High School Sports Magazine-January 2006 Issue

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in Novem-ber, and January, with a total combine issue of 13 by HSSM Media Communications L.L.C., located at our Corporate Home Office, 2416 Frontera Road, McAllen, Texas 78504. David A. Amador, Publisher/CEO; Julian Garcia, Executive Vice President, CFO. U.S. subscriptions are available annually for 13 issues/$29.95 plus postage and handling of $2.95 per issue. 2005 Copyright HSSM Media Communications L.L.C.. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Mexico.

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VOLUME 1 ISSUE NO.6

HSSM Photos by DAVID A. AMADOR Weslaco Panther David Chapa on the cover with Ty Gough of PSJA.

On the COVER...On the COVER...

January 25, 2006

It’s Alive!It’s Alive!

Inside... 6

Coaches will see Four Playoff teams added to each district.

PSJA Memorial Moving UpEditorial/Opinion

8Edinburg Bobcats top PSJA and Economedes. Panthers fall, but rebound. PSJA North Raiders win.

Top 10 Boy’s ActionRunning Bobcats No. 1

Inside... 6

Coaches will see Four Playoff teams added to each district.

PSJA Memorial Moving UpEditorial/Opinion

8Edinburg Bobcats top PSJA and Economedes. Panthers fall, but rebound. PSJA North Raiders win.

Top 10 Boy’s ActionRunning Bobcats No. 1

22Harlingen upsets Harlingen South to remain undefeated. La Feria wins again; Lady Bulldogs win.

Girl’s Basketball RoundupEdinburg State-Ranked 22Harlingen upsets Harlingen South to remain undefeated. La Feria wins again; Lady Bulldogs win.

Girl’s Basketball RoundupEdinburg State-Ranked

28 28

34 34

Players of the MonthMcHi Lady Bulldog Jessica Mar-tinez leads team over La Joya; Marah Guzman scores 30 points in win over Donna.

MVEC AwardsPlayers of the MonthMcHi Lady Bulldog Jessica Mar-tinez leads team over La Joya; Marah Guzman scores 30 points in win over Donna.

MVEC Awards

Harlingen South goalie, Mary Jo Hall keeps foes from scoring;PSJA North’s Cindy Carmona plays soccer and is Yearbook Editor

COSTEP Academic PlayersTop Student AthletesHarlingen South goalie, Mary Jo Hall keeps foes from scoring;PSJA North’s Cindy Carmona plays soccer and is Yearbook Editor

COSTEP Academic PlayersTop Student Athletes

Next issue: Baseball/Softball PreviewNext issue: Baseball/Softball PreviewFebruary 25th...

Lady Bulldogs Upset Lady Hawks at MISD Tournament; Pirates kick Bears; Mission Veterans Win.

2006 Soccer PreviewMcHi, Hidalgo, No. 1 TeamsLady Bulldogs Upset Lady Hawks at MISD Tournament; Pirates kick Bears; Mission Veterans Win.

2006 Soccer PreviewMcHi, Hidalgo, No. 1 Teams 27 27

David Chapa of Weslacocaught on camera.(hssmphoto by David A. Amador)

Tips on how to stay flexible while playing sports on the court or field.

Get The Ultimate FitnessAnkle FlexibilityTips on how to stay flexible while playing sports on the court or field.

Get The Ultimate FitnessAnkle Flexibility

Harlingen South goalie, Mary Jo Hall keeps foes from scoring;PSJA North’s Cindy Carmona plays soccer and is Yearbook Editor

COSTEP Academic PlayersTop Student AthletesHarlingen South goalie, Mary Jo Hall keeps foes from scoring;PSJA North’s Cindy Carmona plays soccer and is Yearbook Editor

COSTEP Academic PlayersTop Student Athletes

Lady Bulldogs Upset Lady Hawks at MISD Tournament; Pirates kick Bears; Mission Veterans Win.

2006 Soccer PreviewMcHi, Hidalgo, No. 1 TeamsLady Bulldogs Upset Lady Hawks at MISD Tournament; Pirates kick Bears; Mission Veterans Win.

2006 Soccer PreviewMcHi, Hidalgo, No. 1 Teams 27 27

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EditorialHSSM Views

Realignments Again?

6 www.hssmOnline.com January 2006

Just when District 30-5A enjoyed their six-team district, with three automatically qualifying for the state playoffs, now it’s time for realignment again. Keep in mind that this is not a confirmed report nor did HSSM break into the UIL director’s safe to actually find the new modified districts. What makes this new realignment a bit yuck, is that one more playoff team will be added to football, basketball, baseball, softball, and the rest of the UIL sports. This means that FOUR teams from each district would qualify for the playoffs. This is way out of control! Reminds me of the BCS... Anyway, here are my predictions for the next two years. In District 30-5A: McHi, McAllen Memorial, McAllen Nikki Rowe, La Joya, Rio Grande City, Sharyland, Mission Veterans, and Donna will create an eight-team district. Moving to District 31-5A, it would consists of PSJA, PSJA North, PSJA Memorial, Edinburg, Edinburg North, Edinburg

Economedes, Harlingen South, and Harlingen, another eight-team district. And finally, District 32-5A teams would have Weslaco, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Porter, Lopez, Rivera, Hanna, and Pace. Here’s where the fun begins. With three teams from District 32-4A moving up to the 5A ranks and Valley View

being mentioned as the next 32-4A school, this would leave Mercedes, Edcouch Elsa, Mission, and Roma as the only teams left in this district. There is talk about creating two 4A schools, with Distict 31-4A mixing with 32-4A? Most of the 32-3A teams will remain the same, with the exception of Valley View H.S.

[email protected]

David A. Amador, HSSM

Coming Soon!


