KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

San Benito made a return to the playoffs and saw its volleyball team win a bi-district title for the first time since the 2011 season.

The Lady Hounds were led by senior hitter Crystal Ibarra, who put a bow on her four years on the varsity squad. Ibarra amassed 198 kills and 134 digs this season and her efforts earned her The Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year award.

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Q: What does it mean to you to win the Offensive Player of the Year award?
A: It means more to me than you can imagine. I worked really hard this year coming back from last season’s injury and seeing that it all paid off is just awesome. I really appreciate my coach, team and family for always being there for me, and I hope I made them proud for receiving this award.

Q: Looking back on the last few years, what has been your best memory of playing volleyball for San Benito?
A: The best memory for me would probably be every time we would start two-a-days. Even though the practices were exhausting, as a team we got to really bond and get to know each other.

Q: Talk about having a strong senior season after last year’s mid-season injury?
A: After my injury, I was really sad that I couldn’t be there for my team. So making it to the playoffs and having a strong season really made me proud of my team and of myself.

Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: I am planning to go to college and study sociology, but I am still not sure what university I want to attend.

Q: Looking back at the season, what was your best moment?
A: That was probably when we won our first playoff game after I scored the match point. It was the greatest moment this season.

Q: Talk to me about your chemistry with Kayleen Reyes and the offense you two provided?
A: I have played with Kayleen since we were in middle school. It was easy for her to talk to me and visa versa. She was a great hitter and set-ter, and because of that we worked really well together.

Q: What will you miss the most about playing volleyball?
A: I will probably miss my team and the practices the most because I met the closest friends and made the greatest memories.

Q: What team was the toughest you faced this season?
A: The toughest team I faced this season was Brownsville Rivera. They were just a great team and I respect them a lot.

Q: What was it like as a senior to make the playoffs and set the bar high?
A: It was probably the most exciting moment I have felt all my four years of high school. My sisters are going to be freshmen next year so me leaving that behind for them to look up to really means a lot.

Q: If you could leave the younger girls a message what would it be?
A: Take advantage of every bus ride, pasta night and game because you never know when it can all be over.

2017 All-STAR Team

Coach of the Year
Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria

1st Team
-Naisah Garcia, Santa Rosa
-Bianca Cruz, Rio Hondo
-Annelle Rodriguez, Harlingen South
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Adrian Duran, Lyford
-Kayleen Reyes, San Benito

2nd Team
-Sarah Garcia, San Benito
-Skyler Ruiz, Santa Rosa
-Marialy Salinas, Lyford
-Destiny Martinez, La Feria
-Camreon Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Taegan Dickey, Harlingen

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Senior libero Julissa Munivez played a vital role for the Harlingen Lady Cardinals in 2017.

Munivez spent three years on the varsity, and accounted for 648 digs. For her efforts, she was named to the first team all-district squad and is this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Libero of the year winner.

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Q: Looking back on the last few years, what has been your best memory of playing volleyball for Harlingen High?
A: All the friendships that I have gained playing volleyball for Harlingen High will be ones I can cherish for a lifetime. We all started off as teammates, but we quickly grew to love each other like sisters.

Q: How tough is it to play the libero position?
A: Every year I improved as a defensive specialist, from reading the hitters’ hands to quickening up my reactions off the blocks. I have been playing the same defense since my sophomore year, but my coach switched it up in the beginning of this season. And although transitioning at a different angle was difficult, the more reps I got the easier it seemed.

Q: What was the best match you played this season?
A: Our playoff seeding match against the Hanna Lady Eagles. That win was going to determine a spot in the playoffs and I knew I needed to communicate more than usual to my teammates, and come through defensively if I wanted a good outcome. Even though we came up short, I knew I gave it everything I had.

Q: Looking back at the season, what was your best moment?
A: Making a comeback against McHi during our non-district play, and defeating Los Fresnos in a tournament matchup were the best mo-ments that made my season. Of course it didn’t count toward district, but in our hearts we faced the odds and proved everybody wrong, and that’s what meant the world to us. We played with our hearts, and all the love and joy we felt after those wins was an indescribable feeling that I will always remember.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: Lionel Messi would have to be one of my favorite athletes of all time. He is one of the world’s best soccer players and it’s so beautiful to watch him play. Moving the ball around so blissfully is a good site to watch.

Q: What will you miss the most about playing volleyball?
A: The adrenaline I got once the first ball was served, blasting to music while we warmed up and the long bus rides is what I will miss most about volleyball.

