the District meets begin April 9th. Two more relays will be held on April 2nd before the district championships. The Raymondville High School Relays and Harlingen High School Relays will be the last two relays to be held on April 2nd. The Sharyland High School track team leads the Valley with plenty of talent. The Rattlers hope to return another state 4x100 relay team with James Cole and Sean Landez both returning for last year’s state team. Cole leads the Valley in the 100 and 200m dash while Landez is tops in the long jump and 400m dash. He also ranks with the top three times in the 100 and 200m dash. In the hurdles, Donna High School senior, Vince Castillo will be vying for his third straight 300m hurdles title. The Mississippi State signee-hurdler has a Valley’s best score in the 110-meter hurdles of 14.22 seconds while Marcus Pena of Sharyland High has recorded a 14.79. A title that has eluded the soonto-be SEC hurdler, is the 110 hurdles and he would like to win this title at UIL State Track and Field Meet to be held at the Mike A. Myers Stadium at UT-Austin on May 14-16th. In the 300-meter hurdles, the two-time state champion, Castillo is still at his best with an overall time of 38.40. In the field events, Edinburg Vela High School senior, Brendon Rivera, eclipsed 6’-10” this season and he hopes to make it back to the UIL State Championships Track and Field in May. Last year, a favorite going into the state meet, the University of Arkansas signee did not medal despite eclipsing the 7’3 mark at the 2014 TAAF Games. He finished fourth place with a 6’6” crossing of the bars. Others vying for state qualifying spots are Diego Martinez from Sharyland High and Robert Rosales from Valley View High School. Both have set marks of 6’2”. In girls events, shot put competitor Nora Monie, a transfer from Sharyland High School to new-Sharyland Pioneer HS, has the best throw this season with 45’- 3.5” while defending State 3A shot put champion, Daniella Murchison of Port Isabel, 44’-4” is bidding for another title in Class 4A. The SMU track and field signee hopes to throw past 50’0” by the time the state meet comes around. PI head coach Johnny Galvan Jr. has watched Murchison develop and grow throughout her high school career and he feels she can win in two events at the state meet. At the state meet, Murchison won the shot put event on her first

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anthony garza weslaco hs high jumper The rgvca meet of champions begins march 27-28th at bobby lackey stadium in weslaco. •

By cesar montalvo HSSM images


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To The Finish! James Cole from Sharyland High He will be at the RGVCA Meet of Champs March

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School leads the pack in the 100m and 200m dash. He was a UIL State 5A 4x100 qualifier in 2014. 27-28th in Weslaco. Also pictured are RGC Danny Perez and Ricky Zapata of Pioneer HS. (HSSM Images/Cesar Montalvo)


Maria Gonzalez from Mission Veterans HS is one of the top pole vaulters in the Rio Grande Valley. (HSSM Images/Cesar Montalvo) throw with a 44’0”. She also qualified in the discus event at the 3A State Meet and finished with a bronze medal with a throw of 128’03”. Other state qualifiers, discus thrower, Nora Monie, Sharyland Pioneer, 140’10” finished 7th overall in 2014 in Class 5A; 5A bronze medalist high jumper Joan Cepeda, PSJA Memorial, 5’4” could be looking at another state return while Gabby Torres from Port Isabel has a best of 5’4” this season and she hopes to return to the state meet again. She finished 7th overall with a 5’2” jump. Both jumpers will be at the RGVCA Meet of Champions. Alexus Henry from Bridge City Midland Greenwood won the 3A title with a 5’8” crossing. This year’s RGVCA Meet of Champions will honor past coaches and expect many records to be broken too.

HSSM’s Best of the Best Track & Field Results: TEAM STANDINGS: 1) Sharyland High 81; 2) Edinburg Vela, 64; 3) McAllen Memorial, 63; 4) Los Fresnos 50; 5) Harlingen High, 44; 6) La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 37; 7) Weslaco East, 37; 8) Donna High, 30; 9) La Joya Palmview, 26.75; 10) San Benito, 22.

Daniella Murchison of Port Isabel HS is the defending UIL State 3A Champion in the shot put. (HSSM Images/Alec Amador)

FIELD EVENTS SHOT PUT: 1) Anthony Esparza, McAllen Memorial, 54-8.5; 2,Mike Zuniga, Rio Hondo, 54-1; 3) John Melmares, San Benito 49-10; 4) Johnny Howell, Sharyland Pioneer, 49-8; 5) Edward Pequeno, McAllen Memoiral 49-1; 6) Travis Barnes, Harlingen High, 48-5. Discus: 1) Angel Espinoza, Brownsville Rivera, 180-8; 2) Edward Pequeno, McAllen Memorial, 163-3; 3) Lucas Rios, McAllen Memorial, 154-2; 4) Gilbert Castro, Progreso, 153-9; 5) Gabriel Almandariz, Edcouch-Elsa, 150-8; 6) Mike Zuniga, Rio Hondo, 150-6. LONG JUMP: 1) Sean Landez, Sharyland High, 22-4; 2) Michael Boltie, McAllen Memorial, 22-1.5; 3) Ciro Hernandez, PSJA North, 21-6; 4) Roel Garcia, Mercedes, 21-3; 4) Trevor Speights, McAllen Memorial, 21-1; 6) Felipe Flores, Browwnsville Veterans, 21-0. TRIPLE JUMP: 1) Pete Perez, Los Fresnos, 43-1.75; 2,Dominick Castillo, Donna North, 42-9; 3) Carlos Barrera, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 42-7; 4) Hector Bosquez, McAllen Rowe, 42-3; 5) Mark Reyna, IDEA Quest, 42-2.5; 6) Damien Quintanilla, La Joya Palmview, 42-0. HIGH JUMP: 1) Brendon Rivera, Edinburg Vela, 6-10; 2) Diego Martinez, Sharyland High, 6-2; 3) Robert Rosales, Valley View, 6-1; 4) Anthony Garza, Weslaco High,

6-0; 5) Kris Marrogquin, Weslaco High, 6-0; 6) Adrian Morales, Harlingen South, 6-0; 6) Victor Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, 6-0. POLE VAULT: 1) Michael Boltie, McAllen Memorial, 146; 2) Seth Carter, Sharyland High, 13-6; 3) Jose Garcia, Mission High, 13-6; 4) Albert Villarreal, Harlingen High, 13-6; 5) Marcos Carrizales, Rio Hondo, 13-6; 6) 3 tied at 13-0.

RUNNING EVENTS * denotes fully automatic time 100-METER DASH: 1) James Cole, Sharyland High, 10.86*; 2) Gabe Vasquez, San Benito, 10.99*; 3) Sean Landez, Sharyland High, 11.03*; 4) Adrian Rodriguez, McAllen High, 11.04*; 5) Rodrigo Vega, Donna High, 11.04*; 6) Lupe Moron, Weslaco East, 11.08*. 200-METER DASH: 1) James Cole, Sharyland High, 22.24*; 2) Christopher Rosales, Harlingen High, 22.36*; 3) Sean Landez, Sharyland High, 22.52*; 4) Michael Boltie, McAllen Memorial, 22.54*; 5) Mike Medellin, Edinburg Economedes, 22.62*; 6) Jose Torres, PSJA North, 22.64*. 400-METER DASH: 1) Sean Landez, Sharyland High, 50.52*; 2) Christopher Montemayor, Harlingen High, 50.58; 3) Marcos Medina, Harlingen High, 50.70; 4) Yariel Matute, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 51.04*; 5)

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Jennifer Pena of Sharyland HS leads in the hurdles against Mission Veterans Memorial HS hurdler Nyla Vela. Both will compete at the RGVCA Meet of Champions on March 27-28th at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco. (HSSM Images/Cesar Montalvo)

