Author: Edward Severn

by Edward Severn

Davila fitting in at RGVFC, Toros unbeaten in six

EDINBURG — Being a box-to-box midfielder is all in the name.

From one box to another in the midfield is where the No. 8, the box-to-box midfielder, operates. It is at times a selfless position. Even if played perfectly, the midfielder acting as the engine might be overlooked due to the accomplishments of a goal-scoring forward or a ball-winning defender.

RGV FC looked to bring in a No. 8 this offseason. They did so with the signing of Taylor Davila.

The Sherman Oaks, California, native already has eclipsed previous seasons statistically in only 18 matches for an RGV FC side currently playing its best soccer halfway through the campaign. Davila has three goals and three assists — one more assist than last season, but with 14 matches still to be played.

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Davila was a player Toros sporting director and head coach Wilmer Cabrera said he wanted to bring in at the end of last season.

“We like the way he plays,” Cabrera said. “We know that he is not the fastest guy, but it is not about his speed. It is about his talent and his brain. His brain works so well, and that is why he is comfortable here and the team is comfortable with him.”

Davila, 22, joined the Toros this season from L.A. Galaxy II, now a team in MLS Next Pro — a league comprised of MLS reserve teams. Davila was featured 62 times for L.A. Galaxy II, with the bulk of his appearances coming the past two seasons. Davila had a lone appearance in 2018 but headed off to play college soccer for the University of California.

Davila trained with L.A. Galaxy’s first team while playing in the USL with Galaxy II. Davila said he learned a lot from training with Mexican international Jonathan dos Santos and Spanish youth international Riqui Puig — both products of Barcelona’s La Masia academy.

Being at a prestigious club with five MLS Cup trophies was pivotal in Davila’s development.

“They were always looking for the next big thing,” Davila said about Galaxy. “You wanted to show the best you could every day in training and in the games. You wanted to train with the first team or get a contract with the first team, so there was a lot of competition and a good amount of pressure.”

“I enjoyed it over there,” Davila added. “It was a good two years, and I got a good amount of games in the USL. It was a good experience, and I am happy to be here now.”

Davila has started 17 matches in the USL Championship and has played a total of 1,570 minutes, only missing 50 minutes of possible match time this campaign.

Davila’s three goals are responsible for five Toros points. Davila’s latest goal rescued a point against Sacramento during second-half stoppage time two weeks ago. Another second-half stoppage time goal picked up a point against Monterrey Bay in late March.

A week later, Davila scored the winner against Detroit City.

Davila has formed a midfield partnership with Robert Coronado during the past five matches. The Toros are unbeaten in their past six matches.

“Rob and I have been very comfortable in the midfield,” Davila said. “Both of us can run the whole game. We might not be the fastest, but we can run the entire game. I feel like we have been able to cover the space very well. The team has been super tight and compact defensively, and that has definitely helped us recently on the defensive side.”

Davila wants to take his soccer career as far as he can take it. The midfielder takes his time when he is away from the club seriously by staying hydrated, having a diet and making sure he recovers for every match.

Davila believes the team can climb the standings. Despite the good run of form, the Toros are still outside of the playoff spots in 10th place, but only five points outside fourth place. RGV FC takes on third-place El Paso Locomotive FC at 8:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+.

The midfielder is not the only player in good form during the Toros’ unbeaten run. Wahab Ackwei and Jonathan Ricketts received USL Championship team of the week honors for Week 18 after both scored goals against Orange County on Saturday at H-E-B Park in the 2-0 win.

Wilmer Cabrera Jr. is the leading scorer with five goals. Cabrera Jr. has scored four goals during the past six matches. Frank Lopez has come back from injury to score twice and assist twice in the unbeaten run.

by Edward Severn

PSJA North finishes 7-on-7 tourney in the final eight

COLLEGE STATION — PSJA North showed up and showed out at the Texas 7-on-7 state tournament this weekend at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station.

The Raiders made it three rounds deep in the champions bracket, two wins shy of a spot in the championship game, on Saturday. The Raiders went 4-2 on the weekend overall.

PSJA North’s run ended at the hands of Round Rock in the third round after beating Arlington Lamar 25-14 and then Eaton 32-26.

