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Press Release
SOUTH TEXAS SHOOTOUT FALL SHOWCASE
HIGH SCHOOL SECTION
South Texas Shootouts would like to thank Fern Rodriguez, Curtis Morgan, Eric Montalvo, Coach Hickmaen, Sergio Hernandez, Josue Flores, Referees, La Joya School District, Mission Parks & Recreation, Brownsville Midnight League, St. Joe's Academy, High School Coaches, AAU Coaches, Players Parents and Fans for a great Spring, Summer & Fall Season.
BASKETBALL! BASKETBALL! BASKETBALL!
The Beginning
Basketball began with a class of bored students and a challenged young teacher (Dr. James Naismith) at Springfield College (Massachusetts) in 1891. During the Fall these male students would participate in Football and during the Spring and Summer time participate in Baseball. So during the winter time, these bored students suffered through a required gymnasium class with gymnastics, marching and calisthenics. Dr. Naismith recognized the need for a totally different kind of game: easy to learn but complex enough to be interesting, playable indoors in a confined space, with plenty of exercise and limited contact and rough play. His invention played with a ball to be tossed into an elevated vegetable basket for a target was called basket ball (two words until 1921).
Fast Forward to 2006-2007
Over a century and many advancements later, basketball still is one of the most exciting, interesting and competitive sport played today. Last season some teams fell short of their goals, and others accomplished what was expected, while a select few opened eyes around the State and showed what Rio Grande Valley and Laredo basketball is all about.
Its about that time!
The 2007 - 2008 season is upon us and by the team and player talent that has presented itself for the past 6 months, one thing is for certain - the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo areas are going to represent very well. Leadership always plays a major factor in the outcome of sports, and this year it is very strong throughout the area. We talked to many of the top players and teams that participated in the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase about their goals, team strengths, thoughts on their coach, predictions and more. We would like to wish every RGV and Laredo team good luck on the upcoming season, but this High School section will cover teams that participated in the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase.
The Top 10 Teams in the Area were chosen solely by the Top athletes from across the area. They could not vote for the school that they play for.
This is your TOP 10 Prediction!
1. PSJA North
2. Edinburg
3. Laredo Alexander
4. McAllen High
5. Harlingen South
6. Roma
7. Brownsville Hanna
8. Nikki Rowe
9. Laredo United
10. La Joya
Weslaco
*Other teams to receive your votes - San Benito, Donna, Laredo Nixon, Brownsville Rivera, Harlingen High, Los Fresnos, Edcouch Elsa, La Villa, Mission High, Edinburg North, Brownsville Pace, Sharyland, MMA, Mission Veterans, Hidalgo, Laredo Martin and McAllen Memorial.
South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase Teams and Results-----------------------------------------------
Brownsville Hanna Eagles - Head Coach: Don Denson
Junior
Kevin VasquezSenior
Fernando HerreraSenior
Edward CasarezSenior
Joe ElizondoJunior
Javier VillarrealEveryone in the area was clueless in knowing just how good this years Hanna team was going to be. Everyone except the members of the Hanna Eagle basketball team. Their coming out party was at the South Texas Shootout Tournament of Champions this past August where they were crowned champions and they haven't looked back since. Brownsville Hanna went from a team having a chance to make playoffs to being predicted to finish as 32-5A District Champions. They were one of four teams to go 4-1 in the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase and earned the respect of their peers.
Senior District MVP pre-season candidate Edward Casarez (2006-2007 1st team all district selection) is a huge reason for this team's success. When speaking to Edward he immediately switches the subject from himself to his teammates and coach. "Coach Denson is awesome because he cares and believes in us. The majority of us are seniors and we want to be district champs and make it to the Regional Tournament." The list of talented players that Hanna has can go on and on. Besides Casarez players to look out for are Seniors Joe Elizondo, Fernando Herrera, Jacob Hipsher, Erik Cabrera, Juniors Javier Villarreal and Kevin Vasquez, Sophomores Mario Castaneda and Albert La Kach.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Hanna's guard play, quickness and strength will be the factors in Hanna's success. Casarez is one of the elite players in the area alongside legendary coach Don Denson and it spells a season to remember for Brownsville Hanna fans. Toughest challenge will be remaining together and executing because they are the most talented team in 32-5A. After them you have about 4 teams that are even and they will be gunning for the Eagles all season long.
