KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — After a rough stretch of matches at the Port Isabel tournament this past weekend, La Feria was looking for a spark and got one as the Lionettes completed a sweep over Donna North 3-0 (25-12, 25-15,25-14) Tuesday night in La Feria.

“I was very pleased with our performance. We were more consistent with our serving,” said La Feria coach Rebea Fraga. “When the ball was on our end, we controlled it and we were able to generate a lot of offense. It’s great to bounce back. Sometimes the kids get a little nervous when we play at home, but they handled it well.”

La Feria never trailed in its three sets. The Lionettes vamped their offense early and didn’t look back by building a cozy 15-6 lead in the first set. Senior Myah Salas checked in a strong evening with 13 digs and nine kills.

“Tonight we communicated well, we talked a lot more and our hustle was there,” said Salas. “We managed to keep the ball in and were aggressive. We were able to get the ball over consistently, we never got down on ourselves and we kept hustling.”

Much like the first set, La Feria dominated the next two sets with smooth defense and an aggressive offense. Along with Salas’ strong performance, Destiny Martinez and Karina Diaz contributed in the win. Martinez finished with a team-high 17 digs while Diaz finished with 13 digs and a team-high 23 assists. Meanwhile, Sierra Salinas wound up with 15 digs, nine kills and one ace.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

EDINBURG — The Harlingen Cardinals got their 2017 season off on the right foot as they picked up a 14-7 scrimmage win against Edinburg North Friday night at Flores Stadium.

Harlingen got a good glimpse of its offense with quarterback Daniel Ramirez. The senior completed four passes for 20 yards or more, and directed the offense up and down the field out of the spread attack.

On the night, Harlingen’s offense racked up 391 total yards with 292 yards coming through the air. Ramirez was in sync with his receiving corps hitting Joe Reyna Jr. and Riley Sauceda.

The Red Birds also showed some home run ability as Ramirez hit Reyna on a screen pass and Reyna did the rest, going 74 yards for the score.

Senior running back Abel Castaneda capped off the night with a 38-yard touchdown run. Castaneda is expected to be the Cards’ workhorse this season.

The Cardinals’ defense also had a strong showing, allowing just 57 rushing yards and 179 yards through the air. Senior defensive end Sam Alonzo constantly caused trouble for the right tackle, and was disruptive all evening in the passing and run game. Eladio Flores and Cameron Anderson also had a strong showing along the defensive line.

“I thought Ramirez played with poise and confidence,” said Cards coach Manny Gomez. “Defensively, we were relentless and resilient with Alozno on the defensive line.”

Harlingen will return to Boggus Stadium on Friday when they host the Sharyland Rattlers. The Cards open the 2017 regular season against Mission Veterans Memorial on Aug. 31 at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The 2017 San Benito Greyhounds have high expectations, as they do every year under head coach Dan Gomez.

The Hounds hit the ground running for their first scrimmage Friday morning versus Corpus Christi Carroll at Bobby Morrow Stadium.

Up next for the Hounds is a scrimmage next Friday at McAllen High before they kick off the regular season at home against Laredo United Sept. 1.

“We always want to be the hardest-hitting team on the field,” said Gomez. “I always tell the kids that the X’s and O’s we can fix, but we came out and set the tone early. We’re excited to be out here and we’re ready to continue working.”

Retta gets in sync: Senior quarterback Erick Retta showed why he is arguably one of the top signal callers in the Valley. Retta shook off a slow start and found his groove as the scrimmage progressed. On the first set of possessions, he overshot a wide open receiver down the left sideline in what would have been six. On two separate plays, Retta hit his receivers, but they were unable to come down with the ball.

Outside of that, the Hounds displayed command of the line of scrimmage and Retta settled down and showed his quick feet in and out of the pocket. On one play, Retta read the defense, went through his check downs and called his own number as he rushed in for the score from 50-plus yards out.

The receiving corps showed its experience and chemistry. Retta hit his trusty targets Isaiah Trevino and Tyler Solis, who are expected to be a solid 1-2 punch for the Hounds this season.