1 RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

EdinburgRunning Bobcats Ranked 20th in State 5A

Team Captain, Lucio Rodriguez of Edin-burg leads his team in scoring. Top photo, head coach Joe Filoteo. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

Edinburg-The Edinburg Bobcats, now ranked 20th in State 5A basketball by the Texas High School Coaches Basketball Association are off and running past their 31-5A district opponents. High School Sports Magazine ranks the Bobcats as the No.1 team to beat in the Valley. Head coach Joe Filoteo is proud that his Bobcats have defied all odds, with a team that features Lucio Rodriguez who averages 14 points a game, along with Bobby Trevino who contributes 4 assists per game. Both, Trevino and Rodriguez also make it a habit of stealing the ball from opposing teams at least four times per game each. Not one player stands above 6’3 in height, Filoteo’s “run and gun style” offense keeps most of their opponents trying to defend their quickness on the court. The Bobcats are currently entering the final six games of the year after running the

tables in the first half with a perfect 6-0 record and now boast another 20-win season. Filoteo watched his Bobcats pick up crucial wins over PSJA in overtime, followed by a 67-61 win over the third place Weslaco Panthers, who were ranked No.1 at one point throughout the season by HSSM. Against the Panthers, the Bobcats contained 6’9 junior Fransico Rodriguez to nine points, while Joey Perez scored a game high 28 points. Both teams battled to a 16-16 second period scoring assault, and in the final period, both teams again, scored 22 points a piece. Issac Cabrera did managed to get the Panthers close in the first period, scoring on jumper, to trail the Bobcats 15-13 at the buzzer. In another nail-biter, Edinburg had three Bocats scoring in double figures as they beat the Bears for the second time this season, 69-65. In this game, the Cats’ were hot from the three-point range with Rodriguez scoring 17 points, followed by Trevino who added 14, and David Guerrero adding another 11 points. At this point, the Bobcats stood at 3-0 in district play. “We are looking forward to the playoffs if we can maintain this momentum,” said Filoteo after defeating rival, Edinburg Economedes 58-53 earlier in the season. The Cats outscored the Jaguars 23-8 in the third period but head coach Lalo Rios of the Jaguars still kept his team fighting back, outscoring the Bobcats 21-11 in the final period. “We were expecting a hard fought battle tonight. I’m honored to have played Lalo’s team and I know that he will become a very successful coach,” said Filoteo.

2 HS BASKETBALL 2006

HarlingenSurprising teams in 32-5A

Robert Sanchez of the Harlingen Cardinals, gets a rebound against Brownsville Rivea. (Tony Williams/HSSM Photo)


Harlingen- Ryan Nieto-Whittaker scored 20 points for the Harlingen Cardinals as they flew past the defending 32-5A champions, Brownsville Rivera 53-41. With the win, the Cards are now 5-1 in district play, alone in first place. Harlingen jumped out to a quick 14-2 lead in the first period as the Raiders missed from every section of the court. Marty Villarreal who added 14 points for the night hit a 20-footer to put the Cards up by eight at the 4:30 mark. Rivera managed to settle down in the second period by scoring eight points themselves, while allowing the Redbirds 10. This would be the difference in points in the second half as Rivera played aggressive defense and outscored the Harlingen Cardinals 31-29. Willie Esparza led the Raiders with 19 points. The Harlingen Cardinals have surprised many 32-5A teams and their 14-8 overall record could be a bit deceiving for teams like Porter, who looms in the second place slot, one game behind the Cardinals at 4-2. Call them scrappy, but players like Villarreal, Robert Sanchez, Harry Cordero, and Gabe Moreno have come together to make this Cardinal team tough to beat late in the season.

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3 RGV HS BASKETBALL 2006

McAllen MemorialSam Cortez, head coach keeps Mustangs Bucking

McAllen Memorial point guard J.J. Flores dribbles past a La Joya defender. (David A. Amador/HSSM Photo)

McAllen-Head coach Sam Cortez will sit in his office eating his favorite pre-game dinner, a double meat cheese burger with fries from McDonald’s. Is he superstitious before a game? “I used to wear a suit and tie and since I switched to a regular polo jersey, we have been winning lately,” said Cortez. The Mustangs have bucked their way to first place in District 30-5A after posting a 67-52 win over La Joya. Against the Coyotes, Cortez sat in his

office eating his McDonald’s dinner, while his players dressed for the game. At game time, Mustang point guard Robby Salinas was hot, driving towards the basket on two consecutive fast break drives to put the Stangs’ up 15-13 at the end of the first period. In the final two periods, McAllen Memorial outscored the Coyotes 42-34 to finish the evening. “We have a couple of games on the

road. We play McHi and Rowe at their own court. McHi is playing tough and if we can steal one game, then we will meet Sharyland at home. Our motto is to defend our house,” said Cortez. “We are going to shock some teams.” On January 7th, the Mustangs defeated Corpus Christi King 69-45 in McAllen with Jake Honeycutt leading his team with 18 points, along with John Ray Dougherty adding another 17 points. “John Ray is the captain and he has done a great job keeping this team together,” added Cortez.

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4 RGV HS BASKETBALL 2006

PSJA NorthRaiders Beat Weslaco and Bears

J.C. Herebia continues to lead his Raid-ers in 31-5A. He averages 20 points per game, best in the league.




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Pharr-Prior to the Weslaco-PSJA North, head coach Jaime Gongora told HSSM that his team needed to “take one game at a time and play tough defense” in order to continue their success on the court. “Our players are still young, but motivated. We must stop their point guards so that we can play our game,” said Gongora. “Weslaco is one of the best third place teams that we will face,” he added. The Panthers took a six point lead going into the final period of play and that’s when the Raiders came alive by using pressure defense and forcing Panthers to hit shots off balance. For the second time this season, the Raiders beat the Panthers 62-56 to remain one game behind the state-ranked Edinburg Bobcats at 5-1 in 31-5A and 23-3 overall. Playing with four new starters in 2005-2006, three Raiders scored in double figures, including last year’s league MVP, JC Herebia, who scored a game high 21 points. Head coach Roy Swift of the Panthers saw his team take a 16-13 lead after the first period, but then the Panthers went cold in the second period, giving the Raiders an opportunity to run past them 24-16 in the second, to take a 37-32 lead at the half. Then came the frustrations for Gongora as he watched his team score only 7 points in the third period, while Weslaco came out firing 18 points. Edgar Segura scored 12 points for the night, while Issac Cabrera added 14, and David Chapa finished the evening with 13. The Raiders did manage to frustrate 6’9 junior Francisco Rodriguez, who was doubled-team and held to one point. This allowed the Raiders to rebound in the final period and outscore the Panthers 18-7 for the win. The loss drops the Panthers (14-12, 3-3), into a two-way tie for third place with PSJA, while the Raiders will have an opportunity to face the Bobcats this week, in Edinburg.

