KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

For the second year in a row, the Santa Rosa Warriors were the last basketball team from the Valley left standing.

Senior point guard AB Lozoya carried the torch for the Warriors this year and helped guide Santa Rosa to its second straight state tourna-ment.

Lozoya dazzled on the court and displayed leadership on and off the court. In the playoffs against Corpus Christi London, he dropped a ca-reer high 40 points that sent the Warriors to the regional tournament, and against San Antonio Cole, he scored 34 and punched his team’s ticket to state.

The senior point guard was named this year’s Valley Moring Star All-STAR Most Valuable Player.

The Valley Morning Star got a chance to catch up with Lozoya.

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Q: What does it mean to you to be named MVP?
A: We’re known for being a basketball school and to win the MVP is great. Most people judge me by my size and I’m the smallest guy on the court, but winning this for Santa Rosa is great.

Q: What is your game day routine like?
A: Other than trying to wear the same clothes on a game day, I try and do the same thing and that’s warm up and then get dressed, pray and hit the court. The night before, I watch film and study.

Q: Who is your favorite super hero?
A: It has to be The Flash; I just love the way he runs.

Q: Would you rather have free Wi-Fi or have your cell phone never die?
A: I’d rather have free Wi-Fi because I can charge my phone anywhere but with free Wi-Fi I wouldn’t have to pay for any mobile data.

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I’d have to say “Toy Story.” Woody is my favorite character and I just love the movie. It’s great.

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Arellano’s big season leads to Offensive Player of the Year honors

Harlingen High made its return to the postseason this year, but endured plenty of lumps along the way.

Despite the obstacles, the Cards got hot and made it all the way to the regional quarterfinals.

Their catalyst was junior point guard Michael Arellano, who directed the offense all season long.

In the Cardinals’ playoff game against McAllen Memorial, Arellano suffered a torn ACL and a minor tear in his meniscus.

Before the injury, however, Arellano averaged 19 points per game and 3.4 steals per game.

For his tremendous season, Arellano was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the hoopster.
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Q: How much fun was this season for you?
A: You can’t judge us on where we finished in district. We played tough teams in district and it helped us prepare for the playoffs. I guess, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Q: What was your favorite memory from this season?
A: It would be the Bird Bowl; we were able to sweep Harlingen South and we hadn’t done that in a long time. Last year we lost twice to them and this year being able to sweep them was big for us.

Q: What is your pre-game routine?
A: I warm up and stretch; I try and do all my stretches and keep everything the same. I then go into the locker room and pray.

Q: Who is your favorite DC comic book character?
A: It has to be Superman. He is indestructible and he can do anything, and show that anything is possible.

Q: What does it mean to you to be named Offensive Player of the Year?
A: It’s a blessing to win this award; none of this would have been possible without God. I thank him for everything; even though I got hurt, I can’t question it because it’s God testing me, and I need to get stronger and get ready to come back next season.”

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Tige Johnson named All- STAR Defensive Player of the Year

San Perlita sophomore Tige Johnson is no stranger to athletics.

Johnson, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to a military family, moved to the small Willacy Country town when he was 7 years old.
Johnson’s older brother played basketball for the Trojans from 2012-15 and his mother also played basketball from 1982-86.

Johnson has kept the family legacy going and has emerged as one of the top big men in the Valley.

This year he averaged a double-double by scoring 17.4 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. He also averaged 3.6 blocks per game.

Despite his offensive prowess, his defensive skills are second to none and, as a result, Johnson was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Defensive Player of the Year.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the Trojans big man.
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Q: What were some things you worked on defensively this offseason that helped you improve your game?
A: I worked on my legs for speed and jumping. In the weight room I worked on my strength, and several eye and hand coordination drills to help improve with offense and defense.

Q: Who was the toughest player you had to guard this year and why?
A: I take every challenge very seriously, but I would have to say my biggest challenges came during playoff situations. Of course, every game before then prepared me well in all aspects of offense and defense.

