The 315A district
champion Edinburg Bobcats and the 305A district champion McAllen
Bulldogs are the only 2 teams from the Rio Grande Valley and
Laredo area that still remain alive in the State Playoffs. Both
teams will be traveling to San Antonio on Friday February 29th
to face off with San Antonio Wagner and San Antonio Madison. McHi
and SA Wagner will tip off at 6 pm at the UTSA Convocation
Center. Immediately following the game, the UTSA gymnasium will
be cleared out for the Edinburg and Madison matchup that is
scheduled to begin at 8 pm.
Both teams eliminated two Laredo schools and one Rio Grande
Valley school to reach the Regional Tournament. Edinburg beat
San Benito, Laredo Nixon and Laredo Alexander. McAllen High
beat Laredo United, PSJA North, and Laredo Cigarroa. The
Edinburg Bobcats have been ranked number one for some time now,
went undefeated in district and they made the goal of reaching
the Regional Tournament since loosing to United last year.
McAllen High on the other had started 0-2 in district play, but
since have been riding a winning wave.
Edinburg is lead by senior trio Esteban Arriola, Jonathan Chapa
and Noe De La Rosa, but juniors Chris Perez and Jaime Acuna have
made a huge impact as well. McAllen High's big man JJ Avila has
done his job inside, but the team improvement came when everyone
got involved. Junior Cory Pace is an on and off the court
leader and often does the dirty work on defense, creating for
others and rebounding.
"I
feel we earned where we are at right now. Nothing was handed to
us, we have had to go get it." said Chapa - Edinburg. "There
are two parts of the game, the physical and the mental game.
Mentally we have to come out ready on Friday and leave it all on
the floor. If we do this then it will be our game and we have a
big chance at beating Madison."
Pace - McHi says "I think if we come together and play our game,
we have a great chance. I will do my best and try to get the
job done."
SAN ANTONIO - HERE WE COME!
South Texas Sports Inspiration of the Week:
PROVERBS FOR ABUNDANT LIVING
by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR
In life we are to encourage and build up each other; not to
discourage and tear down one another.
In life we are to add, not subtract; to multiply, not divide.
In life we are to leave an enduring impression; not a careless dent.
In life we are to smooth out the rough roads along the journey; not
create new potholes.
In life we are to sing a joyful song; not just drone a groan.
In life we are to add our harmonious strains to life's symphony; not
strain the symphony with clatter and clang.
In life we are to soar on eagles' wings; not to peck and cluck with
our beaks in the dirt like chickens.
In life we are to radiate light into unseen places; not permit
unknown fears to dim our radiance.
In life we are to leap in faith; not to limp with doubt.
In life we are to give freely of our time, our love, our resources;
not to cling on to them greedily.
In life we are to lift up others; not push them down.
In life we are to open our hands to those in need; not to clutch our
hands in fists of distrust.
In life we are to lend a helping hand to make loads lighter; not use
heavy hands to hold others back.
In life we are to be messengers of peace, signs of joy; not Chicken
Little portents of gloom-n-doom.
In life we are to enjoy, to savor, to remember, to reflect; not to
overlook, to forget, to ignore, to reject.
In life we are to seek conscious awareness; not doze in the doldrums
of half-awake.
In life we are to dare mighty things; not to fear things gravely.
In life we are to show up, stand up, step forward and speak up; not
to cringe in fear, choosing to
sit down, to step back, allowing the voices of silence to speak so
loudly.
In life we are to exercise proper stewardship of earth's resources;
not pillage the heritage of future generations.
South Texas
Basketball
Who is #1? Many of the debates have already
begun. Basketball fans from all over the area are claiming that
there team is the best and suggesting matchups that don't even
matter. And at South Texas Sports, we believe that the teams that
make it to San Antonio will decide which teams are legit and who
should be #1. It will not matter which team beat who in pre
season games or tournaments, it doesn't matter who gets crowned
district champions, it matters who makes the most successful
playoff run. With that said, as of today these are teams that
have a solid shot of making the Regional Tournament. Some might
disagree, but we have seen many tough games and this is the way we
believe it will break down.
South Texas Shootout PREDICTION
Top four 5A teams to advance to the
Regional tournament (listed alphabetically)
Brownsville Hanna
Edinburg High
Laredo Alexander
PSJA North
Brownsville Hanna
- Strength - they are a very good offensive team, well balanced
and lots of depth, plus they are building strong confidence
through district play. Weakness - Playoff
inexperience plus defense needs to improve in order to
contend after the 1st round (the sophomores should make it their
senior year).
Edinburg High
- Strength - best guard play around both offensively and
defensively plus they have playoff experience and gone through the
learning process of what to do and what not to do in playoffs.
Weakness - Height, changing what has gotten them to this point,
plus getting enough players minutes.
