Author: henry miller

by henry miller

8/13/24 High School Volleyball Scores

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Reported scores and stats from Monday and Tuesday high school volleyball matches – coaches please send your game scores, stats and record to (956) 821-3834. Thank you!

 

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Kendyl Keenan

McAllen Rowe def. Harlingen High 25-23, 25-21, 25-22

ROWE: Hailey Gonzalez 11 kills 2 aces, 9 digs; Brianna Sanchez 5 kills,2 aces14 digs; Kendyl Keenan 4 kills, 5 blocks; Katelyn Tarbutton 5 kills, 2 blocks; Audrina Perez 4 kills, 1 digs, 2 blocks; Andrea Gutierrez 2 assists., 1 ace, 10 digs; Lynette Palacios 6 kills, 3 digs, 7 aces1 block.

Hailey Gonzalez

McAllen Rowe def. Corpus Christi Ray 25-12, 25-7, 25-12

ROWE (2-0):  Leana Palacios  3 aces; Aubry Castro 2 aces; Hailey Gonzalez 4 kills, 5 aces, 3 digs; Brianna Sanchez 4 kills, 3 aces, 6 digs, 1 block; Kendyl Keenan 11 kills, 1 sig, 3 blocks; Katelynn Tarbutton 5 kills; Audrina Perez 5 kills, 1 dig, 2 blocks; Andrew Gutierrez 1 kill, 1 dig, 1 ace; Lynette Palacios 1 kill, 3 aces, 6 digs.

Seanah Mireles

St. Joseph Academy def. Roma 25-11, 25-13, 25-18

SJA (1-0):  Carmina Tijerina-22 digs; 2 aces; Seanah Mireles 8 kills, 3 blocks,16 assists; Galilea Martinez 7 kills,4 digs; Yvannia Sosa 4 kills, 6 aces, 5 digs; Regina Martinez 5 kills, 2 blocks; Valeria Puig 3 kills,2 aces; Mariana Gonzalez-Paez 9 assists; Skye Hudson 2 kills .

Malloree Mireles

Harlingen South def. Brownsville Vets 19-25, 32-30, 25-19, 25-9

SOUTH1 (1-0):  Malloree Mireles 25 kills, 8 digs, 2 blocks; Ella Ramirez 8 kills, 9 blocks; Raeana Lopez 4 kills, 3 digs; Arial Lopez 1 kill; Kaytlynn Rodriguez 2 digs

Laredo United def. Sharyland 25-16, 18-25, 25-21, 17-25, 15-12

SHARYLAND (1-0): Kenisha Martinez 8 kills, 3 aces; Pamela Pena 17 kills, 2 blocks; Kassandra de la Garza 10 kills, 34 assists, 3 aces; Maria Rodriguez 5 kills, 1 block; Barbara Pena 1 block; Jayleen Berlanga 21 assists.

Mady Perez

Mission Veterans def. Edinburg High School 22-25, 20-25, 25-10, 25-23, 15-6

MISSION VETS (1-0): Mady Perez 21 kills; 2 aces, 19 digs, 4 blocks; Sophia Pacheco 24 kills, 1 ace, 14 digs; Heather Flores 39 assists, 5 aces, 11 digs; Monika Regalado 5 aces, 11 digs; Kalie Montalvo1 kill, 3 digs, 3 blocks; Delilah Cantu1 ace, 8 digs, 3 blocks

Pioneer defeated CC Veterans Memorial 25-20, 25-16, 25-17

PIONEER (2-0): Hailey Botello 18 assists, 11 digs, 2 aces; Florencia Curiel 9 digs, 2 assists; Sofia Chapa 6 digs, 1 ace; Izabella Cano 11 digs, 4 kills, 4 aces, 1 block; Danica Gonzalez 12 digs, 4 kills, 3 aces; Itzel Hernandez 5 kills, 1 block; Scarlet Verjel 10 kills, 2 digs, 1 ace, 1 block; Ava Saenz 2 kills, 1 dig, 1 block; Natalia Gonzalez 1 kill, 1 block

Laredo Alexander def. McAllen High 25-17, 25-23, 25-19

McAllen Memorial def. Edcouch-Elsa 31-33, 25-16,25-8

Pioneer defeated Laredo United South 25-22, 25-17, 25-22

Progreso def. La Villa 25-11, 25-19, 25-21

Hidalgo def. Donna 22-25, 17-25, 25-20, 25-9, 15-9

PSJA Southwest def. Hidalgo 26-24, 18-25, 25-17, 25-10

Donna def. PSJA Southwest 25-23, 19-25,m 25-20, 25-14

Edinburg Economedes def. Juarez-Lincoln (no stats or scores provided)

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by henry miller

Pioneer in midseason form on Opening Day

Sharyland Pioneer looked like they were in midseason form Monday after sweeping both Laredo United South and Corpus Christi Veterans at Pioneer High School.

