By MARK MOLINA, Staff Writer

KINGSVILLE — After 11 lead changes and physical defense, and with a trip to the Region IV-5A basketball tournament on the line, it was only fitting that the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers and the Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers would need more than 32 minutes to fight it out.

In the end, it just wasn’t meant to be for the Chargers.

Miller came out swinging in the overtime period and built a nine-point lead, which proved to be too much for Brownsville Veterans to overcome as it ultimately fell 58-54 in a Class 5A regional quarterfinal Monday night on the campus of Texas A&M Kingsville.

The Bucs (29-10) opened the extra period on a 9-0 run and pulled ahead 57-48, the largest lead of the night for either team, putting the Chargers on their heels and out of their game.

“In overtime, we had some opportunities early we didn’t convert,” Chargers coach Larry Gibson said. “We let (Miller) come down and hit two straight buckets, and they got confident. We then started trying to make them up, and try and shoot 3s. That wasn’t our game. We should’ve kept attacking the bucket. … I think we kind of panicked a little bit.

“My kids played hard defensively, they got to the third round with a chance at the regional tournament,” Gibson added. “I feel sorry for them, but they worked so hard this year. They gave me everything.”

The Chargers (32-6) didn’t hit from the field in overtime until Justin Anaya put in a layup with 45 seconds to go.

After Chargers guard Matt Maddox followed with a 3 moments later to make it 57-53, Paul Barrera split free throws to make it a three-point game.

But that was as close as they got, and Miller sealed the game with a Malik Edwards free throw with 4.8 seconds left, despite going 1 of 4 from the line and turning the ball over once during the final 28 seconds.

Miller coach Maurice Bastian said it took a while, but his team’s speed finally wore down the Chargers late.

“Our goal was to wear (Brownsville Veterans) out with speed, quickness and athleticism, and by applying pressure the entire game,” he said. “For the most part it worked. That’s a great ballclub, and they’re well-coached. I can’t even compare to Coach Gibson, he’s been doing it 30-plus years. I knew they had good guard play, but our goal was to wear them out by the fourth quarter. It worked for the most part, but we have to do a better job of executing.”

In the fourth, the Chargers hit just twice from the field, a pair of 3s. One from Maddox with 3:40 left tied the game at 43 and quieted the Miller crowd after a Xavier Callandret dunk moments earlier.

The other came from Anaya with 32 seconds to play to tie the game again at 48 and send it to overtime.

Anaya led the Chargers with 24 points, going 10 for 12 at the line. Damian Maldonado followed with 15.

Callandret scored 22 points to lead the Bucs, and Maleek Sanders added 14, including seven in overtime.

Brownsville Veterans opened the game with an 8-2 run before Miller began to put the pressure on both in the paint and at the perimeter with hard closeouts.

That led to a 13-3 Bucs run to finish the quarter up 15-11.

Gibson and company expected the pressure early. He knew his team could weather the storm.

“That was our game plan,” Gibson said. “We knew Miller was going to come in and outphysical us. We had to try and stand up to them early and show them we weren’t scared of them, and know we have a chance. We had a chance to win in OT, but we made some bonehead mistakes that cost us the game.”

The Chargers regained the lead on an 8-0 run led by Anaya, who hit a trey to make it 16-15, and followed with three free throws after being fouled on closeout on the wing.

Brownsville Veterans kept attacking the Bucs’ pressure and got to the free throw line 14 times during the first half.

While the Chargers sank just eight shots, it was not any less tiring for Miller.

“It was very frustrating for all of us. We were exhausted mentally and physically,” Bastian said. “But so was Brownsville. Those guys are relentless, and they persevered throughout the game. Our senior leadership is what carried us over the top tonight.”

The Chargers went into the half leading 27-24 and went into the fourth leading 38-34 after an Anaya straightaway 3 with seconds left in the third.

That was the last Chargers bucket until the 3:40 mark of the fourth quarter.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO— Under first-year coach Denise Lira, the San Benito Lady Greyhounds went 13-1 in arguably the toughest district in the Rio Grande Valley, 32-6A, and marched their way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since the 2015 season.

While the Lady ’Hounds lost five seniors to graduation, including Joanna Gonzalez and Audrey Huerta, there are still plenty of pieces in play for a district title defense and another postseason run.

Senior hurlers Sarah Garcia and ace Nana Carrizales will take the circle for the Lady ’Hounds. Look for fellow senior AJ Jasso to have a encore season, as she has developed into a utility weapon on defense.

Seniors April Garcia and Stephanie Lopez also will look to contribute, along with junior first baseman Kari Cisneros, who is poised to have a breakout junior year.

“The kids who are all back understand the expectations and what needs to be done,” Lira said. “Every team is different, and we have goals this year and we have gone over them. This year we have a strong group returning, and we have some newcomers that will have to fill in some big shoes this year.”

Harlingen South

The Lady Hawks return nine starters from last year’s squad. This year’s bunch is arguably the most experienced team coach Elias Martinez has had entering his fourth year.

While pitching has been a strong suit the past few years, this year the Lady Hawks will need to fill the shoes of Daisy Gallegos and Kaitlynn De La Fuente, who both graduated last spring.

“We have a lot of familiar names back this year but we also lost two of our pitchers,” Martinez said. “We also lost our third baseman, so those are some big shoes we have to fill. Those key positions are important for us to fill, and, as far as the pitching goes, it is a concern for us, but we are going to pitch by committee until someone stands out.”

On offense, South is loaded from top to bottom. The heart of the order just might be the most dangerous, with Kytana Muniz, Krystal Gonzales, Tina Arellano and Alyssa Ledesma all able to provide power at the plate. Leadoff hitter Natasha Canales provides speed along with Melba Rodriguez and Kelsey Rivera, who have a knack for getting on base.

