Author: bryan ramos

by bryan ramos

Donna North wins regional powerlifting team title

The Donna North boys powerlifting team posted a first-place finish at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) Region V Division I Meet on Saturday at Edinburg High School to secure the Chiefs’ first regional team championship in program history.

Donna North took home gold with 29 team points from two first-place and three second-place finishes Saturday. McAllen Memorial earned second with 21 points and Victoria East finished third with 19 points.

Points are awarded for the top five finishes in each weight class in this manner — 7, 5, 3, 2 and 1. Each lifter goes through three different sets of lifts — squat, bench press and deadlift. The total weight combined from the three lifts determines the winner.

Lifters who finished in first or second place in each weight class at the regional meet or posted a qualifying total in their respective weight class on Saturday qualified for the THSPA 2024 State Championships March 22-23 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

Donna North’s Deondre Moody and Isaiah Loya led the Chiefs to the regional team title by finishing first in their respective weight classes Saturday.

Donna North’s boys powerlifting team won the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Region V Division I championship Saturday at Edinburg High School in Edinburg. Courtesy Photo.

The defending 123-pound state champion Moody broke a pair of regional records with a 365-pound bench press and 1,315 total to earn first at 123 pounds. He also squatted 500 pounds, deadlifted 450, and is in position to repeat as the 123-pound state champ.

Loya set a new regional record in the 308-pound weight class with a 790-pound squat. He finished with a 485-pound bench and 555-pound deadlift for a 1,830 total.

Three more Chiefs contributed points as Jeremy Salazar earned second-place in the 132-pound weight class with a 1,315 total, Angel Sanchez finished second in the 181-pound weight class with a 1,545 total, and Omar Guererro placed second in the 242-pound weight class with a 1,715 total.

McAllen High’s Demitri Ayala went 4-for-4 in breaking regional records in the 198-pound weight class with a 710-pound squat, 505-pound bench press and 705-pound deadlift for a total of 1,920 pounds. Ayala enters the state meet as Texas’ No. 1-ranked powerlifter at 198 pounds.

McAllen High’s Demitri Ayala during the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Region V Meet at Edinburg High School Gym Saturday, March 09 2024 in Edinburg, Texas. (Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

Edinburg IDEA College Prep took home third place at the THSPA Region V Division III Meet in Kingsville on Saturday with 19 team points, while La Villa finished third with 25 team points at the THSPA Region V Division IV Meet in Kingsville on Saturday.

Below is a list of Rio Grande Valley boys powerlifters who qualified for the THSPA 2024 State Championships on March 22-23 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

THSPA 2024 State Qualifiers – Division I

114-pound Weight Class – Brodie Flores, Victoria West* (405 squat, 245 bench, 385 deadlift, 1,035 total); Gabriel Guzman, Sharyland High (400 squat, 170 bench, 430 deadlift, 1,000 total); Eduardo Soto, Brownsville Veterans (365 squat, 200 bench, 405 deadlift, 970 total); Julian Cabrera, Mercedes (385 squat, 205 bench, 375 deadlift, 965 total); Victor Roberson, Victoria East (380 squat, 210 bench, 350 deadlift, 940 total); Dashel Burrows, Sharyland Pioneer (350 squat, 225 bench, 360 deadlift, 935 total); Leonardo Sauceda, Edinburg Economedes (335 squat, 225 bench, 360 deadlift, 920 total); Humberto Soto, Brownsville Veterans (360 squat, 225 bench, 320 deadlift, 905 total); Joe Cruz, Edinburg North (300 squat, 200 bench, 405 deadlift, 905 total); Carlos Cantu, McAllen Memorial (320 squat, 220 bench, 350 deadlift, 890 total); Caleb Moreno, La Joya High (315 squat, 185 bench, 350 deadlift, 850 total).

123-pound Weight Class – Deondre Moody, Donna North* (500 squat, 365 bench, 450 deadlift, 1,315 total); Ethan Hernandez, Harlingen South (460 squat, 290 bench, 420 deadlift, 1,170 total); Douglas Armstrong, Donna High (445 squat, 235 bench, 480 deadlift, 1,160 total); Cesar Perez, Edcouch-Elsa (405 squat, 275 bench, 465 deadlift, 1,145 total); Gerardo Sanchez, Mercedes (435 squat, 225 bench, 470 deadlift, 1,130 total); Christopher Lopez, Los Fresnos (430 squat, 210 bench, 440 deadlift, 1,080 total); Joe Alarcon, Victoria East (405 squat, 245 bench, 385 deadlift, 1,035 total); Jaden Roriguez, Donna High (360 squat, 225 bench, 385 deadlift, 970 total); Yahir Hernandez, Edinburg North (365 squat, 240 bench, 355 deadlift, 960 total); Erasmo Rodriguez, La Joya High (380 squat, 205 bench, 365 deadlift, 950 total).

132-pound Weight Class – Jorge Martinez, Los Fresnos* (495 squat, 345 bench, 490 deadlift, 1,330 total); Jeremy Salazar, Donna North (530 squat, 325 bench, 460 deadlift, 1,315 total); Martin Alvarez, Weslaco High (500 squat, 275 bench, 515 deadlift, 1,290 total); Ulises Enriquez, Mercedes (500 squat, 280 bench, 480 deadlift, 1,260); Rick Reyna, McAllen Memorial (500 squat, 245 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,245 total); Isaiah Loya, Brownsville Hanna (415 squat, 315 bench, 515 deadlift, 1,245 total); Brian Maldonado, Mercedes (460 squat, 245 bench, 470 deadlift, 1,175 total); Ruben Robles, McAllen Memorial (440 squat, 260 bench, 435 deadlift, 1,135 total); Angel Treviño, San Benito (445 squat, 285 bench, 405 deadlift, 1,135 total); Santi Rogel, Donna North (430 squat, 210 bench, 460 deadlift, 1,100 total).

