KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
DONNA — For the second time in her career, Harlingen’s head coach Ashley Moncivaiz will lead the East team in the annual RGVBCA 6A All-Star Showcase.
2016 was the last year Moncivaiz led the East squad. This year she will have two of her own in seniors Nadia Flores and JulieAnn Garza.
“It’s a lot different to coach the all-star team,” Moncivaiz said. “There isn’t too much pressure or stress because you have the top athletes. I’m proud of my two girls; they earned their spot on this team. Over the last few years they worked hard and did so much for the team.”
Harlingen South will send Cameron Del Angel and Jaime Ambriz, while San Benito’s representatives will be Emilee Barraza and Miranda Vallejo.
“I think it’s fun to play with the girls you play against,” Vallejo said. “Playing with them now is a great experience. This year has been great, we as a team accomplished a lot and being selected to represent my school, its truly an honor.”
Garza who is now teaming up with her formal rival is also excited to represent Harlingen High one last time, and playing for Coach Moncivaiz one last time also makes it a bit more special.
“It means a lot to me to have been selected,” Garza said. “This is my last game and I’m ready to make it count. I’m happy she (Coach Moncivaiz) is our coach, because I know her and she knows me. We’re both excited to team up one more time.”
Lyford highlights Sub-5A All-Star Squad
It was a ground breaking year for first-year Santa Maria head coach Andrew Sierra. Not only was it his first year steering the ship for the Lady Cougars, but a first timer when it comes to coaching the all-star game.
“It’s exciting and I’m honored to be chosen to coach these girls,” Sierra said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my girls. As a team we have great athletes all the way around, I’m familiar with some of the girls that we played against as well.”
Lyford leads the team with four selections, Alexia Sierra, Adriana Duran, Sydney Bray and Jessica Mendez.
La Feria will have two of their own in Myah Salas and Bryssa Conde. Rio Hondo will have one lone representative, Victoria Vasquez and Santa Maria will send Lorena Ayala and Keana Ortiz.
“I think this is going to be a lot of fun,” Ortiz said. “This team is very athletic and this is the best of the best. I’m friends with most of the girls I play against; we never play on the same team so being able to wear the same jersey as them is going to be fun.”