You ranked Brownsville Hanna #7 in the Area!-----------------------------------------------
Edcouch Elsa Yellow Jackets - Head Coach Robert Capello
Senior
Andrew GonzalezCoach Robert Capello is the winningest Hispanic coach of all time. But losing 4 starters from his 32-4A District Championship team is a tough challenge even for him. The good news for Capello and Edcouch Elsa is that the starter they get back is 6'7 Andrew Gonzalez who is a a pre-season MVP candidate. Gonzalez enjoys his coach and his team and states "Our inside game and the guards ability to take it to the hole will be our strength this year." And as far as his coach goes "As long as Coach has his coffee he is good to go" says Gonzalez.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: There isn't doubt that Andrew Gonzalez will do his part in scoring and rebounding. But in order for the Yellow Jackets to make it back to the Playoffs, they are going to need other players to step it up. Shooting the three is what Edcouch Elsa is known for so it will be interesting to see how Capello and the coaching staff will adjust their offense around the inside game. Edcouch Elsa should make it back to playoffs but will have to battle with the Mission Eagles and Mission Veterans for 2nd & 3rd place.
-----------------------------------------------Edinburg Bobcats - Head Coach Joe Filoteo
Junior
Chris FloresSenior
Esteban ArriolaSenior
Jonathan ChapaSenior
Noe De La RosaThe Edinburg Bobcats lose three starters from last years 31-5A District Championship team, but you wouldn't know it by the way they played at the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase and for the majority of the off season. The 2007 South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase Platinum Champions, boast the areas top true point guard in senior Esteban Arriola and senior guard/small forward Jonathan Chapa. Chapa, who you can nick name Mr. Do It All, was named the Most Valuable Player of the Fall Showcase and beat out 21 competitors on Saturday to be named the Fall Showcase 3 point Champion. Chapa says "this team has a lot of chemistry and I am going to help as much as possible." Arriola the most impressive player in the South Texas Shootout 6 month tournament season adds "We want to win a district championship but our main goal our main focus this year is getting to the Regional Tournament."
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Senior talent and leadership is definitely present for the Edinburg Bobcats. Besides Arriola and Chapa, Noe De La Rosa is many times the team's X factor. Senior Joey Perez should also see significant time but look out for Juniors Chris Flores, Al Perez, Robert Pimentel and Jaime Acuna. The Bobcats have what it takes to make it to the Regional Tournament and give the city of Edinburg a season to remember. However the Bobcats are in the toughest district in the area and the PSJA North Raiders and the Harlingen South Hawks also believe it is their time. Mark your calendars folks!
You ranked Edinburg High #2 in the Area!-----------------------------------------------
Edinburg North Cougars - Head Coach Rudy Garcia
Senior
James HesbrookThe 2007 - 2008 marks the 2nd year of the Rudy Garcia era at Edinburg North High. This couldn't have 6'2 senior guard James Hesbrook and the rest of the Cougar team any happier. "I am happy to be playing for an experienced coach who I also respect," says Hesbrook. This team is returning many letterman and are taking an attack from all angles approach this season. Hesbrook a 2006-2007 1st team selection has played every position and has been recently adjusting to the small forward spot. The Cougars made the Platinum division at the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase and are eager for this upcoming season.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Edinburg North will need big efforts from all their role players. Edinburg High, Pharr North and Harlingen South will be tough opponents for the Cougars but the battle between the Harlingen High Cardinals will determine who will get the fourth spot in District 31-5A.-----------------------------------------------
La Joya Coyotes - Head Coach Hickemaen
Senior Joseph Garcia The Coyotes would love nothing more than to petition a request to strike the 2006 - 2007 from the record books. Who can blame them? Half way through district La Joya was 2nd place in the standings and seemed to be a shoe in for the playoffs. But as it turns out they found themselves excluded in the last game. Well there is a new sheriff in town and change for the better is definitely in order. Coach Hickemaen from Fort Worth has taken over and is excited with the challenge and opportunity that is set before him. Of course having 4 year letterman Joseph Garcia as his leader makes the job easier. Garcia who will probably be moved to the 2 guard this year is confident and optimistic with this team. Already one can see the Coyotes participating in various off season tournaments and are improving on a daily basis. "Coach is very demanding of us and is a great motivator. He is stressing the importance of defense," says Garcia.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: There is only one way for La Joya to go from here and that is up. This team has everything to gain and nothing to lose so we predict that La Joya will make playoffs this year. The toughest opponent will be McAllen High, Nikki Rowe, Donna and Sharyland.