148-pound Weight Class – Devon Treviño, Mercedes* (590 squat, 380 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,525 total); Mason Gwosdz, Victoria East (620 squat, 325 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,480 total); Gadiel Andrade, Laredo United (510 squat, 330 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,395 total); Isaiah Castro, Mercedes (560 squat, 320 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,380 total); Draven Garza, Victoria East (535 squat, 330 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,370 total); Jonathan Hernandez, Edinburg Economedes (455 squat, 385 bench, 605 deadlift, 1,345 total); Michael Lerma, Weslaco High (575 squat, 260 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,335 total); Nick Perez, Brownsville Pace (500 squat, 315 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,315 total); Diego Mercado, McAllen Rowe (545 squat, 315 bench, 450 deadlift, 1,310 total); Aiden Scurlock, McAllen High (485 squat, 300 bench, 455 deadlift, 1,240 total).

165-pound Weight Class – Jason Duran, Victoria West* (640 squat, 370 bench, 575 deadlift, 1,585 total); Devin Aguilar, Edinburg North (630 squat, 415 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,545 total); Juan Sanchez, Edinburg North (635 squat, 340 bench, 550 deadlift, 1,525 total); Jesus Cantu, Edinburg Economedes (600 squat, 365 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,465 total); Randal Delgado, Victoria East (565 squat, 360 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,455 total); Nickolas Guitron, Los Fresnos (525 squat, 360 bench, 560 deadlift, 1,445 total); Jaidan Alaniz, La Joya High (565 squat, 300 bench, 575 deadlift, 1,440 total); Armando Chapa, La Joya Palmview (565 squat, 360 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,430 total); Isaac Estrada, Edcouch-Elsa (575 squat, 325 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,430 total); Eduardo Cervantes, McAllen High (545 squat, 355 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,400 total); Jacob Faz, Edinburg North (485 squat, 300 bench, 560 deadlift, 1,345 total).

181-pound Weight Class – Jacob Broussard, Brownsville Hanna* (600 squat, 465 bench, 525 deadlift, 1,590 total); Angel Sanchez, Donna North (625 squat, 385 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,545 total); Heston Garza, Edcouch-Elsa (590 squat, 355 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,500 total); Jaime Treviño, Harlingen High (600 squat, 400 bench, 450 deadlift, 1,450 total); Lupe Garcia, PSJA Southwest (550 squat, 340 bench, 560 deadlift, 1,450 total); Angel Briseno, Brownsville Veterans (575 squat, 260 bench, 615 deadlift, 1,450 total); Jordan Stafford, Victoria East (530 squat, 335 bench, 570 deadlift, 1,435 total); Kayden Lea, Victoria West (525 squat, 365 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,395 total); Daniel Tirado, San Benito (500 squat, 350 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,370 total).

198-pound Weight Class – Demitri Ayala, McAllen High* (710 squat, 505 bench, 705 deadlift, 1,920 total); Noah Neibrandt, Victoria West (650 squat, 410 bench, 605 deadlift, 1,665 total); Rafael Aguirre, Edinburg North (615 squat, 385 bench, 605 deadlift, 1,605 total); Adrian Lizcano, Harlingen High (590 squat, 405 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,500 total); Seth Hernandez, Edinburg High (565 squat, 405 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,490 total); Sterling Tomlin, Harlingen High (570 squat, 425 bench, 495 deadlift, 1,490 total); Daniel De La Cruz, McAllen Memorial (610 squat, 350 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,465 total); Francisco Marichalar, Edinburg Economedes (555 squat, 385 bench, 460 deadlift, 1,400 total).

220-pound Weight Class – Humberto Leal, Donna High* (665 squat, 420 bench, 540 deadlift, 1,625 total); Pedro Ochoa, Brownsville Hanna (625 squat, 405 bench, 565 deadlift, 1,595 total); Jacob Ortiz, Harlingen High (560 squat, 460 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,575 total); Tomas Longoria, Harlingen South (605 squat, 420 bench, 545 deadlift, 1,570 total); Anthony Gonzalez, Edinburg Economedes (585 squat, 375 bench, 600 deadlift, 1,560 total); Pablo Solis, Rio Grande City (600 squat, 345 bench, 615 deadlift, 1,560 total); Isaac Ramirez, San Benito (585 squat, 365 bench, 580 deadlift, 1,530 total); Jose Rosas, Brownsville Pace (555 squat, 440 bench, 490 deadlift, 1,485 total); Juan Rodriguez, Edinburg Vela (550 squat, 390 bench, 510 deadlift, 1,450 total).