The outfield will also be a strong suit. Rodriguez, Canales, Muniz and Kayla Rogers will make up the outfield and, on paper, the four make up one of the most experienced and polished outfields in the area.

Los Fresnos

After a bumpy 4-9 district season in 2018, the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons enter a new district and new season.

With both Weslaco schools packing up and heading to District 31-6A, 32-6A is a six-team unit, making things a lot tougher for the squads involved.

“Every game is going to be big for us,” Los Fresnos coach Traci Blackmon said. “Our main goal is to stick to the process, stay together as a team and finish the season strong. There is no room to relax, there are some tough teams in our district and it will be a battle for the top four spots.”

Los Fresnos has 10 players returning to the varsity squad this year. Look for Reba Reyes, Vicky Perales, Aileen Avelar, Loren Cantu, Samantha Campos and Valerie Guevara to have a hand in this year’s playoff push.

“The past couple of seasons have been tough. We have barely missed the playoffs each of the last few years. Our team has great chemistry right now. If we can continue on this path, I believe that we can have a great season and possibly get back into the playoffs,” Blackmon said.

Brownsville Hanna

Brownsville Hanna just might be a sleeper team in District 32-6A. Hanna went 4-10 in district play last season but returns multiple pieces to the puzzle in 2019.

“Last season ended without a playoff spot, but we fought until the last out of the season. With eight starters returning this year, I hope the girls can meet my expectations and reach the playoffs this year,” coach Greg Larson said.

As seniors, Ariana Arceneaux will play center field, June Rivera and Tabitha Fernandez will anchor the infield, and Abbygale Garcia will take her place behind the dish. Those four will look to step in and lead this spring.

Diana Guerrero is returns to the circle for her third year. She will be teamed with Alexandria Rivera, who also is in the infield. Returning to the outfield will be Jo Daisy Morin and Brianna Martinez.

“District 32-6A is a very tough district, and since there are only 10 district games, they all are very important,” Larson said. “Every win is important, and we cannot afford to give away any games this year. We expect to play hard and hope to come away with enough wins to make the playoffs this year, but every team should expect that, so we just need to keep working and get better every day.”

Brownsville Rivera

The Lady Raiders just lost two players to graduation last spring. This year, Rivera returns six members to its varsity squad.

“Entering our 2019 season, we have hopes and expectations that we will be better than we were last year and be competitive in our district. Making the playoffs is our goal, and I believe we have the talent enough to reach us there,” Rivera coach Joel Guzman said.

This year, the Lady Raiders will be led by their lone senior, Anahi Reyes. Reyes is slated to anchor the defense from the catcher position. Sophomore Bethany Guzman will toe the rubber for Rivera, and there is a three-year starter at third base in Irma Valdez. Valdez also will provide the offense.

Keep tabs on young and athletic freshman Kenya Ibarra at the shortstop position. Juniors Alexandra Perez and Daisy Vazquez are three-year starters that will bring experience to a youthful club this spring.

Harlingen High

The Lady Cardinals just missed the playoffs last season and return a crop of players led by Seniors Emily Garcia and Carla Arellano.

Garcia, a left-handed catcher, provides a strong defensive presence behind the plate and is able to bat in the middle of the order.

Pitching will be a key this spring. Arellano and junior Zoe Rosas will look to carry the load for the Lady Cards. Harlingen High also will be young with a strong freshman group coming up this spring.

DISTRICT 32-5A

Brownsville Veterans

After their heartbreaking loss against Corpus Christi Carroll in last year’s regional quarterfinal series, this year’s group of Lady Chargers are as motivated as ever to get past that bump in the road.

Brownsville Veterans is the reigning back-to-back district champion and is favored to win its third straight.

“A lot of these girls, especially the seniors, they have experience and have been starters,” Lady Chargers coach Rayner Cardenas said. “They set the bar for this program, and they have their expectations and they want to keep the tradition going. I know we are young as a program, but we are trying to establish a tradition and these girls have set the bar and have help build that.”

While the Lady Chargers bid farewell to pitcher Cassie Valdez and catcher Harley Morales, Mia Anzaldua will take the circle for BVM and will serve as the club’s workhorse.

As a junior, Anzaldua went 12-3 and struck out 180 batters, yielding just 47 hits and surrendering nine runs in 97 innings of work. Along with that came her dazzling 0.649 ERA.

Anzaldua is primed for an encore senior year and will be a big key to the Lady Chargers’ success in 2019.

“(Mia) has been on the varsity for four years,” Cardenas said. “Her pitching is what sets her apart from other players, she is extremely talented and she is a hard worker, and once she is done here, she goes home and works, and works all through the offseason.”

Brownsville Pace

Pace will enter the new season with some motivation and knowledge of the game. Pace went 5-9 last year in district and missed the postseason.

“This year’s goal is to be competitive in a tough district,” Pace coach Boris Vega said. “We are looking to improve from last year, and we are looking to earn a playoff spot. The team knows that as long as they continue to put the work in, it will pay off.”

Leading the way will be a pair of seniors in Jazlyn Cavazos and Abbi Rodriguez. The junior class is strong and will have Sheng Martinez, Alexis Rodriguez and Lauren Mares. Freshman Arlette Toledo also will look to make her varsity debut in 2019.

Brownsville Porter

The Cowgirls will have five players returning from last year’s group. The sophomore class will be a strong one for Porter as it looks to compete in the tough 32-5A.

The chemistry is in place, and one important part for Porter will be their at-bats, along with plenty of confidence.

“This season we are focusing on quality at-bats and teaching our girls how to think like ballplayers,” Porter coach Ariel Arredondo said. “We have a strong team this year that works well together, and one thing about them is they push each other to be better.”

Porter opens the regular season Tuesday at PSJA North. Their district opener will be against Donna High on Feb. 26.