(HSSM Photo/David Amador)

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RGV HS BASKETBALL 2006

Caught in a Three-Way Tie in 32-4A5



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Edcouch-What a difference one loss makes in District 32-4A. The Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets now find themselves in a 3-way tie for first place, along with Weslaco East and Mission Veterans Memorial, all standing at 6-1. Longtime head coach Robert Capello, who was recently named to the Latino Coaching Hall of Fame, must still face Weslaco East and head coach Gabe Valdez this coming week before traveling to Mission to take on the Patriots. At 65, Capello has been coaching for 37 years, with 25 of those years at Edcouch Elsa. He owns 885 wins, the most recent coming against Roma (0-25, 0-7) and is now the only Latino coach with such wins in high school basketball. The legend knows that these wins would mean nothing if his highly-touted Yellowjackets lose the district title. Roel Gonzalez leads the team with 18 points per game while Gabe Silva averages another 13 points, and teammate Richard Gonzalez adds 12 points per night. With three players scoring in double figures per outing, Victor Orozco is the reason these players score. He averages nine assists per game. In other games, the Yellowjackets were able to get past PSJA Memorial 54-41 but it was on January 7th that Capello would like to forget as Mission Veterans defeated the cold-shooting Jackets’ on their home court 59-39. “It’s a funny game. On some nights you win, and on other nights, you lose. On this night, I was surprised,” said Capello. The Yellowjackets, who are known for hitting from the three point line continuously, held Gonzalez to 11 points by applying pressure at the tape. Nathan Gonzalez of Veterans led his team with 20 points, as he guided the Pats to a 20-18 half time lead. The Pats held the Yellowjackets to four points in the first period and then stopped the Jackets again in the fourth period, limiting them to nine points. Look for an exciting finish in 32-4A as the season winds down in the upcoming weeks.

Head coach Robert Capello calls a timeout to talk to his team. The Yellowjackets are tied for first with two other teams in 32-4A. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

January 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 17

6 RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 2006

Harlingen SouthHawks beat Harlingen and Porter, but trail Cards by one game

John Friebele of Harlingen South grabs a rebound in mid- air against Los Fresnos’s Albert Vasquez. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

Harlingen-After winning their first round game to Harlingen 46-39, head coach Larry Kruse knew that every game from this point on would need a “W”, if the Hawks expect to make the post season tournament in Class 5A and bring home the 32-5A title. Last week, the South Hawks flew past the Brownsville Porter Cowboys in District 32-5A to stay tied with the Cowboys at 4-2 and 19-5 overall. Porter head coach Luis Garza saluted the Hawks by saying that they were “the better team tonight.” On this night, Kruse had the right game plan too. He made sure that his Hawks applied full-court pressure on every inbound ball the Cowboys would attempt. This proved to make the real difference for Harlingen South as they led at the half 25-13. Steven Garcia, who had 13 points for the night made a basket from the top of the key to put the Hawks ahead 21-10 with 4:02 left to play in the half. Shawn Verner added 10 points for the Hawks, while Joey Lopez was the leading scorer for the Cowboys with 10 points. Against the Pace Vikings, South won 78-61 with Mario Rodriguez leading Harlingen South with 12 points. The Hawks jumped out to a quick 25-12 lead but the Vikings came alive in the second period almost edging the Hawks in points scored in the period, 20-21.


7 RGV HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 2006

Mission VeteransPatriots Move into Top 10 Rankings; Remain in first place in 32-4A Standings



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Archie Reyna of Mis-sion Veterans Memo-rial guards his rebound from defenders. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

Mission-The Patriots from Mission Veterans Memorial High School continued their streak of district wins by easily defeating the PSJA Memorial Wolverines 62-34 to up their 32-4A district record to 5-1, 18-4 overall. The Patriots head coach Rafael Cantu was pleased to have pulled off this win because now they remain tied for first place along with Edcouch-Elsa and Weslaco East. “This win over Memorial keeps us ahead of the game as we head into the final games. From the beginning, I told our players that we must be patient and work hard to become successful,” added Cantu. The Pats had trouble in the first half trying to hit the buckets as they held a slim 9-5 lead at the end of the first period. Head coach Cantu found himself pacing along court-side trying to figure out what game plan could spark his Pats. After a brief timeout, Nathan Gonzalez then scored from the outside to give the Patriots 22-12 lead at the half. He finished the evening with 11 points and teammate Oscar Cantu added 14 for the night. So what makes this Veteran’s Memorial team spark? Earlier in the season, head

coach Cantu told HSSM that, “they needed to be more consistent with their decisions on the court”. Cantu also expressed his thoughts about jelling at this point in the season and that his “non-district” schedule should prepare them for district play. His game plan has paid off too. Archie Reyna leads the Pats with 16 points per game, while Nathan Gonzalez finds the open man with 7 assists per game. Another reason the Patriots have been successful is due to the rebounding of Oscar Cantu, who has hauled down 10 rebounds per outing. In their win over Brownsville Lopez, Edgar Trevino scored 16 points while RJ Reyna added another 16, and Freddy Perez had 11 points to lead the Pats past the Lobos 71-47. If the Pats can get past Mercedes, then they will meet Weslaco East and Ed- Elsa in a-winner-takes-all battle for the 32-4A title.