Q: What was the toughest gym you had to play in and why?
A: The Hanna gym had to be one of the toughest gyms we had to play in because it was so confined to the point where we felt the fans breathing down our necks. We had never beaten them on their home court and we were aware of that coming into play.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I want to attend St. Mary’s University in San Antonio to major in biology in order to pursue a career in the medical field. One day I want to become an OB-GYN because we simply do not have enough females in that field of medicine.

Q: If you could leave the younger girls a message what would it be?
A: Never take anything for granted. My volleyball career went by in the blink of an eye and if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would. Leaving everything you have on the court won’t make it easier to leave the game behind, but I will give you something to reminisce about. Love your team, respect your coaches and don’t forget why you started playing in first place.

Q: What does it mean to you to win the Libero of the Year award?
A: I have improved more in the 2017 volleyball season than I have in the last three years playing on varsity. This was because of the amazing coaching staff I was lucky enough to have come across my last year playing at Harlingen High. I wasn’t aware that I had been doing everything wrong (technique wise) for so long, but I grew out of old habits and tried my hardest to be coachable. I am very honored to receive this award and I couldn’t have done it without Coach Torres, Garza, Hoskins and Martinez.

2017 All-STAR TEAM

Coach of the Year
Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria

1st Team
-Naisah Garcia, Santa Rosa
-Bianca Cruz, Rio Hondo
-Annelle Rodriguez, Harlingen South
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Adrian Duran, Lyford
-Kayleen Reyes, San Benito

2nd Team
-Sarah Garcia, San Benito
-Skyler Ruiz, Santa Rosa
-Marialy Salinas, Lyford
-Destiny Martinez, La Feria
-Camreon Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Taegan Dickey, Harlingen

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Lyford senior middle blocker Ashley Rangel ended her high school career on a high note. Rangel was a part of what was a strong season for the Lady Bulldogs as they claimed a bi-district title and Rangel played a large role in that success.

Rangel nabbed 52 kills, 112 attacks, 31 digs and 49 blocks and, for that, was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.

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Q: What does it mean to you to win the Newcomer of the Year award?
A: It gives me great pride and I take it as an honor. It shows that I have worked hard throughout my years playing and my hard work paid off.

Q: Looking back on the last few years, what has been the best memory you have of playing volleyball for Lyford?
A: Learning and developing into the volleyball player I have come to be. When I started volleyball in middle school, I loved the game and as the years went by, my coaches taught me so many new skills and I am forever grateful to them.

Q: Tell us some things about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: I take my sports serious. While in the game, I wear a serious face but it is only because I’m focused on the game. Spectators may not un-derstand why I wear a serious face while others may be smiling and laughing. I’m focusing on myself and my performance, and what I need to do to help the team. I’m not perfect and I take my errors very seriously.

Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: My plans are to attend college. I am currently undecided where I will be going, but college is in my future. I am also considering the mili-tary. I would love the opportunity to serve my country as many of my family members have.

Q: Looking back at the season, what was your best moment?
A: My favorite memory from this past season was round one of the playoffs. My team played to the full meaning of teamwork, which allowed me to play to my full potential.

Q: Do you have a pregame meal?
A: No, not really.

Q: What will you miss the most about playing volleyball?
A: The challenge of facing off against great players at the net. I will miss the adrenaline of facing an opponent in mid-air, challenging them in an effort to overpower the ball.

Q: Talk to us about your playoff run and how special it was as a senior?
A: It brings me great pride to be part of a team that made it two rounds deep. As a team we stumbled a couple of times, but we managed to bring the team together for some amazing victories and personal accomplishments.

Q: Do you have any pre-game routine?
A: I would sit quietly and focus on the game. If I was familiar with the team we were about to play, I would think about my responsibility and what I needed to do to help bring my a team victory.

Q: What message would you give the younger girls on the team?
A: Stay focused and stay strong.

2017 All-STAR TEAM

Coach of the Year
Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria

1st Team
-Naisah Garcia, Santa Rosa
-Bianca Cruz, Rio Hondo
-Annelle Rodriguez, Harlingen South
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Adrian Duran, Lyford
-Kayleen Reyes, San Benito

2nd Team
-Sarah Garcia, San Benito
-Skyler Ruiz, Santa Rosa
-Marialy Salinas, Lyford
-Destiny Martinez, La Feria
-Camreon Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Taegan Dickey, Harlingen

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Harlingen South’s Annelle Rodriguez secured her future Friday afternoon by signing her letter of intent to play volleyball at Temple College next year.