Brownsville Lopez

Lopez will enter the 2019 season with five returning starters from last season. The Lady Lobos went 14-19 overall and will look to make the playoffs for a third straight year under coach Jesus Martinez.

“This year we expect to win games by using solid fundamentals, defense and on offense,” the Lopez skipper said. “This group is a determined group, and they all have learned how to fight together. Expect to see us make a run at the district title and certainly the playoffs.”

Lopez will lean on the twin combo of Alexis and Alexandria Castro. Jennifer Sanchez will patrol center field, Becky Ibarra will play second base, Bianca Olguin will take her place at first base and Larissa Moody will play catcher.

DISTRICT 32-4A

Rio Hondo

The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats will look for their sixth straight district title in 2019. Like two years ago, Rio Hondo loses some household names, but it always retools rather than resets.

This year’s group will be led by a pair of seasoned veterans in senior slugger Kayla Castaneda and junior Nayeli Garcia. Castaneda is back in the lineup and healthy after missing all of 2018 with a knee injury.

“We are all excited to be back on the field,” Garcia said. “We all understand the expectation, and we know what it takes to get there. Coach (Brett) Esparza does a great job on getting us ready. Now it’s Kayla and I’s turn to lead the team, and help guide the younger girls.

In the circle, hard-throwing Kelsey Pizarro returns with Domo De Jesus. The two are sophomores but have plenty of experience when toeing the rubber.

Offensively, Abbie Torris, a sophomore, will look to provide power with Castaneda in the middle of the order. Fellow sophomores Savanah Gonzalez and Emma Serna will contribute from the outfield.

La Feria

The Lionettes will be under the direction of first-year coach Daryl Gonzales. La Feria will have four returning starters and will have seven returning overall.

“The girls have responded well to the coaching change,” Gonzales said. “The team is led by a young nucleus that is showing a lot of potential to make this the year the Lionettes return to the postseason.”

Faith Mckenzie and Abbie Castillo will take the circle this year for the Lionettes. Mckenzie can play the outfield, and Castillo will look to play second base. Shay Trevino and Sarahee Salazar will make up part of the outfield, and look for Eneli Garza to anchor the shortstop position.

“Our goal is always to make a push for a district title and earn a spot in the postseason. Look for our one-two punch in Mckenzie and Castillo inside the circle,” Gonzales said.

Port Isabel

The Lady Tarpons are right in the middle of the pack in 32-4A. Port Isabel lost six starters to graduation, five of them being position players and one a designated player.

While they lost a lot, the Lady Tarpons also return four key players from last year’s squad. Leading the way will be the hard-hitting Gabby Murchison. Along with Murchison, Marlisa Martinez, Vivi Cantu and Allison Gonzalez will have an impact.

Port Isabel will look to build on a strong 2018 season were they went 9-5 in district play and finished in third.

“I think we have one of the toughest districts in the Valley,” Port Isabel coach Danno Wise said. “Rio Hondo is always good. Zapata is good and they bring a lot of players back. Raymondville, Hidalgo and La Feria are always in the mix as well, and Grulla always plays us tough.”

Raymondville

Raymondville will enter with the new season with plenty of experience. The Lady ’Kats have eight returning starters this year, led by Rachel Muniz, Julissa Guerrero, Victoria Hernandez, and Celyna Vasquez.

“Our seniors are our leaders this year. They are extremely strong, vocal, and willing to learn,” first-year coach Cassandra Hernandez said. “We have a lot of girls that will stand out this year, and I’m excited to see them shine.”

Hernandez makes her return to the Rio Grande Valley after coaching at Kingsville High last season. Prior to that, Hernandez guided the Harlingen High Lady Cardinals for two seasons.

“Returning to the RGV is exciting for me. It is about family and giving my all to a program that deserves to be on the map,” she said.

Along with the experience and a competitive district, Hernandez sees plenty of potential.

“We have all weapons for the game; speed, power, and mentally strong,” Hernandez said. “We have been putting in work in the weight room to implement that mental toughness and pushing through everything even when you’re tired. We always push harder until the end. I’m excited to see these girls at work.”

DISTRICT 32-3A

Lyford

During the past few seasons, Lyford softball has been one of the top programs in the lower Valley.

Entering the 2019 season, the Lady Bulldogs are shooting for their third straight undefeated district season. Last year, Lyford went 9-0 in 32-3A play and reached the postseason, but bowed out in the bi-district round.

“I feel this year’s motivation is that the kids genuinely understand the meaning about playing for each other,” Lyford coach Joey Rios said. “We have had team meetings, and we all understand the big picture. The girls feel empowered and motivated to grow on and off the field.”

Lyford returns six starters from last year’s team. Look for freshmen Mikaela Lopez and Mia Wetegrove to make their varsity debuts. Junior slugger Jerrica Rojas is back, along with sophomore Hannah Garza and junior Jessica Cruz.

Santa Rosa

The Lady Warriors will look to compete again in 32-3A. While Santa Rosa has perennial power Lyford in the district, the task will be tough with a young club taking the field.

“We are in a rebuilding year. Our main goal is to get better each day and to compete in every game we play,” Santa Rosa coach Erica Molina said.

Santa Rosa has two returning starters from last season in second-team all-district shortstop Kelly Guerra and all-district catcher Brandy Anaya.

The Lady Warriors went 6-3 last year in district play and, despite the youth, Santa Rosa should be in the mix for a playoff berth.

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

LA FERIA — La Feria junior quarterback Dorian Hernandez did something that hadn’t been done since the 2008 season, and that was guide the Lions to a third-round playoff game.

Hernandez who also started as a sophomore, continues to grow before fans’ eyes. The shifty signal caller led the Lions’ offense in rushing with 1,290 yards and 19 touchdowns on 206 carries, and he threw for 1,663 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 55.97 percent of his passes.