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PSJA, Hidalgo, and Weslaco

Final Top 10 Spots

No.9 Hidalgo currently leads the 32-3A standings with an undefeated record. Rio Hondo is in second place. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

Hidalgo-The No. 9 Pirates were once thought as a team on the rebound in 2005-2006, but so far this team from the Killer Bees area have proven every doubter wrong as they have raced to the top of the 32-3A standings with a perfect 7-0 record and 18-7 overall. The Pirates finished the first half of district play with wins over previously ranked Rio Hondo, Raymondville, and Valley View. Robert Guerra leads his Pirates with 14 points per game and Jesse Castillo has been the trigger man with 7 assists each time they step on the court. The Bobcats have had their problems early on, with both post and center players, who stand at 6’4 each nursing ankle injuries. Against La Feria, the Pirates easily won 74-30, then faced Valley View, and again, this game ended with a 73-48 victory. Four players scored in double figures for the Pirates. In 31-5A, No. 7 PSJA and No.10 Weslaco are both tied at 3-3 in district play and with the second half already in first gear, the Bears dropped an overtime loss to Edinburg, and Weslaco lost to Edinburg and PSJA North. Against the Bobcats, the Panthers made every effort to stop Joey Perez, as he poured in a game-high 28 points, but they fell short in stopping Bobby Trevino (15), and Raul De La Rosa (13), who scored in double figures. “This was a great win for our program,” says Filoteo. “And with the Bears out of the way, we can now concentrate on PSJA North,” added Filoteo.

McAllen- The 21st annual City of Palms Football Clinic featured guest speaker and former head football coach Gary Gaines from Odessa Permian, where the story of “Friday Night Lights” was written in 1990 and a movie was released in 2004. Now, the current athletic director of Ector County ISD, tells HSSM that “the years at Odessa Permian were great and challenging,” but more importantly, “demanding”. Since 1999, the “Mojo” magic has disappeared and three head football coaches have since been fired. No playoffs, No state finals. This season, the team brought in one of Gaine’s former players from that 1988 team, Darren Allman. This would mark the first time that a former player has ever coached the “Mojos” and according to Gaines, he

Gary Gaines, athletic director of Ector I.S.D. (Former head football coach of Odessa Perm-ian) is pictured with David A. Amador, HSSM Publisher.(HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

Friday Night

LIGHTS

Pure Mojo Magic... 20 www.hssmOnline.com January 2006

Odessa Permian’s former head football coach Gary Gaines led the “Mo-jos” to the State 5A Semifinals in 1988 and then won the State 5A title in 1989 and were named National Champions. He talks to HSSM.

“Winning is always important” he told coaches attending the City of Palms Clinic on Friday night. “We must first understand our players and the demands we ask of them,” he added. In the movie, modifications were made, but in reality, the 1988 Permian High School Panthers lost to Dallas-Carter in the state semi-finals, not the state finals as the movie showed. Carter did go on to win the state championship, but was

said “Darren did a great job in his first season in District 3-5A,” and that he showed a lot of “promise” for his team. “We are proud of him for his hard work,” added Gaines. The Panthers went 5-5, 1-4 in 2005. The school was made famous this past season when H.G. Bissinger’s, author of “Friday Night Lights”, a story of the school’s 1988 football team, the Permian Panthers run towards the state championship, was the subject of the best-selling book “Friday Night Lights” published in 1990.

championship title.

21st City of Palms Coaching Clinic

The Mojos have won six U.I.L. Texas state championship in the 4A and 5A classification (the state’s largest) in 1965, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1989 and 1991. The Panthers have played in 12 state championship games and have made 25 playoff appearances since 1965.

later forced to forfeit its entire season when it was discovered that an academically ineligible player had been allowed to play after his grades were changed. Converse Judson was declared the champions instead.

“It was hard to accept this defeat and we realized afterwards that Dallas Carter had an ineligible player playing, this really made that year hard to forget,” said Gaines. He coached the Panthers from 1986-1989 and posted a 47-6-1 record with one state title and one national

More than 300 coaches attended this year’s convention held at the Holidome in McAllen, directors Richard Flores and John Lerma were pleased. This year’s Hall of Fame coaches inducted were Robert Cortez, Eloy Salinas, Pete Vela, and Ronnie Woodman. The Athletic Director of the Year award went to Roy Guzman, while the E.C. Lerma Coach of the Year award was presented to Joe Solis, Edcouch-Elsa athletic director and head football coach. Making a special appearance at the RGV High School Sports Magazine’s exhibit booth were the NBA Houston Rocket Power Dancers.



Victoria Gonzales of La Feria has led her Lionettes in District 32-3A to a perfect 8-0 record and first place standing. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

RGV Girl’s Basketball 2006

Lionettes Continue Winning Streak in District at 8-0La Feria-The race is on. The La Feria Lionettes remain undefeated in 32-3A at 8-0, while Hidalgo and Raymondville stand at 6-1 in district play. In a competitive district race, the Lionettes easily defeated the Lady Bearkats 55-42, then rolled past Port Isabel 53-43 to remain on track for a district title. Progreso jumped out to a 2-1 record, surprising the district, but they have since, slipped to 2-4 and are currently in sixth place in the standings. Leading scorers in 32-3A are Valerie Venegas of Valley View, who averages 18 points a game, along with Brittany Watkins of Port Isabel with 15, followed by Damaris Rodriguez of Hidalgo, who leads her team with 14 points per outing. La Feria head coach Mary Wetegrove depends on Kate Wolf, the leader of this Lionette team along with Melissa Hernandez. In their win over Raymondville, the Lionettes battled to a 12-10 lead against the Lady Tarpons, but this would change as Tarpon, Brittany Watkins would score on a jumper to give her team 13-12 edge in the second period, but they would trail by one at the half. The Lady Tarpons made sure that Kate Wolf would be stopped early on, allowing her just three points throughout the evening. This opened up the gates for Hernandez to put up 15 points to lead all scorers. In more 32-3A action, Valley View H.S. rookie head coach Clarissa Arredondo, a former McHi graduate and basketball player watched her Lady Tigers lose another district game, but this time to second place Hidalgo 51-22. The Lady Tigers district 32-3A scoring leader Venegas was double-teamed and held to seven points for the night. In two periods, Valley View scored a total of six points. With the loss, the rookie head coach watched her team drop to 3-5 in the standings while the Lady Pirates remain at (21-8, 7-1) overall. Leading scorer for the Lady Pirates was Damaris Rodriguez with 13 points. Look for La Feria and Hidalgo, along with Raymondville to battle for the crown as the season winds itself down in the upcoming weeks. Out of the race are Valley View, Progreso, Port Isabel, Lyford, and Rio Hondo. hssmonline @yahoo.com