“I feel relieved and excited; now I can look forward to the rest of my senior year,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited and blessed to continue play-ing the sport I love at the next level.”

Rodriguez, who also runs track, spent two years on the varsity volleyball team and played a big role for first-year coach Anissa Lucio.

“My advice to Annelle would be to trust her athletic ability and her natural talents,” Lucio said. “I want her to enjoy it. She is a great player and she will learn more, and get better and she will enjoy the experience. It was amazing being able to coach her, it was an honor and I wish I had more time with her, but I know she has a bright future ahead of her.”

Rodriguez checked in a fine senior season amassing 225 kills, 156 blocks and 131 digs. She was also named to the East-West All-Star match this year and was named first team all-district.

“I reached out to their coaches and I went for a tryout, and they offered me a scholarship,” said Rodriguez about why she chose Temple College. “I liked the campus and the school is small so the teachers know who you are. I think the hardest thing will be being away from home and getting used to a new team, but I’m excited for the next opportunity.

“I’ve dreamed of playing at the college level since I was in junior high. When I was a sophomore I realized I could play at the next. I continued to work hard and I got better and now it has all come full circle for me.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

LA FERIA — The La Feria Lionettes hadn’t hosted a home game in nearly two weeks and were glad to return to their home floor on Friday.

Senior Myah Salas gave the home crowd something to cheer about as she scored a game high 25 points to lead the Lionettes past Zapata 73-26 in District 32-4A action. The Lionettes are now 2-0 on the young league season.

After a strong first quarter, the Lionettes began the second period on a 14-0 run and saw their full-court pressure take over as they forced turnovers that resulted in easy baskets. La Feria outscored the Lady Hawks 27-7 in the quarter and drained four three pointers with three of them coming from Salas.

“This is one of the best performances I’ve seen from the girls,” said La Feria coach Angel Martinez. “We haven’t had a home game in a while so it was nice to get a home win tonight, and with the way our team played it was awesome for the fans to see. The girls were excited to come out and play well at home.”

Salas scored 23 points in the first half, which marks a career high for her. The senior is fresh off a 27-point outburst against Hidalgo on Tues-day and she continued her hot shooting against Zapata as she dominated on both sides of the ball.

“I was feeling it tonight,” Salas said. “I was aggressive to the basket tonight and my shots fell. Right now I feel great. We picked up a big win. On Tuesday no one thought we would be able to win and we did. Tonight we passed the ball well and moved in transition well.”

Martinez is excited to have Salas back for one more season.

“She (Myah) had a big first half against Hidalgo and tonight she was impressive,” he said. “She has been our captain and leader for us ever since she stepped on the floor for us. It’s her senior year and it’s her time, and she is making the best of it.”

La Feria held a comfortable 44-20 lead at the break and didn’t let up.

Kayla Lowe scored 11 points while Maggie Cavazos contributed eight.

“We pride ourselves on playing solid defense and playing the full-court press, and it’s something we have been doing all year,” Martinez added. “Zapata had some shots early but couldn’t knock them down. Our district is going to be tough so it’s great that we’ve gotten off to a 2-0 start.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

PHARR — The Harlingen Cardinals began their day at the Tri-City Classic with a bang as they fed off a strong start to breeze past PSJA High 94-37 in their tournament opener on Thursday at PSJA North High School.

The Cardinals used their trap defense and forced turnovers, while the offense got off to a hot start and led 21-11 after one quarter.

Kameryn Gonzalez scored seven points while Michael Arellano netted six to help fuel the first-quarter lead.

“The kids came out and played, and we got off to a good start,” said Harlingen coach Greg Yates. “We didn’t start strong on Tuesday (in a loss to McAllen Memorial) but they responded well today and I’m proud of their efforts. Right now the kids feel good about this win, but it’s a long tournament and this was only game one.”

Harlingen pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring PSJA 35-9 to take a comfortable 56-20 lead at the break.

Five Cardinals finished in double figures, including Gonzalez who netted a game high 18 points. Jeremy Vasquez scored 16, Antonio Aguilar had 15, Arellano scored 13 and Matthew Sesler dropped 13 points.

“Right now we’re playing with confidence and we’re starting to gel,” Vasquez said. “We’re pushing the tempo, playing good defense and our leadership has stepped up, and we’re playing as one team right now.”