“They came out here and took care of business,” said Mark Rendon, PSJA North’s volunteer 7-on-7 head coach. “Last year, we made it out here and people did not think we could make it far because we are not considered a throwing team, we are considered a heavy run team.”

“Last year we made it to the championship bracket, but we were one and done. This year we made it to the elite eight, and words cannot express how proud I am of them.”

Rendon, the father of receiver Markus Rendon, has been coaching the Raiders’ 7-on-7 team for the past three seasons, but has coached numerous players on the team since they were 4 years old, he said. Mark Rendon thanked PSJA North coaches Marcus Kaufmann and Albert Esparza for the opportunity.

“All the kids are coachable and smart. It made my job a whole lot easier,” Mark Rendon said.

Markus Rendon was one of the standouts in the loss to Round Rock. The receiver was catching everything quarterback Ale Aparicio was throwing to him.

PSJA North’s Leroy Palacios was catching everything his way, especially against Eaton.

“I could always do more,” Palacios said. “But as long as I can do my part to get the team the win, that is all that matters to me. I care about these guys and I will do anything to get a win.”

Julius Arredondo also hauled in numerous catches and touchdowns Saturday. Arredondo made some big plays against Arlington Lamar. Corner Bryan Guerrero also made some nice plays against Arlington Lamar, including a game-sealing interception.

PSJA High was the only team out of a Valley trio with Weslaco High and McAllen Rowe to pick up a win in the consolation bracket. The Bears beat Timber Creek 27-21 to meet Crandall in the second round. PSJA High lost 34-28 in overtime.

by Edward Severn

PSJA North advances to championship bracket, others settle for consolation bracket

COLLEGE STATION — PSJA North’s Ale Aparicio threw five touchdown passes and linebacker Michael Gonzales Jr. started the game with an interception to beat San Marcos 32-18 in the final game of pool play and advance to the championship bracket after going 2-1 on Friday.

The Rio Grande Valley’s hopes of a team advancing to the Division 1 7-on-7 state tournament championship bracket hinged on whether or not PSJA North could take down San Marcos. Weslaco High and McAllen Rowe went 0-3, and PSJA High went 1-2. All three will be in the consolation bracket today.

“I had an off game before this one,” Gonzales Jr. said. “They kept targeting me and I was out of my element, but I had to lock in to help my team get to the championship bracket.”

Gonzales Jr. read the San Marcos quarterback’s eyes on the first series, picking up an easy interception and setting the tone for the rest of the game on defense.

“This was probably one of our better games this tournament,” Gonzales Jr. said. “We came out firing. We got them off the field a couple of times and do what we usually do, black-shirt defense.”

Aparicio looked composed in the pocket, shredding the San Marcos defense for five touchdown passes. Aparicio completed two of them to Julius Arredondo, but was hitting every receiver on a plethora of different routes.

“It feels good going into a game knowing you can trust your receivers,” Aparicio said. “You could put the ball in any place, and they are going to get it. Having that chemistry from running routes outside of school and outside of games really helps.”

The Raiders beat Cy Falls in their first game 20-6. PSJA North lost to Timber Creek in the second game 26-20, but because Cy Falls beat Timber Creek in the third game and the Raiders beat San Marcos, PSJA North took the top seed from the pool.

PSJA North takes on Arlington Lamar at 8:45 a.m. PSJA High was beating Arlington Lamar late in their second game, but lost in overtime 26-20 on a fourth-down play. PSJA High beat Houston Lamar 26-21 to avoid going winless. The Bears dropped the first game 14-13 to Wylie East.

Weslaco High, like PSJA High, could have made it to the championship bracket if not for late comebacks. The Panthers gave up late touchdowns in their first two games. Elijah Rodriguez pulled down three long touchdowns against Midlothian Heritage, but a touchdown on the final play and subsequent extra point resulted in 19-18 a Panthers loss.

Weslaco High lost to Waller 27-21 and to Bryan by the same score.

McAllen Rowe had a chance to take a late lead against Lake Belton, but quarterback Lance Salinas and the offense were stopped at the goal line. The Warriors let it slip at the end, losing 31-21. Salinas made great throws throughout the game to his speedy receivers.

McAllen Rowe lost to Dawson 27-20 and McKinney 26-6. Weslaco High, McAllen Rowe and PSJA High all play at 8 a.m. in the consolation bracket.