In reality, however, if was Opening Day for the Diamondbacks

Sharyland Pioneer’s Izabella Cano goes up for a block during the Diamondbacks’ match against Corpus Christi Veterans on Monday, Aug., 12, 2024 at Sharyland Pioneer (Delcia Lopez / [email protected])

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise when playing against a Laura Cavazos coached team. But Monday’s match seemed a little different. Pressure serving kept Vets on their heels and unable to get the ball to their 6-foot-1 middle Nya White, who delivered some blistering kills, but not nearly as many as the Eagles wanted- and certainly needed.

“We want to be aggressive on the serving line and keep teams off balance,” Cavazos said. “When you play against powerful hitters like that you have to ,have to be aggressive and know where she’s at slowly. We want the blockers to be able to slow the ball down. We’re not asking for  big block every time.”

Instead they got a big play all day as they swept by Vets and Laredo United South.

The Pioneer defense tallied four players with 9 or more digs led by Danica Gonzalez with 12, Izabella Cano had 11 digs and saved one missile were the attack seemed to remove her head – but her quickness got her hands in front of her face and she popped the ball up and turned it into a Pioneer kill. New setter Hailey Botello had 11 digs and 18 assists and standout libero Florencia Curiel registered nine digs.

“Flo looked like a senior out there commanding the back court and I thought we were ready to play.” Cavazos said. “I think we were still working on things throughout the game that we had talked about post scrimmage, they just did a great job of executing.

The most impressive thing about the defense was that it almost always seemed to be in the right place, rarely having to make point-saving fully stretched out dives, even though they executed a perfect. This kept the offensive transition in rhythm for Gonzalez’s 12 kills and Scarlet Verjal’s 10 kills.

The Diamondbacks finished the three sets with 11 aces as well, four from Cano and three from Gonzalez They are both sophomores. The team that looked like they’ve been playing together for four or more years, has just tree seniors.

During the first eight Pioneer points, seven different Diamondbacks made the crucial dig, pass or kill.

“I’ve known this since the start that we are a complete team. We’ve got hitters in the front row and Hailey can get it to them. We’ve got good defense and everybody stepped it up and in the front row they were ready to swing.

“Overall, we were consistent and getting into that groove. But we’ll work on being a little more consistent too.”

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by henry miller

Vaqueros football adds two graduate coaches

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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) head football coach Travis Bush announced on Thursday the addition of two graduate student coaches, including Gunnar Henderson, who will work with the offense, and Brandon Palomares, who will work with the defense.

Gunnar Henderson

A graduate of McAllen High School, Henderson comes to UTRGV after playing in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship game with TCU.

“We’re extremely excited about the addition of Gunnar Henderson to our staff,” Bush said. “Gunnar will be a big-time coach one day and his experiences from McAllen High School all the way to the CFP National Championship game will add great value to our staff.  Gunnar also played wide receiver in our offensive system and will be a great mentor to our young student-athletes.”

In two seasons at TCU, Henderson saw time at wide receiver and on special teams, making 13 receptions for 235 yards and two touchdowns in 26 games. A two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, Henderson averaged a team-best 20.3 yards per completion as a senior before competing in the New Orleans Saints’ 2023 rookie minicamp.

Henderson began his collegiate career at Incarnate Word, helping his team to the 2018 Southland Conference Championship. He was elevated to team captain as a sophomore while earning Academic All-Southland Conference honors.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity Coach Bush and the rest of the staff have given me,” Henderson said. “It is truly a blessing to start my college coaching career in the Valley. I am going to work extremely hard and do my part so the product we put on the field in 2025 is something the Valley is proud of.”

While at McAllen, Henderson was an offensive most valuable player, all-region and all-district wide receiver as a junior and senior. He was also a three-time all-district return specialist and, as a sophomore, an all-district defensive back.

Henderson graduated from TCU in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies.

Brandon Palomares

Palomares played football at Seguin High School from 2014-17, including his final two years for Bush, who was the head coach, and UTRGV Defensive Line Coach Nathan Langford, who was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am of Brandon and how happy we are to have him on staff,” Bush said. “I sat in his living room on a home visit in Seguin in 2016 when he was a junior in high school, and now I look down the staff room table to see him as a grown man and a coach.  He understands the culture of toughness and competitiveness we will build here and will be a great role model for our young student-athletes.”

As a student-athlete at Seguin, Palomares rushed for 1,573 yards on 231 carries while scoring 15 touchdowns in 29 games across three varsity seasons. He also caught 37 passes for 479 yards over his final two seasons after passing for 331 yards on 38 completions as a sophomore.

Palomares returned to Seguin full-time in 2022-23, coaching three varsity sports, including football, over the last two years.

