BY JON R. LAFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
Harlingen High’s Sami Quilantan led all Valley-girls in steals this season, averaging 7.6 a game. So intense was her level of commitment on the defensive end, her zeal for getting stops sometimes got the best of her.
“I fouled a lot,” Quilantan said. “There were some games I didn’t get to play as much because I was in foul trouble.”
Though the junior’s aggressiveness proved a hindrance at various points during the season, it was that same passion that helped spur the Lady Cardinals to success. The team finished the season 30-5 including an unblemished 14-0 record in District 32-6A.
“I didn’t think of steals as my top priority,” Quilantan said. “But I did it to help the team. I knew if we had the defense, I could just go. The defense would become our offense.”
Aside from winning Defensive Player of the Year from RGVSports.com, Quilantan also received the award from the RGV Basketball Coaches Association and 32-6A All-District.
Aside from her defensive duties, Quilantan also led the Lady Cardinals in scoring, averaging 11.6 points.