La Feria faced Division II runner up Anna in the first round of the single-elimination tournament for all Division II teams. The Lions were beat 40-0 by an Anna team that was extremely talented at the receiver position with three-star recruit Jacob Emmers.

Anna lost 27-20 in the championship game to Hitchcock.

by Edward Severn

La Feria faces tough competition at state; Division I teams take field

COLLEGE STATION — La Feria did not have its best day of 7-on-7 football, but the Lions ended it stronger than they started.

The Lions went winless in pool play at the 7-on-7 state tournament but lost the last game against West Orange-Stark 20-19, a stark contrast from the previous two games against Sulphur Springs and Lubbock Christian.

La Feria lost the first game to Lubbock Christian 33-7 and then to Sulphur Springs 31-15. Junior quarterback Andruw Rivera threw early picks in both games on wheel routes but bounced back and make terrific throws.

Dropped passes, miscommunication on defense and stud receiver Joaquin Trevino picking up an early injury were the obvious causes for the losses against Lubbock Christian and Sulphur Springs. Any type of turnover makes it hard to come back in 7-on-7 because of the running clock.

“We got to try our best to keep up with these guys,” Rivera said. “I know we can. We have put in a lot of work, and it will pay off (today).”

It almost paid off against West Orange-Stark, but the Lions are going to need to play like that against Anna at 8:45 a.m. today at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station in the first round of Division II’s single-elimination bracket.

Plenty of eyes were on Anna as it handily won all three of its games, outscoring its opponents 119-55.

“We have to bounce back,” Lions outside linebacker Devon Hernandez said. “We have to do our jobs, cover our zones and do what we do best.”

The competition is fierce at the state tournament, Rivera said, but that is why they are here to compete. Hernandez and Rivera said the competition is tougher than what they faced in the Valley.

“It is a beautiful feeling to be out here,” Rivera said. “Being up here is a nice experience. Just being able to play against some of the best teams in Texas and having them watch you is an honor.”

McAllen Rowe, PSJA North, PSJA High and Weslaco High take the field in the afternoon for pool play action in Division I.

by Edward Severn

Valley teams to compete in 7-on-7 state tournament

WESLACO — Teams from the Rio Grande are set to be in action this weekend at the the 7-0n-7 state tournament in College Station, beginning with La Feria today.

The Lions take the field at 1:45 p.m. at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station for the first pool game in Division II.

La Feria has its work cut out for it in Game 1 against Lubbock Christian, the 2022 TAPPS Division IV state champion. The Lions then take on Sulphur Springs and West Orange-Stark, both playoff teams from 2022.

La Feria is a playoff team, too, and returns quarterback Andruw Rivera for his junior season. The junior is ready to mix it up with some of the most talented skill players from around the state, he said after qualifying in early June at the 2023 Battle at the Bay 7-on-7 tournament in Port Isabel.

La Feria will be seeded for Friday’s single-elimination bracket that involves all Division II teams at 8:45 a.m.

Joining La Feria this weekend in College Station are Weslaco High, PSJA North, PSJA High and McAllen Rowe in Division I, which will play Friday.

Weslaco High makes its seventh appearance, the most of all teams qualified.

“I hope this tournament helps our chemistry,” Weslaco High quarterback Andres Sepulveda said. “It should, but we just want to get better and compete, so it could help us out for that Friday night lights.”

The Panthers, Raiders and Bears qualified at the Snake Pit SQT. The Warriors qualified through the Mid-Valley SQT. All teams have solid quarterbacks. Sepulveda, PSJA North’s Ale Aparacio, PSJA High’s Jaime Lopez and McAllen Rowe’s Lance Salinas all started last fall in the playoffs.

Aparacio and PSJA North take on Cy Falls, San Marcos and Keller Timber Creek in Pool B. The Raiders meet Cy Falls at 1 p.m.

Weslaco High takes on Waller at 1 p.m. and then faces Midlothian Heritage and Bryan.

McAllen Rowe also starts at 1 p.m. Friday with Lake Belton. The Warriors then take on Pearland Dawson and McKinney.

PSJA High starts at 1:45 p.m. Friday against Wylie East. Arlington Lamar and Houston Lamar are the Bears’ other pool opponents.