242-pound Weight Class – Aydin Torres, Edinburg North* (685 squat, 530 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,720 total); Omar Guerrero, Donna North (685 squat, 500 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,715 total); Gilbert Lerma, Harlingen South (670 squat, 445 bench, 585 deadlift, 1,700 total); Juan Acosta, Brownsville Hanna (700 squat, 450 bench, 545 deadlift, 1,695 total); Weston Bonneau, Gregory-Portland (615 squat, 535 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,680 total); Gustavo Escandon, McAllen Memorial (650 squat, 440 bench, 585 deadlift, 1,675 total); Nathaniel Navarro, Edinburg North (670 squat, 440 bench, 560 deadlift, 1,670 total); Ariel Segura, Edinburg High (615 squat, 445 bench, 605 deadlift, 1,665 total); Noe Alegria, Donna High (650 squat, 410 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,560 total); Reno Villanueva, Harlingen South (610 squat, 405 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,535 total); Julian Lopez, PSJA Memorial (600 squat, 375 bench, 550 deadlift, 1,525 total).

275-pound Weight Class – Carlos Rodriguez, McAllen Memorial* (735 squat, 520 bench, 600 deadlift, 1,855 total); Jason Escobar, McAllen Memorial (700 squat, 500 bench, 600 deadlift, 1,800 total); Kayvin De La Rosa, Los Fresnos (710 squat, 375 bench, 600 deadlift, 1,685 total); Angel Rios, Laredo United South (585 squat, 545 bench, 550 deadlift, 1,680 total); Anthony De Leon, Harlingen High (625 squat, 485 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,645 total); Jose Escojido, PSJA Southwest (625 squat, 450 bench, 525 deadlift, 1,600 total); Juan Meza, Donna High (655 squat, 400 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,590 total); Kaleb Loredo, Brownsville Pace (625 squat, 385 bench, 575 deadlift, 1,585 total); Ezra Echavarria, Harlingen South (620 squat, 440 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,580 total); Arturo Gonzalez, Edcouch-Elsa (650 squat, 370 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,550 total).

308-pound Weight Class – Isaiah Loya, Donna North* (790 squat, 485 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,830 total); Ezequeil Ozuna, McAllen Memorial (700 squat, 450 bench, 565 deadlift, 1,715 total); Rene Gomez, McAllen Memorial (705 squat, 475 bench, 525 deadlift, 1,705 total); Anthony Johnson III, Harlingen High (700 squat, 475 bench, 530 deadlift, 1,705 total); Gus De La Cerda, Donna High (700 squat, 425 bench, 575 deadlift, 1,700 total); Christopher Morales, Rio Grande City (730 squat, 390 bench, 540 deadlift, 1,660 total); Matthew Reyes, Weslaco High (650 squat, 435 bench, 540 deadlift, 1,625 total); Rosario Perez, Edcouch-Elsa (655 squat, 435 bench, 510 deadlift, 1,600 total); Jaeden Fraire, Victoria West (645 squat, 430 bench, 525 deadlift, 1,600 total).

Super Heavyweight – Jose Lugo, Victoria East* (820 squat, 600 bench, 600 deadlift, 2,020 total); Martin Maldonado, Weslaco High (640 squat, 500 bench, 545 deadlift, 1,685 total).

*Denotes Regional Champion

THSPA 2024 State Qualifiers – Division II

114-pound Weight Class – Leonardo Ruiz, Hidalgo* (410 squat, 280 bench, 425 deadlift, 1,115 total); Damien Perez, Hidalgo (345 squat, 255 bench, 380 deadlift, 980 total); Daniel Perez, Hidalgo (340 squat, 240 bench, 380 deadlift, 960 total); Arnold Lopez, Port Isabel (345 squat, 195 bench, 390 deadlift, 930 total); Albert Camacho, Zapata (340 squat, 205 bench, 335 deadlift, 880 total); Alvaro Valdez, Hidalgo (345 squat, 205 bench, 315 deadlift, 865 total).

123-pound Weight Class – Vicente Azuara, Port Isabel (405 squat, 235 bench, 405 deadlift, 1,045 total).

148-pound Weight Class – Chris Veloz, Zapata (435 squat, 305 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,245 total); Joseph Salazar, Zapata (435 squat, 250 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,220 total).

181-pound Weight Class – Aaron Barrera, Port Isabel (555 squat, 390 bench, 505 deadlift, 1,450 total).

198-pound Weight Class – Homero Tovar, Raymondville (575 squat, 395 bench, 535 deadlift, 1,405 total); Gabriel Bruno, La Feria (565 squat, 350 bench, 485 deadlift, 1,400 total).

220-pound Weight Class – Jonathan Cerda, Raymondville* (655 squat, 430 bench, 555 deadlift, 1,640 total); Zeke Palestina, Port Isabel (620 squat, 405 bench, 550 deadlift, 1,575 total); Christiani Torres, Raymondville (650 squat, 365 bench, 545 deadlift, 1,560 total). 

242-pound Weight Class – Randi Pedraza, Raymondville* (765 squat, 435 bench, 650 deadlift, 1,850 total); Mario Nava, Port Isabel (645 squat, 425 bench, 480 deadlift, 1,550 total); Brandon Lopez, Grulla (580 squat, 420 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,500 total); Carlos Cabrera, Port Isabel (600 squat, 405 bench, 495 deadlift, 1,500 total). 

308-pound Weight Class – Cristobal Ortega, La Feria (700 squat, 410 bench, 590 deadlift, 1,700 total).

*Denotes Regional Champion

THSPA 2024 State Qualifiers – Division III

114-pound Weight Class – Fabian Solis, Edinburg IDEA College Prep* (480 squat, 325 bench, 430 deadlift, 1,235 total); Juan Rodriguez, Santa Rosa (340 squat, 190 bench, 325 deadlift, 855 total); Lionel Sanchez, Rio Hondo (315 squat, 210 bench, 325 deadlift, 850 total).