Q: What was your best memory from this past season?
A: My best memory this year is our back-to-back deep playoff runs. We worked very hard to get where we got. Also this honor of being named Defensive Player of the Year will be most memorable as well.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: Off the court I am an outdoors kind of guy. I love going fishing as often as I can and I love the beach. And when I’m not outdoors you can find me playing video games with my friends.

Q: What does being named Defensive Player of the Year mean to you?
A: It is such a great honor. I have worked so very hard and this proves to me that hard work does pay off.

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Herrera named Valley Morning All-STAR Newcomer of the Year

San Perlita freshman James Herrera got a taste of playing at the varsity level right off the bat.

The ninth grader displayed a steady hand at the point guard/shooting guard position and served as the team’s sixth man.

Despite being a freshman, Herrera didn’t shy away from the spotlight and helped the Trojans to another district title and deep postseason run.

For his efforts, Herrera was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.

The Star had a chance to catch up with Herrera.
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Q: Who was the first person you told that you made it on the varsity team?
A: When I made varsity the first person I told was my dad.

Q: How have you adjusted to the varsity level?
A: I got used to all the running and the fast pace. Also, I’m used to going up against way bigger guys then me.

Q: What was the biggest challenge for you playing at the varsity level?
A: My biggest challenge was me trying to guard a person taller and faster than me. But I got used to it quickly.

Q: What are some things you plan on working on in the offseason?
A: I want to get better at my 3-pointers and my driving in the lane.

Q: What does being named Newcomer of the Year mean to you?
A: It means a lot because I was the first person that did it in my family.

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VMS All-STAR Team

MVP
AB Lozoya, Santa Rosa
OFFENSIVE POY
Michael Arellano, Harlingen
DEFENSIVE POY
Tige Johnson, San Perlita
NEWCOMER
James Herrera, San Perlita
COACH OF THE YEAR
Johnny Cipriano, Santa Rosa

FIRST TEAM

Ryan Perez, Santa Rosa
Aaron Briones, Harlingen South
Matthew Sesler, Harlingen
Jeremy Vasquez, Harlingen
Victor Galvan, San Perlita

SECOND TEAM

Chanz Love, Harlingen South
Jaime Zaller, San Perlita
Rene Castillo, Harlingen
Layne Klostermann, Lyford
Jay Guerra, Santa Rosa

HONORABLE MENTION

Sean Turrubiates, Harlingen South
Aaron Medrano, San Benito
Brandon Bennett, Harlingen South
Jonah Agado, Santa Rosa

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats continue to roll through District 32-4A and on Thursday improved to 9-0 in league play with a 12-2 win over Raymondville.

A key part to the team’s offense has been the hot bat of freshman Abbie Torris. Against Port Isabel on March 23, Torris went 4 for 5 and on Tuesday she was 3 for 3 at the plate with four RBIs. Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Torris kept the hot bat going with another three-hit night.

Because of her strong offensive performances, Torris is this week’s Valley Morning Star’s female Player of the Week.

“I’m excited to be named player of the week,” Torris said. “I use the motivation I get from the seniors, especially from my cousin, Bianca Cruz. They’re my biggest supporters and they inspire me to do my best.”

Torris is off to a strong start this season as she leads the club in hits with 39, RBIs with 27 and leads the team at the plate with a .641 average.

“Right now I’m seeing the ball very well. I go to the plate and take it one pitch at a time,” she said. “Our recent win against Progreso was great for us because it was a continuation of how well we’re playing as a team and it’s great to stay perfect in district play.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Beating a team twice in the same season is never an easy task.

On Thursday, Harlingen High went toe to toe with crosstown rival Harlingen South and nearly pulled of the upset. However, the Lady Hawks used a four-run first inning then relied on their defense to hang on for a 4-2 win and complete the Bird Bowl sweep.