You ranked La Joya #10 in the Area!
-----------------------------------------------
Laredo Alexander Bulldogs - Head Coach Luis Valdez
Senior
Chris MartinezLaredo Alexander went to the Elite 8 last season on the strength of its outside shooting and the wizadry of point guard Chris Martinez. Good news for Bulldog fans is that he's back and so is his sidekick shooting specialist Andy Garcia. Of course this is bad news for the rest of 29-5A. Martinez a point guard with a scoring mentality states "We have been running a lot in practice and our coach is strict which makes us good and disciplined. Defense, shooting and rebounding will be our strength this year." Martinez a a 2006-2007 Texas Basketball All State selection is the top district pre-season MVP candidate.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Senior Loaded ball club. Martinez and Garcia will be putting up big numbers for the Bulldogs, but the team will also receive contribution from senior small forward David Borrego and center Carlos Castillo. This Laredo team has what it takes to make it back to the Regional tournament since they are a team with experience and man power. Laredo United, Laredo Nixon, Laredo Martin and Laredo United South will be fighting for the last 3 spots.
You ranked Laredo Alexander #3 in the Area!-----------------------------------------------
Los Fresnos Falcons - Head Coach Shaun Jones
Senior
Alex GuerraLast year, Motivation, Last year, Motivation. In 2006-2007 the Los Fresnos Falcons got eliminated in the first round of the State Playoffs. The Falcon basketball team has been running a lot this off season. And being a running team is what senior Alex Guerra believes will be their strength this season. Guerra an all tournament selection at the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase says "Coach Jones is a good teacher. He believes in us and we believe in him. This year our goal is to make playoffs and advance to the 2nd round."
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Los Fresnos is a team that is being overlooked by most. But somehow the Falcons end up getting it done. In order to do this, they will need to get their football players into basketball shape quickly. Most of these athletes have good attitudes but will need to play the role of aggressor in order to get past teams like Hanna, Rivera, San Benito, Pace and Weslaco.-----------------------------------------------
Mission Eagles - Head Coach Ludivicio Martinez
Senior
Esai MirelezJunior
Jonathan HerreraThe only team standing in the way of Mission is Mission. The Eagles have 2 key players in 6'1 senior guard Esai Mirelez and 6'2 junior point guard Jonathan Herrera. Throughout the off season they have proved that they can play well enough to win. However as a team they have lost composure in the final minutes of games. Herrera says that everything has been good at practice and if they can continue to keep playing as a team they will make the state playoffs. Which will be a first since Coach Toro Martinez has taken over as head coach in Mission. "Coach has been working real hard on exposing our strengths. One of our strengths is our fast break game," says Herrera.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Mission who includes two elite players in the area has enough talent to make the State playoffs this year. Esai Mirelez is the most lethal scorer in district 32-4A and maybe the area. Jonathan Herrera is the best point guard in 32-4A. They improved dramatically over the 6 month STS season. Coach Martinez will have to teach this team to channel their energy in a smart and positive way. And if he is successful in doing so then it will be a good season for Eagle fans. Roma, Edcouch Elsa and Mission Veterans will be great games to watch.-----------------------------------------------
PSJA North Raiders - Head Coach Jaime Gongora
Senior
Fred GonalezSenior
Neo SanchezSenior
Jesse MartinezMessage to PSJA North Raider Fans: Jump on board, sit back and enjoy the ride! Not only does coach Jaime Gongora return four starters from last season but has the 2007-2008 pre-season MVP favorite senior Neo Sanchez leading the pack. Sanchez is quick to praise his coach and teammates and states "Our coach knows how to win and my teammates are very close and we all have each other's back. Personally I just want to be the best leader I can be and do my part in winning a district championship and making it to the Regional Tournament."