123-pound Weight Class – Joey Rincones, Edinburg IDEA College Prep (435 squat, 245 bench, 425 deadlift, 1,105 total); Julian Betancourt, Lyford (365 squat, 250 bench, 400 deadlift, 1,015 total).

132-pound Weight Class – Diego Cruz, Santa Rosa (460 squat, 390 bench, 410 deadlift, 1,160 total).

148-pound Weight Class – Ethan Moreno, Lyford* (550 squat, 380 bench, 570 deadlift, 1,500 total); Rick De Luna, Lyford (515 squat, 340 bench, 485 deadlift, 1,340 total); Giovanni Pacheco, Edinburg IDEA College Prep (480 squat, 315 bench, 425 deadlift, 1,220 total); Gavin Perez, Rio Hondo (500 squat, 265 bench, 455 deadlift, 1,220 total); Henry Anderson, Lyford (475 squat, 280 bench, 445 deadlift, 1,200 total); Carlos Medrano, Santa Rosa (460 squat, 300 bench, 440 deadlift, 1,200 total).

181-pound Weight Class – Aiden Rubalcaba, Lyford 565 squat, 310 bench, 500 deadlift, 1,375 total); Juan Flores, Santa Rosa (545 squat, 330 bench, 495 deadlift, 1,370 total).

198-pound Weight Class – Joel Villafuerta, Edinburg IDEA College Prep (590 squat, 305 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,415 total).

220-pound Weight Class – Alex Castro, Lyford (550 squat, 380 bench, 520 deadlift, 1,450 total).

275-pound Weight Class – Julian Moreno, Santa Rosa (625 squat, 450 bench, 650 deadlift, 1,725 total).

Super Heavyweight – Nelson Quintero, Edinburg IDEA College Prep* (730 squat, 465 bench, 610 deadlift, 1,805 total).

*Denotes Regional Champion

THSPA 2024 State Qualifiers – Division IV

123-pound Weight Class – Frankie-Raye Gonzalez, La Villa (380 squat, 225 bench, 405 deadlift, 1,010 total); Ismael Cavazos, La Villa (360 squat, 225 bench, 380 deadlift, 965 total).

165-pound Weight Class – Esiah Gracia, Santa Maria (465 squat, 305 bench, 470 deadlift, 1,240 total).

181-pound Weight Class – Nehemias Martinez, La Villa* (470 squat, 335 bench, 460 deadlift, 1,265 total).

198-pound Weight Class – Jesse Martinez, La Villa (585 squat, 350 bench, 560 deadlift, 1,495 total).

220-pound Weight Class – Josue Aguilera, La Villa* (670 squat, 450 bench, 680 deadlift, 1,800 total).

*Denotes Regional Champion

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by bryan ramos

Santa Maria’s season ends in Elite 8 against Thrall

The Santa Maria Cougars saw their season come to an end in a 66-45 loss against Thrall in the Region IV-2A final on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda.

The Santa Maria bench looks on during the Region IV-2A final against Thrall on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas – Special to RGVSports.com.

Thrall stormed out of the gate with a 26-point first quarter to take a commanding 26-14 lead after one.

Santa Maria’s Jason Aleman battles for a rebound during the Region IV-2A final against Thrall on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas – Special to RGVSports.com.

The Tigers took a 42-24 lead into the half, but Santa Maria put up a fight during the third and fourth quarters to keep the second half competitive.

Santa Maria head coach Johnny Cipriano speaks to his team during a timeout during the Region IV-2A final against Thrall on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas – Special to RGVSports.com.

The Cougars drew even with the Tigers after a 10-10 third quarter, but Santa Maria didn’t have enough firepower to complete the comeback attempt as Thrall punched its ticket to the UIL Class 2A State Tournament next week at the Alamodome.

Santa Maria’s Esiah Gracia drives to the basket during the Region IV-2A final against Thrall on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas – Special to RGVSports.com.

District 32-2A champion Santa Maria finishes its season 20-13 overall and put together a 16-game winning streak after a 4-12 start to the year. The Cougars’ regional final round playoff appearance is the first in program history led by third-year head coach Johnny Cipriano.

Santa Maria lost 66-45 against Thrall in the Region IV-2A final Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas — Special to The Monitor.

Santa Maria made its way to the Region IV-2A final by picking up postseason wins over Three Rivers (64-54), Johnson City (57-47), San Antonio Lee Academy (54-47) and Sabine Pass (58-51).

Santa Maria’s Luis Otero takes a jump shot during the Region IV-2A final against Thrall on Saturday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas – Special to RGVSports.com.

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by bryan ramos

Edinburg Vela falls in regional final vs. San Antonio Veterans

SAN ANTONIO — The No. 24-ranked Edinburg Vela SaberCats lost a state-ranked Region IV-5A final 66-53 against the No. 2 San Antonio Veterans Patriots on Saturday at Littleton Gym in San Antonio, bringing their season to an end.

Edinburg Vela finishes the 2023-24 campaign 36-6 overall. San Antonio Veterans (40-1) advances to the UIL Class 5A State Tournament next week in the Alamodome.

“It was a great game, great atmosphere and great environment,” Edinburg Vela head coach Lucio Rodriguez said. “I thought our guys played well. We had a slow second quarter that allowed them to extend that lead, but we never gave up. We kept fighting. We kept fighting until the end.”

