KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The San Benito Greyhounds fell just short of reaching the state 7on7 tournament with a 42-21 loss to Katy in the finals at the Sam Brown state qualifying tournament Friday evening in Houston.

San Benito went 3-2 in the tournament and reached the final four out of 32 teams. Friendswood, Katy Tompkins and Katy High were the other three schools that reached the final four.

Katy and Katy Tompkins were the two teams that will head to the state tournament next week in College Station.

“The tournament was a fun and great experience,” said Hounds quarterback Jacob Cavazos. “We showed that no matter who is in front of us, we will put up a fight. Coach (Dan) Gomez always tells us, ‘we bow to no man, we bow to no program,’ and that is what we did today.”

The Hounds opened up pool play with a 40-33 win against Richmond George Ranch and followed that up with a 33-12 win against Oak Ridge.

In their third matchup, the Hounds fell to Huntsville 51-47 but they wound up going 2-1 in pool play and found themselves in a three-way tie with George Ranch and Huntsville. San Benito advanced to the quarterfinals by winning their pool off of points with 87.

“I’m proud of my team and their efforts. We’re just continuing to build confidence going forward and we want this to translate over to the regular season,” Cavazos said.

Mission Veterans was another Valley school eyeing a trip to College Station at the Houston qualifier on Friday. The Patriots went 3-1 on the day but also failed to make the state tournament.

In their opening game, the Pats beat Sam Houston 53-0, followed by a 39-33 win over Alief Taylor. In their final game in pool play Mission Vets got past John Cooper 33-26.

The Patriots reached the final eight before bowing out to Katy Tompkins 38-34. Mission Vets finishes off the summer 7on7 league with a 20-3 record.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — After their state qualifying tournament was pushed back to this weekend due to weather, the Hounds will get their shot at reaching the state 7on7 tournament next week in College Station.

The Hounds will be at the Sam Brown state qualifying tournament in Houston starting this afternoon. There will be 32 teams and only two of those teams will punch their ticket to College Station.

“I think consistency will be the key for us this weekend,” said Hounds linebacker AJ Garcia. “We will need an all-out effort from every one of us in order to have a successful tournament.”

Despite the recent rain fall, Mother Nature hasn’t slowed down the Hounds.

“We have prepared for this weekend through the 7on7 leagues and tournaments,” said Hounds quarterback Jacob Cavazos. “After our strength and conditioning, we will go out and work on something’s together.”

The Hounds will be in Pool G and will play on field three. San Benito will square off against Richmond George Ranch, Huntsville and Conroe Oak Ridge. Another Valley school that will be at the tournament is Mission Veterans.

The Patriots will be in Pool D and will play on field four. The Patriots will meet Alief Taylor, Sam Houston and John Cooper.

Game times are slated for 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. and the quarterfinal games set to begin at 8 p.m.

“We’re not familiar with the teams in our pool, but we’re not taking any of them for granted,” Cavazos said. “Our plan is to take it one game at a time.”

Division I schools will kickoff the state tournament Friday June 29th at the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station. The Hounds are looking to reach the state tournament for the fourth time and for the first time since the 2007 season.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

MERCEDES — The Tigers are in a familiar spot this time of year. Although this year’s squad doesn’t have the household names like Matt and Marc Ledesma or Roger Adame, this year’s new look 7on7 squad is heading back to the state 7on7 tournament in College Station.

Mercedes will hit the road next week with the tournament slated to start Friday June 29th for division I teams.

“ Reaching the state tournament for a third straight year is a great feeling, we proved the doubters wrong,” said incoming senior linebacker Juan Morales. “It’s an honor for us to represent the RGV and the city of Mercedes and we’re excited to go up there and compete against the best in the state.”

The last two years, Mercedes has had successful runs in College Station. Last summer the Tigers reached the semifinals in the consolation bracket and had signature wins against Lufkin, Corsicana and Timberview.

In pool play, Mercedes went 2-1 but found themselves in the consolation bracket. Despite that, the Tigers went 3-1 in consolation play before bowing out to Hutto in the semis. Over all the Tigers went 5-2 in two days.

The pools for the state tourney won’t be announced until later this week. Five players return from last year’s team highlighted by Sonny Vela and Sammy Galindo.

New starting QB Israel Alegria is getting his shot to lead the offense and has found his stride with his receiving core. Alegria will have a veteran target in Galindo and will also look to Leeroy Garcia as well.