“Tonight’s game was tough and it goes back to how tough our district is,” said South skipper Elias Martinez. “We both brought our A-games tonight and this is what we want; we want to be battle tested. I would have liked to have scored more runs, sure, but we’re just glad to pick up the win and I’m proud of the girls. Harlingen is a tough team and much improved. My hat’s off to them.”

South’s offense came in the first inning. Krystal Gonzales reached on a fielder’s choice and later scored on a passed ball to give the Lady Hawks an early 1-0 lead.

After a base hit by Kytana Muniz and a walk from Alyssa Ledesma, sophomore slugger Christina Arellano belted a three-run homer that put the Lady Hawks up 4-0.

Despite the four-run first, Harlingen High sophomore hurler Zoe Rosas silenced the big bats of Harlingen South. Rosas pitched a complete game and retired 15 of the last 18 batters she faced. She allowed a single in the second inning and didn’t allow a hit the rest of the way.

The Lady Cards have now dropped two straight, but are still in the fourth spot in District 32-6A with a 4-4 record and will travel to Brownsville Rivera on Tuesday.

“The girls picked up the momentum and that is something they have been working on,” said Harlingen coach Nora Aguilar. “They kept the momentum up tonight and they have the physical side of it down. It’s the mental side of it; once we keep that up we will be good. Tonight they came out and had fun, I tell the kids it’s not about the result, it’s about the process. The kids came out and played well and I’m proud of them.”

Rosas counterpart, senior pitcher Kaitlynn De La Fuente, was also effective on Thursday. Her only blemish came in the sixth inning when Harlingen rallied for two runs. Emily Garcia added the second run on a RBI double with one out. De La Fuente finished the night with seven strikeouts and gave up two runs on five hits.

Up next for the Lady Hawks (8-0) is a home game against Los Fresnos (2-6) at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“Our defense has been playing great all year long and Kaitlynn has been pitching great for us all year, too,” Martinez said. “Everyone in this district is getting better; this was a good game for us. If we can get a lead early on, we can then lean on our defense.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — San Benito’s Miranda Vallejo secured her college future Wednesday afternoon as she signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Schreiner University in Kerrville.

“Today was very nerve wracking, but exciting at the same time,” she said. “I had gotten a few other offers from up state and Schreiner also reached out to me, and I set up a visit and went to Kerrville. What drew me there was my career choice; I plan to major in education and kinesiology.”

Vallejo was a four-year member of the Lady Hounds varsity and was a part of two bi-district titles her junior and senior seasons. This past season she took the next step and developed into one of the Valleys top scorers.

“This year our team worked hard and I worked hard as well so being able to play at the next level is a blessing, and it’s great to see my work pay off,” she said. “I’ve been playing since I was in sixth grade, but it wasn’t until I was in eighth grade when I realized I had a love for the game, and being out on the court is a place where I’m very comfortable.”

This year the senior guard had a hand in the Lady Hounds’ District 32-6A title and helped pick up signature wins against Weslaco High and Harlingen High.

Vallejo averaged 16.5 points per game and 3.35 assists per game. For her career she netted 539 points and amassed 76 steals.

“I’m proud of the Valley, it will always be my home, and I’m proud of all the athletes that have signed and will be playing at the next level,” she said. “My teammates will always be my family, even if I get new ones next year. I want to thank the athletes I played against for making me a better player.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — In Tuesday’s first meeting of this year’s softball Battle of the Arroyo, San Benito needed a spark to get their offense going.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third inning, the Lady Hounds got that pick me up from senior Joanna Gonzalez.

Gonzalez swatted a two-run home run that hugged the foul pole and stayed fair. The long ball gave the Lady Hounds the momentum and the lead.

Meanwhile in the circle, junior Sarah Garcia shook off a first-inning run, settled in and shut out the Lady Cards over the next six frames en route to a 7-1 win.

“I went to the plate, thinking, I need to move the runner over and get a base hit,” Gonzalez said. “I ended up hitting a homer and it felt great. At first I thought it was foul but it stayed fair. Right now we’re playing together and we have picked up the energy and I like that. We finished the first round strong and we’re looking to keep that going in the second round (of district play).”