Laredo Alexander
- Strength - The combo guard play of Chris Martinez and Andy
Garcia is one of the best duos around. Both starters and main
contributors to last year's Elite 8 team. Weakness - insufficient
role players and inconsistency, plus its always harder to make it
back the second time around. Alexander split their games with
Edinburg this year.
PSJA North -
Strength - A well balanced defensive team, strong playoff
tradition plus the team is coming together at the right time.
Weakness - depth, breaking down mentally which does not allow them
to close tough games. North and Hanna who are playing at about
same level could possibly meet down the road.
Possible
Sleepers/Cinderellas (Listed in Order of Team Strength) -
McAllen High (very good team - next 2 years they
should make it)
Laredo Ciggarroa (2nd best team in Laredo)
Harlingen South (if they can get back to the basics
this team has a legitimate shot)
McAllen Memorial (good team and lots of depth)
Brownsville Rivera (playing well as of late but
needs more weapons)
Laredo United (tradition, tradition, but young)
Teams still in the playoff hunt
295A - Martin/Nixon
305A - Sharyland, La Joya/Rowe
315A - Harlingen
325A - Pace/Los Fresnos/Weslaco
*Good luck to all teams. Remember these are only
predictions and anything can happen. Represent South Texas well.
Adan is this week's javelinaathletics.com male
student-athlete of the week after being named MVP of the Texas
A&M-Kingsville Holiday Tournament. Montalvo scored a
career-high 27 points in the Javelinas' 89-81 win over #11
ranked (NAIA) Xavier (La.). Montalvohit 6 of 8 shots overall,
all 5 of his 3-point shot attempts and was a perfect 10 of 10
from the free throw line.
This season: Adan transferred to A&M-Kingsville from Division
I Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
High School: Adan played at La Joya High School for coach Bill
Goorgan where he led the Coyotes to a 20-10 record his senior
season. He averaged 18 points, 6.4 rebounds and seven assists
per game his final campaign and was named the District 30-5A
Most Valuable Player as well as first team All-Valley and on
the All-Defensive first team. Adan was also named "Mr.
Basketball" for the Rio Grande Valley, first team All-Region
and first-team Academic All-State...Is the all-time leading
scorer at La Joya. A good all-around athlete, Adan also
lettered three times in football as well as track and field.
He was the District 30-5A Most Valuable Player in football his
senior season and was the district's triple jump champion as a
junior.
AAU Traveling Team: Adan Montalvo played for
the South Texas Stallions AAU basketball team for 5 years. He
was part of the first RGV based team to make the Platinum
Division at the NCAA Denton Great American Shootout, the first
and only Rio Grande Valley team to be crowned AAU Regional
Champions and advance to the AAU Nationals in Orlando
Florida.
PERSONAL: Adan Montalvo was born in McAllen and is the son of
Jose and Blanca Montalvo.
In a league of
his own
South Texas Shootout Staff
Neo Sanchez
is a senior at PSJA North High School. He is a 6'2 guard for the
Raiders and has received varsity experience since Freshmen year.
Sanchez arguably the most talented player in the Rio Grande Valley
is leading all scorers in the area. Head coach Jaime Gongora was
quoted by Texas Hoops as saying "Sanchez is the best player that I
have coached." On Thursday January 17th, Neo Sanchez scored 46
points in 27 minutes of play against city rival PSJA High Bears.
PSJA High has not had the best of years only winning two games for
the season, but North demolished them by 65 points. The feat
comes after falling to district leader Edinburg High.
Sanchez says "I didn't play my best against Edinburg and it didn't
feel good. In the Bears game coach took me out and I had no idea
that I scored so much. He told us that we had to focus on the
next game and finish strong."
South Texas Shootout Analysis: Neo
Sanchez is a complete package guard. He creates havoc for
defenders with his first step and his ability to get to the
basket. His mid range jumper and three point shot is also very
good. He has a high vertical which allows him to rebound. He is
averaging 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 charges
per game. Sanchez does not slack off on defense and is very good
at drawing the charge.
South Texas Shootout Prediction:
The Edinburg Bobcat game was the wake up call that Neo needed. Gongora
and Sanchez are two people that you shouldn't overlook. He should
pick up at least two more 40+ point games, and at least two 30+.
Neo has already been to the Regional Tournament and if he plays to
his potential, he should help this year's team make it back.
Adrian Rodriguez, Fred Gonzalez, Ricky Sanchez and Edgar Martinez
make up the starting five for the Raiders and will gel the second
round of district and into the playoffs.