Michael Cavaozos, Edinburg Vela, 51.04; 6) Victor Castillo, McAllen Memorial, 51.06. 800-METER RUN: 1) Ricardo Mendoza, La Joya High, 1:55.73; 2) Jesus Mata, Mission Veterans, 1:57.39; 3) Dante Goana, PSJA Southwest, 1:57.79; 4) Carlos Rodriguez, La Feria, 1:57.96; 5) Isaac Arevalo, Edinburg Vela, 1:58.39; 6) Michel Lara, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 1:58.65. 1600-METER RUN: 1) Adam Herrera, Edinburg Vela, 4:25.75; 2) Eliseo Rodriguez, La Joya Palmview, 4:25.80; 3) Victor Pedraza, PSJA Southwest, 4:27.37; 4) Joshua Perez, Donna North, 4:28.97; 5) Anthony Garza, Brownsville Rivera, 4:29.02*; 6) Tristan Rena, Edinburg North, 4:31.10. 3200-METER RUN: 1) Eliseo Rodriguez, La Joya Palmview, 9:36.75; 2) Victor Pedraza, PSJA Southwest, 9:39.05; 3) Albert Herrera, Weslaco East, 9:39.81; 4) Adam Herrera, Edinburg Vela, 9:41.02; 5) GJ Reyna, Mission Veterans, 9:46.25; 6) Christian Machuca, Brownsville Rivera,

For the record: 8

9:47.49. 110-METER HURDLES: 1) Vince Castillo, Donna High, 14.22; 2) Marcus Pena, Sharyland High, 14.79*; 3) JR Villarreal, Weslaco East, 15.60*; 4) Tristan Guerra, Sharyland Pioneer, 15.74*; 5) Alan Martinez, Mission High, 15.74*; 6) Brnadon Bradford, PSJA North, 16.09*. 300-METER HURDLES: 1) Vince Castillo, Donna High School, 38.40; 2) Jorge Cantu, Can Benito, 39.53; 3) Omar Silva, Port Isabel, 40.10; 4) JR Villarreal, Weslaco East, 40.54; 5) Rene Pecina, La Joya Palmview, 40.62; 5) Edward Velasquez, Brownsville Riverea, 41.27. 400-METER RELAY: 1) Los Fresnos, 42.81; 2) Weslaco East, 42.96; 3) McAllen Memorial, 43.35; 4) Donna High, 43.59; 5) Mercedes, 43.74; 6) La Joya JuarezLincoln, 43.83. 800-METER RELAY: 1) Los Fresnos, 1:30.17; 2) Edinburg Vela, 1:31.64*; 3) La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 1:31.84*; 4) Sharyland High, 1:31.98; 5) Weslaco East, 1:32.36*; 6) Mercedes, 1:32.45. 1600-METER RELAY: 1) Edinburg Vela, 3:23.99; 2) Harlingen High, 3:25.25; 3) La Joya Juarez-Lincoln,

San Benito HS graduate Bobby Morrow appeared on the cover of LIFE magazine after winning three Gold Medals in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in Australia. He won the 100 and 200m meter dash and 4x00 relay.

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

3:29.49; 4) La Feria, 3:30.45; 5) La Joya Palmview, 3:31.06; 6) Sharyland Pioneer, 3:31.75*.

GIRLS

TEAM STANDINGS: 1) Sharyland Pioneer, 76; 2) Harlingen South, 69; 4) Edinburg High, 58; 4) Brownsville St. Joseph Academy, 45; 5) Los Fresnos 42; 6) McAllen Memorial, 40; 7) Port Isabel, 37; 8) Weslaco High, 35.83; 9) Edinburg North, 35; 10) Edcouch-Elsa, 26.33.

FIELD EVENTS

SHOT PUT: 1) Nora Monie, Sharyland Pioneer, 45- 3.5; 2) Daniela Murchison, Port Isabel, 44-4; 3) Brittany Vielma, PSJA Southwest, 40-11; 4) Valeria Granados, Los Fresnos, 38-5.5; 5) Maisie Trevino, Edinburg Economedes, 38.05; 6) Clarissa Chavez, Brownsville Veterans, 37-11. DISCUS: 1) Nora Monie, Sharyland Pioneer, 140-10; 2) Clarissa Chavez, Brownsville Veterans, 134-9; 3) Daniela Murchison, Port Isabel, 134-7; 4) Brittany Vielna, PSJA Southwest, 127-7; 5) Karen Guerra, La Joya Juerez-Lincoln 119-2; 6) Gertrudis Ruiz-Balls, Brownsville Pace, 118-2. LONG JUMP: 1) Cierra Pena, Harlingen South, 18-4.5; 2) Gabby Torres, Port Isbabel, 17-10.5; 3) Jiovanni Solis, McAllen Rowe, 16-11; 4) I’Dasha Sorrell, Donna North, 16-10.5; 5) Eleanor Arndt, Weslaco High, 16-7.5; 6) Jacklynn Flores, Mercedes, 16-7.5.


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The 2015 Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association Meet of Champions will be held at Bobby Lackey Stadium on March 27-28th featuring the top performers like Sean Landez from Sharyland HS and high jumper Adrian Cavazos from Sharyland Pioneer HS. Also pictured is Danny Perez from Rio Grande City. (HSSM Images/Cesar Montalvo)

TRIPLE JUMP: 1) Abriana Saenz, Edinburg North, 37-4; 2) Jaleah Calvillo, Los Fresnos, 37-1; 3) Jacklynn Flores, Mercedes, 35-7.25; 4) Celeste Elizondo, Grulla, 34-9; 5) Malory Raad, McAllen High, 34-4.5; 6) Nyla Vela, Mission Veterans; 34.75. HIGH JUMP: 1) Joan Cepeda, PSJA Memorial, 5-4; 2) Gabby Torres, Port Isabel, 5-4; 3) Jaleah Valvillo, Los Fresnos, 5-4; 4) Maria Avila, Brownsville Pace, 5-2; 5) six tied at 5-0. POLE VAULT: 1) Megan Lopez, Brownsville St. Joseph, 10-6; 2) Marifera Valencia, Brownsville St. Joseph, 9-6; 3) Aaryn Martinez, Mission Veterans, 9-6; 4) Carolina Carrillo, PSJA North, 9-0; 5) Sydney Salinas, Weslaco High, 9-0; 6) Crystal Hernandez, Edcouch-Elsa, 9-0.

RUNNING EVENTS * denotes fully automatic time 100-METER DASH: 1) Cierra Pena, Harlingen South, 11.86; 2) Valerie Mancha, PSJA High, 11.98; 3) I’Dasha Sorrell, Donna North, 12.08; 4) Caitlin Alaniz, Weslaco East, 12.94*; 5) Yasmine Martinez, Harlingen South, 13.02*; 6) J’yah Cook, Port Isabel, 13.04*. 200-METER DASH: 1) Cierra Pena, Harlingen South, 25.18; 2) Gaby Garza, Brownsville St. Joseph, 26.01*; 3) Rebeca Martinez, Sharyland Pioneer, 26.21; 4) Valerie Mancha, PSJA High, 26.30; 5) Mia Hinojosa, La Joya Palmview, 26.37; 6) Nicole Gonzalez, Harlingen South, 26.71. 400-METER DASH: 1) Cierra Pena, Harlingen South, 59.49*; 2) Nicole Gonzalez, Harlingen South, 60.30*; 3) Fabiola Carbajal, Mission Veterans, 60.76*; 4) Alexandria Cruz, Edinburg High, 60.84; 5) Katherine DeLeon, McAllen Memorial, 61.04; 6) Juliana Guerrero,

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Harlingen High, 61.22. 800-METER RUN: 1) Kyrsta Martinez, Edcouch-Elsa, 2:15.18; 2) Alexandria Cruz, Edinbug High, 2:15.44; 3) Sofia Salinas, Brownsville Hanna, 2:23.70; 4) Adriana Cruz, Rio Grande City, 2:24.38; 5) Isabel Mendoza, Sharyland Pioneer, 2:24.39; 6) Olivia Aranda, PSJA Southwest, 2:24.52. 1600-METER RUN: 1) Alexandria Cruz, Edinburg High, 4:59.85; 2) Krysta Martinez, Edcouch-Elsa, 5:09.13*; 3) Beth Ramos, Edinburg North, 5:11.46*; 4) Lizate Chapa, Sharyland Pioneer, 5:24.0; 5) Brianna Robles, Sharyland Palmview, 5:29.25; 6) Angela Nuno, Edinburg North, 5:30.76.

Sharyland Pioneer, 50.70*; 3) Los Fresnos, 50.77*; 4) McAllen Memorial, 50.84; 5) La Joya Palmview, 51.05; 6) McAllen Rowe, 51.24. 800-METER RELAY: 1) Weslaco, 1:48.25; 2) Sharyland Pioneer, 1:48.35; 3,Edinbrg High, 1:49.37; 4) McAllen Rowe, 1:50.19*; 5) Mission Veteran, 1:50.30; 46; 6) La Joya Palmview, 1:50.77. 1600-METER RELAY: 1) McAllen Memorial, 4:07.34; 2) Edinburg High, 4:08.90; 3) Weslaco High, 4:09.71; 4) Edinburg North, 4:10.49; 5) Sharyland Pioneer, 4:12.52; 6) Los Fresnos, 4:13.0.