District 32-3A

22 www.hssmOnline.com January 2006 January 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 23

District 30-5A

McHi Lady Bulldogs Stay UnbeatenRGV Girl’s Basketball 2006

McAllen-In one of the most dramatic come-from-behind wins, the McAllen Lady Bulldogs powered their way past the Sharyland Lady Rattlers 50-39 to remain undefeated in District 30-5A. Krystal Garza scored 13 points in the final period after her teammate Rebecca Valdez went down with a bumped knee late in the third period. Garza managed to keep the Lady Rattlers off balance inside, going up for two points, she would get the foul call on forward Katie Bodnor. This proved to be costly for the Rattlers as she fouled out of the game. “Defense, defense, defense,” said a jubilant McHi head coach Teresa Casso as she jumped for joy as time expired. “I told our players that we needed to step it up in the second half and put pressure on them (Rattlers),” added Casso. The pressure amounted to 10 aggressive fouls by the Lady Bulldogs. The Sharyland Rattlers managed to keep McHi intact at 24-all in the first half, outscoring the Lady Bulldogs 17-13 in the second period. For the night, a total of 36 fouls were whistled, but this did not stop forward Jessica Martinez from stealing an inbound pass, and then passing it to Garza for another two points to put the Lady Bulldogs up 35-34 with 6:55 left to play after trailing by eight points. Garza finished with 16 points to lead all scorers along with Rebecca Valdez adding 12, followed by Jessica Martinez with 12 points. Sharyland was led by Clarissa Salinas with 15 points.

Jessica Martinez of McHi drives past Katie Bodnor of Sharyland for two points. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

Time Out! The Harlingen Lady Cards basketball team remain undefeated in District 32-5A after upsetting Harlingen South and Brownsville Rivera recently. Head coach Nora Zamarripa takes time to offer some advice to her players. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)


District 32-5A

Harlingen Lady Cards Not Throwing in the Towels RGV Girl’s Basketball 2006

Harlingen-Surprise, surprise, surprised! The Harlingen Lady Cards and head coach Nora Zamarripa flew past the Harlingen Lady Hawks 66-58 to take over first place in District 32-5A, while the Hawks head coach, Dawn Engleman hopes that the Cards will lose one more game if she expects to win the title in 2006. Head coach Nora Zamarippa is now on track to win another 32-5A title, all they have to do is win the rest of the games, including one more rematch with the Lady Hawks. Worst senario, a co-championship for both squads. “We want to win the title outright. This win over the Lady Hawks puts us ahead,” said Zamarripa. Jessica Gonzalez leads the Lady Cards (20-5, 7-0), averaging 16 points a game, along with Gabby Ortiz adding another 13 points. Both have managed to score in double figures with the assistance of Tiffany Hernandez, who contributes 5 assists per game. In their win over Brownsville Rivera, the Lady Cards were probably still riding high after their win over Harlingen South, as the Lady Raiders stayed tight in the first half, leading 24-21. Erica Molina kept Rivera ahead scoring on a layup with 2:25 left to play in the first half to give them a 22-21 lead.

Whatever Zamarripa told her team in the locker room during the break, brought the Lady Cards back to reality as they opened the third period, on the run, scoring 16 points, while holding the Lady Raiders to just four total points, leading 37-27. Gabby Ortiz found an opening under the basket, to put

“We want to win the title outright. This win over the Lady Hawks puts us ahead...” Nora Zamarripa

Harlingen Head Coach

the Lady Cards up 35-25 but again, the Lady Cards went sour in the fourth period. However, the Lady Cards held on, winning 44-39. Harlingen did not have one player scoring in double figures throughout the game, while Molina led all scorers with 11 points. The Lady Cardinals should maintain its pace throughout the rest of the season, until they meet the Hawks again in district play.


Time Out! The Harlingen Lady Cards basketball team remain undefeated in District 32-5A after upsetting Harlingen South and Brownsville Rivera recently. Head coach Nora Zamarripa takes time to offer some advice to her players. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

Harlingen South’s Natalie Garza goes up for two points against Brownsville Porter guard, Angelica Puente. The Lady Hawks remain one game behind Harlingen in 32-5A.

Harlingen-South Hawks head coach, Dawn Engleman took out her frustrations against Brownsville Porter winning 80-32 to improved their 32-5A record to 7-1 and 23-5 overall. The Porter Lady Cowboys, dropped to (0-8, 11-15) for the season, have not found much luck as they were outscored 27-10 in the first period after Natalie Garza scored on a jump shot to make it 21-6 with 3:40 left to play in the period. Things really worsen for the Cowboys, as the Lady Hawks started to run and gun down the court on quick lay ups and steals. This would lead to a 20-8 second period scoring putting the Lady Hawks ahead 47-18 at the half. Chrissey Cruz led all scorers with 27 points, followed by Bianca Torre adding 20 points, and Garza finished with 11 points. Mary Mireles led the Cowboys with 15 points. In the second half, the Lady Cowboys surprised the Lady Hawks by scoring 14 points, while holding the Lady Hawks to just 17 points. Can the Lady Hawks remain one game behind the Lady Cardinals till their next meeting? A loss by the Lady Cards, could result in a co-championship for both teams to share in 32-5A.