Edinburg Vela jumped on top early as seniors EJ Avelar and Axel Garza scored all of the SaberCats’ first quarter points for an 11-8 lead after eight minutes.

Edinburg Vela’s EJ Avelar (10) battles for a rebound against San Antonio Veterans during the Region IV-5A final at Littleton Gym in San Antonio. (Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

The SaberCats would outscore the Patriots in three of the game’s four quarters, but a second-quarter scoring outburst from San Antonio Veterans put Edinburg Vela in a hole it couldn’t climb out of. The Patriots started the second with an 11-0 run and went on to win the quarter 27-6, sparked by 12 points from forward Jionte Jones. 

“I think they got a lot of transition points off our missed shots,” Rodriguez said about the second quarter. “We weren’t able to get back on defense, so they beat us down the court in transition.”

Edinburg Vela trailed 35-17 at the break, but there was no quit in the SaberCats.

They responded with an 8-0 run after the half to cut the lead to 35-25 with 4:22 remaining in the third quarter before San Antonio Veterans answered back. Garza scored 10 of his game-high 19 points during the third to help Vela close the gap entering the fourth.

“It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says. We’re going to keep playing, continue to compete, continue to fight for each other because we consider ourselves family,” Garza said.

The SaberCats cut the lead to eight with 2:25 remaining in the fourth quarter after a trio of triples from junior point guard JP Olivarez, baskets inside from Avelar, free throw shooting from sophomore guard Jordan Bustamante and heads up play from senior guard Diego Salinas. Garza also added five points during the fourth. 56-48 is as close as the SaberCats would get, however. 

Edinburg Vela senior Diego Salinas (5) comes off the court after their Region IV-5A final Saturday against San Antonio Veterans at Littleton Gym in San Antonio.
(Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

Avelar finished with 12 points, Olivarez had 11 with three made 3-pointers and Bustamante scored nine points off the Vela bench. Garza led the SaberCats with 19 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

The SaberCats’ seniors — Avelar, Garza, Aiden Lopez, Salinas and Sam Sepulveda — took the court together for the game’s final minute as the clock ticked away. They finished with three consecutive district championships and set a school record with 36 wins this season after leading Vela into the fifth round of the playoffs.

“It feels good that we made it this far. I hope we set the bar high for the Vela family and future Vela basketball teams,” Avelar said. “I hope they look up to us and I hope we were good role models to the juniors and sophomores we have on our team. We shouldn’t look at this as something that we did wrong, but something that we did right.”

Edinburg Vela seniors Axel Garza (23), Sam Sepulveda (2), Diego Salinas (5), Aiden Lopez (11) and EJ Avelar (10) stand together following the SaberCats’ Region IV-5A final against San Antonio Veterans on Saturday at Littleton Gym in San Antonio. Photo by Bryan Ramos.

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by bryan ramos

Santa Maria takes down Sabine Pass, punches ticket Elite 8

The Santa Maria Cougars took down the Sabine Pass Sharks 58-51 in their Region IV-2A semifinal playoff game Friday at Buda Johnson High School to earn their spot in the Elite 8.

Santa Maria (20-12) moves on to the Region IV-2A final to face Thrall (28-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Buda Johnson High School.

The Santa Maria Cougars in action against Sabine Pass during their Region IV-2A semifinal playoff game Friday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas — Special to RGVSports.com.

The Cougars and Sharks traded buckets during the first half with Santa Maria holding a 19-15 lead after one quarter. Sabine Pass responded with a big second quarter to enter the break with a 27-24 advantage.

Just like they did in their regional quarterfinal victory over San Antonio Lee Academy on Tuesday, the Cougars took over the third quarter to outscore the Sharks 15-9 during the third quarter to take a 39-36 lead into the fourth.

Santa Maria’s Luis Otero takes a shot against Sabine Pass during their Region IV-2A semifinal playoff game at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas — Special to RGVSports.com.

 

The Cougars kept the Sharks at arms distance with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch and a pair of big baskets from Aro Cantu to pull out the 58-51 regional semifinal victory.

Luis Otero had the hot hand early for Santa Maria to get the Cougars off to a good start.

The Cougars will battle Thrall at 1 p.m. Saturday in Buda with a spot in the final four on the line. Thrall defeated Kenedy 64-43 on Friday evening to set up the matchup against Santa Maria.

The Santa Maria Cougars celebrate their 58-51 Region IV-2A semifinal win over Sabine Pass Friday at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Photo by Edward Ornelas — Special to RGVSports.com.

The post Santa Maria takes down Sabine Pass, punches ticket Elite 8 appeared first on MyRGV.com.

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by bryan ramos

Edinburg Vela surges past SA Wagner, advances to regional final

SAN ANTONIO — Edinburg Vela trailed San Antonio Wagner by three points in the fourth quarter of their Region IV-5A semifinal and the SaberCats didn’t blink once.

Instead, the SaberCats outscored the Thunderbirds by 12 over the final eight minutes to pull off a 57-46 victory Friday at Littleton Gym in San Antonio to punch their ticket to the Elite 8.

Edinburg Vela (36-5) advances to the Region IV-5A final to face San Antonio Veterans (39-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Littleton Gym for a spot in the state tournament.

“The guys handled adversity well. We were leading the whole game and fell to a three-point deficit there in the fourth quarter and they responded like they have all season long — playing together, sharing the ball and playing defense,” Edinburg Vela head coach Lucio Rodriguez said.