With Hernandez’s efforts, he is the Valley Morning Star’s 2018 Football All-STAR Most Valuable Player.

“Both Coach Sanchez and Coach Salinas called me into the office, and at first I thought I was in trouble,” said Hernandez, chuckling. “But then they told me the news, and we exchanged hugs and high-fives.

“My dad was the first person I told and he was excited for me, he and I work hard all year long. Winning this award means so much, all my work is paying off, and I won’t stop here, I will continue to work until I get what I want.”

The up-tempo offense averaged 31 points per game and got off to a 5-0 start until a 14-7 loss to Rio Hondo. The seven points was a season low for the Lions, who later proved it was an anomaly.

After their Week 6 loss to the Bobcats, the Lions ripped off six straight wins. In Week 7, the Lions whipped Kingsville King 45-14, as Hernandez accounted for three scores, threw for 204 yards and rushed for 97 yards.

“From my sophomore year till now, I got faster and stronger,” Hernandez said. “I remember a lot of guys were faster than me. As I grew, things started becoming easier for me, I was able to see things differently and I was able to lead my team.”

With two years under center, Hernandez feels his leadership ability has taken that next step and will translate over to his senior season.

“My leadership has grown so much from last year. We had a lot of seniors last year and this year we were young, and they looked up to the older guys and I was one of those guys,” Hernandez said.

The Valley Morning Star’s 2018 All-STAR Football Teams

SUPERLATIVES

Most Valuable Player: Dorian Hernandez, La Feria

Offensive Player of the Year, Jacob Posas, Raymondville

Defensive Player of the Year: AJ Garcia, San Benito

Newcomer of the Year: David Cortez, Harlingen South

Coach of the Year: Oscar Salinas, La Feria

OFFENSE

First Team

QB: Jacob Cavazos, San Benito

RB: Danny Vasquez, Rio Hondo

RB: Emilio Quiroz, Harlingen South

WR: Joe Reyna, Harlingen High

WR: Frank Hernandez, Rio Hondo

WR: Xavier Ledesma, Raymondville

WR: Derick Delgado, Harlingen South

OL: Justice Johnson, Harlingen South

OL: Chris Vargas, San Benito

OL: Gene Reyes, Raymondville

OL: Tony Alaniz, Rio Hondo

K: Jose Lerma, Harlingen South

Second Team

QB: Josiah Ortega, Rio Hondo

RB: Marcus Capetillo, Raymondville

RB: Ryan Mesa, Santa Rosa

WR: Mitch Guajardo, San Benito

WR: Cross Gonzalez, Rio Hondo

WR: Joaquin Gonzalez, Lyford

WR: Darius Hernandez, La Feria

OL: Nathan Morales, La Feria

OL: Jake Rhyner, Rio Hondo

OL: Lucio Nava, Raymondville

OL: Azel Martinez, Harlingen High

OL: Charles Mattingly, Harlingen South

K: Jesus Reyes, Harlingen High

DEFENSE

First Team

DB: Justin Munivez, Harlingen High

DB: Kike Alvarado, Harlingen South

DB: Nick Castaneda, San Benito

DB: Deion Castillo, Raymondville

LB: Cole Cooley, Raymondville

LB: Joey Ortega, Rio Hondo

LB: Noe Zombrano, Raymondville

LB: Jacob Garza, La Feria

DL: Tristian Garcia, Harlingen High

DL: Troy Macias, Rio Hondo

DL: Cameron Anderson, Harlingen High

DL: Rudy Tijerina, Raymondville

Second Team

DB: Isaac Moreno, Harlingen South

DB: Cristian Soto, Rio Hondo

DB: Ruben Rodriguez, Harlingen High

DB: Justin Cantu, Raymondville

LB: Marcos San Miguel, Harlingen High

LB: Jesus Garay, Rio Hondo

LB: Joe Holloman, Harlingen South

DL: Jacob Perez, Raymondville

DL: Thomas Zombrano, Raymondville

DL: Nathaniel Garcia, San Benito

DL: Noah Cruz, Harlingen High

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The 2018 football season will be one to remember for La Feria coach Oscar Salinas.

The Lions put together an 11-win season, the most wins by Salinas in his eight years as the coach of La Feria. The Lions also made an appearance in the third round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.

With the banner year, Salinas was named the Valley Morning Star All-STAR Coach of the Year.

“This means a lot, but it is not about me, it is about my coaching staff and the kids,” said Salinas, who has a 19-year coaching career. “They all work very hard, and the coaching staff does a great job preparing the kids. The community as well, they do a great job supporting us.”

Salinas spent 11 seasons as the Edinburg Economedes coach before he was tabbed the coach and athletic director in La Feria.

Not only was the 11-win season a career best at La Feria, but reaching the third round was a first for Salinas as a head coach.

“When we got to district and beat Kingsville, we knew we had something going,” Salinas said. “Our offense was struggling early on, but once we got to district they kicked it up a notch, and defensively we knew we had the pieces in play to match up well. When we did those things, we knew we had a shot to make a run.”

The Lions will have plenty of weapons coming back in 2019, including soon-to-be-senior Dorian Hernandez. With the success of 2018, La Feria feels its window of opportunity is just beginning to open.

“We are a year ahead of schedule, we have plenty of kids coming back and we feel that this year can set us up for next season, and the kids did well all year and when district play came, they stepped up,” Salinas said. “Moving forward the expectations are higher, and you never know how it is going to go, but now we have the confidence. We need to play with the teams from up north.”

By MARK MOLINA

Staff Writer

In three seasons at the helm of the Hanna Golden Eagles’ football program, coach Mark Guess has steadily turned around the culture and morphed it into one of the Rio Grande Valley’s best.