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Lady Hawks ReboundDistrict 32-5A


Marah Guzman of the Edinburg Lady Bobcats gives her sis-ter, Miranda some advice on the court . (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

Edinburg- Rachel Carmona, head basketball coach of the State 5A 20th ranked Edinburg Lady Bobcats, continued their dominance of District 31-5A as they pounded the Donna Lady Redskins 52-29. Both teams entered this game at 5-0, but the home field advantage at Bobcat Gym proved to be too much for the Lady Redskins. Last year’s Regional semifinalist and 31-5A District champion posted a perfect 12-0 record in 2004-2005 and an impressive 32-6 overall record, had trouble scoring in the first period, with Marah Guzman missing shots along with teammate Gina Ferrer, both not finding the rim with the aggressive play of the under-rated Lady Redskins. The score remained 9-8 at the end of the first period. Now 6-0 in district play, the Lady Bobcats finally broke loose with a 30-point game performance by Guzman, giving them a 24-15 point lead at the half. The Lady Bobcats opened the second half on the run, scoring another 19 points while limiting Donna to 14 points total in the second half. With Harlingen South losing to Harlingen, both the Lady Cards and Edinburg remain unbeaten along with McAllen High amongst 5A schools from the Rio Grande Valley. “ I’m just glad this game was over. A win is a win,” said a displeased Rachel Carmona of the Edinburg Lady Bobcats. The Lady Bobcats now (24-3) overall are destined to add another 31-5A title to compliment their string of titles as champions dating back to 2001. If the Lady Bobcats can remain patient, their trip to the Regional tournament must first go through Harlingen.

District 31-5A

Lady Bobcats Down DonnaRGV Girl’s Basketball 2006


Players of the MonthWeslaco Panther point guard Issac Cabrera scored 29 points in the PSJA game, along with another 24 points against Donna, to keep the Panthers at 3-1 in district play. The Bears beat the Panthers in 31-5A at Domingo Sepulveda Gym in Weslaco.

Melissa Chavero scored 23 points as the Mission Veteran Memorial Lady Patriots beat Brownsville Lopez to up their 32-4A record to 6-1.

Jessica Martinez of McAllen High Lady Bulldogs scored 23 points and Krystal Garza added another 24 points in their win over La Joya 83-33. Garza had 12 rebounds while Martinez brought down 11 rebounds, eight assists, and six steals.

Clarissa Salinas led the Sharyland Lady Rattlers with 20 points as they defeated the McAllen Nikki Rowe Lady Warriors 50-40 to remain tied with the Lady Bulldogs at 3-0.

McAllen Memorial senior Mauricio Gomez won the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events in the New Year’s Classic held at the Nikki Rowe pool. He had times of 22.89 in the 50 and broke the record in the 100 yard event with a time of 49.45.

Valley View H.S. baseball players Memo Cienfuegos and teammate Sergio Noguez played for two national teams. Cienfuegos pitched for Team USA against the Dominican Republic all-stars. Norguez led his National Team USA in Hawaii and was the top hitter for his team. Both players are seniors.

Felicia Espericueta, a 14 year old Edinburg North freshmen won the STJPGA Winter Series event held at La Cantera Palmer Course firing an 81 and 85. She had 18 pars and one birdie.

Michael Rios of Edcouch Elsa finished third at the STJPGA Winter Series event held at the Palmer Course in San Antonio, Texas firing scores of 81 and 82 over the two day period. He had 18 pars and two birdies.

All winners will be awarded the RGV High School Sports Magazine/MVEC Player of the Month awards at each campus. Congratulations!

Tops in the RGV! The Hidalgo Pirates are picked by HSSM as the No.1 team in the Rio Grande Valley. Pictured is Jorge Maldonado head-butting the ball against the PSJA Bears. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

Soccer PreviewHidalgo Pirates Top Team In RGVMcHi Lady Bulldogs earn No.1 Slot with Win Over State-Ranked Lady HawksMcAllen-The thought of returning to the State 4A tournament proved to be what the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots were set out to accomplish when they defeated last year’s State 5A tournament representative, Brownsville Rivera 1-0 at the Brownsville ISD Boys Soccer Tournament finals held recently. Head coach William Proctor said he expects this year, his fourth

at the school, to be the best. The Patriots won the District 31-4A title and got past district rival Hidalgo in the regional final. In the preseason polls, Mission Veterans are currently ranked eighth in Class 4A by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches, and should be favored to win the district title again, with Hidalgo looming close behind. The Pirates might change this prediction as the Pirates

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in November, and

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Crystal Reyna, an 18-year old senior at McAllen H.S. maintains a weighted 4.02 GPA and ranks 16th from a class of 382 seniors. She has been a four-year lettermen on the varsity soccer team and was voted to the first-team all-area team and all-district team. Crystal is also the senior class treasurer and National Honor Society treasurer. She was also named to the Who’s Who Amongst High School Students and participates as volunteer for Relay for Life Team. Crystal wants to become a speech pathologist and has been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas.

Claudia Troncoso, a 17-year old senior at Brownsville Hanna H.S. maintains a 3.8 GPA and ranks 41st from a class of 561 seniors. She has been a three-year lettermen on the varsity soccer team and cross-country team runner for two seasons. She was named to the all-district team in cross country and was voted newcomer of the year in soc-cer. Claudia ranks in the Top 10% in her class and wants to major in Spanish. She has accepted a soccer scholarship from Tyler Junior College.

Mary Jo Hall, a 17-year old senior at Harlingen South H.S. maintains a 3.67 GPA and ranks 38th from a class of 393 seniors. She has been a four-year goalie starter on the varsity soccer team and has played city soccer for the past eight years. She has not allowed a goal in district play for the past four seasons and led her Lady Hawks to the State 5A Regional semifinals in 2005. A member of the National Honor Society, student council, and the Ecology Club, she wants to major in Pre-Med at Sam Houston State University.