South Texas Shootout Analysis: On paper this is the top team in the Area. And if it weren't for the Edinburg Bobcats, we might be talking about Pharr North Raiders going after their sixth straight District Championship. Adrian Rodriguez, Jesse Martinez and Fred Gonzalez are smart and talented basketball players and will be the players other than Sanchez to put up good numbers. This could be the dream season for the North Raiders but watch out for the Edinburg Bobcats and the Harlingen South Hawks because they have that same dream.
You ranked PSJA North #1 in the Area!-----------------------------------------------
Roma Gladiators - Head Coach Homer Garr
Junior
Tyler GarciaJunior
Cornelio AlvarezSenior
Jesus AndradeSenior
Jaime GarciaRoma was one of the surprises in the area last season, managing a playoff spot and earning a trip to the Regional Tournament despite going 0-32 the previous season. Head Coach Homer Garr won Coach of the Year honors and is now the favorite to win the district crown. The addition of transfer Cornelio Alvarez is one of the main reasons why Roma is favored but with the four returning letterman this team is one of the best in the Area. Junior guard Tyler Garcia states "what makes our team good is our ability to drive to the basket and the unselfishness of every player. Our coach lets us know when we are doing something wrong, but he makes it a point to let us know when we have done something right."
South Texas Shootout Analysis: There is no question that Roma should win the district championship. They have a strong inside game with juniors 6'5 Cornelio Alvarez and 6'3 Julio Garcia. They have shooters in senior 5'9 guard Jaime Garcia and 6'3 junior guard Tyler Garcia. But the player that makes things go for this team is senior Jesus Andrade. Mission, Edcouch Elsa and Mission Veterans will give them some good competition and this team should make it back to the Regional Tournament.
You ranked Roma #6 in the Area!-----------------------------------------------
Sharyland Rattlers - Head Coach David Keith
Junior
Angel IbanezSenior
Raul GarzaCoach David Keith has to know that he has a pretty good team this season. But is he telling anyone, probably not. You see last year was Coach Keith's first year as a Head Coach and Sharyland wasn't predicted to make the playoffs and they did. So if this tactic works why fix it. Although senior Chris Bodner was not present at the South Texas Shootout Fall Showcase he will be a key player in the success of the team. But Raul Garza and Angel Ibanez make this squad a team not to overlook.
South Texas Shootout Analysis: This is not going to be a walk in the park for the Rattlers but Coach Keith finds a way to get the best out of his players. They will have to try and get past McAllen High if they want a district championship but will have to battle La Joya, Donna and Nikki Rowe for the final three spots.-----------------------------------------------
*A Division 1 College Coach sent me this great piece of material*
You Can Train Yourself To Be PERSISTENT
Persistence is a state of mind, therefore it can be cultivated. Like all states of mind, persistence is based upon definite causes, among them these:
1. Definiteness of Purpose. Knowing what wants is the first and, perhaps, the most important step toward the development of persistence. A strong motive forces one to surmount many difficulties.
2. Desire. It is comparatively easy to acquire and to maintain persistence in pursuing the object of intense desire.
3. Self-Reliance. Belief in one's ability to carry out a plan encourages one to follow the plan through with persistence.
4. Definiteness of Plans. Organized plans, even though may be weak and entirely impractical, encourage persistence.
5. Accurate Knowledge. Knowing that one's plans are sound, based upon experience or observation, encourages persistence: "guessing" instead of "knowing" destroys persistence.