And while the third-year Hanna coach spent time setting the foundation in his first two seasons with a culture change and the end of a seven-year playoff hiatus, this season has been the culmination of it all.

Guess guided the Golden Eagles to a 10-2 record in 2018 while capturing an undefeated District 32-6A championship — their first since 2009 — and the program’s first berth in what is now the Class 6A regional round, where it fell to San Antonio Brandeis 33-32.

For those efforts, Guess has been named The Brownsville Herald’s 2018 All-Metro Coach of the Year.

“It’s very humbling to be the first to do something,” the Hanna coach said. “In this case, to be the first ones to win a second-round game, and then being able to advance to that third round, is very humbling. It’s hard for me to believe that the Hanna Golden Eagles have never done that before or that the Brownsville Eagles have never done that before. For us to do it with these kids that we’ve had these past few years, I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. It’s a very, very amazing feeling, and I’m just so happy that I was able to experience it with those kids.”

Guess led Hanna to several signature wins on the season, defeating the likes of McAllen Memorial, 6A state semifinalist Amarillo Tascosa, San Benito, Weslaco East and Eagle Pass along the way.

After the season was over, several Hanna players took home district superlative honors, including Guess, who was named the 32-6A’s coach of the year.

For Guess, it was another accolade to be humbled by.

“They don’t hand those awards out like candy, and some coaches go their whole career without ever getting awards like this,” he said. “I’m always very appreciative when people think that the work I do or the work that my staff and kids do is a great product. We work our whole career and we always push the kids and push the kids, never realizing how much we’re really pushing ourselves. I don’t know if I’ve ever put in as much time as I have this year that I have in the past. It was a lot of fun and probably the most fun I’ve had in 26 years coaching.”

While Guess was humbled by the awards, offensive coordinator Damian Vela and defensive coordinator J.C. Ramirez lauded the work Guess has done with the program during the past three seasons.

“One thing I notice from Coach Guess is that he’s a beacon for the players,” Vela said. “He really attracts and has a lot of charisma. I think that quality that he possesses, having kids drawn to playing for him and almost taking a bullet for him because of that charisma he had is one of the main things that made the season be such a smooth transition. The kids enjoyed being here and, in return, the practices were so much smoother, so much more fun and livelier for the kids.

“In my experience working for Coach Guess, I don’t want to say he’s a player’s coach, but the players really respond to him and the results have been very apparent the last three years he’s been here.”

Ramirez said Guess’ strength was team preparedness, as the staff and team went into every game as confident as can be.

That was easy for the staff and players to buy into because of Guess’ team mentality and the ability to make the hard decisions on and off the field.

“Knowing (Guess) and the type of mentality he brings, which is ‘We first’ rather than ‘I’, he probably hates the spotlight; that’s not his personality,” Ramirez said. “That’s one of the best leadership traits that make him the effective leader that he is. It’s always what the best thing for the team is. Sometimes he was put in the situation to make tough choices. For the better of the team, he’d make the right choices. There were some calls he made that I was glad where he was in the situation to make and not me. He’s got an uncanny ability to make the right call in tough situations on the field and handling everyday situations.”

MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The Port Isabel Lady Tarpons had to be feeling good after a Ryley Galvan three-point shot gave them an eight-point lead over the La Feria Lionettes during the opening moments of the second quarter.

Then, the momentum shifted quickly.

The Lady Tarpons’ offense disappeared and the Lionettes used a big second-quarter run to take control for good and roll to a 51-40 District 32-4A win Friday night in La Feria.

After trailing 18-10 early in the second, the Lionettes (3-1 in district) mounted a 17-2 run led by eight points from Kayla Lowe to take the lead for good.

La Feria coach Angel Martinez said the run started on the boards.

“I thought defensively we let go a lot of fast-break opportunities,” he said. “(The Lady Tarpons are) very fast, they get down the court very quickly and they are very well-coached over there. At the end of the day, we rebounded very well — that was key. Of course, we got them out of position and the rebounding got them in foul trouble.”

Those fouls forced Port Isabel (2-2 in district) to sit seniors Gabby Murchison and Sabrina Garza early in the second quarter, leading to its offensive struggles.

The Lady Tarpons scored 15 points and recorded five field goals during the first eight minutes, but after Galvan’s trey they did not hit from the field until the 4:35 mark of the third quarter and finished with just six field goals during the final 24 minutes.

“We have 15 points in the first half and then you have two starters pick up two fouls,” Port Isabel coach Hannah Burleson said. “In the early second quarter that’s a huge deal. We also missed way too many free throws. That leads to a drought when you’re penetrating, getting to the line and not knocking down your free throws — that hurts. (The Lionettes) made their free throws and we didn’t.”

La Feria was called for 25 fouls and Port Isabel for 19, and both teams had a player foul out.

The Lionettes were 13 of 17 from the line, and the Lady Tarpons were 16 of 33.

After Reanne Fraga split free throws and gave La Feria a 30-20 lead midway through the third, Murchison drove into the paint and scored on a layup to break an 11-minute drought from the field.

The third was an even quarter as each team scored nine points, but the Lionettes kept their foot on the gas, not allowing the Lady Tarpons to get within seven points the rest of the way.

“We had some games were we had difficulty scoring in the second half,” Martinez said. “We’ve gotten better. To be able to maintain and hit some big shots and some free throws at the end there was real crucial. That’s totally where we’re getting better and our girls are better conditioned.”

Lowe finished with a game-high 17 points to lead the Lionettes, and Aaliyah Stewart added nine.

Murchison had four of the six Lady Tarpons field goals during the final three quarters and led the way with 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half. Meanwhile, Sabrina Garza added nine more points for Port Isabel.

Murchison and Garza were in foul trouble early, which Burleson said had a lot to do with the drought.