“ We’re all close friends, myself and the receiving core,” Alegria said. “We call each other up and will go run routes and practice our timing. We have worked together since our freshman year, so I have a good idea on what the guys like to run. I know for a fact my guys have confidence in themselves, and as a QB that helps me trust them even more.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

MISSION — There was no shortage of star power Tuesday night at the 2018 All-Valley Sports Awards Banquet.

Seven awards were brought home to the Harlingen area, including San Benito whose football team won the 6A Boys Team of the Year award, edging out McAllen High baseball and La Joya Juarez-Lincoln soccer.

“This year, as a team, it was a goal for us to become a family and we did that,” said Hounds quarterback Erick Retta. “It’s an amazing honor to be named the 6A Team of the Year. It was an extremely competitive district. Our team put in so much work and the district was tough, but I felt we had the best team in the district.”

For a second straight year, Santa Rosa basketball highlighted the hoops world. Last year Leo Lara won both Sub-6A Male Athlete of the Year and was named the Boys Basketball Player of the Year as well.

This year, senior point guard AB Lozoya represented the Warriors as Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

“To represent our school another year is awesome,” Lozoya said.

Lara texted Lozoya as soon as he won the award, congratulating his former teammate.

“Leo told me that I deserved it. I was unsure if I was going to win it or not, but it’s an honor to win this award and to wrap up my career on a high note. I didn’t see it ending this way, but I’m glad it did,” added Lozoya

Warriors coach Johnny Cipriano won Boys Coach of the Year award for a second straight year, beating out Weslaco East head football coach Mike Burget and San Benito head football coach Dan Gomez.

“It’s a great way to end the year,” Cipriano said. “I felt we accomplished a lot this year. As a program we had different athletes and teams have successful seasons, and winning these awards makes it more special. Thank God for giving us the ability to do what we do, thanks to my family who supports me and to the kids who believe in the program. It’s a big accomplishment to win Coach of the Year again, but, again, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my athletes.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors basketball team was tabbed Sub-6A Boys Team of the Year, edging out Mission Veterans football and Valley View soccer.

“This was very special; all year we were doubted,” Lozoya said. “We made state again this year and we as a team deserved it, especially Coach Cipriano. It’s tough to do what he does and get a new group of guys and make it back to state.”

On the track, Santa Maria’s Kristen Aleman won the Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year award as just a sophomore.

Finally, Harlingen South wrapped up another strong year on the tennis court with a pair of winners as Jorge Garcia and Kara Lemarr both brought home the Boys and Girls Tennis Player of the Year honors.

ALL-VALLEY SPORTS AWARDS WINNERS

Boys cross country
-Cruz Gomez, PSJA Memorial
Girls cross country
-Kristen Aleman, Santa Maria
Volleyball player
-Jackelyn Alanis, McAllen Rowe
Football player
-Landry Gilpin, Mission Veterans
Girls basketball player
-Jocy Amaya, Rio Grande City
Boys basketball player
-AB Lozoya, Santa Rosa
Boys soccer player
-Mario De Los Santos, Valley View
Girls soccer player
-Katie Watson, Sharyland
Boys tennis player
-Jorge Garcia, Harlingen South
Girls tennis player
-Kara Lemarr, Harlingen South
Boys golfer
-Jun Min Lee, Sharyland
Girls golfer
-Julie Lucio, Brownsville Veterans
Boys swimmer
-Shaine Casas, McAllen
Girls swimmer
-Stacia Benitez, McAllen Memorial
Boys track
-Dominic Cavazos, Mercedes
Girls track
-Bianca Cardenas
Softball player
-Cassie Valdez, Brownsville Veterans
Baseball player
-Aaron Nixon, McAllen
Boys wrestler
-Caleb Muniz, Weslaco
Girls wrestler
-Serena Cervantes, McAllen
6A Female Athlete of the Year
-Serena Cervantes, McAllen
6A Male Athlete of the Year
-Shaine Casas, McAlen and Sebastian Gonzales, Los Fresnos
Sub-6A Female Athlete of the Year
-Cassie Valdez, Brownsville Veterans
Sub-6A Make Athlete of the Year
-Kai Money, Brownsville St. Joseph
6A Girls Team of the Year
-McAllen soccer
6A Boys Team of the Year
-San Benito football
Sub-6A Girls Team of the Year
-Sharyland golf
Sub-6A Boys Team of the Year
-Santa Rosa basketball
Boys Coach of the Year
-Johnny Cipriano, Santa Rosa (basketball)
Girls Coach of the Year
-Patrick Arney, McAllen (soccer)
6A Program of the Year
-McAllen
Sub-6A Program of the Year
-Brownsville Veterans

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

RIO HONDO — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats have found their new girls basketball coach.