In the Cardinals night game against Edcouch-Elsa, Arellano scored 23 points to lead Big Red to a 66-40 win.

The 2-0 Cards now enter Day 2 of the tournament today as the top seed from Pool E and will next face Harlingen South at noon.

SOUTH GOES 1-1 ON FIRST DAY: After falling behind early against San Antonio Veterans, the Harlingen South Hawks found their footing and went on an 11-2 run that gave them their first lead of the afternoon at 11-9.

The extra effort foreshadowed the outcome as the Hawks picked up a 44-38 win over the Patriots to open up tournament play.

Sean Turrubiates netted a game high 17 points in the win and Grant Lowery finished with nine.

Despite the win, the Hawks struggled to shoot from beyond the arc, which is a rare sight.

South was fresh off a 12 three-point performance against La Joya on Tuesday, but saw its offense adjust and attack the basket more often against Veterans.

“We got off to a slow start, but much credit to Veterans because they did a great job on defending us,” said Hawks coach Brian Molina. “De-fensively, we played well and we held a great offensive team under 40 points even on a day where our shooting wasn’t on point.”

It wasn’t until the final minutes of the game that South pulled away after a back-and-forth second half. The Hawks got some clutch baskets from Lowery and Chanz Love that helped ice the game in the final minute.

“I thought we found a spark in the second half; we decided to attack the basket more rather than shoot the easy three. We also became more aggressive defensively, ball pressure wise, and we forced them into some turnovers that helped us,” Molina said.

The momentum of the tournament-opening win did not, unfortunately, carry over to the Hawks’ second game of the day.

Once again they struggled from the floor and fell to La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 61-43 to finish Day 1 with a 1-1 record.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The Harlingen South Hawks have been playing some solid basketball the past few weeks and a big reason for that is senior point guard Aaron Briones.

The Hawks will be part of this weekend’s Tri-City Classic in the PSJA area before they begin district play next week. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Briones.

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Q: So far, how has your senior season been going? Has it hit you yet that this is your last season?
A: It’s been very hectic and stressful, but it’s been fun. It didn’t hit me until we lost our first game this season and I realized that I’d never be able to play that game again and change the outcome.

Q: What where some things you worked on this past offseason that helped you raise your game?
A: I worked on my inside game. My go-to moves to penetrate, my jump shot and I got stronger and bigger over the offseason.

Q: Talk to me about your injury and the recovery process?
A: I tore my ACL (last season) and had a partial tear of my meniscus in last year’s playoff game against Edinburg High. I was thankful to have such a great training staff and coaches that helped me recover, and got me to the doctors. My recovery time was 4-6 weeks and I started physi-cal therapy the morning after my surgery. I memorized my workouts and worked hard to get back on the court over the next few months.

Q: How much did it motivate you to come back stronger?
A: I don’t think I found motivation in my injury. I truly believe me getting closer with God in high school is the only reason I could come back this fast and play at this level again.

Q: Right now the Hawks are in the middle of tournament play. What is the best part about playing so many games in just a few days?
A: The best part is building the chemistry with your teammates. All these games bring us together, and over all you get a chance to get better as an individual and as a team.

Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
A: My favorite player is Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics. He has a killer mindset and has unbelievable ball-handling skills along with his dedication and perseverance to be the best.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A: A lot of people don’t know I tore my right ACL the weekend before my first district game when I was in 8th grade. I missed almost two years because one year I was too young to play and the second year was because of my injury.

Q: Do you have a pre-game music playlist?
A: I don’t have a specific playlist, but for some odd reason I like to listen to slow, sad music. However, my go-to songs are by Ice Tray and “Run up the Racks” by 21 Savage.

Q: Would you rather swim or fly?
A: I would rather fly because drowning is one of my biggest fears. I would want to fly because I like to travel and I would be able to explore new places.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be and why?
A: It would be Jesus Christ because of the fact that he is the only one that can answer any question, and because I’m a curious individual.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Both the Harlingen Cardinals and Harlingen South Hawks will get a final tuneup before they begin district play next week.

They’ll get that tuneup at the Tri-City Classic, which tips off this morning in the PSJA area and will feature teams from across the Valley, San Antonio and Laredo.

The Cardinals are coming off an impressive tourney championship at the 86th annual C.E Vail Tournament in La Feria last weekend. The Cards ran the table and went a perfect 6-0.

On Tuesday, Harlingen dropped a home game and saw their nine-game win streak snapped to McAllen Memorial 73-65.