“I think Gabby Murchison had a good game but got in foul trouble early,” Burleson said. “Same thing with Sabrina Garza. Having to sit them down early with early fouls hurts and puts us in a little predicament. Late in the game Gabby stepped up; she fights hard every game.”

On the boys side of the district doubleheader, Port Isabel defeated La Feria 51-36.

The Tarpons scored just five first-quarter points but held La Feria scoreless in the process.

Port Isabel put the game away with a 22-9 spurt during the second quarter led by 12 Cole Pinkerton points.

The Tarpons led 27-9 at the break.

Daniel Rinza scored a game-high 18 points for the Tarpons and Pinkerton finished with 15.

La Feria’s Christian Alvarado finished with 13 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter.

Clutch gene, leadership lead Mireles to VMS All-STAR MVP honor

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN–Junior Mikela Mireles has overcome a lot during the past year. Her sophomore year was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury.

Mireles recovered from her injury and came back stronger than before, and emerged as one of the dominant hitters in the Rio Grande Valley.

She was a driving force for the Lady Hawks and had a huge hand in the team’s playoff run. Mireles amassed 602 kills, 513 digs, 35 aces and 30 blocks.

With her strong season, Mireles was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Most Valuable Player.

“This means a lot to me, especially winning this as a junior,” Mireles said. “I have worked hard to get back to where I am now after only playing six district games last season. This is a big accomplishment for me, I’m thankful.”

“When I got the news from Coach Lucio, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Mireles said. “I was so excited to hear the news from coach.”

Mireles displayed leadership and a clutch gene in the biggest moments for the Lady Hawks. During their first meeting against Harlingen High, South went down two sets and stormed back to force a fifth set, and Mireles was there to seal the comeback with her match-winning kill.

It didn’t stop there. Against Brownsville Hanna, Mireles delivered the final kill to send the Lady Hawks to the playoffs.

Looking back on her junior season, while just reaching the playoffs was an accomplishment, winning in the postseason is what Mireles remembers.

“Making the playoffs is my best memory, of course, but us winning in the playoffs and going on a run is something I will look back at and use to build going forward. We didn’t want people to think we got lucky, we wanted them to know we made it here for a reason.” Mireles said.

Lucio named Valley Morning Star All-STAR Coach of the Year

The 2018 season was one to remember for Harlingen South, as the young Lady Hawks grew up before the fans’ eyes and emerged as one of the best stories of the year.

Second-year coach Anissa Lucio directed the Lady Hawks to a playoff berth for the first time since the 2011 season.

Lucio, who spent her first three seasons at Weslaco High, is now in her fifth year as a head coach and has the Lady Hawks volleyball program back to where it belongs.

With the playoff run and a postseason win under her belt, Lucio was named the Valley Morning Star All-STAR Coach of the Year.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” Lucio said. “All the credit goes to the kids, I’m not the one on the court, they are, and this was a goal for me and I was able to achieve it. We are already back at work and getting ready for next year, and we have a lot coming back.”

South got off to a slow start in district play with a 1-5 district record, but turned its season around after a win against Brownsville Rivera.

And that is where the magical run began. The Lady Hawks won out in the regular season. In the finale at home against Brownsville Hanna, the case was simple: win and the team would be in the playoffs.

“The best memory for me was the second half of the district season, and how we turned things around and the kids started playing up to their potential,” Lucio said.

South beat Hanna to punch its playoff ticket, then earned a bi-district title after beating Edinburg High in the Class 6A playoffs before bowing out to McAllen High in the area round.

“It was rewarding for me as a coach to see our girls play the way they did. We started to peak at the right time and that is what we told the girls, now is the time to peak and play well.” Lucio said.

San Benito’s Alysa Naranjo tabbed VMS Offensive Player of the Year

Entering the 2018 season, San Benito was looking to replace a pair of its best hitters in Kayleen Reyes and Crystal Ibarra.

That question was answered earlier this year at the Donna ISD Tournament.

Senior Alysa Naranjo answered the bell and led the Lady ’Hounds to a tournament title, turning some heads with a 19-kill, 18-dig performance against Edcouch-Elsa in the championship match.

Not only was Naranjo big in the title match, but she was dominant throughout the tournament. Naranjo amassed 88 kills through six games.

“This year was one of the best years I have had,” Naranjo said. “I felt like our setter, Ariel Garcia, and I had great chemistry on the court and we worked together, and without her I wouldn’t have been able to get as many kills as I did.”

The offensive firepower didn’t stop there. The hard-hitting Naranjo collected 624 kills and 411 digs.

“I’m very blessed to have a player like Alysa on my team,” Medina said. “She has a lot of experience and is one of our leaders and go-to girls. A lot of the girls look up to her, she is a great role model and leader,” Lady ’Hounds coach Ruby Medina said earlier this year of Naranjo.

With the strong offensive season, Naranjo was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR offensive player of the year.

“When I was a freshman, I saw the older girls winning different awards, and I thought, wow, OK, what do I have to do to get there?” Naranjo said. “It was really just putting in all the work and being able to be consistent.”

With Naranjo being named the offensive player of the year, it marks the second straight year a Lady ’Hounds player has brought home the award. Last year, Ibarra was given the same award.

“Last year Crystal won it, and now I was able to win it for myself and our school. It just shows that our program continues to grow and our coach knows what she is doing, from all the drills to the practices being intense.” Naranjo said.

Santa Rosa’s Salce named libero of the year

Santa Rosa continues to be the team to beat in District 32-3A, as the Lady Warriors captured their third straight district title this past fall.

Junior libero Juliet Salce had a key hand in Santa Rosa’s success. The junior was a standout at the libero position and was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Libero of the Year.