Edinburg Vela’s Axel Garza celebrates with teammates JP Olivarez as they beat San Anotnio Wagner 57-46 during their Region IV-5A Semifinal playoff game at Littleton Gym Friday, March 1 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

Edinburg Vela senior forward Axel Garza scored 10 of his team-high 21 points during the fourth quarter to help lift the SaberCats to victory. He hit from long range, from the free throw line and converted a tough and-1 inside to come up big in the final quarter.

“We’re all we have. At the end of the day, it’s about those guys on the bench and we had to fight for each other and we weren’t going to give up,” Garza said. “I’m super proud of every single one of us. … They gave me the ball and even if I missed they told me, ‘next shot, next shot’ and I didn’t want to let them down. They kept giving me the ball, Coach kept calling my number and I had to come through for my guys. “

“That might seem surprising but that’s the Axel we’ve seen all year long. He takes over games, he’s a great player, a versatile player that can play inside and out,” Rodriguez said.

Edinburg Vela’s Axel Garza, left vies for a rebound in front of San Antonio Wagner’s Marcus Johnson, right, during their Region IV-5A Semifinal playoff game at Littleton Gym Friday, March 1 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

The SaberCats held a 27-23 lead at the break after a hot start from senior guard EJ Avelar got Vela going early. The SaberCats took advantage of openings in the Thunderbirds’ defense to create good looks around the rim. The trend continued throughout the second half and Wagner had no answer for Vela in the fourth quarter.

Avelar finished with 13 points, sophomore guard Jordan Bustamante made an impact off the bench with 12 points, and junior point guard JP Olivarez found his teammates around the rim to finish with seven points and five assists.

“This feels great. All the hard work we’ve put in is paying off. We beat a great team and showed what we can do against a great opponent up north,” Avelar said. 

Edinburg Vela’s Jordan Bustamante (4) drives to the basket against San Antonio Wagner during their Region IV-5A Semifinal game Friday at Littleton Gym Friday, March 1 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Delcia Lopez| [email protected])

Guard Marcus Johnson had the hot hand for the Thunderbirds with 12 points in the first half and another 10 during the second for a game-high 22. He was the only Wagner player to finish in double figures. 

Diego Salinas and Sam Sepulveda both chipped in with two points offensively for the SaberCats.

Edinburg Vela now shifts its focus to Saturday’s regional final against San Antonio Veterans (39-1). SA Veterans defeated Corpus Christi Veterans 60-49 on Friday at Littleton Gym to set up the matchup with the SaberCats.

“It’s another game and we got another game to prep for and that’s what we’re going to do tonight,” Rodriguez said.

The post Edinburg Vela surges past SA Wagner, advances to regional final appeared first on MyRGV.com.

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by bryan ramos

Edinburg Vela, Santa Maria set for Sweet 16

The Edinburg Vela SaberCats and Santa Maria Cougars are the Rio Grande Valley’s last two teams standing entering tonight’s regional semifinal round of the UIL playoffs.

The SaberCats and Cougars are tradition-rich programs that have experienced regular season and postseason success in recent years. Now, they’ll have another shot at playoff glory as Edinburg Vela and Santa Maria are one of 16 teams in their respective classes that remain in the state championship chase.

Here’s how the SaberCats and Cougars earned their way to the Sweet 16 and a look at tonight’s fourth-round playoff games.

EDINBURG VELA SABERCATS

The Edinburg Vela SaberCats face San Antonio Wagner in the Region IV-5A semifinals at 5:30 p.m. at Littleton Gym in San Antonio. Courtesy Photo.

Head Coach: Lucio Rodriguez

Roster: EJ Avelar, Jordan Bustamante, Jesus Contreras, Luis Cruz, Armando Garcia, Axel Garza, Aiden Lopez, Noah Lopez, Anthony Moreno, JP Olivarez, Tristan Riojas, Diego Salinas, Sam Sepulveda, Owen Serna, Derek Warkentine, Aden Ybarra.

The SaberCats (35-5) surge into the Region IV-5A tournament as winners of 21 straight games to take on the San Antonio Wagner Thunderbirds (24-11) at 5:30 tonight at Littleton Gym at Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio.

Vela is on a run of five district championships in six seasons and is back in the regional tournament for the first time since 2018-19.

The SaberCats cruised past Harlingen South 69-24 in Round 1 and then held off Laredo Nixon 66-60 in Round 2. Vela followed it up by rolling against 31-5A rival Sharyland Pioneer 63-41 in Tuesday’s regional quarterfinal round to send Vela into tonight’s Sweet 16.

The SaberCats are scoring 67.9 points per game compared to 59.3 from the Thunderbirds.

San Antonio Wagner finished as the No. 3 seed from District 26-2A and made its way to the fourth round with playoff victories against Leander Glenn (54-47), San Antonio Southwest (52-46) and Boerne-Champion (52-49, OT).

The Edinburg Vela-San Antonio Wagner winner advances against the winner of Corpus Christi Veterans (27-8) and San Antonio Veterans (38-1) in the Region IV-5A final at 2 p.m. Saturday at Littleton Gym.

Corpus Christi Veterans and San Antonio Veterans play at 7:30 tonight at Littleton Gym following the conclusion of the SaberCats-Thunderbirds regional semifinal.

SANTA MARIA COUGARS

The Santa Maria Cougars face Sabine Pass in the Region IV-2A semifinals at 6 p.m. at Buda Johnson High School in Buda. Courtesy Photo.