Running back Tyrone Harper looked sharp when he carried the ball by breaking tackles and staying light on his feet. Harper also displayed soft hands in the receiving game.

“It’s always a timing issue on offense. It takes a little time to get going but it’s early and we have a long way to go,” Gomez said. “We have plenty to improve on, on all phases of the game. We will be back to work and fix some things that we saw.”

Defensive Quick Hits: San Benito’s D returns five members from 2016 and quickly displayed some heavy hitting and a strong pass rush against Carroll.

Up front, the Hounds put plenty of pressure on Carroll’s QB all morning long and landed a bevy of solid hits to set the tone early in front of a nice home crowd. San Benito’s secondary also showed toughness.

“Defensively we want to see guys flying to the football. They’re (Carroll) learning a new system but, overall, we saw things that we liked and we’re getting back to work, and will continue to get better,” Gomez said.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

WESLACO — The Weslaco Panthers hit the practice field for the first time Monday afternoon thus beginning the Michael Salinas era.

Weslaco has its work cut out for itself with just two starters returning from offense and five returning on the defensive side.

Prior to joining Weslaco, Salinas, who replaced longtime coach Tony Villarreal, spent five seasons at Edinburg Vela and built Vela from the ground up while going 31-5 in the last three years. Salinas brought offensive coordinator Patrick Shelby to Weslaco.

Over the last decade, Panthers fans were accustomed to the Slot-T offense, but now under Salinas the Panthers will run a spread attack.

“The kids showed up excited and ready to work,” said Salinas. “We’re trying to make sure we can control the things we can control and that’s getting better each day. We’re coming out focused and concentrated. I think the kids have adjusted well. As a coaching staff we have challenged them and they’re responding well. We have a lot to do in a short period of time.”

Weslaco has yet to name a starting quarterback but running back Michael Martin returns to the backfield while wide receivers Andrew Olguin, Devin Dena and Richard Olszak will take on a larger role in the passing game.

The Panthers’ strength this year will be up front. Richard Carmona and Matthew Lopez will anchor the offensive line, while Tony Estavanes will guide the defensive line. With Jordan Nichols and Diego Rodriguez lost to graduation, junior Marco Noriega and will fill the linebacker roll. Meanwhile, Seth Sanchez and Benito Juarez will fill in along the defensive line.

“The alignments are different so we’re adjusting to the new defensive scheme,” said Sanchez. “Last year we did some good things, but this year we want to cut down on the scoring. We would also like to score more on defense. We’re excited to have Coach Salinas with us. He was successful at Vela and now he’s here with us in Weslaco.”

Salinas believes up front is where Weslaco will make its most improvements from last season.

“We want to come out and lay a solid foundation in the first couple of days,” he said. “Right now we have guys battling for the quarterback position and along the defensive line, and at the linebacker position we have some battles there as well. It’s only our first week but our offensive and defensive line will be our strengths. We do have some youth that will have to grow up quickly, so we do have our work cut out for us.”

“It’s very exciting this year; its defiantly fast tempo,” said Lopez “My role this year as a senior is to help guide the younger guys on how to learn the different sets. The coaches believe in us so we believe in them. Along the O-line we’re excited to block for our quarterback and backs. We trust each other and our goal is get better each day as a team.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The Hawks are now in year two of the Brian Ricci era and with a full season and offseason under their belts, Harlingen South is ready to hit the ground running.

The Hawks, who had spring ball last school year, began their 2017 season Monday and will strap on the pads Friday.

“The kids are excited to be back on the field,” said Ricci. “They had a great offseason and they stayed in shape. Now that we have had a year, the kids are familiar with the system. This year we are able to get one step ahead from where we were last year. We can get deeper into the playbook and add a couple of new things.”

Harlingen South’s quarterback situation is still in question. The Hawks are looking to replace Brandon Villarreal, who directed the Hawks offense last season.

South returns their entire offensive line and a couple of familiar names in running backs Jorge Alicea and Cristian Cortez. Wide receiver Derrick Delgado is now a junior and is looking to make an impact in 2017.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve been out here and it feels great to be back,” said Delgado. “We worked hard over the offseason. Coach wants us to take advantage of the reps we get in practice by preparing mentally and physically.”