“I’m incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to attend UTRGV and work under Coach Bush and alongside Coach Langford,” Palomares said. “They have not only served as my coaches but have also been mentors who have poured into me and inspired me to pursue a career in coaching. I look forward to being a part of history and serving the Rio Grande Valley. I’m excited to be a Vaquero. V’s up!”

Palomares graduated from Texas A&M in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.

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by henry miller

McAllen’s Shaine Casas narrowly misses shot for Olympic medal

Shaine Casas, of United States, competes in the men’s 200-meter individual medley at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (Martin Meissner/AP Photo)

Shaine Casas missed out on swimming for gold Friday.

The McAllen native, and McHi graduate, finished ninth overall in his semifinal Thursday afternoon with a time of 1:57.82. He will be a reserve swimmer in case one of the top eight who qualified cannot compete.

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas swam in the second semifinal, in lane three. The eight fastest swim times from the semifinals advanced to tomorrow’s medal race. Casas’ time was just 0.06 seconds behind Knox Finlay of Canada for the eighth and final spot.

Casas swims for the Longhorn Aquatics Club at the University of Texas under coach Eddie Reese. He swam collegiately for Texas A&M University. He is a 14-time World Championships medalist who made his international debut at the 2021 World Short Course Championships. This was his Olympic Games debut.

Casas Team USA and Longhorn teammate Carson Foster won the first semifinal heat in 1:56.37 and advanced.

Earlier today, Casas clocked a 1:58.04 to finish second in the fourth heat, and fifth overall, to advance to the semifinals.

The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, advanced to the semifinals.

Casas’ entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Only two swimmers clocked in a sub-1:58.00 times Thursday morning – Great Britain’s Scott Duncan (1:57.77) and France’s Marchand (1:57.86). Casas’ USA teammate Carson Foster won his heat in 1:58.63

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by henry miller

McAllen’s Casas swims into Olympic semifinals

BY HENRY MILLER

McAllen’s Shaine Casas clocked a 1:58.04 to finish second in the fourth heat today in the Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley to advance to the semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games.

Casas’ time in the heat was the fifth overall fastest on the day. The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, advance to the semifinals, which will be held near the end of the Olympic day, scheduled to start at 2:35 p.m., Central Time, 9:35 p.m. in Paris time.

Several watch parties have been scheduled around the Valley for the semifinals. You can see them here:

Valley to hold watch parties for McAllen Olympian Shaine Casas

 

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas’ entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Only two swimmers clocked in a sub-1:58.00 times Thursday morning – Great Britain’s Scott Duncan (1:57.77) and France’s Marchand (1:57.86). Casas’ USA teammate Carson Foster won his heat in 1:58.63

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McAllen’s Casas prepped for Olympic debut Thursday

McAllen’s Shaine Casas will be in Heat No. 4, lane five on Thursday, competing for his country, state and city during the 200-meter men’s individual medley at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

It’s a phrase the former McAllen High swimmer has been working to hear and/or read since he was in college at Texas A&M, maybe even earlier. His desire only magnified after barely missing out on the 2020 games, finishing in third while needing a top-two finish to advance. Casas is a world-class swimmer. He’s won 14 medals during the world championships while representing the USA, captured three national championship medals and multiple other medals while competing in the NCAA with Texas A&M. He’s also been named SEC, SwimSwam and College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association Division I Swimmer of the Year.

Now, four years later, Casas is stronger both physically and mentally and has worked to remove any distractions. It’s finally time to seek a medal and, Casas is quick to admit, the journey he took to Paris had amazing highs to go along with life-changing lows.

“The obstacles and everything I’ve been through has given me confidence as an athlete and a person,” Casas said prior to his trip to Paris. “I think it has taught me a lot of myself and the sport. It’s great to win, but sometimes losing teaches you more than winning.

Shaine Casas and Carson Foster celebrate after the Men’s 200 individual medley finals Friday, June 21, 2024, at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP Photo)

“There have been hard times and great times and I’ve been able to make the best of things in both situations. That’s how the (swim) meets work out — most of the times it isn’t perfect, you just need to figure out how to maneuver through the hiccups.”

This version of Casas is different than the one four years ago; you can hear it in his voice. While the exuberance and confidence remain, it’s more of a respectful and humble version of four years ago. It makes him look and feel stronger — and the numbers don’t lie.

“It’s all about perspective and I feel like I’m in the best spot mentally, physically and socially. I have more experience on my side. Four years ago I was new to it and naïve to it and how things really go. I’ve definitely grown up and learned.”

The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, will advance to the semifinals. The event takes place at 4:40 a.m. Central Time, 11:40 a.m. Paris time. The semifinals will be held near the end of the Olympic day, scheduled to start at 2:35 p.m., Central Time, 9:35 p.m. in Paris time.