The Cards are led by point guard Michael Arellano, who is averaging 17 points per game and is a key part to the Harlingen offense.

The Cards will be in Pool E and will begin their day with a 10 a.m. matchup against PSJA High followed by an 8:30 p.m. tipoff against Ed-couch-Elsa. Both games will be played at the PSJA North gym.

South, meanwhile, will look to keep the train rolling as they too are coming off a strong tournament this past weekend. The Hawks won the consolation bracket and went 5-1 at the Hidalgo Pirate Tournament.

The Hawks’ offense is clicking at the right time and the team is finding its identity.

South possess a set of sharp shooters in Grant Lowery, Sean Turrubiates and Chanz Love along with star point guard Aaron Briones.

The Hawks enter the tournament with confidence. On Tuesday, they cruised to a 77-38 win over La Joya as their offense hit 12 three pointers in the win.

Harlingen South, which is in Pool F, has a date with San Antonio Veterans at 1 p.m. followed by a 4 p.m. contest against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. Both games will also be played at PSJA North.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Fresh off a strong tournament this past weekend, Harlingen South rode the three pointer and the hot hand of Chanz Love to a 77-38 thumping of La Joya on Tuesday night.

“I think we started to find our rhythm at the (Hidalgo) tournament this past weekend,” said Hawks coach Brian Molina. “Our guys are start-ing to play very well. I think we’re finding our identity, too. If we can get stops, we can set up some easy shots.”

South got off to a hot start by leading 14-4 early and didn’t look back. Aaron Briones hit a pair of threes that helped push the Hawks’ lead. The Hawks led 22-9 at the end of the first quarter.

As a team, South hit 12 three pointers including three straight to open up the second half. The Hawks then outscored and outmuscled the Coyotes the rest of the way.

Three Hawks finished in double figures. Love dropped a team high 19 points in the win and began the third quarter by hitting back-to-back threes. Sean Turrubiates hit four three pointers and finished with 15 points while Grant Lowery scored 13 points.

“I was feeling it tonight,” said Love. “My teammates set me up with some great passes and I hit my shots. I feel great right now. I’m proud of my team; we’re all having fun right now and now we have to get ready for another tournament.”

Up next for the Hawks is the Tri-City Classic in Pharr. Harlingen South will be placed in Pool F and will square off against San Antonio Veterans at 1 p.m.

Thursday in their first game. Their second game will be at 4 p.m. against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. Both games will take place at the PSJA North gym.

“The kids are doing well and they recover well. That’s why we prepare in the offseason to get them in good shape and the kids are responding the right way. Both teams are very tough and we want to go back to the basics, and it’s going to be a challenge but we’re ready and excited,” Molina said.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

LA FERIA — The Harlingen Cardinals steamrolled through their pool play and rallied in the semifinals to reach the championship game against Corpus Christi Miller in the 86th annual C.E Vail Classic.

Junior point guard Michael Arellano threw up a deep three ball and hit it right at the buzzer to end what was a dominating third quarter.

The buzzer beater summed up the Cardinals’ afternoon as Arellano dished a team high 20 points en route to a 60-42 win over Miller and the Vail title Saturday afternoon.

“This tournament has been a lot of fun,” said Arellano “I enjoyed playing with my teammates. We’re a close team and we all put together a great effort throughout the tournament. After beating St. Joe, we knew we had to get ready to play a tough Miller team. I was able to attack the basketball and hit my shots, and I’m blessed to receive the tournament most valuable player.”

After a close first half, Harlingen led 31-22. It was the third quarter that saw the momentum shift in favor of Big Red as the Cardinals’ offense found its stride and outscored Miller 27-11. Arellano led the way with 11 third-quarter points, including a pair of three pointers.

“Michael is the key to our offense,” said Cardinals coach Greg Yates. “He does a good job and gets the ball in the hoop. I did see him expand his game; he made some nice assists today down the stretch and that was big for us,”

The Cards went 6-0 in tournament play beating Mission Veterans, Brownsville Lopez, Brownsville Athlos Academy, Raymondville and Brownsville St. Joseph in the semifinals on Saturday morning.

“We overcame some adversity today and I’m proud of the kids’ effort,” Yates said. “St. Joe did a great job against us. Our kids showed a lot of character. We trailed early on and the kids rallied, and took the lead at the end of the third quarter.

“The challenge was we played a tough game against St. Joe and had a quick turnaround to play Miller in the final game, but the kids stepped up and did a great job.”