3200-METER RUN: 1) Beth Ramos, Edinburg North, 10:50.89; 2) Alexandria Cruz, 11:14.45; 3) Krysta Martinez, Edcouch-Elsa, 11:34.46; 4) Lizette Chapa, Sharyland Pioneer, 11:43.75; 5) Brianna Robles, La Joya Palmview, 11:44.52; 6) Ana Ochoa, Edinburg Economedes, 11:59.83. 100-METER HURDLES: 1) Gaby Garza, Brownsville St. Joseph, 14.96*; 2) Jaleah Calvillo, Los Fresnos, 15.27; 3) Gabby Torres, Port Isabel, 15.81*; 4) Maria Avila, Brownsville Pace, 16.44*; 5) Jennifer Pena, Sharyland High, 16.64*; 6) Olivia Garcia, Edinburg Vela, 16.64&. 300-METER HURDLES: 1) Gaby Garza, Brownsville St. Joseph, 44.87; 2) Thanya Garza, McAllen Memorial, 47.51*; 3) Brittany Cano, La Joya Palmview, 48.65; 4) Nyla Vela, Mission Veterans, 48.75; 5) Yasmin Gonzalez, McAllen Memorial, 49.06; 6) Karla Reyes, San Benito, 49.18. 400-METER RELAY: 1) Harlingen South, 50.10; 2)

Meet of Champions Track & Field Bobby Lackey Stadium

_____________March _______27-28th __________________ 2015 Region IV Track and Field sites 6A Alamo Stadium, San Antonio, TX May 1-2nd 5A Alamo Stadium, San Antonio, TX May 1-2nd 4A Javelina Stadium, TX A&M Kingsville May 1-2nd 3A D.W. Rutledge Stadium, Converse, TX May 1-2nd 2A Javelina Stadium, TX A&M Kingsville May 1-2nd 1A Hendrickson HS, Pflugerville, Tx May 1-2nd

______________________________________

2015 UIL Track & Field State Meet May 14-16th Mike A. Myers Stadium-UT Austin


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BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

another

rain

delay . McAllen Nikki Rowe baseball player Juventino Jasso goes through another rain delay. •

By ALEC AMADOR HSSM images

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t’s been raining, raining, and it just keeps raining on baseball teams across the Rio Grande Valley. Teams are now scrambling to make up games and then having to deal with regular scheduled games. Last Tuesday, more than 20 games were postponed due to rain. The baseball playoffs begin May 9, but head coach Angel Perez from 30-6A McAllen Nikki Rowe knows that you have to be ready to play. “It’s been crazy with this rainy weather. It hasn’t been this bad in a long time. Now, we just have to get into tournament mode and get ready to make up games. The Warriors climbed to the No.6 spot in the latest HSSM polls and Perez says that this district could go down to the wire. “We have some great ball clubs in our district this year. It will go down to the last week of baseball as to who wins the title and who makes the playoffs,” adds Perez. In Brownsville, athletic coordinator Tom Campos says that his fields are flooded because of the rains. “We have had some down pours and we have not played a softball or baseball home game in two weeks,” adds Campos. Despite the rain pours, McAllen takes the No.1 spot in the High School Sports Magazine’s Top Ten polls. Eliseo Pompa of the McAllen Bulldogs is the winningest head baseball coach from the Rio Grande with 613 wins to date and after twelve years, he has the Bulldogs back in the district title hunt in 30-6A. Last season, the Bulldogs went 17-11 and captured fourth place. They made a Class 5A Bi-District playoff appearance and lost to Harlingen South 6-3, 8-6. But, that was last year. The Bulldogs have defeated Austin HS (2-1), El Paso Bowie (11-5), Austin Eastside (16-0), Copperas Cove (6-1), en route to an impressive 10-1 overall record this season. Their only blemish was a 8-6 loss to PSJA Memorial. Returning for the Bulldogs are seniors Fred Hover (C/OF), Justin Gonzales (OF), and Ashton Rolls (1B) along with eight pitchers on the mound. Four sophomores, one freshmen, and two juniors make up the bullpen for the Bulldogs. All have combined for an impressive 2.28 era. Junior pitcher Rodrigo Sanchez (6’2” 205lbs) is 2-0 for the Bulldogs and has allowed 1.75 era on the mound with ten strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. The McAllen Bulldogs have stolen 19 bases this season and batted .281 overall as a team. Senior Justin Gonzalez (6’0”) leads

Charlie Wayne Vaughan, a graduate from Brownsville High School (born October 6, 1947, in Mercedes, Texas) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for two seasons. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves for one game during the 1966 Atlanta Braves season and one game during the 1969 Atlanta Braves season. Vaughn was the youngest player to play in the MLB in 1966, the second youngest being Nolan Ryan. Vaughan had one career hit in four at bats.

(McAllen, Texas) the team with .400 batting average. Teammates Hover (.375), sophomore Luis Keola Zamora (.348), and junior Jose Moreno (.368) have also combined for 20 runs scored and 21 hits. Teammates to watch in District 30-6A are McAllen Rowe (7-2, 1-0), La Joya (6-4, 0-0), with fourth place still wide open for McAllen Memorial (2-6), Palmview (3-3), Mission (2-8), and Juarez-Lincoln (1-4). In District 31-6A, the PSJA Memorial Wolverines (6-4, 1-0) and head coach Ricardo Caballero are both showing signs of winning a possible district title with but they will have to contend with head coach Damian Gonzalez and his Edinburg North Cougars (8-1-2, 1-0); Weslaco (4-2, 1-0); and the Edinburg Bobcats (7-1-1, 0-0) if the Wolverines expect to win its first ever title. The Wolverines started the season at 0-3 and then reeled off wins over Harlingen and Rio Hondo, before shocking No.1 McAllen. Head coach Eddie Serna of the Weslaco Panthers, already with 306 career wins under his belt is coming off a huge win over Austin Westlake (7-1) and that should give the Panthers plenty of confidence to play for a district title. Moving over to District 32-6A, No.2 Brownsville Veterans Memorial are leading the charge with an overall record of 7-0-2 and stand 1-0 in district play with first-year head coach Joesph Benavides enjoying an early start in his first ever head coaching position. The Chargers have posted wins over CC Flour Bluff (5-0), San Antonio Holmes (12-2), McAllen Nikki Rowe (7-0), La Joya Palmview (7-1), before tying Edinburg 3-3 in non-district action. Last season the Chargers went 14-10 and 9-7 in district play. Teams to watch are Brownsville Hanna (5-4, 1-0), Los Fresnos (8-2, 1-0), and Harlingen (5-5, 1-0). The biggest question will be in District 31-5A. Which team will win the outright title? State-ranked No.9 Mission Veterans Memorial (10-4, 1-0), Valley View HS (1-0), and Sharyland (9-2, 1-0) will slug it out for the district title. Do not be surprised if all three teams share the district title. Patriots head coach Casey Smith already has more than 100 career wins and they finished tied for first place last year with a 23-6 overall record and lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Laredo Martin (9-7, 3-4, 9-8). Sharyland moved down one classification this season after finishing third with a 22-8 overall record. Like the Patriots, they lost in the first round too. Roma, Edinburg Vela, Sharyland Pioneer, and Rio Grande City could all play for the final playoff spot in District 31-5A. The Patriots return senior Edward Pena (3-0) on the mound and he has struck out 17 batters in 18 innings pitched. Newcomer, sophomore Noel Vela is 3-0 this season and has retired 34 batters in 18 innings pitched. His pitching ERA is at 1.17. Five other pitchers make up the Patriots rotation with a combined 2.06 ERA. After starting the season at No.1 in the HSSM PreSeason polls, the Hidalgo Pirates have slipped all the way down to the No.9 spot. Head coach Karlos Carrasco enters his third season as the leader. The 324A Pirates were just one step away from advancing to the University Interscholastic League’s State Baseball

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top baseball coaches rio grande valley region (as of February 1, 2015)