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Shaine Casas and Carson Foster celebrate after the Men’s 200 individual medley finals Friday, June 21, 2024, at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP Photo)

Casas’ reaction when he touched the wall to clinch his spot in Team USA was memorable as he grabbed his forehead to wipe away the pool water, (and maybe a tear or two, immediately leaned over the rope to hug Foster, his new USA teammate) then took a few second, hands clenched in prayer to take it all in, the look of relief, gratefulness and excitement all taking their turns within his expressions.

“I’m going to make that damn team,” he said prior to the qualifying meet in Indianapolis. “I wish I could go back and have a conversation with myself — I might slap myself because I won’t want to hear it. But things happen. There are pivotal moments that teach you a lot and rub off on you and make you who you are.

“I’ve had experiences that have shaped the person I am and the things I’m trying to do. I hold myself in a certain way and do what’s best for myself.”

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by henry miller

World’s Outstanding Whitetails display makes return at Expo

Looking into the eyes of a trophy-mounted whitetail deer or other folklore-like animals can be mesmerizing. The colors, the depth almost brings the animal back to life.

The experience is unique and available to those who check out the amazing display this weekend during the 33rd annual Texas Hunters and Sportsman’s Expo at the McAllen Convention Center.

The coast-to-coast traveling mega display’s owner and creator, Jeff Eades, may have cut down his running time – driving all over the map, but he continues to bring his wildly popular and word renowned W.O.W – World’s Outstanding Whitetails display to McAllen each year, one of the collections including the Kings Collection.

Eades left Baltimore on Monday to head to his home in Peoria, Ill., pick up his trailer and display needs and started the haul to McAllen (1,300 miles) to begin setup on Thursday.

“I used to run a lot, 20-25 shows a year but I’m not running as much,” said Eades, adding those hours would run him “24/7 for eight to nine straight weeks sometimes, but I’ve been doing McAllen for the past 12 years. Not many can run a show and pack the people in like this show does and with so many vendors.”

The Expo has taken up even more space at the convention center, basically using every possible space for vendors, shows, displays and everything imaginable – and maybe even more – to do with the outdoors, from hunting and fishing to camping and traveling and more.

“I’ve always been into hunting and all that,” Eades said when asked about what gave him the idea for the display, which also includes sheds, European mounts and the East River Monster. “It’s just something I came up with and for really no reason.”

The show runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

 

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Texas Hunters Expo an event for entire families

The 33rd Annual Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo is coming back to the McAllen Convention Center from July 19 through July 21. Expectations are rising as fast as attendance is growing each year.

“We have had solid crowds over the past 32 years, and the show’s attendance continues to grow each year. It really gets better each year.” show director Justin Curl said. “We have had solid crowds during the past 32 years, and the show’s attendance continues to grow each year. This three-day weekend event is expected to draw several thousand hunting and fishing enthusiasts and visitors from both sides of the Texas/Mexico border.

 

“We want to focus on the fact that we are going to have items for everyone and a variety of exhibits,” Curl said. “We will have smaller exhibits with more affordable items for everyone as well.”

This is the only show of its kind south of San Antonio and north of Monterrey, Mexico. The show features guides and outfitters from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Africa, booking hunts for trophy whitetail, big game, exotics, bear, nilgai, moose, elk, mule deer, turkey, quail, dove, waterfowl, trophy bass and saltwater fishing trips, and more.

“This is not just a show for just the hunter,” Curl said. “This is a show for the angler and has become a family event/tradition in the RGV.”

Fishing guides and camps will be on hand as well to book that fishing trip of a lifetime. Don’t forget, boats and motors will be on sale as well.

“This is a show the entire family can enjoy,” Curl said. “There is something here for everyone. Wildlife art, hand-crafted rustic furniture, barbecue pits, smoked meats, gourmet foods and exotic and silver jewelry are just a few of the exhibits and attractions.”

As always, another crowd-pleasing favorite is the free samples of the latest homemade jellies, jams, beef jerky and wild game jerky, roasted almonds and more. There will be several ladies exhibits, too. Chupacabra spices and others will have a tongue-numbing experience prepared for those wanna-be weekend chefs.

“The July Expo promises to be one of the best shows ever,” Curl said. “We’re bringing back all the ‘old’ favorites, but we continually add new exhibits each year.”

Bow and arrow marksman Frank Addington Jr., aka “the aspirin buster,” will perform all three days at the show. Doug Digger will dazzle with his rattlesnake pit and educate the public on rattlesnakes. Pedro Sors, host of the Con Cana Y Carrrete show also will be in attendance.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children, and children 12 and under are free, courtesy of Academy Sports & Outdoors and L&F Distributors. The show runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, July 19; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 21.

 

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