QUICK HITS:

—Running backs Cristian Cortez and Jorge Alicea will look for a larger roll in 2017. Delgado is set to lead the receiving core who has two years of varsity experience under his belt.

—Defensively South will be anchored by defensive end Brandon Bennett and defensive tackle Sky Tatum. Along with Bennett and Tatum, Cole Cooley will lead the line backing corps.

—“This is my last year, so I’m ready to get this season going,” said Sky Tatum. “I’m helping the younger guys learn different things like play recognition. We want to pick up where we left off and continue to work. I love football, I love being out here and I feel great right now. I can’t wait for Friday when we get our pads on.”

—“What excites me this year is the competition. Everyone is battling for positions and that has raised the level of competition,” coach Brian Ricci said. “Every position has somebody biting at their heels battling for a spot and that’s exciting. Our strength this year will be along the offensive and defensive line and that excites me. I think that is where we will be most improved from last season.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — Every now and again, a special group of talent comes through a sports program.

Last season the Rio Hondo Bobcats’ defense was a seasoned group while the offense was young, but led by a star quarterback in Tyler Bush. Fast-forward to 2017, the tables have turned. It’s now the offense with a bevy of experience and talent while the young defense is looking to hit its stride.

The Bobcats wrapped up 2016 at 7-4 overall and 4-1 in district play. The offense averaged 36 points per game while scoring 50 points or more in three of those games. Rio Hondo’s district run ended in a tie with Orange Grove and Port Isabel with the Bobcats drawing the top seed, drawing Sinton in the bi-district round. Rio Hondo wound up falling 30-29 to the Pirates.

Offensively, the Cats return multiple skill positions led by their signal caller Bush, followed by junior running back Danny Vasquez and wide receivers Erik Pizarro, Frank Hernandez and Jose Alas Meza. Rio Hondo has four members of the offensive line returning anchored by senior center Jake Martinez. Ty Rhyner, Sabino Davila and Ric Serna will also return to the O-line.

“We’re all excited to get back out here. The season really never ended for the O-line, we have been working out all summer,” said Martinez. “Our offseason was very important; we added some workouts from conditioning to foot work. Last season, I was first team all-district center and I’m looking forward to my senior season, and hoping I can have another solid year.”

QUICK HITS: Bush threw for 2,097 yards with 29 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions. The duel-threat QB also rushed for 563 yards and rushed for three scores. Bush took a step forward over the summer with the Bobcats’ march to the state 7on7 tournament. Bush showed command of the huddle, pin-point accuracy and was on page with his receiving core.

Pizzaro returns as Bush’s go-to target. The senior wide out hauled in a team-high 43 receptions, 794 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016.

Vasquez is set to be a junior this season. Built like a wide receiver but with strong hands and the ability to break tackles and make the cut, Vasquez will not only be a threat out of the backfield but in the passing game as well. The junior rushed for 1,050 yards on 148 carries while sniffing the end zone nine times.

“Last season we lost in the first round; this year we have our goals set high,” said Bush. “We want to win district and make a run in the playoffs. I’m ready for my senior season; coming out here on Monday was intense because everybody was ready to get to work. Right now, we’re just trying to get our minds right and prepare for our first scrimmage.”

Rio Hondo will kick off its season with a scrimmage Aug. 17 at home against Edcouch-Elsa.

Bobcats secondary looks to guide young defense

Heading into 2017, the question was what to make of the Bobcats’ defense. With the offense returning a majority of its starters, it’s the young Bobcat defense that will be challenged.

In 2016, Brett Esparza’s defense was one of the stingiest in the Valley, yielding 21 points per game.

This year’s club returns three starters, including junior Josiah Ortega who will patrol the secondary as a safety, followed by a pair of seniors in Ruben Hernandez and Troy Macias.

“Last year I played corner most of the time. Honestly, I’ve played safety before my freshman year so I feel comfortable at the position,” said Hernandez. “It’s nothing new to me. I’m ready to help out the younger guys learn the system and get them up to speed.”

Although the defense may be young, the secondary will be the stronghold for Esparza’s defense.