Cindy Carmona, a 17-year old senior at PSJA North H.S. maintains a 3.20 GPA and has been a four-year starter on the varsity soccer team and was named to the all-district team and most improved player. She also participates in the Ameri Corps Program and is the current editor of the Yearbook Staff. She has lettered in tennis, cross-country, and track. Cindy wants to major in Nursing and attend the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg.

defeated the PSJA Bears in La Frontera Classic Tournament 3-1. MVP striker, Jose Alfredo Nava is the player to watch for the Pirates while Christian Rodriguez will be the player to stop for the Pats in District 31-4A.

The defending 32-5A champions, Brownsville Rivera will be rebuilding in 2006, having to replace 14 players due to graduation, despite their Class 5A Top 10 ranking by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches. The Raiders too, made it to the state tournament in 2005.

In District 31-5A, the PSJA Bears could challenge for the title along with Edinburg Ecomomedes. The Jaguars were the district champions in 2005, but don’t count the Edinburg North Cougars out. The Panthers are also picked by HSSM to make a run for the playoffs.

McAllen Rowe won District 30-5A last season, but will have to play its non-district season without the services of district MVP Marco Ruiz. The junior and two-time district scoring leader is ineligible and with the Warriors losing all of its starting defenders and goalkeeper to graduation in 2005, this could be a rebuilding year for the Warriors. McHi could contend for the title along with La Joya. Field goal kicking


2005-2006 McAllen High Varsity Soccer team pictured l-r kneeling are Britni Saldana, Alex Peisen, Jordan Crabb, Danessa Salgado, Ka-tie Hockema, Cassie Delgado, and Crystal Reyna. Back row l-r are Lisa Peisen, Jaclyn Crowsey, Annie Jones, Rebekah Valenta, Danielle Campos, Catie Pace, Haley Hoffman, and Sarah Stansell. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)


Kenzie Cooper, a midfielder from Harlingen South will lead her State 5A Regional finalist and No.8 state-ranked, Lady Hawks in District 32-5A. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

sensation, Chris Brom leads the Bulldogs on the field.

In 2004, Brownsville Lopez won the Class 4A title and with Mission Veterans Memorial and Brownsville Rivera already cracking the barriers that once belonged to the Planos, San Antonio Churchill, and even the powerful El Paso schools. The Rio Grande Valley could feature three 4A and 5A teams back in the state tournament in 2006. “I expect one team

from the Valley to make it to the state tournament every year,” Brownsville Rivera coach Salvador Garcia said. “We have closed the gap. There was a time five years ago when we could not compete with the San Antonio schools.”

In the Class 4A regional final last season, it was two Valley teams that battled for a spot in the state tournament — Mission Veterans and Hidalgo. The state

tournaments begin in April at Round Rock, Texas.

McHi Lady BulldogsRanked No.1 By HSSM In 2006, the McHi Lady Bulldogs proved to everyone that they should have earned the State 5A Top 10 ranking as they finally defeated the No.8 state-ranked Harlingen South Lady Hawks 2-1 in a shootout after ending in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation at the 8th Annual MISD Girl’s Soccer Tournament. Prior to their encounter with the Lady Bulldogs, head coach Omar Pedroza was surprised that his Lady Hawks were ranked so high in the state polls. “It’s early in the season and with 27 teams here at this tournament, it’s going to be tough to hang on,” said Pedroza.

“Last year we played McHi twice; once in Corpus Christi, and the other in the state playoffs. We won both in shootouts,” added Pedroza. South’s loss was its first to a Rio Grande Valley squad in six seasons, and McHi’s win was its first against South since the Lady Bulldogs began playing soccer 10 years

“We are loaded with juniors and we are real excited about this year’s team. We will be tough to beat...”

Pat ArneyMcHi Lady Bulldog

Head Coach-10th Year

Janaury 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 31

Rio Grande City Rattlers Varisty soccer team pictured front l-r are Francisco Aguirre, Raul Resendez, Josue Leal, Jonathon Hernandez, and Angel Hernandez. Middle row l-r are Gary Ortiz, Marco Flores, Raul Hernandez, Nahum Leal, Abraham Martinez, and Edgar Ramirez. Back row l-r are Reyes Cantu, Juan Rios, Santos Carrillo, Jaime Cantu, Homero Santos, Emmanuel Santos, and Fabian Chavarria. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)


Claudia Flores of PSJA watches a Los Fresnos forward get some air (left), while Audie Tamez of McAllen Memorial tries to defend against an Edinburg Lady Bobcat at the MISD Soccer Tournament. (HSSM Photo/Tony Williams)

The Lady Hawks should easily retain their 32-5A crown with 12 seniors returning, nine of which are starters. Returning will be Lianah Flores (31 goals), Sandra Hernandez (18

ago. The title game was a rematch of last season’s regional quarterfinal, a 2-1 OT win by South. McHi coach Patrick Arney knew that his Lady Bulldogs would be tough to beat, despite having only two seniors leading the team. Returning to keep the Lady Bulldogs intact is McHi senior goalkeeper Danessa Salgado, who was named tournament MVP after allowing one goal in five chances during the shootout. Other players to watch are Crystal Reyna, Sarah Stansell, and Jaclyn Crowsey. “We are loaded with juniors and we are real excited about this year’s team. We will be tough to beat,” says Arney. Look for both teams to shoot it out again in the playoffs, but for now, HSSM ranks the Lady Bulldogs in the No.1 slot with the Lady Hawks at No.2 in the Rio Grande Valley.

goals), and Kenzie Cooper with 10 goals. Harlingen South (27-2 in 2005) made seven consecutive trips to the regional semifinals, but have advanced to the regional final once. In District 30-5A, the Lady Bulldogs could find themselves being challenged by Sharyland, La Joya and McAllen Memorial.The Lady Rattlers are the only other Valley team to advance as far as South did in the postseason last year. The Edcouch-Elsa Lady Jackets could become the surprise team in District 32-4A and head coach Juan Romero said his team, despite losing four players to graduation last season, is stronger this year. E-E, Brownsville Lopez and Mercedes should battle it out for the District 32-4A championship, Romero said. Other teams looking for playoff spots in 31-4A are Mission High, Mission Veterans Memorial and PSJA Memorial. The Lady Eagles return seniors Alyssa Garcia, Garcie Barajas, Gloria Ortiz, Leslie Flores, and Nataly Salinas.