No. 6th Ranked McAllen Nikki Rowe High School Baseball team is ready for 2015 30-6A District Race. They are currently tied for first place. (HSSM Images/Tddave)

Eliseo Pompa McAllen HS - 12 YEARS 613 Wins

Manuel Garcia-7 YEARS La Joya Palmview HS 107 wins

David C. Salinas Falfurrias HS - 26 years 565 career wins

Rene Soza PSJA North HS 102 career wins

Rene Alvarez Zapata HS - 24 YEARS 413 career wins

Jeremy Wheeler Benavides HS - 7 YEARS 100 career wins

Bart Bickerton Brownsville Porter HS 16 YEARS 395 career wins

Casey Smith Mission Veterans Memorial HS - 5 YEARS 100 career wins

Eddie Serna Weslaco HS - 17 YEARS 306 career wins

Robert Valdez Edinburg HS - 7 YEARS 95 career wins

Reuben Farias La Joya High School 14 YEARS 263 wins

Marco Guajardo PSJA HS - 4 YEARS 93 career wins

Tony Leal Harlingen South HS 10 YEARS 257 career wins Rene Morales Los Fresnos HS 15 YEARS 216 career wins Frank Galvin Ben Bolt Badgers 15 YEARS 207 career wins Eddie Garcia Brownsville Hann HS 7 YEARS 175 career wins Bryan Aughney Harlingen HS - 3 YEARS 166 career wins Angel Perez, head coach from McAllen Nikki Rowe with TASO Official.

Postponed. More than 30 baseball and softball games have been postponed due to rainy weather throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Tournament held at the UFCU Dish Falk Field in Austin but a three-game loss to Sinton (1-2, 11-2, 5-2) in the quarterfinals kept the Pirates wondering what had just happened. The Pirates have lost five games to date and were ranked No.1 in the state baseball polls in Class 4A. But that No.1 ranking in the polls have since faded away. Early losses to La Joya (3-2), Sharyland (2-1), Orange Grove (9-1), and San Marcos (5-2) have tested the pitching arms of the Pirates rotation. The Pirates

are coming off a grudge match against Sinton in a 8-0 shutout. The Pirates will need to get back on track with Zapata (4-4, 1-0), La Feria (6-4-1, 1-0), and Progreso (4-6, 1-0) all looking like teams that will make playoff appearances in 2015 along with the Pirates. Senior pitchers Oscar Noguera (10-3) and Allan Wilburn (9-1) return after a combined 19-4 record from 2014. Both pitchers have struggled early against stronger teams.

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Roque Cortinas Roma HS - 7 YEARS 127 career wins

Angel Perez -3 YEARS McAllen Nikki Rowe HS 70 career wins Damian Gonzalez Edinburg North HS 5 YEARS 57 career wins Karlos Carrasco Hidalgo HS - 3 YEARS 56 career wins Miguel Gonzalez PSJA Southwest 6 YEARS 50 career wins Victor Martinez Brownsville Lopez HS 5 YEARS 47 career wins Ricardo Caballero PSJA Memorial HS 5 YEARS 43 career wins

ELISEO POMPA OF MCALLEN HIGH

Tres Barrera of the University of Texas won the 2014 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby in record-setting fashion tonight at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in front of 22,352 fans and a national television audience on ESPN. A record 128 home runs were hit in tonight’s competition. He graduated from Sharyland High School and is now a sophomore with the Texas Longhorns.

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Steven Mendoza Santa Rosa HS 6 YEARS 135 career wins

Sergio Gonzalez Rio Hondo HS - 7 YEARS 86 career wins

Eric Gutierrez of Texas Tech put on a recordsetting display as he set a Ameritrade College Home Run Derby record himself by mashing 52 total home runs in the competition in last seasons competition. He also graduated from Sharyland High School. He also smash 18 homers in the finals.


DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR Make it three head coaching jobs in the last three years for Bart Bickerton. Ever since the Sharyland Rattlers lost on a controversial call against the Eagle Pass Eagles 10-9 in the 2013 University Interscholastic League Region IV-5A Regional Quarterfinals Baseball Championships, Bickerton has found himself

(Brownsville, Texas)

scrambling in his baseball career. He left Sharyland after the 2013 season without notice just stating he was taking time off. He even mentioned retirement. A few months later, Bickerton was hired at Mercedes High School and became the next head coach. “He’s a great guy,” says former Mercedes ISD athletic director,

new cowboy coach Bart Bickerton leads Brownsville Porter •

By Alec Amador HSSM Images

Jaime Garcia was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and they advanced to play the Texas Rangers in the 2011 World Series. García started Game 2, he became the second Mexican-born pitcher (Fernando Valenzuela was the first in 1981) to ever start a World Series game. Garcia pitched 10 innings, including seven scoreless innings, and posted a 1.80 era with 10 strikeouts in the series as they won the franchise’s 11th World Series title. He graduated from Sharyland High School. He also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Michael Uribe. The last time the Mercedes Tigers had won a district title was back in 1993. The Tigers had not qualified for the postseason since 2009 when they went 12-2 in District 32-4A to earn the No. 2 seed. In 2014,the Tigers missed the playoffs, but this time under new-head coach Bickerton. Again, Bickerton left his job with the Tigers and accepted his third head coaching job with Brownsville Porter. The Brownsville Porter Cowboys have earned plenty of playoff appearances without Bickerton. The Cowboys have made it to the UIL baseball playoffs fourteen times since 1990 and have won ten bi-district titles in 1992, 93, 95, 97, 98, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The Cowboys have not made the playoffs since 2010 and went 7-15 in 2014. After sixteen years and 395-74 wins in his career, Bickerton hopes that he will bring back that winning tradition, but it has not been easy in 2015 as the Cowboys have struggled to a 4-5 season with losses to McAllen Nikki Rowe (11-5), Weslaco East (8-7), Donna North (1-0), and Mission Veterans (11-2). For the past two weeks its been frustrating for Bickerton and his team. They have had to play all home games away from Porter High School since the continuos rains have flooded the baseball fields. It’s one thing that Bickerton takes a lot of pride in. He likes to keep his baseball

HE NOW HAS 395 CAREER WINS & COUNTING diamond in top shape. Bickerton declined to comment about his move to Porter but athletic coordinator Tom Campos, says that Bickerton is rebuilding the program and is not happy about their 4-5 start. With the new baseball realignments which took place last February, the UIL created two 5A districts in the Rio Grande Valley with District 32-5A comprised of Donna North (3-4), Donna (2-5), PSJA (3-1-1), Brownsville Pace (1-2), Mercedes (3-3), PSJA Southwest (2-6), Edcouch-Elsa (0-6), and Brownsville Porter (4-5). Both Brownsville Porter and Mercedes missed the playoffs last season. District 32-5A will be a new test for Bickerton and his young Cowboys as they continue to build its tradition back. As for Bickerton, he still remembers that controversial loss on May 17, 2013. Maybe this time, three-times will be a charm?

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I

t’s playoff time again in Texas and the 2015 University Interscholastic League State Soccer Tournament kicks off April 15th at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown. The UIL will debut 6A as the third classification for competition. Since 1998, 5A was the highest classification but with the increase in schools and student athletes that has changed. On the boys side the McAllen High Bulldogs(9-2) emerge from District

in the big dance last season. Edinburg North was defeated in the Area round and PSJA North made it to the Regional Quarterfinal round where they lost to Brownsville Rivera. The city of Brownsville will be well represented in District 32-6A with four Browsville schools advancing to the UIL State Soccer Tournament. They consist of Brownsville Rivera(13-0), Lopez(7-6), Hanna(10-3) and Veterans(7-6). Brownsville Lopez made it to the Region IV semi-

(McAllen, Tx) State Championship. District 31-5A is represented by Sharyland(10-1), Sharyland Pioneer(7-5), Valley View(9-2) and Edinburg Vela(6-5). The Valley View Tigers have appeared in the 4A Soccer State Finals in each of the last two years but failed to win the big game. The challenge for the Tigers will be getting over the hump. The Brownsville Porter Cowboys(12-0) and the PSJA Southwest Javelinas(8-4) advance from district 32-5A. Porter is striving to bring home it’s

UIL State Soccer Playoffs Begin March 26th 30-6A with their 2nd playoff appearance in as many years. Out of District 31-6A, Edinburg North(9-1), PSJA North(8-3) and Edinburg Economedes(5-5) have qualified. Edinburg North and PSJA North were both

finals in 2014 and is looking to improve on this season by advancing to the state championship. A state championship this season will be their second title since 2004 when Lopez won Class 4A UIL

Love this but I wish there were more stuff on the Roma gladiators. Salma Guzman

second state title since 2006. Hidalgo, La Grulla and Zapata represent 31-4A while Port Isabel, Progreso, and Brownsville Idea Frontier will be competing from District 32-4A.