Gonzalez finished the night 3 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Teammate AJ Jasso chipped in with a 2 for 3 night with a pair of RBIs.

With the win, San Benito improved to 6-1 through the first round of District 32-6A play while Harlingen is still in good shape with a 4-3 re-cord. San Benito will start the second round with a road game at Los Fresnos on Thursday. Meanwhile, Harlingen will turn around and play at league-leading Harlingen South.

“The kids are just connecting at the plate right now,” said San Benito coach Denise Lira. “The girls are very resilient at the plate, they battle well and try and make the most of every opportunity at the plate.”

The hits for San Benito came at the right time. The Lady Hounds’ first six runs all came with two outs. After Gonzalez’s two run homer, Jasso hit a solo homer in the fourth inning that pushed the lead to 3-1.

In the fifth inning, Stephanie Lopez added a two-run single, followed by an RBI single by Gonzalez that put the game on ice at 6-1.

“Overall we take it one game at a time,” Lira said. “After the South loss we needed to find ourselves and we did. The girls figured it out and continue to work hard in practice and we continue to take it one game at a time, and I’m proud of them for their fight. The kids have done a great job of staying in the zone and being patient.”

Garcia pitched a complete game and only allowed one run on an RBI double by Emily Garcia in the first inning. After that Garcia kept the Lady Cards at bay. Garcia yielded six hits and struck out seven.

“I was just staying ahead in the count,” Garcia said. “That was important for me to stay ahead in the count and to figure out where I can attack. This is a big win for us. Right now we’re playing with confidence. Right now the communication is great and our chemistry is great, and we’re improving each game.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

PORT ISABEL — On Saturday, Rio Hondo proved they’re still the team to beat in District 32-4A.

After beating Zapata on Tuesday, the Lady Cats once again turned to their ace, Annie Alvarado, who delivered a complete-game shutout while freshman Abbie Torris led the offense in an 11-0 win against Port Isabel.

“On Wednesday, we worked on our hitting and I went over some things that I needed to fix,” said Rio Hondo right fielder Atheny Orozco. “I was able to take what the coaches taught me and it worked today. Today’s win is big for us and to finish the first half of district unbeaten is big for us moving forward into the second half.”

The Lady Cats held a 2-0 lead into the fifth inning when their offense came alive and scored six runs. The Lady Cats took advantage of a pair of errors that put Dominique De Jesus and Torris on base.

A pair of RBIs from Nayeli Garcia and Bianca Cruz extended the Lady Cats’ lead to 7-0. The seven runs were more than enough run support for Alvarado, who retired the first nine batters she faced until she gave up a single in the fourth inning.

Port Isabel managed to work with a base hit and a walk to load the bases with two outs. But Alvarado quickly ended the threat and got out of the frame unscathed by punching out the next PI batter.

The senior hurler finished the game with 11 strikeouts, gave up just two walks and allowed only three hits.

“The kids are playing great defense behind Annie,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “Today was another game where she had a no-hitter going until the fourth inning; she keeps us calm. We know our hits will come so the kids stayed calm and Annie has been pitching very well for us. I’m very proud of her and what she did for us this week against Zapata and Port Isabel.”

Torris, who is a freshman, went 4 for 5, Garcia finished 2 for 3 with two walks and two runs scored, and Orozco chipped in with a 3-for-4 day with two runs scored.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The Harlingen Lady Cardinals continue to roll as they won their third straight game on Friday in a 10-1 victory over Brownsville Hanna. The Lady Cards are now 4-2 in District 32-6A and tied with Weslaco High.

Junior hurler Carla Arellano pitched a complete game, yielding one run on four hits and with eight strikeouts.

Meanwhile, there was no shortage of offense as Harlingen clubbed six doubles. Bri Garza and Emily Garcia each had two. Garcia was 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI while Garza wound up 2 for 3. As a team, the Lady Cards finished with 17 hits and drew six walks.