OneOnOneI N T E R V I E W

with Nora Zamarripa A true Harlingen Lady Cardinal...

Story and Photosby David A. Amador

After leaving Edinburg H.S. to be-come the Harlingen Lady Cardinals head basketball coach, Zamarripa be-lieves in the rich-traditional Cardinal Pride...


HSSM: What makes coaching different today?Nora: Players are beginning to realize what they can accomplish and by this, we get better each time through dedicated work ethics. HSSM: So has this year been a tough one?Nora: Each year the players are different. Our players understand our program here at Harlingen and they also understand that playing to the highest level is a must. HSSM: Do you like being in this win-win tradition? Nora: Yes I do. The younger kids need to know how important this is here at Harlingen. Once they discover how special this can be, that’s when our players realize that it is cool. HSSM: Cool?Nora: (she laughs) Yes, real cool.HSSM: So where did you start coaching? Nora: First, as an assitant here at Harlingen, then I went to Edinburg and built a successful program there. To come back and become the head coach here was special. I credit the players and administration for their support. HSSM: How many district titles have you won?Nora: Oh my God, I don’t know. (she laughs, while having lunch) I don’t keep track. Most of that information is buried in my attic.HSSM: How about a wild guess.Nora: Oh, let’s see…Hey, I have pictures showing the years we won. (She laughs again). Let me count them. There’s seven district championships hanging on the wall.

So I guess seven….HSSM: So how many years have you been coaching at Harlingen. Do you have that information hanging on the wall too?Nora: (She laughs). That’s an easy question. It’s my 17th year.HSSM: Your husband seems to follow you everywhere you go.Nora: Yes. He’s the athletic trainer. He knows my team better than I do. He knows the moods of our players because when he tapes them, that’s when he sees how each player is going to perform. HSSM: Your biggest challenge? Nora: It has to be the new mentally of student attitudes. Today, things have changed. Kids are brought up differently. We must see things from their perspective.HSSM: So after 17 years, do you still get nervous before a game?Nora: I get butterflies, my palms sweat, and mentally, I try to prepare for the unknown.HSSM: Final question. What do you expect from the upcoming games?Nora: We are excited and with six important games ahead, but I tell our players to work hard so that we can be successful. We are almost there. HSSM: Have a great year and enjoy lunch.Nora: Thanks.

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ANKLEFlexibility...

Jason O. Martinez, B.B.A., C.P.T.

Perhaps the most overlooked area in flexibility with regards to athletics is the ankle. This article will focus on the muscles of the lower leg and their role in ankle flexibility. While the hamstrings, hip flexors, and groin make up the foundation of most stretching regimens, the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior cannot be overlooked. First and foremost is the effect of the ankle’s range of motion on an athlete’s performance on the field and on the court. Flexibility in the lower leg will allow the athlete to push his/her knee farther over the ankle. As the athlete dorsiflexes the ankle to a greater degree, more force is created as the ankle cocks and extends into the ground. Improved dorsiflexion also allows for a more efficient, and faster, recovery of the lower leg as the gastrocnemius acts as a heel flexor. A greater range of movement in the ankles can often prevent the sprains that are so commonplace in sports that involve constant changes in direction. A comprehensive ankle-flexibility program can prepare the ligaments and tendons of the ankles, as well as the muscles of the lower leg, for the sudden forces that occur in these rapid accelerations and decelerations. Ankle flexibility also carries over to the weight room, particularly in the Olympic lifts, ensuring proper execution to maximize performance and prevent injury. A large part of the success behind the snatch and clean is the squat. Sufficient ankle flexibility is required to allow the knees to move in advance of the ankles and keep the lifter’s hips proximal to his/her heels, resulting in the essential vertical trunk position. Proper full squat positioning reduces sheer forces places upon the knee and lumbar vertebrae of the low back. Optimal ankle flexibility is also required in separating the bar from the platform in the initial stages of both the snatch and clean & jerk as well. A relatively quick and easy ankle-flexibility program incorporates

active isolated stretching (AIS) which is based on contracting the antagonist muscle in order to relax the agonist while it is being stretched. The stretch will only be held for 2-3 seconds before returning to the resting position to avoid any response from the golgi tendon organ that might contract the agonist. AIS is convenient for teams and allows a more balanced stretch due to the prescriptions of sets and repetitions. Though a set 8-10 repetitions for each leg is recommended before exercising, the total volume will vary depending on the individual’s flexibility. With regards to calf flexibility, two stretches should be performed, one with legs straight and the other having the legs bent. The straight leg stretch targets the gastrocnemius and can be performed alone or with a partner. The second stretch focuses on the soleus by having the athlete bend his/her legs. The standing gastrocnemius stretch mentioned above is simply modified by bending the leg and pushing the knee forward. The partner stretch involves the athlete lying on his/her stomach with the legs at ninety degrees. The partner then presses

down on the soles of the feet towards the ground. Both of these stretches involve the contraction of the tibialis anterior, which is vital in the relaxation of the soleus and gastrocnemius, allowing a greater stretch. To stretch these muscles plantarflex the ankle by placing the front of the foot on an elevated surface and squat down. Try focusing on stretching the front of the lower leg rather than the quadricep or hip flexor.

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High School Sports Magazine-January 2006 Issue