I luv to catch sports highlights on HSSM. Great work on those action shots -proud mom of Alyssa Olivarez #1 MHS. Norma Munoz Olivarez

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On the girls side, the three teams advancing in 30-6A all made the post season last year. McAllen High(9-2), Mcallen Memorial(9-1), and Nikki Rowe(7-4) advanced again this season. The Lady Mustangs were one victory away from a state title shot last season before falling short with a loss to San Antonio Churchill. The Edinburg North Lady Cougars(10-0) and the Edinburg Economedes Lady Jaguars(9-1) represent District 31-6A. Economedes is back in the post season this year pushing to improve upon last season when a loss to Laredo United in the first round ended their playoff run. In 32-6A, Brownsville Hanna(11-2), Brownsville Lopez(8-5), Los Fresnos(11-2), and Harlingen South(10-3) made the playoffs. The Lady Lobos have high expectations this season after getting knocked out in the Regional Semi-Finals by San

Antonio Reagan a year ago. Moving down to district 31-5A, Sharyland High(11-0), Sharyland Pioneer(10-2), Edinburg Vela(7-4) and Roma(56) will advance. Donna North is the only school emerging from district 32-5A for the second time in as many years. All four teams in District 31-4A qualified for the tournament, Hidalgo(5-0), Raymondville(3-2), La Grulla(2-3), and Monte Alto(0-5). Raymondville is the only team in District 31-4A with back to back appearances in the UIL State Playoffs but they also did not make it out of the Bi-District round last season. La Feria(10-0), Port Isabel(6-4), Progreso(7-3) and Rio Hondo(4-5) all qualified from District 32-4A. La Feria has high expectations for this season after being eliminated in the Area round of the UIL Girls Soccer State Tournament last year with a loss to Mission Veterans Memorial. The UIL State Boys and Girls Soccer Playoffs will kick off on March 26th.

HSSM always has the latest on all sports!! Love being able to see and share photos of our Valley athletes.

JANUARY 24) 2015 - FEBRUARY 28) 2015

Yellow Card

Sharyland HS junior Gabriel Garza is assessed a penalty during the game against Hidalgo. Top photo is Avi Garcia of Hidalgo getting a head shot. •

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By Alec Amador HSSM images

Excellent work guys from proud parent Laredo Martin. Jesus Inclan

Jill Holland Zamora

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BY RUDY JOHN LOPEZ JR HSSM Sports Writer

top teams

Pictured are the 32-4A Port Isabel HS Lady Tarpons Kelsie Swink, and 31-6A Weslaco HS Taylor Tafolla. The San Benito Lady Greyhounds will be looking for a possible trip to the state tournament in 2015. The Lady Greyhounds advanced to the 5A semifinals in 2013. •

By Alec Amador HSSM Images

BOYS Baseball

GIRLS SOftball

1) McAllen 10-1 (1-0 )

1) Mercedes 12-1

2) Brownsville Veterans 7-0-2 (1-0 )

2) Edinburg North 11-3

3) Los Fresnos 8-2 (1-0) 4) Edinburg North 8-1-2 (1-0)

3) Los Fresnos 4-2 4) Edinburg 7-2 5) Weslaco 4-2

5) Edinburg 7-1-1 (0-0)

6) Harlingen South 7-3

6) McAllen Nikki Rowe 7-2 (1-0)

7) San Benito 5-1

7) Mission Veterans 10-4 (1-0)

9) McAllen Memorial 4-1

8) Sharyland 8-2 (1-1)

9) Hidalgo 6-4-1 (1-0) 10) La Feria 7-3-1 (1-0)

8) McAllen Rowe 7-5 10) Rio Hondo 8-3 10) Port Isabel 9-4

crossing

new heights

T

he UIL is taking a different approach to track and field this season. In an effort to focus more on competition, the NFHS(National Federation of State High School Associations) is adjusting some rules. The first rule that was adressed will allow athletes to showcase a little more than just speed and athleticism on the track. They will now be allowed to wear jewelry. Becky Oakes, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee, said that because jewelry poses little risk of injury to the competitor or the opponent that the committee concluded that prohibiting jewelry in high school track and field and cross country is no longer necessary. Secondly, athletes competing in field events will also have a tweak in their rules. Previously, competitors in these events would have to start their attempt and complete it within one minute. With the new ruling, as long as the athlete initiates the trial within the one minute time frame they will not be restricted to completing it within that minute. Last but not least is a rule specifically altered for high jumpers and pole vaulters. An article in rule 7-2 states that “a cross bar displaced by a force disassociated with the competitor after he/she is legally and clearly over the cross bar shall not be a fault and is considered a sucessful attempt. Therefore concluding that as long as the bar was visably cleared, no outside elements can change that. Those are just a few tweaks in the rule book that should really highlight the competitive aspects of this track season.

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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of the Olympics in 1896 for men and in 1948 for women. Today, Coach Howell is still watching track and field events. He continues to hold camps. He also continues to work with his student, Stephen Saenz. “That’s what I love about this sport. It never ends,” says Howell.

it’s all about the game... How Far Can You Throw?

H

e’s the guru of track and field when it comes to the shot put and discus events at the high school, college, and Olympic levels. He says, “you have to put in good work ethics.” His name is coach Larry Howell. “I love coaching and watching these kids become successful,” says the longtime coach. One of his most successful students was Rio Grande City High School graduate and Auburn All-American, Stephen Saenz. The Rattlers graduate made history by competing in the 2012 London Olympics by representing Mexico. A moment that Coach Howell will never forget. Coach Howell can be seen wearing his trademark hat and he will sit and

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watch student athletes compete. Those that want to take their throwing abilities to the next level will spend time with Howell on the weekends learning more about the proper techniques of throwing a discus and tossing a shot put. He talks about the training Saenz would put in through each week and the “almost 10,000 throws” he made each year. With such training, Saenz won two gold medals in the shot put in Class 4A and 5A at the University Interscholastic League State Track and Field meets. He also won the 2012 SEC Conference Championship title in the shot put and captured the 2013 SEC Indoor Championship title. This is a sport that was developed in th 16th century and later became part

Larry Howell, shot put & discus coach with Stephen Saenz. ________________________________________ A former Olympian and two-time UIL Shotput Champion.


SOccerStandingsGIRLS

SoccerStandings BOYS District 31-4A

Season

Hidalgo Grulla Zapata Monte Alto Raymondville

00 00 00 00 00

District 32-4A

Season

Progreso Port Isabel IDEA-Frontier La Ferria

00 00 00 00

District 32-5A

Season

Brownsville Porter PSJA Southwest Donna North Brownsville Pace Donna Mercedes PSJA Edcouch-Elsa

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 31-6A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 06 06 03 02 00

01 01 04 05 06

District 07 04 03 02

01 04 05 06

District 12 08 07 07 06 05 01 02

00 04 05 05 06 07 11 10

District 09 08 05 06 04 02 02

01 03 05 04 07 08 08

District 31-5A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 30-6A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 32-6A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 10 09 07 06 04 02 01

01 02 05 05 07 09 10

District 09 07 06 05 05 04 00

02 03 04 05 05 06 11

District 13 10 07 07 05 04 03 03

00 03 06 06 08 09 10 10

District 31-4A

Season

Hidalgo Raymondville Grulla Monte Alto

00 00 00 00

District 32-4A

Season

La Feria Progreso Port Isabel Rio Hondo Lyford IDEA Frontier

00 00 00 00 00 00

District 32-5A

Season

Donna North Edcouch-Elsa Brownsville Pace PSJA Southwest Brownsville Porter Donna PSJA Mercedes

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 31-6A Edinburg North Ed. Economedes PSJA Memorial Edinburg Weslaco Weslaco East PSJA North

00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

Season 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 05 03 02 00

00 02 03 05

District 10 07 06 04 01 01

00 03 04 05 08 09

District 11 09 08 07 07 04 01 01

01 03 04 05 05 08 11 11

District 31-5A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 30-6A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 32-6A

Season

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

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

District 11 10 07 05 03 03 00

00 02 04 06 08 08 11

District 09 09 07 05 03 03 00

02 01 04 05 07 07 10

District 11 11 10 08 05 03 03 01

02 02 03 05 08 10 10 12

District 10 09 05 06 04 02 00

00 01 06 04 06 08 11

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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lady

gladiators 5A Bi-District Champions! ROMA HS defeated Donna hs in a 43-42 win. the lady redskins were the 32-5a co-champions. •

By Tddave/ HSSM Images

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BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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season over!