Up next is a road test at San Benito at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

HARLINGEN SOUTH: The train continues to roll for the Lady Hawks as they improved their 32-6A record to 6-0 with an 8-0 win at Weslaco East on Friday.

South will now host Brownsville Rivera on Tuesday and are looking to finish the first round of league play unbeaten.

LYFORD: The Lady Bulldogs began District 32-3A play with a bang as they needed only three innings to secure a 15-0 win over Monte Alto on Friday.

Senior pitcher Evelyn Ortiz faced only 10 batters and struck out five. Jerrica Rojas, Ayleen Castillo and Leilani Salazar all collected three hits each in the win.

Up next is a home game against Edinburg IDEA Quest at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

RIO HONDO: The Lady Cats are in the driver seat in District 32-4A with a 7-0 record and have won convincing games this week against Za-pata (6-1) and Port Isabel (5-2).

The second half of the league season begins Tuesday at Raymondville with the first pitch slated for 7 p.m.

Against Port Isabel on Saturday, freshman Abbie Torris swatted four hits and on Tuesday against Zapata she was 4 for 4 with a double and four runs.

On Saturday, Rio Hondo’s starting lineup consisted of three freshmen in Torris, Kelsey Pizarro and Dominique De Jesus. Nayeli Garcia is the lone sophomore followed by four seniors in Annie and Abbie Alvarado, April Adames and Bianca Cruz.

“I have a patient approach at the plate; I sit and wait for the pitch,” said Torris. “It was hard at first coming up to the varsity level; I would strike out a lot, but I’ve gotten used to the speed of the game and the pitching. The older girls have helped me, too. I’ve settled in well and I’m having fun.”

SAN BENITO: The Lady Hounds answered the bell Friday night against Weslaco High as their offense erupted for 13 hits and seven runs in a 7-4 win.

San Benito (5-1) has now won two straight and are back in the 32-6A title race with Harlingen South (6-0). The Lady Hounds will finish the first half of district play on Tuesday at home against Harlingen High.

The Lady Hounds used a five-run first inning, an Audrey Huerta grand slam and a two-run homer in the fifth by Meagan Ybarra to seal the victory.

“Hitting is contagious,” said San Benito coach Denise Lira. “Who wouldn’t want to score five runs in the first inning and to get it in the first inning helped out our pitcher and our team. We were able to come in with a relaxed but focused mindset, and we were able to take it one game at a time.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — In a pivotal District 32-6A meeting, the San Benito Lady Greyhounds took care of business against Weslaco High.

The Lady Hounds got a grand slam from Audrey Huerta and a two-run moon shot from Meagan Ybarra that fueled an important 7-4 win Fri-day night.

The Lady Hounds have rebounded in a nice way after losing to Harlingen South last week. On Tuesday they picked up a win against Brownsville Hanna and, after Friday, are now 5-1 in league play – one game back of South.

Meanwhile, the Lady Panthers have dropped two straight and are 4-2 in district play. They wrap up the first round of league play on Tuesday at home against Los Fresnos.

“It was good for us to turn it around this week,” San Benito coach Denise Lira said. “We know one loss does not define our season, but we talk about how competitive this district is and we approach it one game at a time. These two wins this week were big for the kids and their moral, and to get back into the swing of things.”

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, San Benito’s offense came out hot. Deztiny Hernandez began the rally with a one-out double which was followed by four straight hits. The big hit came on a grand slam by Huerta to give San Benito a 5-1 lead.

“Coach Lira wanted to us to work the count at the plate,” Huerta said. “I just saw the ball slow down and I knew I had to swing; I knew it was gone when I hit the bat. In the outfield tonight we played very well and made plays; we needed to back up our pitcher and that’s what we did.”

The early run support aided starting pitcher Eliana Carrizales, who threw a complete game while giving up four runs.