The top two teams from each pool in Division I advances to the championship bracket starting at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, and the bottom two teams enter the consolation bracket starting at 8 a.m.

by Edward Severn

All-Star superlative winners and team

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Harlingen High’s Rosa Zapata poses for a photo at Harlingen High School. (Andrew Cordero/Special to The Monitor)

Offensive Player of the Year: Rosa Zapata, Harlingen High

There were shoes to fill offensively for Harlingen High during the 2022-23 season.

Cardinals point guard Rosa Zapata stepped up to help her team win a District 32-6A title and pick up a Class bi-district playoff victory.

Zapata is the Valley Morning Star’s 2022-23 All-Star Girls Basketball Offensive Player of the Year.

Zapata averaged 12 points a game throughout the entire season, but picked up the production in district play and was awarded co-MVP of the district for her efforts. Zapata also averaged four assists a game as well as steals, often turning those steals into points.

“I am improved so much than last year,” Zapata said. “I scored more points than usual, and I think I did a pretty good job at leading my team offensively with points.”

Zapata was more of a pass-first point guard her previous seasons, with other key players doing most of the scoring. Zapata’s game blossomed in her new role. Zapata exploded past defenders in the lane for easy assists or shot opportunities for herself.

“I am going to come back and visit,” Zapata said. “I am going to miss it. I am appreciative of all the opportunities they gave me.”

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La Feria’s Kaya Dickerson (24) is pictured Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at San Benito.(Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey

Defensive Player of the Year: Kaya Dickerson, La Feria

La Feria’s basketball program picked up another bi-district win this season and earned a District 32-4A title. Leading the way defensively for the Lions this season was Kaya Dickerson.

Dickerson is the Valley Morning Star’s 2022-23 All-Star Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year.

“I just wanted to use my skills to take my young team as far as they can go,” Dickerson said. “I know we did not go that far, but we still had fun and did our thing.”

Dickerson picked up multiple steals a game to help La Feria score points offensively. Dickerson was one of the most athletic basketball players in District 32-4A, and was a key contributor on the volleyball and track and field teams during her time at La Feria.

“I feel like I was in control on defense,” Dickerson said. “We would get the steal from what I was doing, locking someone down, and then we would flow from there. We would go into our offense, score, go back to defense and do the same thing.”

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San Benito’s Angelina Reyes (2) is pictured Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at San Benito.(Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey

Utility Player of the Year: Angie Reyes, San Benito

San Benito’s Angie Reyes played a big part of the Greyhounds’ return to the playoffs this season.

As a sophomore this season, Reyes did it all by averaging 17 points, five boards, three steals and two assists a game. Reyes solidified herself as one of the best all-around basketball players in the Valley.

Reyes is the Valley Morning Star’s 2022-23 All-Star Girls Basketball Utility Player of the Year.

“From my freshman to my sophomore year I definitely grew,” Reyes said. “Overall, I think I did pretty good. I always think I could have done better, and there is always room to grow.”

Reyes helped San Benito pick up a title during the tournament season, a 24-win season and a bi-district win over La Joya High in which she scored 29 points and picked up nine rebounds.

“I love everything about the game,” Reyes said.

Reyes said she is ready for next season with a team full of seniors.

“It is a win-or-go-home-type season for every one,” Reyes said. “We are going for the district title next season, and I know we can do it.”

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Harlingen South’s Jiselle Montemayor (20) is pictured Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at San Benito.(Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey

Newcomer of the Year: Jiselle Montemayor, Harlingen South

Harlingen South’s Jiselle Montemayor burst onto the scene this season to help the Hawks make it out of the tough District 32-5A as a freshman.

Montemayor averaged 12 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists this season and was awarded with the District 32-5A Offensive Player of the Year award.

Montemayor is the Valley Morning Star’s 2022-23 All-Star Girls Basketball Newcomer of the Year.

“It was more of a mental game, trying to push through four, eight-minute quarters,” Montemayor said about her first year playing varsity basketball. The freshman was happy about her performances this year and being a leading scorer as a freshman.

Montemayor is going to have plenty of expectations on a Hawks team that could challenge Brownsville Veterans Memorial for a district title.

“For sure, I am trying to improve a lot of things,” Montemayor said. “So far, during the offseason grind, I have improved a lot.”