6. Cooperation. Sympathy, understanding, and harmonious cooperation with others tend to develop persistence.
7. Will-power- The habit of concentrating one's thoughts upon the building of plans for the attainment of a definite purpose leads to persistence.
8. Habit. Persistence is the direct result of habit. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feeds. Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by forced repetition of acts of courage.
*The South Texas Shootout staff would like to wish every single team in the Area good luck in the upcoming season. Set your goals high and do what it takes to accomplish them. South Texas Shootout season begins March 2008.
South Texas Shootout Staff - Rick Martinez, Adan Montalvo, Ivan Dominguez, Adan Dominguez,
Amy Sojak, Kelly Chapa and Ileana Martinez
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
(AUGUST 10 -12)MVP - Edward CasarezTALENT IN HANNA COUNTRY! Brownvsville Hanna split themselves up this past weekend into three teams - Brownsville Hanna, Bad Boyz and Global Heat. So one could expect that they might be watered down and finish towards the middle or bottom of the tournament. That wasn't the case at the Tournament Of Champions. All three teams sported competitive line ups and all made it to the Platinum Division. When all was said and done, it was incoming Senior Edward Casarez and the rest of the Brownsville Hanna team that finished on top. Casarez a 2007 1st team all district and 2nd team all metro lead his team the whole weekend. Hanna seemed to be on cruise control during Pool play on Saturday but turned up the heat on Sunday. Edward was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and with the players that surround him, Brownsville Hanna could be one of the top teams in the Rio Grande Valley. Other Hanna players to look out for Fernando Herrera, Jacob Hipsher, Javier Villarreal, Kevin Vasquez, Albert Lakach and Mario Castaneda.
The FUTURE Has Arrived! The South Texas Shootout staff came together at the end of the first night and spoke about the games throughout the day. The one player that everyone agreed they were most impressed with was incoming Sophomore Mario Castaneda. The 5'10 point guard from Brownsville Hanna is definitely one of the top 2010 players in the Rio Grande Valley. He displayed leadership on both the offensive and defensive end. On offense, he got his teammates involved, hit outside shots, and took it to the hole. Defensively he picked opponent's pockets and got easy lay ups and had many blocks. Mario is quick, has a high vertical great attitude and is very coachable. Hanna fans will have a lot to cheer about for the next 3 years and Castaneda will be a huge reason why.Another impressive player was lefty Raul Garcia from Weslaco. The 6' crafty guard is an incoming freshman and will be an immediate factor for the Panthers. Garcia can hit from the outside and he weaves through defenses and can finish in the paint. He plays aggressive defense and battles for rebounds. He is a competitor and like Castaneda is definitely one of the top 2011 players in the Rio Grande Valley.LOOKING AHEAD! After a disappointing season in 2007, the Mission Eagles have two things to look forward to - Incoming Senior Esai Mirelez and Incoming Junior Jonathan Herrera. The pair lead the Eagle team to the Platinum Division at the Tournament of Champions. Esai Mirelez one of the most underrated players in the Rio Grande Valley displayed his talent and ability game after game. He scored over 20 points in every game and tallied one 30 point game. He has a great outside shot and has the strength and footwork to drive it in and finish inside. Jonathan Herrera the 2007 32-4A Newcomer of the Year is a smart passer and has a good shot and will be taking the point guard role this upcoming season.
College & Professional Players Display Talents
In the first half of the South Texas Shootout Tournament of Champions Exhibition game, it looked as if the South Texas Stallions Gold team was going to run away with the victory. That was until Eric Montalvo of the South Texas Stallions Blue caught fire. The score was 75 - 70 in favor of the Blue squad. The game proved very entertaining and was great practice for everyone involved. Most players are already back at their Universities or prospective jobs. Players included South Texas Stallions Gold: Ivan Dominguez, Ty Gough, Adan Dominguez, Adan Montalvo, Ben Smith, Francisco Rodriguez and Jaret von Rosenberg. The South Texas Stallions Blue team consisted of Eric Montalvo, Juan Muniz, Nick Soto, R. Flores and more. Good Luck this upcoming season!Tournament Of Champions - Simply The Best!
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