“It means a lot to me to receive this award,” Salce said. “I have been working hard to get recognized and I feel I was able to improve my game this season. Winning this award shows that hard work pays off, and the work doesn’t stop, I’m ready to get back to work.”

Salce, who will return for her senior year, is looking forward to her senior year.

“I want to be the best I can be,” Salce said. “I want to play at the college level one day, all that means so much to me.”

This year, Salce saw her leadership role increase, and that, along with her knowledge of the game, helped not only her but her team as well.

It all came together this year as Santa Rosa went 16-0 in district play.

“I stepped up this year as a leader for my team,” Salce said. “From my freshman year till now I have grown as a player, and I’m able to speak up and lead my team. Looking back, I can’t pick a specific memory, I had so many great ones, but I will probably look back at our last district game and remember the feeling of going undefeated in district play.”

Lyford’s Kayleen May named All-STAR newcomer of the year

Junior middle hitter Kayleen May took the next step in her volleyball career in 2018. The multisport athlete contributed right away this past season for the Lyford Lady Bulldogs.

May helped the Lady ’Dogs to a 12-4 district record along with a playoff berth. May led the team in blocks with 57, was second on the team in kills with 65 and fourth on the team in attacks with 158.

With her strong junior campaign, May was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.

“I’m thankful for my team and blessed to receive this award,” May said. “I was able to improve this year on the court, and Coach (Lisa) Lancaster does a great job preparing us each week.”

May is the ideal athlete for a coach: good attitude, is hard-working and is coachable, and continues to improve.

“(Kayleen) is a quicker learner,” Lancaster said. “She can take what works and what doesn’t and will adapt to the game situation. She has improved consistently throughout her time in our volleyball program, and we are looking forward to her and what she will bring her senior year.”

May, eager to build on this campaign, is ready for her senior season. All three of her years have been played under Lancaster, making it just as special.

“Coach has great intentions for us,” May said. “We get right to work Aug. 1.”

Valley Morning Star First Team:

Taylor Gomez—Rio Hondo

Sarah Garcia—San Benito

Karina Diaz—La Feria

Taegan Dickey—Harlingen High

Sarah Martinez—Lyford

Emily Gonzalez—Santa Rosa

Ariel Garcia—San Benito

Amber Garcia—Rio Hondo

Valley Morning Star Second Team:

Alina Prado—Harlingen High

Desiree Sanchez—Harlingen High

Mya Aguirre—Harlingen South

Jerrica Rojas—Lyford

Desiree Guerra—Santa Rosa

Devany Castillo—San Benito

Felicity Watson—La Feria

Dolores Mendoza—Harlingen South

By MARK MOLINA

Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO — The Hanna Golden Eagles looked destined to keep their magical season going, as they had the Northside Brandeis Broncos against the ropes for more than three quarters.

Then, the magic ran out.

Broncos quarterback Jordan Battles got hot during the second half, and Hanna saw a 19-point lead melt away in a 33-32 loss in their Class 6A Division II regional playoff game Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

After scoring just seven first-half points against the Hanna defense, Brandeis scored on all four of its second-half possessions, including the go-ahead touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Battles to Brandon Pake to make it 33-32 with 3:52 to play.

“We knew (Battles) was a great athlete,” Hanna coach Mark Guess said. “Even though he’s a sophomore, he’s a very game kid. We had their number the first half offensively and defensively. The kids started making plays, we’re missing tackles that we weren’t in the first half. Ultimately, we should’ve made plays and could’ve done a better job coaching, I’m sure. I can’t complain about these kids.”

Hanna ends its season with a 10-2 record, and Brandeis moves on the state quarterfinals to face Austin Westlake.

Hanna led 26-9 early in the third quarter before Battles went off, rushing for touchdowns of 36 and 4 yards, and passing for two more on throws of 33 and 9 yards during the second half. In all, Battles rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and was 10 of 17 through the air for 183 yards and three more touchdowns on the day.

“We didn’t execute like we did in the first and second quarter,” Hanna linebacker Jose Cruz said. “We weren’t tackling right or doing everything we can … (Brandeis) took us out of our game.”

Hanna had a chance to go down the field and win the game, and drove to the Brandeis 29 before an incompletion and a 12-yard sack of Victor Campos on a third-and-7 knocked Hanna out of field goal range.

“We slacked off, and that’s on me, I’ll take all the blame for that,” Campos said. “I should’ve kept them up. We had mental mistakes, and we were caught up in the moment.”

After scoring on two of three of its second-half drives on a 15-yard Aaron Frausto run and a 16-yard keeper by Campos to make it 32-20 with 11 minutes to play, Hanna stalled on its final two possessions.

“The crowd played a lot into it,” Frausto said. “There was lack of communication here and there, and some false starts that set us back on offense. Things went wrong here and there, and the (Brandeis) offense picked up on the other side. Our offense didn’t execute in the fourth quarter.”

Added Guess, “Anytime you have that lead, you have to hang on to it. I don’t know if it was us being in this round for the first time ever and feeling the nervousness and excitement of the fourth quarter. We haven’t been there before, but it’s football and these guys came to play. I can’t say enough about their effort.”

Hanna’s offense started the game with a 47-yard drive to seize momentum on a 1-yard Cesar Mancias touchdown run to make it 7-0, but blunders kept the Eagles from pulling away.

After the initial score, Hanna fumbled on its next two possessions. The first came from Roman Garay one play after Brandeis gave up the ball on downs, leading to a Battles touchdown pass to Christian Medina on a 44-yard wheel route to tie it at 7.

The next fumble came from Campos at the Broncos’ 2.

Hanna’s defense held up, and the offense tacked on a 10-yard scoring run by Mancias and a 7-yard touchdown pass from a scrambling Campos to Ernesto Mendoza to make it 20-7 with seconds to go in the half, but it was the start of several points being left off the board.

