By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
Senior Taylor Gomez can just about do it all for the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats.
The 5-foot-11 Gomez took the court for volleyball and basketball, and she also competes in track & field.
Gomez was a mainstay for the Lady ’Cats this past season, helping Rio Hondo earn another trip to the playoffs and a strong 10-2 district record, finishing second behind Hidalgo.
Gomez’s presence was felt on and off the court with a strong all-around game. It was Gomez’s defensive efforts that helped elevate her game.
The hard-nosed senior earned the Valley Morning Star ALL-STAR Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year honor, wrapping up a stellar career in a Lady Bobcats uniform.
“It’s feels great to win this award, this year I worked extra on my blocking and defensive game,” Gomez said. “I feel that this year was my strongest year in my three years playing on the varsity.”
Gomez went through a bit of a transition her senior year, being one of the leaders on the team and getting accustomed to a new system under first-year coach Lori Garcia.
“It was a pretty tough change, I was used to our old coach’s style for such a long time,” Gomez said. “I had played for him since I was in junior high, but we all were able to adjust and learn the new system.”
Not only was Gomez a force on defense, but she averaged 11.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 4.4 blocks per game.
“As a senior, we told the younger girls to keep working hard and to keep the mindset of wanting to be No. 1,” Gomez said. “Looking back, my best memory would be playing in the San Antonio tournament. We played a lot of good competition.”