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Rio Hondo head girls basketball coach Victor Sauceda. Photo courtesy of Victor Sauceda

Coach of the Year: Victor Sauceda, Rio Hondo

Rio Hondo head coach Victor Sauceda is humble about his team’s success with him as head coach.

Sauceda’s Bobcats had a fantastic season by making it to the fourth round of the Class 3A playoffs and picking up an undefeated District 32-3A title.

Sauceda also helped develop top talent in the area. Eliza Rodriguez, the All-Star MVP, was one of the best players in the Valley this past season. Sauceda has plenty of talent ready for another run. The Bobcats had two other scorers, both underclassmen, score in double figures.

Rio Hondo went 27-4 on the season and 16-0 in District 32-3A.

All-Star First Team

Daniella Ramos, San Perlita; Marley Perez, Lyford; Ava Garza, San Benito; Layla Salas, Harlingen High; Juli Bryant, Harlingen High

All-Star Second Team

Alyssa Garza, Santa Rosa; Aleila Cantu, Santa Maria; Abby Atkinson, Rio Hondo; Emily Molina, Rio Hondo; Mariah Patlan, La Feria

by Edward Severn

Rio Hondo’s Rodriguez takes All-Star MVP honors

SAN BENITO — Rio Hondo’s Eliza Rodriguez was the exception to the sport.

The senior guard did not start playing basketball until middle school. Some could say she joined the sport a little late in the game, but Rodriguez was a quick learner and developed into one of the most exciting girls ballers not just in the Harlingen area, but the whole Rio Grande Valley.

Rodriguez is the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Girls Basketball Most Valuable Player for the 2022-23 season.

Rodriguez helped the Bobcats to the fourth round by averaging 29 points a game. Rodriguez also was a key playmaker for her 3-point shooting teammates and was awarded District 32-3A MVP.

“It feels good that I was able to produce points for my team, just to be able to have a shot,” Rodriguez said. “It felt really amazing going deep, especially because it was my senior year. Going to the Sweet 16 was pretty good.”

Rodriguez said if the Bobcats would have went into that game confident against Lytle, they could have made it the Class 3A Region IV final.

“I think we should have done better,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez played all four years at the varsity level at Rio Hondo. Rodriguez said she was honored to be able to play all four years at that level. The point guard did not start playing basketball until the seventh grade, just two years before becoming a four-year varsity starter.

“I put in the work, honestly,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez played volleyball and ran track as well, but stopped once she became a freshman so she could focus only on basketball. Rodriguez attributes her ability to pick up the sport quickly to her athleticism.

The four-year varsity athlete was invited to multiple all-star games this offseason and was not considering playing college basketball at the end of the season, but Rodriguez said it was still up in the air if she wants to play college basketball as she prepared to graduate in late May.

“It was a great ride and experience,” Rodriguez said. “I am going to miss my team.”

by Edward Severn

All-Metro girls basketball award winners

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Brownsville St. Jospeh’s Regina Tovar poses for a photo at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Offensive Player of the Year: Regina Tovar, Brownsville St. Joseph

Brownsville St. Joseph’s Regina Tovar is a special offensive talent.

The Brownsville St. Joseph guard is one of the best scorers in the Rio Grande Valley and was the leading scorer on a Brownsville St. Joseph team that made the playoffs in the competitive TAPPS 5A District 4.

Tovar is The Brownsville Herald’s 2022-23 All-Metro Girls Basketball Offensive Player of the Year.

“I think I did good throughout the whole season,” Tovar said before commenting on having layup troubles in the middle of the season. “But at the end of the season I think that I did really good. Especially in the playoffs against the Houston team. I had a really good game and scored most of the points against a really good team.”

Tovar was awarded first-team all-district as well as all-state honorable mention for offensive performances against the tough teams in her district. Tovar praised some of the talented players she faced from the San Antonio area.

“It was a lot tougher, but we still hung with them,” Tovar said. “At the end, we showed that we were meant to be there and can hang with teams from there.”

Tovar said during the season she just wanted to help her team as much as she could.

“I expect to be a lot better,” Tovar said of her expectations for next year. The upcoming senior plans to spend a lot of time in the gym, she said.

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Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Alexa Torres poses for a photo at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Defensive Player of the Year: Alexa Torres, Brownsville Veterans Memorial

Defense wins titles, and the Chargers brought home multiple titles with a stout defense.

Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Alexa Torres was at the front of one of the best defenses in the Rio Grande Valley.

Torres is The Brownsville Herald’s 2022-23 All-Metro Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year.

The Valley has plenty of talent in the point guard position, especially girls basketball. Torres picked up three steals a game, guarding some of the best girls on the court this on a defense that was extremely stingy in district play.

“I think communication was key in our success,” Torres said. “I enjoyed the role that I played this year. There were some games were I did not score as much, but there were other areas that I showed up in, passing our defensive communication.”

Torres was usually one of the main defenders stopping transition basket attempts because of being a pass-first point guard. The role she played helped the Chargers to an 18-0 district title and first area-round win.

“I am grateful for the season we had,” Torres said. “I am glad we were able to make it that far, make school history and I am excited to see what they could do next year too.”

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Los Fresnos’ Olivia Parra poses for a photo at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Utility Player of the Year: Olivia Parra, Los Fresnos

Los Fresnos Olivia Parra could play any position on the court. Parra helped do it all for the Falcons on a team that won the BISD tournament and made it to the playoffs out of District 32-6A.

The Los Fresnos small forward is The Brownsville Herald’s 2022-23 All-Metro Girls Basketball Utility Player of the Year.

Parra scored, grabbed rebounds and developed a partnership with Aylene Ortega, often finding her teammate while slashing to the bucket. Parra became one of the best slashers in the Valley this season.

Parra averaged 19 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists a game this season.

Parra’s slashing abilities and partnership with Ortega helped the Falcons win a BISD tourney title in the preseason over a TAPPS state championship team in Harvest Christian. Parra scored 18 points in the win.

“I contributed more to my team this year,” Parra said. “I just really tried to be a play maker for my team.”

Parra said she worked on being more comfortable on the ball this season. Parra looked in control when she had this ball this season and it helped the Falcons win 26 games and her to become one of the best all-around players in the area.

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Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Daniela Sauceda poses for a photo at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Newcomer of the Year: Daniela Sauceda, Brownsville Veterans

Brownsville Veterans’ Daniela Sauceda emerged as one of the key players for the Chargers, especially down the stretch, on a Chargers team that won an area-round game

Sauceda scored 10 points a game and grabbed seven rebounds a game in her first varsity season.

Sauceda is The Brownsville Herald’s 2022-23 All-Metro Girls Basketball Newcomer of the Year.

“It was pretty good for my first year,” Sauceda said. “I think it was a whole new experience. I did not want this season to end.”

The junior post player came up big for the Chargers late in the season. As the season progressed, Sauceda grew with confidence and was one of the bright spots against Edinburg Vela in the third round game at Bert Ogden Arena.

Because of teams like Edinburg Vela and other late season opposition, Sauceda’s game grew she said.

“I had to step up for the team,” Sauceda said.

Sauceda is going to be one of the best returning players in the Valley next season as a senior and on a Chargers team that are likely to be challenged for the top spot in District 32-5A by teams returning terrific talent.

“I think we will pretty good,” Sauceda said. “We have some good players coming in and we still have some talented players from this year as well. Hopefully, we can have great results.”

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Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Arnold Torres poses for a photo at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Coach of the Year: Arnold Torres: Brownsville Veterans

Arnold Torres’ Brownsville Veterans team continues to be one of the premier girls basketball programs in the area.

Torres led his team to the most successful season in program history. The Chargers won 30 games this season, went 18-0 in District 32-5A and won the program’s first area-round win.

Torres is The Brownsville Herald’s 2022-23 All-Metro Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

Brownsville Veterans defeated Victoria East 55-50 in the area round, setting up a third-round meeting at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg with Edinburg Vela.

All-Metro First Team

Aylene Ortega, Los Fresnos; Christy Garcia, Brownsville Lopez; Sophia Carrizales, Brownsville Lopez; Emily Burrage, Port Isabel; Layni Mata, Port Isabel

All-Metro Second Team

Shiloh Jones, Los Fresnos; Jocelyn Hernandez, Brownsville Pace; Andrea Jasso, Brownsville St. Joseph; Annie Cisneros, Brownsville Veterans; Caitlin Cardenas, Brownsville Rivera

by Edward Severn

Espinosa earns All-Metro MVP

BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Mariana Espinosa was the go-to player for the Chargers this season.