Hanna botched an extra point on the score before the half, leading to two failed two-point conversion attempts, which cost the Eagles three potential points.

“They were the right calls to make,” Guess said of the conversions. “I’m not going to go back and second-guess any calls. We just have to make plays when we are supposed to make plays, and we didn’t. Those turnovers in the first half kept us from getting two scores on the board real quick and getting a real big halftime lead.”

Campos had a big day in the loss, throwing for 286 yards and one touchdown on 18 of 31 passing, and adding a rushing score.

Frausto had a big day receiving as he caught eight passes for 117 yards, and he rushed for 63 yards and one score.

Mancias rushed 18 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns.

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

CORPUS CHRISTI — The rugged third round of the playoffs took its course Saturday.

While La Feria exchanged blows with La Vernia, it was the play of Bears quarterback Clayton Chadwick that made the difference in a 41-13 win over the Lions in the Class 4A Division I regional round at Buccaneer Stadium.

After Lions QB Dorian Hernandez scored a touchdown that cut the lead 21-13, Chadwick answered with a 68-yard run that helped set up the knockout blow. Two plays later, Carson Duncan put the Bears ahead for good.

Chadwick threw for one score and ran for two more.

“(Chadwick) was great. When they needed him, he made the plays,” Lions coach Oscar Salinas said. “We had them in a third-and-long situation, and he was able to make a big run and that broke our back, it was 21-12 at the time. We contained him most of the afternoon, but he just made plays.”

The teams exchanged turnovers on their first possessions before the Bears took a 14-point lead heading into the half.

La Feria missed an early opportunity when it recovered a fumble at the Bears’ 30-yard yard line during the opening minutes.

A second missed opportunity came on the final drive of the second half. Hernandez directed the four-minute offense with precision until he lofted a fade route to the end zone, where La Vernia’s John Kadrmas came down with an interception.

“We struggled offensively in the first half,” Salinas said. “It took us a while to get our rhythm going, and early in the game we had some shots that we missed and that put us behind the chains, and at this level you can’t make those mistakes.”

Despite trailing by two scores, the Lions came out swinging during the second half. A big kick return from Dereck Perez helped set up an Avishai Dickerson touchdown.

Two drives later, the Lions’ defense stepped in and forced a strip sack that resulted in an interception, and took over deep in Bears territory.

After converting on a fourth-and-1, Hernandez put the Lions on the board again to trail 21-13 early in the fourth quarter. The eight-point deficit was as close as the Lions got on the afternoon.

“I’m proud of the kids and the coaching staff, they make my job easy,” Salinas said. “I give credit to the kids for adjusting to the time change and us playing a day game. I thought they handled it well. And, hey, this is a little new to us, but we have a young team moving forward.”

The Lions finished the season with an 11-2 record along with district, bi-district and area titles under their belts. Along with that came a trip to the third round, which hadn’t been done in 10 years in La Feria.

By MARK MOLINA

Staff Writer

The Hanna Golden Eagles have made school history with two playoff wins and now find themselves as one of 16 teams left in the Class 6A Division II playoffs.

A trip to the state quarterfinals is within grasp, but in order to get there they must first get by the Northside Brandeis Broncos in today’s regional matchup, which is slated for noon at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The Golden Eagles had another slow start during last week’s area win over Eagle Pass, and while they have been strong finishers this postseason coach Mark Guess said they can’t toe that line this week.

“Definitely, we want to make sure we don’t … start the game with four three-and-outs,” the Hanna coach said. “We’ve got to get first downs. Our focus this week needs to be just on moving the chains. If we can move the chains, then the scores can take care of themselves.”

The Golden Eagles had success moving the chains last week, especially on the ground as they gouged the Eagle Pass defense for 327 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior running back Cesar Mancias had his biggest game of the season at the biggest moment, rushing for 257 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. It was Mancias’ eighth straight game with 100 or more yards, and his second with more than 200 yards and three scores.

Replicating that performance will be a challenge against a Brandeis defense that held a 2,000-yard rushing team in Cibolo Steele to 98 yards on the ground last week.

“Brandeis flies to the football,” Guess said. “They don’t do a lot of different things, but they do have some quick kids. They have some strong kids up front and play good, sound defense.”

The Golden Eagles have recorded less than 100 yards through the air in three straight games, and getting past that mark this week will be a tough task for junior quarterback Victor Campos as he faces a Broncos defense with 14 interceptions this season.

Campos threw for 98 yards and one score with two interceptions last week.

On the other side of things, Brandeis quarterback Jordan Battles is a dual threat under center, throwing for 1,653 yards and rushing for 1,452 more, with 29 total touchdowns.

Also, Hanna will have to contend with big receivers, including tight end Oscar Cardenas, a University of Texas-San Antonio commit. The Broncos also boast a pair of solid running backs in J Nova Rangel and Brent Malone, who combined for 1,242 yards and eight touchdowns apiece.

“We’re going to have to continue doing what we’ve doing and make sure we’re making tackles,” Guess said. “(Brandeis) has several weapons like we do offensively. It’s tough on defenses to really account for so many different weapons. They have a great tight end, a DI guy. They have a quarterback who is a sophomore but is an outstanding athlete. They also have a couple of receivers and a running back that can run the football who can make plays.”

The Brandeis offensive line also has size, but Guess said that’s nothing new for his defense, which has won battles at the line of scrimmage against bigger fronts this season.

Hanna has pressured the quarterback all season, recording 37 sacks and forcing 10 interceptions.

Up front, Brandon Esteves leads the team with 13 sacks and linebacker Jose Cruz leads the team in tackles with 121.

Safeties Bryan Duran and Andres Sustaeta came up with big interceptions last week and will have their hands full this week, as will corners Alce Flores and Leigh Guevara, who likely will match up with Cardenas throughout.