“Defensively we have a lot of young guys,” said Rio Hondo head coach Rocky James. “We have had success at the freshman and JV levels, so we have plenty of good football players going through our program so I don’t really see a letdown.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Safety/corner: Ruben Hernandez. The 5-11 senior will swap time from safety to corner. Hernandez has the strength and size to line up against a team’s number one wide out. Hernandez finished 2016 with four interceptions which was second best on the team.

Joey Ortega will fill in at the middle linebacker position, Ortega’s brother is current safety Josiah Ortega. Zeke Guerrero will play opposite side of Hernandez at cornerback. Junior Justin Flores will also look to make an impact at defensive end this season.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

Bianca Torre is no stranger to the hardwood or international basketball tournaments.

The 2009 Harlingen South graduate and former University of Texas-Pan American standout is geared up for her second go-round with the Mexican National Basketball team at this year’s FIBA Women’s Americup basketball tournament, which begins today in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Torre prior to the tournament.

—

Q: When was the first time you played for the Mexican national team?

A: The first time I played for Mexico was in November 2014 for the Centro Americanos y de Caribe tournament in Veracruz. We won the bronze medal in that tournament.

Q: How was that experience?

A: It was an experience of a lifetime. The opening ceremony was something you see on TV for the Olympics. It was just breathtaking. I was fortunate enough to be coached by two WNBA coaches, Marynell Meadors and Gary Kloppenburg. I had an amazing group of teammates and training staff as well.

Q: How did you make this year’s FIBA team?

A: I received a phone call with the opportunity to try out for the Women’s Mexican National Basketball team once again. I took the challenge of competing for two weeks against other players wanting to represent Mexico. I made the team after an intense two-week tryout.

Q: What is the best part about playing on the Mexican National team?

A: The best part would definitely be representing the country of Mexico and representing my family. My father is from Mexico City and I have some family that still lives there. Getting to play with amazing basketball players is something I will always remember. Playing basketball has been one of my biggest blessings in life. God has allowed me to travel the world with the wonderful game of basketball and there are no words to express my thankfulness. I’m not only playing for a basketball team, but for my family and those who believed in me and have supported me throughout my career.

Q: What made you want to play on the team again?

A: Basketball has been my life since I was in the second grade. When I received this opportunity to try out, I knew I could not pass it up. I challenged myself to make the team. I wanted to represent Mexico on the world stage against other competitive countries and their players. This is also for the younger girls who feel like opportunities like this are impossible. If you have a desire in your heart, God can surely open doors for you with hard work and determination.

Q: Is it a tournament or a set of games and who else will you be competing against?

A: It’s the 2017 FIBA Women’s Americup being hosted in Argentina and we will be competing against Puerto Rico, Canada, Paraguay and Cuba, which are in our bracket. If we win our bracket then we will continue against the other teams in the tournament, which consist of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and the Virgin Islands.

Q: You have been coaching for the past few years. How has that been?

A: Yes, I have been coaching three sports these past two years at Edinburg High under a tremendous coaching staff in all three sports. It’s been a transition from playing to coaching, but I’ve been learning along the way and soaking any bit of information that I can to better myself as a coach. I’ve learned that patience is very important and any progress is a step in the right direction, no matter how big or small.

Q: What has been the best part about coaching?

A: The absolute best part of coaching is seeing the athletes grow, not only in their sport, but as individuals. Sports can teach you a lot about yourself. It can beat you up mentally, physically and emotionally, but it’s how you bounce back that matters most. The girls I’ve been able to work with are kids with great work ethic and great character.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The San Benito Lady Greyhounds have their sights on another postseason berth and are poised to be in the running for the 2017 District 32-6A volleyball title.

The Lady Hounds have a bevy of talent returning from last year’s team and are determined to hurdle the bi-district round after back-to-back first-round exits.

“The kids are excited to be back. We have a lot of kids back from last year,” said Lady Hounds coach Ruby Medina. “We did lose some girls from the back row to graduation, but our hitters will be strong this season.”