Espinosa finished the season as the leading scorer, one of the best defenders and a top playmaker for a Chargers team that won multiple titles during the 2022-23 season.

Espinosa is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Girls Basketball Most Valuable Player.

“I did good,” Espinosa said. “I did the best I could at times. I just put my best on the court and left it all out there this season.”

The Chargers won 30 games, went undefeated in District 32-5A and capped it off with a Class 5A area-round win, with Espinosa averaging 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and more than three steals per game.

“I liked being one of the go-to players this season,” Espinosa said. “I put in a lot of hard work so that I can show it out on the court. Just being able to do that was a good feeling.”

Espinosa said she improved her ball handling and overall playmaking abilities for the season. Espinosa had speed as a junior but her control improved dramatically, allowing her to see the court better, she said, for the open looks that she often got.

Brownsville Veterans went 18-0 in District 32-5A this season and had many games won before halftime. If not for that, Espinosa could have had even greater statistics.

“I had a good time here at Vets,” Espinosa said. “I came in to a team with a lot of players knowing how to play, but I grew up playing with them, so I fit right in. I had a great time here, and I think we did good. I feel like I left a mark.”

In March, Espinosa signed with Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, where she is set to play at the NCAA Division III level.

“Her knowledge of the game is definitely an asset to any program. I know her going to Hollins and them taking her in, she is going to make an impact right away,” Brownsville Veterans head coach Arnold Torres said.

by Edward Severn

Ackwei’s late equalizer rescues point; Next five outlook, plus highlights and interviews

EDINBURG — Rio Grande Valley FC defender Wahab Ackwei immediately said the draw felt more like a loss Saturday night at H-E-B Park when he spoke to the media following his late stoppage time equalizer.

Ackwei’s 97’ minute leveler rescued a point in a 3-3 draw with Miami FC Saturday night. Wilmer Cabrera Jr. and Frank López grabbed first half goals for the Toros to give them a lead going in the half, but the visiting side would take a 3-2 lead in the 78th minute.

A draw did seem like a fair result for both teams, given Miami FC and RGVFC gave up leads twice in the match, but both teams needed three points.

Injuries and Cerro picks up first league start

Ian Cerro picked up a first league start of the season. Cerro was deployed on the left side of the pitch, going the distance for the Toros. Cerro could be in line for more starts because of injuries.

The Toros had two players go down in the first half. Ricky Ruiz went out first in the 19′ and then Juan Cabezas was pulled in the 37′ after signaling to the bench following a shot attempt from outside the box.

First goal in three matches

Cabrera Jr.’s left-footed goal in the 38’ minute was the first Toros goal since May 13, when RGVFC picked up a 3-2 road win against San Diego. López followed up three minutes later following a beautiful pass by Taylor Davila.

Cabrera Jr. is now tied for the team-lead in league goals with two, while López and Ackwei bagged their first goals of the season.

Frantic Finishes

RGVFC matches become extremely open late in the second half. The heat my play a factor, wearing down the legs – the game was paused for hydration breaks on Saturday in the first and second half.

Nearly 40% of the goals scored at H-E-B Park this season have come in the final 15 minutes of the match. Ackwei’s late equalizer was the fourth stoppage time goal of the season as well and the second by a Toro.

Hold on to your seats at H-E-B Park late in the second half because anything can happen.

Next five outlook

The Toros currently are 11th place in the USL Championship’s Western Conference out of 12 teams, but RGVFC is only five points behind Phoenix Rising for the eighth and final playoff spot.

RGVFC has 12 points from 13 matches with 21 matches still to be played. The Toros have scored 12 goals this season, only two other teams have scored fewer. RGVFC also have given up 22 goals, not the worst. Four teams have conceded more in the league.

The Toros next five matches are against Western Conference opponents. New Mexico United sit two spots above RGVFC, but only two points ahead.

A win and the Toros can move ahead of New Mexico United, but a loss would put more pressure on the Toros to pick up points against Colorado Springs, Oakland and Sacramento – teams in the playoff places.

The Toros finish off the fifth match at home against a team outside of the playoff places, Orange County, a team the Toros lost to on the road a week ago.

Toros captain Jose Torres said the team is used to slow starts before the match on Saturday against Miami FC, so the spirits inside the locker room is not low despite the slow start.