Earlier this week, the Rio Hondo ISD school board named former San Benito assistant basketball coach Lori Garcia the program’s head new coach.

She replaces Robert Jaramillo at the position. This will be Garcia’s first head coaching position as she spent the last four years as a varsity assistant under head coach Abel Moreno at San Benito.

“I’m beyond excited for the opportunity,” Garcia said. “It may sound like a cliché, but I’m finally living my dream. I’ve wanted this shot for a long time and when the opportunity opened up, I jumped on it. Everything felt right and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Garcia is no stranger to Rio Hondo. When she was a child, Garcia played basketball in the Deep River summer leagues, and is also from San Benito and played basketball, volleyball, track and softball.

“Living in San Benito, we’re just down the road from Rio Hondo. Seeing them play sports and watching them as a coach has always been a pleasure. I have always had a great amount of respect for Rio Hondo and their athletics,” Garcia said.

Rio Hondo athletic director Rocky James had high praise for his new hoops coach.

“Coach Garcia was highly recommended to me by some basketball coaches that I really respect,” said James. “I feel she is going to do a great job with our Lady Bobcats basketball program.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

McALLEN — For the first time in program history, Raymondville is heading to the state 7on7 tournament in College Station later this month.

Raymondville opened up pool play at the McAllen qualifying tournament on Saturday with a 42-35 loss to Pleasanton, but rebounded with a 21-12 win over Ingleside, then squeezed passed Hidalgo 12-8 to go 2-1 in pool play and finish as the No. 2 seed in their group.

In the semifinals, the Kats faced a familiar opponent in Rio Hondo. On Thursday in the Harlingen 7on7 league, Rio Hondo came out with a win. On Saturday, however, Raymondville exacted its revenge and got past their rival 20-19 to punch their ticket to state.

“We realized in the final 20 minutes that it was do or die,” said Raymondville receiver Zaraivion Armendarez. “We wanted it more, and we have a lot of seniors on this team and making state was a goal we set two months ago when we started 7on7 practice.”

Armendarez hauled in a pair of touchdowns against Rio Hondo and was in sync with quarterback Jacob Posas all day.

Incoming senior Marcus Capetillo also played a strong role in Raymondville’s march to state, and Saturday’s win was extra special given the Kats had never reached the state tournament.

“It was intense and there was a lot of energy,” Capetillo said. “This is something we have been wanting for the last three years. For us seniors this was our last shot and now that we made it we’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting; it was hot today, but it is something we’re used to.”

HOW THEY FAIRED: La Feria won its first game in pool play by forfeit against Port Isabel as the Tarpons were a no-show at Saturday’s qualifier. In the second game, the Lions fell to Rio Hondo 32-0, but rallied to beat La Villa 21-19 to reach the semis where they bowed out to Pleasanton 52-34. Pleasanton will join Raymondville at the state tournament. La Feria finished the day with a 2-2 record.

Despite the loss against Raymondville, Rio Hondo went 3-0 in pool play with wins over La Feria and La Villa. On the day the Bobcats went 3-1.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — It may only be June, but the high school volleyball season is just around the corner and several area teams began their summer league play earlier this week.

Sixteen teams make up the San Benito summer league, including host San Benito, Harlingen High, Harlingen South and Brownsville Hanna, who represent District 32-6A. Weslaco High, Weslaco East, Lyford and Raymondville are a few other teams involved.

For those that are fans of District 32-6A volleyball, they will get an early look at what the league will present come the fall. San Benito will play Harlingen next week, Hanna will meet San Benito and the Bird Bowl is also on tap.

The Lady Hounds picked up a sweep against Lyford on Friday as they are looking to replace a few of their offensive weapons from last season. Both Crystal Ibarra and Kayleen Reyes are two of those weapons.

Incoming senior libero Sarah Garcia sees the summer league as a way to improve and gear up for the fall.

“We’re working on improving our chemistry and communication,” Garcia said. “We have some new girls on the team so I’m learning how to work with them and we’re getting in sync. We’re letting the younger girls gain some confidence and letting them play their game.”

Harlingen South also picked up a win on Friday against Raymondville. The Lady Hawks missed out on the playoffs last season but have a hand full of returners this year and are eager to right the wrong.

Mya Pearl Aguirre is going to be a junior this coming school year and is going on year three on the varsity.