Head Coach: Johnny Cipriano

Roster: Miguel Alaniz, Jason Aleman, Aro Cantu, Esiah Gracia, Reynaldo Gutierrez, Juan Lopez, Mauricio Lugo, Luis Otero, Adam Saldivar, Immanuel Saldivar, Matias Saldivar, Dante Tamez.

The Cougars (19-12) make their return to the Region IV-2A tourney for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign and are set to face the Sabine Pass Sharks (21-10) at 6 tonight at Buda Johnson High School in Buda.

Santa Maria won its fourth straight district championship this season and enters Round 4 riding a 15-game winning streak.

For longtime head coach Cipriano, who is in his third year with the program, Santa Maria becomes the second program he’s helped lead to the regional tournament after the Cougars fell one round shy a season ago.

The Cougars come in scoring 57.4 points per game, three more than the Sharks’ 54.4.

Santa Maria opened the playoffs with a 64-54 win over Three Rivers before an area-round takedown of Johnson City, 57-47. In Tuesday’s regional quarterfinal, the Cougars used a boost from a 25-point third quarter to get past San Antonio Lee Academy 54-47 and earn their spot in tonight’s regional semi.

Sabine Pass finished as the No. 2 seed from District 25-2A and has picked up playoff wins over Normangee (65-48), Hearne (49-47) and Thorndale (44-39) to set up the regional semifinal matchup with Santa Maria.

The winner between Santa Maria and Sabine Pass will meet the winner of Kenedy (22-10) and Thrall (28-5) in the Region IV-2A final at 1 p.m. Saturday at Buda Johnson High School. Kenedy and Thrall face off at 8 tonight at Buda Johnson following the conclusion of the Cougars-Sharks regional semifinal.

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by bryan ramos

Home sweet home: UTRGV football to play at now-former H-E-B Park in Edinburg

Former Edinburg North football player, Orlando Gonzalez wears his UTRGV Class of 2027 tee shirt at the UTRGV football news conference announcing the Vaqueros will play their home games at H-E-B Park Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

EDINBURG — UTRGV football finally has a place to call home.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a news conference Wednesday announcing its acquisition of H-E-B Park in Edinburg, which is now named UTRGV Stadium and will serve as the primary home field of UTRGV football.

The Vaqueros will also play one home game each season at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville.

UTRGV Vice President and Athletic Director Chasse Conque, UTRGV President Guy Bailey, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and UTRGV head football coach Travis Bush made it official right outside the main entrance of what is now UTRGV Stadium, the site where the Vaqueros will kick off Division I football in the Rio Grande Valley on Aug. 30, 2025.

This graphic shows a rendering of UTRGV Stadium in Edinburg, formally known as H-E-B Park. (Courtesy: UTRGV Athletics)

“Today is a huge piece of the puzzle for our football program. It’s been a multi-million dollar question of where we’re going to play,” Conque said. “We know we are going to play one game a year at Sams Stadium in Brownsville, and we know that this beautiful stadium here is going to be our primary home for home games in the Upper Valley. We’re blessed, we’re grateful, and certainly very excited.”

UTRGV Stadium has a capacity of nearly 9,800. The UTRGV Stadium complex also features 20 acres of festival grounds, a 43-foot-by 24-foot LED video board, an amphitheater with seating for up to 2,500 people, 30 luxury suites and eight patio suites.

“UTRGV Stadium gives both our community and football program immediate access to a premier facility, while also providing additional possibilities for our university,” Bailey said. “Its location off Expressway 281 also ensures convenient access for our fans, as well as visitors who make their way into the Valley for games.”

Formerly known as H-E-B Park, the stadium originally opened in March 2017 and was the home of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League Championship until December 2023, when the organization ceased operations.

The UTRGV Vaqueros football stadium where they will play their home games at H-E-B Park Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

“Now, with the acquisition of the stadium, it’s going to have over a $100 million economic impact for the city. It’s really a game-changer for us,” Garza said. “It’s going to help us bring possibly new development opportunities, but more importantly for us, it will help improve the quality of life here for our city.”

UTRGV used H-E-B Park as the site of Coach Bush’s introductory news conference in December 2022, but the path to UTRGV officially acquiring the stadium has been in the works since then. Bush said he’s excited to let the Vaqueros’ 2024-25 signees know they’ll make history at UTRGV Stadium.

“Since December of ‘22 in our first press conference in this stadium, we’ve visualized gameday thousands of times by now and it’s a beautiful sight,” Bush said. “It’s truly the perfect environment for college football, not just here in the Rio Grande Valley, but anywhere in the nation, and we wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. I know who the most excited people are going to be are those 75 dudes that are going to be making history here Aug. 30. … We talked about this a little bit, but we never told them this was going to be our final home, but for us, it’s the final piece.”

UT Rio Grande Valley president Guy Bailey along with Travis Bush head football coach and other dignitaries attend the news conference announcing the Vaqueros will play their home games at HEB Park Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

UTRGV has already collected more than 2,800 season ticket deposits for the 2025 season. Season ticket deposits for UTRGV football’s inaugural season are currently being accepted for $25 per ticket at GoUTRGV.com/Tickets.

“This has been the goal since day one, and it’s the final piece of the puzzle for UTRGV football,” Bush said. “This stadium adds to our facilities that are under construction as being the best in our conference and on top of FCS football, which will only help us continue to recruit top talent to UTRGV. It will be the perfect college football environment for the Rio Grande Valley, and we can’t wait to see it packed with fans wearing orange.”