“Our backs where against the wall and our defense backed her (Eliana) up,” Lira said of her pitcher. “The focus was there and she did an amazing job for us in the circle.”

Despite Weslaco falling in a hole early, the Lady Panthers rallied in both the third and sixth innings. But Ybarra’s two-run dinger in the fifth was the insurance runs the Lady Hounds needed as they extended their lead to 7-2.

Carrizales managed to wiggle out of both bases-loaded spots she found herself in to keep Weslaco at bay. In the third inning, Weslaco tacked on one run and cut the lead to 5-2. It was the sixth inning, however, where Weslaco made it interesting after a run and a solo home run by Amberly Barrera that cut into the lead at 7-4. But Carrizales got a strikeout to end the threat.

“This was a big week for us; we bounced back well as a team,” Ybarra said. “It was important for us to come back strong after the Harlingen South game. This week we worked hard and prepared for tonight and it showed. We brought the intensity tonight and it’s important for us to play with that intensity all game long.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Lady Cardinals softball team has found a grove over the last few weeks.

The Lady Cards are currently 3-2 in District 32-6A and are alive and well in the playoff.

Sophomore shortstop Eneli Garza has anchored the middle infield and is having a strong first half of the league season.

Against Los Fresnos on Tuesday, she went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a walk.

The Lady Red Birds look to make it three in a row when they host Brownsville Hanna tonight at 7.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Garza.
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Q: The halfway point of the league season is here. How has the season been for you so far?
A: It’s been a great season so far. We’ve had good games and not so good games, but overall pretty good.

Q: What is the hardest part about playing the shortstop position?
A: It is a little stressful because most of the hard shots get hit there, and I need to stop them and make a good throw and try to talk to everyone on the field.

Q: On game days do you have a specific routine?
A: I make sure I eat a little good meal then take out my game day playlist to start getting ready to mentally prepare for the game.

Q: What is your biggest superstition?
A: My first superstition is I can’t step on the white chalk and I knock on my helmet two times before while I’m batting. I feel like it’s good luck.

Q: Who is your favorite NCAA softball team?
A: I like to watch all NCAA teams, but my favorite would probably have to be the Oklahoma Sooners.

Q: Who is your favorite softball or baseball player and why?
A: Derek Jeter because he was No. 2 and played shortstop so well that I loved to watch him play.

Q: You wear No. 2. Is there any meaning behind it?
A: Not really. I’ve been No. 2 since tee-ball and I’ve just always kept it.

Q: If you could have one super power what would it be and why?
A: I would want to be invisible so I could get away and no one would know where I’d go.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: I might always look serious, but I’m always cracking jokes, talking away and dancing to every song I hear. I like to have fun.

Q: If you could have dinner with any one in history who would it be and why?
A: Probably would have to be Rihanna because I love all her music and would like to know where her inspiration to write music comes from.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

In District 32-6A, Harlingen High hasn’t backed down from the opposition and has won two straight to quietly improve to 3-2 in league play.

One key to the Lady Red Birds’ recent success has been the play of sophomore second baseman Zoe Rosas, who has had a hand in Harlingen’s wins in the circle as well as at the infield position.

Harlingen got wins against Weslaco East 10-3 and a 14-3 thrashing against Los Fresnos.

In a 10-3 win against Weslaco East, Rosas went 2 for 4 with a walk and in a 14-3 thrashing vs. Los Fresnos on Tuesday she was 1 for 4 at the plate with an RBI.

For her efforts, Rosas was named this week’s Valley Morning Star female Player of the Week.

“It means a lot for me (to be named the player of the week.) I have been working hard all season,” she said. “I have been trying my best to help my team in any way. When I make a mistake, I just shake it off and keep playing. I’m feeling good right now and as a team we’re playing some good softball.

“I’ve felt good inside the circle and I have been feeling strong, too. At the plate, I’m seeing the ball really well. I go up to the plate with a posi-tive mindset, and I try and use all the fundamentals and just try to get on base.”