San Benito returns seven players from 2016 including defensive specialist Sarah Garcia, setter Ariel Garcia, and outside hitters Kayleen Reyes, Crystal Ibarra, Devany Castillo and Alysa Naranjo. Middle blocker Arlene Lucero will also be a key factor for the ladies in purple.

“It’s fun, but sad that this is my last year,” said Reyes. “The team is coming together. We did lose some girls, but we have a lot coming back. I feel we have a lot to offer offensively. Myself and the girls are ready to pick up the slack and step up.”

The Lady Hounds have clinched a playoff berth three times in the last five years, but they are aiming to get past the bi-district round for the first time since the 2011 season when they beat Edinburg High. The last two seasons, San Benito fell to Edinburg North in 2015 and Edinburg High in 2016 both in round one.

Medina is in her 15th season as head volleyball coach at San Benito and sees the potential in this year’s team.

“We’re getting our rotation together and seeing what works,” she said. We have a scrimmage today so our priority right now is to prepare for it.

“The last two years we were unlucky with kids getting injured, but outside of that we have been fine. I’m hoping we can stay healthy and make a run in the playoffs along with winning a district title.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Bouncing back in sports can be a daunting task. The recovery process and keeping a competitive edge are some challenges an athlete may face.

San Benito senior Crystal Ibarra overcame a fractured fourth metatarsal in her left foot.

Against Harlingen High last season, Ibarra went up for a ball and landed awkwardly on her left foot. She didn’t come out of the game immediately and at first Ibarra was told it was a sprain in her foot. She later found out, however, that her injury wasn’t a sprain but a fracture and she would have to miss the remainder of the 2016 season.

“It was hard not being able to be out there with my team,” said Ibarra. “At first the doctors told me it was a sprain so I planned on playing that next Tuesday. I later learned it was a fracture, but that didn’t stop me. I went to every game and supported my team.”

Ibarra had played every district game until her injury against Harlingen High on the final game of the first half. Ibarra, who also runs track, wasn’t able to participate in athletic activity until the end of December.

“It took three months. I was in a boot for the first six weeks then I had to learn how to walk with my shoe because I lost muscle in my foot. After that I did a lot of rehab work and finally I was able to get back into the swing of things,” she said.

Ibarra is a three-year varsity member and has her sights set on her senior season.

“I want to finish strong, win district and make the playoffs,” Ibarra said. “My injury motivated me so much got get back out here and compete. Coach expects us to step up and we don’t accept mediocrity. We have set our goals high and are ready to meet those goals.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats are looking to rebound after an unsuccessful 2016 volleyball season.

The Lady Cats began their season Tuesday and have their sights on a scrimmage this Friday in Weslaco.

In her third year at the helm, coach Karen Ramirez is optimistic that the tide will turn in their favor. In her first year, Ramirez guided the Lady Cats to the postseason but fell shy in the bi-district round to Sinton High School.

“The girls want to go back to the playoffs; we have been there before,” said Ramirez. “We saw our softball team make a deep run and that has the girls here working harder, and wanting to get back.”

Rio Hondo has six returning members from last year’s varsity squad and eight seniors in the program.

Seniors Atheny Orozco, Victoria Vasquez and Bianca Cruz all look to have an impact on this year’s squad. Orozco is a middle blocker and a three-year letterman, Vasquez plays outside hitter and is also a three-year letterman along with Cruz, who makes her return to the lineup as a spiker.

“I’m excited to be back out on the court for my senior season,” Orozco said. “The energy is upbeat; we put last season in the past and are ready to get this season going. We have some girls back from last year’s team so we know what it takes to be successful.”

For the current seniors, it was 2015 when they last tasted the postseason.

“We have this week to prepare before our tournament this weekend in Weslaco and we have girls that have been here before so we know what to expect,” said Vasquez. “Coach expects us to work hard and help guide the younger girls in the program.”

District 32-4A is slated with Raymondville, Zapata, Port Isabel and last year’s district champs La Feria. Ramirez feels this year’s district title race will be a close one.

“When you face us, it’s always going to be a battle. This year the district is any ones to win,” said Ramirez. “It’s going to be competitive for sure and every match should be a battle, and that’s what I want from our girls is to go out and battle every night.”