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by bryan ramos

Hidalgo ISD names Wheeler next head football coach/athletic director

HIDALGO — Hidalgo ISD named Jason Wheeler as its next athletic director and head football coach during a school board meeting Thursday evening.

Wheeler was Mission High’s defensive coordinator in 2023 and previously served as the head football coach at Sharyland Pioneer from 2014-2017. He has also been an assistant coach at programs including Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, San Benito and Hidalgo, where he now takes over.

Hidalgo’s athletic director and head football coach positions opened in mid-January after former athletic director and head football coach Steve Marroquin was reassigned after just one season in which the Pirates finished 0-10.

Wheeler was Sharyland Pioneer’s first head football coach in program history and coached the Diamondbacks to their first playoff appearance and district title in school history in 2016. He finished with a 23-19 record in four seasons at Pioneer.

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by bryan ramos

Edinburg CISD names Ernie Alonzo as Edinburg Vela head football coach

EDINBURG — The Edinburg CISD School Board announced the hiring of Ernie Alonzo as Edinburg Vela’s next head football coach and athletic coordinator during a school board meeting Tuesday night.

Alonzo has been the defensive coordinator at McAllen High since 2019 and previously served as an assistant coach at Weslaco High and Edinburg Vela.

The position opened in January after former Edinburg Vela head football coach and athletic coordinator John Campbell announced his retirement after seven seasons at the helm.

The SaberCats are coming off a 10-2 season and an area round playoff appearance in 2023.

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by bryan ramos

The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area Football Teams

Below are Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area Football Teams and Superlatives featuring the top high school football players from Cameron and Willacy Counties.

The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area Football selections were voted on by sports staff at The Brownsville Herald, The Monitor and Valley Morning Star.

The Monitor’s 2023 All-Area Football Teams featuring the players from Hidalgo and Starr Counties can be found here.

The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area Superlatives

Player of the Year: Gilbert Trillo, Brownsville Veterans

Offensive Player of the Year: Fabian Garcia, San Benito

Defensive Player of the Year: Jaime Martinez, Brownsville Veterans

Sub-5A Player of the Year: Aiden Olivas-Romo, Lyford

Lineman of the Year: Matthew Pinion, Brownsville Veterans

Co-Utility Players of the Year: Tristan Garcia, Port Isabel; Keyan Lopez, Rio Hondo

Tri-Newcomers of the Year: Noah Huerta, Harlingen High; Patrell Reddick, San Benito; Alvin Trevillion, Brownsville Veterans

Coach of the Year: JC Ramirez, Brownsville Veterans

The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area First Team

Quarterback: Robert Pineda, Los Fresnos

Running Back: Eddie Slovak, Brownsville Lopez; Adrian Sauceda, Brownsville Pace

Fullback: David Sanchez, Harlingen South

Wide Receiver: Adrian Chavez, Lyford; Gerry Gomez, Brownsville Veterans; Claudio Torres, Brownsville St. Joseph

Tight End: Nick Tovar, Brownsville Veterans

Offensive Line: Mehkhi Blue, Harlingen Marine Military Academy; Diego De La Cruz, Brownsville St. Joseph; Steven Martinez, Port Isabel; Isaac Ramirez, San Benito; Israel Yanez, Brownsville Veterans

Defensive Line: Karmyne Castilleja, San Benito; Christopher Gonzalez, Port Isabel; Gilbert Lerma, Harlingen South; Devon Robinson, San Benito

Linebacker: Max Fernandez, Brownsville Veterans; Christian Garza, San Benito; Edward Garza, Port Isabel; Sterling Tomlin, Harlingen High

Defensive Back: Lucas Cristiano, Brownsville St. Joseph; Andres Deur, Harlingen High; Brandon Hernandez, San Benito; Eroz Pineda, Brownsville Veterans

Athlete: Esiah Garcia, Santa Maria

Kicker: Leo Quezada, Rio Hondo

Punter: Miguel Ortiz, Los Fresnos

The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2023 All-Area Second Team

Quarterback: Storm Montoya, Brownsville Veterans

Running Back: Zion Dickerson, La Feria; Gael Palestina, Los Fresnos

Fullback: Miguel Ortiz, Los Fresnos

Wide Receiver: Isaias Gonzalez, Lyford; Julius Olmedo, Santa Rosa; Gabriel Rios, Brownsville Lopez

Tight End: Adam Cortez, San Benito

Offensive Line: Beau Burns, Lyford; Ezra Echaverria, Harlingen South; Anthony Johnson, Harlingen High; Aiden Rubalcaba, Lyford; Carlos Vasquez, San Benito

Defensive Line: Shea Garza, Harlingen High; Jacob Ortiz, Harlingen High; Leroy Perez, Rio Hondo; Tyson Tatum, Harlingen South

Linebacker: JJ Anaya, Santa Rosa; Christian Garcia, Brownsville Hanna; Matthew Jimenez, Raymondville; Derek Yanez, San Benito

Defensive Back: Felix Oxford, Harlingen High; Gael Perez, Brownsville Pace; Mickey Rodriguez, Brownsville Veterans; Joaquin Romero, Harlingen South

Athlete: Randy Morales, Harlingen High

Kicker: JJ Contreras, Los Fresnos

Punter: Uriel Gutierrez, Brownsville Rivera

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