Aguirre, like Garcia, sees the summer league as a time to stay in shape, and work on techniques.

“Our goal is to get stronger,” Aguirre said. “Right now wins and losses aren’t a big deal but, hey, a win is always good. We’re focusing on the upcoming season. Our serve-receive and blocking are a few things we’re working on right now. Communication is important and that is something we are doing well at. We’re excited that the season is around the corner and we can’t wait, but for now we’re focused on the summer league.”

League games are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through June 27 at San Benito High School.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Teams from across the region will compete today in the Division II 7on7 state qualifying tournament at the McAllen Sports Park.

Pool play will begin at 9 a.m.

Rio Hondo, Port Isabel, La Feria and La Villa will all be in Pool A while Hidalgo and Raymondville will be joined by Pleasanton, Ingleside in Pool B.

The Bobcats reached the state tournament for the first time last summer and are shooting for their second straight trip to College Station.

“We have been getting our chemistry down with the receivers and quarterback,” said Rio Hondo receiver Frank Hernandez. “The timing is another thing we have improved on, and our defense is continuing to work on their coverages. We’re ready and excited to get a shot to make it back to state.”

Port Isabel has reached state twice in 2012 and 2013, La Feria went in 2015 and 2016 and La Villa is one small school that has a rich history of reaching state. The Cards went in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Hidalgo punched its ticket in 2010, 2015 and 2017, while Raymondville is looking for their first trip to state.

“We have prepared for this upcoming weekend both mentally and physically,” said La Feria quarterback Dorian Hernandez. “Our key this weekend is to rely on our speed and find mismatches that we like on offense.

“One important key will be to motivate each other and pick each other up throughout the tournament. We have an amazing team and we’re enjoying the 7on7 experience.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — La Feria is gearing up for their McAllen State Qualifying Tournament this weekend. The Lions are one of many small schools from across the state that will be looking to punch their ticket to the state 7 on 7 tournament later this month in College Station.

McAllen’s state qualifier will be La Feria’s second attempt to reach state. This past weekend, La Feria fell a game shy at the Rockport-Fulton qualifier.

“I felt that we played really well offensively this past weekend in Corpus,” said Lions quarterback Dorian Hernandez. “Our offense was on the same page and our defense made plays, we just came up a bit short.”

The Lions narrowly missed out on the state tournament last summer at the McAllen qualifier and are looking for better outcome this time around.
While the pools haven’t been released for this weekend’s qualifier, La Feria has an idea on who they will see.

Raymondville, Port Isabel, Hidalgo, La Villa and Rio Hondo are just some of the familiar names that will be in this weekend’s tournament. The Lions are shooting for their third trip to College Station. 2015 and 2016 were the last two years La Feria reached the state tournament.

“Our key this weekend is to rely on our speed,” Hernandez said. “We want to find some mismatches that we like on offense, but the biggest key for us will be to motivate each other and have each other’s backs.”

Hernandez will have some solid targets on offense in Darius Hernandez, Noah Conde and Eric Alegria.

“I feel great running the offense, I ran it last year and I felt great,” said Hernandez. “I’m so glad to have such an amazing team alongside me. Together we have fun and enjoy our time on the field. Right now we’re enjoying the 7 on 7 experience.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SANTA ROSA — It took a little longer than expected, but Alex Ayala secured his college future by signing his letter of intent to run tack at Central Methodist University Thursday afternoon.

Ayala, who was a three sport athlete, played football, golf and track is unsure of what events he will run at Central Methodist, but is open to whatever events CMU will offer.

“Today means a lot. Ever since I was little, I wanted to compete at the next level,” Ayala said. “Some of my family couldn’t make it today, but I’m thankful for all of my family’s support, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ayala had a strong senior season, as he finished first in the 300-meter hurdles at the District 32-3A meet and finished first in the area-round meet and second at regionals.

“It was a fun experience getting to talk to different schools and being able to meet different people,” Ayala said. “The coaches at CMU were very nice and made me feel comfortable. There was just something about it that made me feel at home.”

Ayala qualified for state his junior and senior year. Last year Ayala finished in eighth place in the 300-meter hurdles and this year Ayala finished in third place with a 39.14 time, improving from his junior season.

“When I visited campus, I was able to meet some of my new teammates and I got to know them,” said Ayala. “It was a bit stressful, because I knew I wanted to compete at the next level, it was just a matter of where. Now that I signed, I’m excited and ready to get to work, it’s really a weight lifted off my shoulders.”