Los Fresnos head coach Kim Edquist watched her TEAM lose to Weslaco in the 6A State BiDistrict playoffs. •

By ALEC AMADOR HSSM Images

he PSJA North High School Lady Raiders (30-5) were the last team left standing in the 2015 University Interscholastic League Girls Basketball playoffs. For the Lady Raiders, it was a season with expectations. “We always play to win,” says head coach Randy Bocanegra. “No one expected us to win but we kept fighting back.” That was that kind of season it was for the PSJA North Lady Raiders. In district play, the Lady Raiders upset the defending champions, Weslaco Lady Pantherettes on December 16th by ten points, winning 64-54.

T

Annette jasso of roma hs helped lead her team to the 5A girls basketball area championships against victoria west.

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NO ONE EXPECTED US TO WIN BUT WE KEPT FIGHTING BACK.

RANDY BOCANEGRA, PSJA NORTH GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

Harlingen went undefeated in District 32-6A and defeated Weslaco East in the state playoffs.

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

(McAllen, Texas) The Lady Raiders were now on the verge of winning its first ever district title. It would be a first title for Bocanegra in his six years of coaching the Lady Raiders too. But then, Weslaco defeated the Lady Raiders on January 20th winning 61-44 to share the District 31-6A title with the Lady Raiders. It was about all the golly, gee-whizzes, and a season-over-type of games played. It’s the UIL State Girls Basketball playoffs. In the state playoffs, the Lady Raiders defeated Harlingen South 63-54 in the Class 6A Region IV Bi-District Championships followed by an area title against Laredo United High School 49-48. The Lady Raiders game against the Lady Longhorns was their epic moment in the 2014-15 season. With less than ten seconds left to play, Cynthia Martinez took the inbounds pass and dribbled down court and hit a jumper as time expired. Sending Raiders fans cheering on to the basketball court, celebrating their win. The next week, the Lady Raiders watched their season heroics come to an end, losing to Laredo Alexander 62-46 in

The Brock High School Lady Eagles were the last team to threepeat as UIL 2A State Basketball Champions from 2008-2011.


HSSM: What an opportunity to coach at the same high school you graduated from and played? Ashley: It’s an honor to come back. I have been an assistant here at Harlingen High School and to have this opportunity. It’s breath taking but, I have been taught to coach by my peers. This is just an honor and these players are buying into the program. HSSM: With head coach Nora Zamarippa out on medical leav

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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Great Job! The psja north lady raiders advanced to the uil 6a regional quarterfinals. pictured is Lisa Palacios of PSJA North. they also won their first district title in 31-6A. (HSSM IMages/Alec Amador)

Best of the Best: district champions

District 32-2A San Perlita HS District 32-3A Lyford HS District 32-4A Rio Hondo HS District 32-5A Donna, Mercedes District 31-5A Edinburg Vela HS District 30-6A McAllen Nikki Rowe HS District 31-6A PSJA North, Weslaco HS District 32-6A Harlingen HS •

2015 UIL Girls state basketball Champions Class 1A Nazareth 56 Lipan 40 Class 2A Martin’s Mill 49 Gruver 36 Class 3A Sunnyvale 52 Shallowater 37 Class 4A Argyle 46 Abilene Wylie 25 Class 5A Canyon 48 Dallas Adams 41 Class 6A Houston Cypress Woods 57 Dallas Skyline 34 •

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District 30-6A Champions! Senior Mayda Garcia McAllen Nikki Rowe HS played her last game. She is an alldistrict performer. (HSSM IMages/cesar montalvo)

the regional quarterfinals. “That was the kind of season this was with my team. We all played together as a team,” said Bocangera. In Class 6A, twelve teams from the Rio Grande Valley entered the state playoffs with only one thing on their minds: How far can they advance into the state playoffs? The UIL moved the state tournament from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin to the great Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Only four RGV teams survived the first round of the 6A state playoffs. PSJA North (defeated Harlingen South 63-54), Brownsville Veterans Memorial (defeated Edinburg 55-33), Harlingen (defeated Weslaco East 56-25) , and Weslaco (defeated Los Fresnos 61-34). In the second round, only one team advanced. Weslaco, the two-time defending Region IV Quarterfinals Champions, lost to Del Rio High School 53-49; state-ranked No.16 Harlingen High School lost to Laredo United South 66-52 and Laredo Alexander eliminated Brownsville Veterans

For the record: •

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

Class 6A basketball qualifiers. the mcallen memorial lady mustangs and Ebony Johnson lost to laredo united south 74-39. (HSSM IMages/Alec Amador)

54-37. Only the PSJA North Lady Raiders advanced with their win over Laredo United. In the Class 5A Bi-District Championships, 32-5A Co-Champions Donna lost to Roma 43-42 in the first round along with Brownsville Pace falling to Mission Veterans 42-32 and Mercedes ended their season against Sharyland 50-32. Edinburg Vela proved to be too much against the PSJA Lady Bears 70-29. It would be sweep by 31-5A over 32-5A. In the second round, all four 31-5A teams were eliminated. In Class 3A, Lyford defeated Falfurrias 65-47 while Brownsville Frontier Academy lost to Banquete 59-22. Santa Rosa and Edinburg IDEA Quest both lost in the first round too. In Class 2A, Santa Maria fell to Corpus Christi London 60-32 and San Perlita High School would be the only team that received a bye in the first round but in the area playoffs, lost to Brackett 49-35.

The Duncanville Pantherettes have made 22 UIL Girls State Basketball Appearances since 1951. The current head coach is Cathy Sel-Morgan. Here are the playoff seasons: 1951, 52, 59, 62, 66, 67, 73, 76, 81, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 95, 97, 2003, 04, 12, 13. They also won eight state titles.


April 15-18th UIL SOCCER STATE TOURNAMENT Birkelbach Field Georgetown HS Class 4A, 5A, 6A

UIL REGION IV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS 6A Girls Brackenridge Park Golf Course - San Antonio April 15-16th 6A Boys Cedar Creek Golf Course San Antonio April 13-14th 5A Republic Golf Club San Antonio Boys April 13-14th Girls April 15-16th 4A Lozano Golf Course Corpus Christi Boys April 13-14th

Oso Golf Course Corpus Christi Girls April 13-14th 3A Quail Creek Country Club San Marcos April 13-14th

April 27-30th GOLF STATE TOURNAMENT Austin, Texas Class 1A Lions Municipal Golf Course Class 2A Roy Kizer Golf Course Class 3A Grey Rock Golf Course Class 4A Onion Creek Golf Club Class 5A Wolfdancer Golf Club Class 6A University of Texas Golf Club

May 12-13th TENNIS STATE TOURNAMENT Mitchell Tennis Center & Omar Smith Instructional Tennis Courts Texas A&M University College Station Class 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A

May 14-16th TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS Class 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A Mike Myers Stadium Austin, Texas

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oscar rangel mcallen h.s. devonte ford shertz clemens So Sweet! mcallen high school Class 6A Region IV Opponents Bi-District defeated Del Rio 56-43 Area playoffs defeated Brownsville Hanna 64-56 Regional Quarter Finals defeated Harlingen South 54-48 Regional Semifinals lost Shertz Clemens 97-47 •

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Class 4A Region IV Opponents Bi-District defeated Beeville Jones 64-43 Area playoffs defeated Pearsall 58-50 Regional Quarter Finals defeated CC West Oso 60-57 Regional Semifinals lost Whaton 57-43 •

san isidro high school

Class 5A Region IV Opponents Bi-District defeated PSJA 101-57 Area playoffs defeated Corpus Christi Miller 70-68 Regional Quarter Finals defeated Laredo Martin 102-48 Regional Semifinals lost San Antonio Sam Houston 66-57 •

hidalgo high school

edinburg vela high school

By ALEC AMADOR HSSM images

Class 2A Region IV Opponents Bi-District Bye Area playoffs defeated Sabinal 59-47 Regional Quarter Finals defeated Refugio 70-57 Regional Semifinals lost Schulenburg 62-53 •

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015


BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR • HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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I

(San Antonio, Texas)

t’s March Madness! Thirty-one teams from the Rio Grande Valley qualified for the University Interscholastic League’s Basketball playoffs with hopes of winning a state championship title and in the end, it was so sweet, well almost. Four teams advanced to the UIL Region IV Tournaments in Class 2A, 4A, 5A, and 6A. McAllen, Edinburg Vela, Hidalgo, and San Isidro all watched their state title hopes fade away too. This would be the first season that the UIL returned to San Antonio after the Rio Grande Valley played host to the regional tournament in 2013 and 2014. “This was a great season and playoff run,” said McAllen High School head coach Ryan Flores. The Bulldogs faced state-ranked No.6 ShertzClemens in the regional semifinals at the regional site for 2014-16) the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center on March 6th and lost to the Buffaloes 97-47. The 30-6A Co-Champions, McAllen Bulldogs (30-8) basketball team watched the 25-6A Co-Champions, Shertz-Clemens (34-4) players make slam dunks during warm-ups. It was a pre-game show. Shertz Clemens High School went on to defeat 29-6A Laredo Alexander 117-85 to advance to their second straight UIL 6A State Basketball Tournament next week at the Alamodome. “Shertz-Clemens was real good but I am very proud of our team. We made it this far and that was an accomplishment,” said McAllen first-year head coach Ryan Flores. With more than 1,000 fans making the trip to see the Bulldogs, both watched the Buffaloes race out like a herd, taking a 49-27 lead at the half. By the time the third quarter was over, the Buffaloes had their reserves playing. Joan Lopez led all McAllen scorers with 15 points. Shertz-Clemens senior Cayne Edwards led all scorers with 17 points. “It was a great game,” said Buffaloes head coach Cliff Ellis. “Both teams had fans supporting the programs. Hopefully, we can make it back to the state tournament.” The McAllen Bulldogs defeated Del Rio (56-43), Brownsville Hanna (64-56), and Harlingen South (54-48) to advance to their first UIL Region IV Basketball Tournament appearance since 2010. It was a great year for Valley basketball. Across town on Loop 410 in San Antonio, Edinburg Vela fans made the trip for the first time in school history to watch the Sabercats play in the Class 5A Region IV Boys Basketball Championships at the Blossom

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Tough Defense! Edinburg Vela HS Christian Enriquez looks for passing against sam houston in 5a region iv semifinals. (HSSM Images/cesar Montalvo)

Edinburg Vela HS sabercats’s season ends. MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

(HSSM Images/cesar Montalvo)


MARCH 19 - APRIL 28, 2015

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Tough loss! San Isidro H.S. Shane Melton guards Shulenburg HS Josh Brown in the class 2a region iv semifinals. the tigers lost 62-53. Isaiah Torres Brownville Veterans Memorial HS reacts after their loss to weslaco in the 6a bi-district championships. (HSSM Images/Alec Amador)

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t

wo-time class 4a region iv semifinalist! the hidalgo pirates lost to wharton 57-43 in the semifinals. pictured is senior Frankie Sanchez from Hidalgo H.S. (HSSM Images/Juan Orozco)

A

thletic Center. Unlike the Bulldogs, Edinburg Vela High School had their opportunities to reach the final eight or regional finals. But instead, Vela lost to San Antonio Sam Houston 66-58 on the same night. It was like a hurricane coming on shore in the second half as the San Antonio Sam Houston Hurricanes showed their gale force defense and defeated Edinburg Vela. The 31-5A Co-Champions Sabercats (31-7) led at the half

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30-20 but the 28-5A Hurricanes (16-14) changed course and blew in with a strong defense to defeat the Sabercats 46-28 in the second half. “We dropped this one,” says Sabercats head coach Lalo Rios. “We gave this one up.” The Sabercats were led by Mark Castillo and Alec De la Garza both scored 12 points each and Devon Allen led all scorers with 17 points for the Hurricanes. In the regional finals, the Hurricanes lost to Cedar Park 53-41 to end their state championship run on Saturday. Many fans traveled north on Expressway 77 to Kingsville, as the Hidalgo High School Pirates were back in the State 4A Region IV Tournament for the second straight season. Last year, the Pirates lost to Sam Houston in the same round. Yes, the same team Vela lost to on Friday night. Before the game, Hidalgo High School head basketball coach Gus Sanchez spoke with HSSM and felt pretty good about their match up against the Wharton High School Tigers on Friday night. “We match up pretty good,” said Sanchez. But, on Friday night, before a near-packed crowd at the Texas A&M Kingsville Field-house, the Tigers came on stronger to

beat the Pirates 57-43. The 32-4A district champion’s loss ended their hopes of a state title bid for the second straight year after advancing to the regional tournament. The No.8 ranked team in Class 4A by the Texas HS Basketball Coaches Association held the No.19th Pirates almost scoreless in the first quarter to lead 21-6. Senior point guard, Frankie Sanchez led his team with 19 points as they struggled to field points

oe Filoteo, former Edinburg High School Basketball head coach led his running Bobcats to three Region IV Semi Final appearances in his career. He is now retired.

J


Oh, Sweet it is! Hidalgo played Wharton in the class 4a region iv semifinals. pictured is Michael Espinoza Hidalgo H.S. (HSSM Images/Juan Orozco)

with a low-scoring percentage. The Pirates were worst from the free throw line hitting 9-of-17 from the line. Nerves must have played a role in the first minutes as the Pirates committed nine turnovers which led to 17 points. “I don’t know what happened in the first half,” said Sanchez. “We were better than how we played. That might have been the same issue for the San Isidro Tigers playing in New Braunfels on Friday night in the Class 2A Region IV Boys Basketball Semifinals too. Traveling North on I35 to New Braunfels, head coach Rolando Garza felt comfortable as he watched his team during warmups. “We are the smallest 2A school in the state,” said Garza. “Based on our enrollment of less than 85 students, we have almost 25 players on the basketball team,” laughed Garza. Basketball in San Isidro is a popular sport. The enrollment in Class 2A is 105-219. The 32-2A District Champions San Isidro Tigers (29-4) had everything going in their favor after the first quarter leading 12-8 but then, head coach Garza watched his team come apart with turnovers which led the District 28-2A Champions, Schulenburg Shorthorn (30-7) to take control early on. The Tigers

lost to the Schulenburg Shorthorns 62-53. After a timeout in the second quarter, Garza told his players, “we can play with these guys but we have to eliminate those turnovers.” The Shorthorns went on to take a 2623 lead the half and never looked back. The Shorthorns also won the regional tournament by eliminating Thorndale to advance to the State 2A UIL Tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The other twenty-seven RGV teams were either eliminated or came close to advancing to the state regional tournament. In Class 3A, Santa Rosa High School lost to 31-3A Falfurrias 54-41in the regional quarterfinals. Surprisingly, the Jerseys would advance to the regional semifinals and defeated Halletsville 53-50. In Class 6A, the Harlingen South High School ended up as the other Rio Grande Valley team to lose in the regional

quarterfinals to McAllen 54-48. The Hawks, coached by Brian Molina, was making its second straight regional quarterfinals appearance at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Field-house in Edinburg. Like last season, the Hawks would lose again in the same field house 54-48. In the upper bracket of the Class 6A area playoffs, District 31-6A Champions, Weslaco lost to Laredo Alexander 68-56 while 32-6A Tri-Champions, Los Fresnos was knocked out by Laredo United 57-30. The lower bracket was just as painful. District 30-6A third place qualifier, La Joya Palmview (21-14), coming off its first Bi-District title with a win over Laredo United South 64-58) lost to Harlingen South 56-53. “We had that game but luck was not on our side,” said Lobos head coach Andy Saenz.

Houston Wheatly (4A) and San Antonio East Central High School(5A) are the only two teams to score one hundred plus-points when winning a state championship game. WHeatley won the title in 1969-70 and East Central 1994-95.

For the record:

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he Houston Yates Lions were the last 4A boys team to win back-to-back UIL State Basketball Championships. They won repeat State Titles in 2009 and 2010.

T

Oh, So Sweet! Edinburg Vela Ryan Garza dribbles past San Antonio Sam Houston in the 5A Region IV Semifinals. (HSSM Images/Juan Orozco)

Edinburg Vela HS Alec De La Cruz blocks San Antonio Sam Houston in the class 5A Region IV semifinals. (HSSM Images/Juan Orozco)

he last boy’s team to win three UIL T 2A State Basketball Championships in consecutive order was the Ponder Lions from 2007-2010.

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“We lost one of our starters to an injury in the first quarter. That really hurt our chances. We had eight players on our roster and now, we were down to two players on the bench,” said Saenz. Trailing by as much as 14 points, the Lobos narrowed the lead 54-47 with two minutes left to play but things just didn’t go the Lobos ways as head coach Andy Saenz did not seem to agree with fouls being called throughout the night. Still, with one shot left, the Lobos had the ball and dribbled down court and missed. Probably, the two most exciting games in this year’s state basketball playoffs from South Texas had to have been the Edinburg Vela Sabercats against the Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers and the Donna Redskins (23-11) playing Laredo Martin (17-13). “We came so close,” said Redskin head coach Zeke Rodriguez. “We just did not play well that night.” The 32-5A champions, Donna Redskins won their first Bi-District title since 2000 as they defeated 31-5A Roma 56-33 at McAllen Memorial HS on Tuesday night. Head coach Zeke Rodriguez talked about how his team had matured throughout the season and how this team has responded to his coaching philosophy. Ruben Arrambide led the Donna team with 22 points and nine rebounds. Roma head coach Abelardo Escobar praised his Gladiators for playing tough and also gave credit to the Donna Redskins. “They are a good team,” adds Escobar. Against Martin, the Redskins could not connect as both teams struggled in the first quarter scoring just nine points apiece. Still, the Redskin had one last shot and missed as time expired. Redskins lost 45-43. In the Class 5A Area Championships, Lalo Rios, head coach of the Edinburg Vela High School Sabercats (29-6) clinched his fists with their 70-68 overtime win over Corpus Christi Miller. It would be the first area title in school history for the Sabercats. “We are making history,” said Rios. Hector Rios lead the team with 19 points but the Buccaneers played the game till the end. After blowing a 49-41 lead in the second half, the Buccaneers still had one more shot left with 1.75 seconds left in overtime. The attempt on the inbounds pass to Breon Muckelroy sailed off the rim as the Sabercats won. “I hate those shots. I just held my breath,” said Rios. March Madness has come and gone for all thirty-one teams from the Rio Grande Valley. Oh, so sweet it was in the UIL State basketball playoffs. Till next season. “We were one step closer and one step away,” says Flores.

district

32-5A

champs! The Donna Redskins won It’s first District and a class 5a Bi-district title since 2000. •

By Cesar Montalvo HSSM Images

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Edward Guajardo of donna H.S. goes up past Roma H.S. player Hector Lopez in State 5a Bi-District Championships. the Redskins won 57-33.


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Big rattlers! Patrick De La Torre, Sharyland HS led his team to a Class 5A Region IV Bi-District title win over edcouch-elsa. (HSSM Images/Alec Amador)

In the State 5A region iv bi-district game, Edinburg vela defeated psja 101-57. the sabercats also advanced to the Region IV semifinals for the first time in school history. (HSSM Images/cesar montalvo)

31-6A District champions! The Weslaco HS Panthers defeated Brownsville Veterans Memorial HS in the Class 6A Region IV Bi-District championships. The panthers are coached by gabe valdez. (HSSM Images/Alec Amador)

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2015 university

interscholastic league

region iv boys basketball playoff results CLASS 2A Bi-District San Isidro-Bye Santa Maria 58 Refugio 67 San Perlita 37 Corpus Christi London 45 Area Playoffs San Isidro 59 Sabinal 47 Regional Quarterfinals San Isidro 00 Refugio 00

CLASS 3A Bi-District Falfurrias 59 Monte Alto 40 Santa Rosa 70 Bishop 64 Lyford 41 Banquete 47 Brownsville IDEA Frontier 39 Santa Gertrudis 68 Area Playoffs Santa Rosa 84 Mathis 69 Falfurrias 35 Odem 31 Regional Quarterfinals Santa Rosa 00 Falfurrias 00

CLASS 4A Bi-District Hidalgo 64 Beeville Jones 43 CC West Oso 67 Raymondville 45

Pearsall 53 Bandera 45 Carrizo Springs 55 Devine 74 La Feria 69 Rockport-Fulton 38 Zapata 42 Sinton 57

Regional Quarterfinals Laredo Nixon vs Flour Bluff Edinburg Vela vs Laredo Martin

Area Playoffs Hidalgo 58 Perasall 50 CC West Oso 75 Devine 58 La Feria 30 Fredricksburg 47

Bi-District Los Fresnos 54 PSJA North 47 Laredo United 60 McAllen Rowe 45 Weslaco 57 Brownsville Veterans 52 McAllen Memorial 54 Laredo Alexander 63 McAllen 56 Del Rio 43 Edinburg North 43 Brownsville Hanna 53 Laredo United South 58 La Joya Palmview 64 Harlingen South 56 Edinburg HS 26

Regional Quarterfinals Hidalgo 00 Corpus Christi West Oso 00

CLASS 5A Bi-District Donna 57 Roma 33 Laredo Martin 57 Victoria East 56 Edinburg Vela 101 PSJA 57 CC Miller 83 Laredo Cigarroa 75 Sharyland 54 Edcouch-Elsa 50 Flour Bluff 67 Somerset 44 Laredo Nixon 86 Victoria West 73 Brownsville Pace 32 Mission Veterans 65 Area Playoffs Mission Veterans 62 Laredo Nixon 65 Flour Bluff 61 Sharyland 43 Edinburg Vela 70 CC Miller 68 Donna 43 Laredo Martin 45

2015 university

CLASS 6A

Area Playoffs LJ Palmview 53 Harlingen South 56 McAllen 64 Brownsville Hanna 56 Los Fresnos 30 Laredo United 57 Weslaco 56 Laredo Alexander 68 Regional Quarterfinals Laredo Alexander vs Laredo United SA Warren vs SA Brennan SA Clark vs SA Clemens McAllen vs Harlingen South

interscholastic league

Region IV Girls Basketball Playoff Results CLASS 2A Bi-District San Perlita-Bye Santa Maria 32 CC London 60 Area Playoffs San Perlita 35 Brackett 49

CLASS 3A Bi-District Lyford 65 Falfurrias 47 Brownsville IDEA Frontier 22 Banquete 59 Santa Rosa 29 Bishop 56 San Diego 50 Edinburg IDEA Quest 37 Area Playoffs Lyford 29 Odem 48

CLASS 4A Bi-District Rio Hondo 34 Sinton 37 CC West Oso 47 Port Isabel 36

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Zapata 45 Beeville Jones 53 La Feria 49 Rockport-Fulton 40 Area Playoffs La Feria 35 Boerne 57

CLASS 5A Bi-District Mercedes 32 Sharyland 50 Flour Bluff 45 South 39 Edinburg Vela 70 PSJA 29 Tulso-Midway 44 Laredo Nixon 31 Mission Veterans 42 Brownsville Pace 32 Victoria East 58 Laredo Martin 29 Victoria West 51 Laredo Cigarroa 47 Donna 42 Roma 43 Area Playoffs Roma 29 Victoria West 38 Victoria East 57 Mission Veterans 54 Sharyland 27 Flour Bluff 32 Edinburg Vela 34 Tulso-Midway 54

CLASS 6A Bi-District Harlingen 56 Weslaco East 25 Laredo United South 74 McAllen Memorial 39 Weslaco 61 Los Fresnos 34 LJ Palmview 41 Del Rio 51 McAllen Rowe 39 Laredo United 44 PSJA North 63 Harlingen South 54 Laredo Alexander 46 McAllen 41 Brownsville Veterans 55 Edinburg 33 Area Playoffs Brownsville Veterans 37 Laredo Alexander 54 PSJA North 49 Laredo United 48 Weslaco 49 Del Rio 53 Harlingen 52 Laredo United South 66 Regional Quarterfinals Laredo United South 51 Del Rio 49 PSJA North 47 Laredo Alexander 62


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