The Best the RGV has to Offer
Pre
Season games and tournaments have come and gone. Most teams are
midway through the 1st round of district play and three RGV teams
are standing above the rest. Together these three teams own a
record of 54 wins and 11 losses with 6 coming from non Valley
opponents and 2 from each other. The games against each other
this year have been decided by 1 possesion. Their district has
been nicknamed the ACC of the RGV. If you are a basketball
fanatic, you know that we are talking about the basketball power
houses known as Edinburg High, Harlingen South and PSJA North who
all belong to District 31-5A.
These power houses are being fueled by the play
of Esteban Arriola, Jonathan Chapa, Steven Garcia and Neo
Sanchez. This year they have combined for 10 All tournament
honors including 3 Most Valuable Player nods. Harlingen's Garcia
and PSJA North's Sanchez have been going back and forth as the
Valley's points leader. Arriola and Chapa are part of what seems
to be the best team in the Valley and are amongst the top in
various statistic categories.
Although they are from different alma maters, these
four are teammates during the off season. They have traveled to
many of the country's prestigious tournaments with the
South Texas Stallions AAU team.
Together they made history this past summer making it to the Final
Four in the Gold Division at the Youth Nationals in Las Vegas,
making it to the Platinum Division at the Las Vegas Main Event and
being part of the first valley team to win at the Super Pit at the
Denton Great American Shootout NBA division all which are NCAA
sanctioned events.
LEADERS(Listed Alphabetically)
Esteban Arriola
is a senior point guard from Edinburg High. He holds a 3.7 grade
point average. He is averaging 18 points, 5.2 assists, 1.4
steals, 0.8 charges and 4 rebounds per game. This year he has
received Most Valuable Player honors at the Sharyland Diamondback
Classic, and made the All tournament team for the Callalen
Christmas Classic and Edinburg Craig Smith Tournament. Esteban is
coached by Joe Filoteo.
Words about Arriola from his district rivals -
Sanchez says: I think Esteban is the best player in the Valley
besides that guy from PSJA North. Edinburg is considered the best
team in the Valley mainly because of Esteban. Garcia says:
Esteban is a great leader and a really good point guard that can
shoot.
Jonathan Chapa
is a senior guard from Edinburg High. He holds a 3.4 grade point
average. He is averaging 15.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
This year he has made the All tournament team at the Edinburg
Craig Smith Tournament, Sharyland Diamondback Classic and Callalen
Christmas Classic. Jonathan is coached by Joe Filoteo. Team
Record 17-3
Words about Chapa from his district rivals - Garcia
says: Chapa is a good scorer and him and Esteban are a good combo
for their team. Sanchez says: Chapa is a really good player.
Steven Garcia
is a senior guard from Harlingen South. He holds a 3.6 grade
point average. He is averaging 25 points and 5 rebounds per
game. He was awarded Most Valuable Player honors at the Edcouch
Elsa Tournament and made the All tournament team at the Harlingen
Keillor Classic. Steven is coached by Brian Molina. Team Record
19-4
Words about Garcia from his rivals - Sanchez says
Garcia is one of the better players in the Valley who can score.
Arriola says Garcia is a very good off the ball guard who can
shoot the three and the mid range jumper very very well. Chapa
says that Steven is a great player and leader.
Neo Sanchez
is a senior guard from PSJA North. He holds a 3.0 grade point
average. He is averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2
assists and 2 charges per game. He received Most Valuable Player
honors at the Mission Thanksgiving Classic and made the All
tournament team at the Brownsville Tournament. Neo is coached by
Jaime Gongora. Team Record 18-4
Words about Sanchez from his district rivals -
Arriola says: Neo can play positions 1-4 and his ability to get to
the basket and his mid range jumper makes it very difficult to
guard him. Garcia says: Neo is one of the best players in the Rio
Grande Valley who can flat out score. Chapa says: Neo is a great
player and when a game comes down to the wire he is a great
leader.
COMMENTS:
"this season is gonna be a tight race in 31-5A.
PSJA North has to beat Edinburg so there can be a three way tie
for 1st." - Steven Garcia
"Games this season are all going to be close." -
Neo Sanchez
"South has Steven but they also have Charles Wray
who steps up and is an X factor plus the bench contributes. -
Jonathan Chapa
"Harlingen South is a very solid team with 2
really good players. Don't sleep on them when you're up. PSJA
North is a really good team with there speed and good coaching.
This season is going to be exciting and I can't wait to see who
will emerge as the team representing in San Antonio." - Esteban
Arriola
At the end of the season when it is all said and
done, the teams from 31-5A should end up on top. And with these
players leading the way, this district race is going to be an
unforgettable one.
Magnifecent Montalvo Leads Hogs To
Win Over Nationally Ranked Xavier
Kingsville Athletics
Kingsville
– It was the outside game of Adan Montalvo, the inside game of Juan
Lanauze and the defense of Wendell Mulkey that sparked the Texas
A&M-Kingsville Javelinas to a 89-81 win over nationally ranked
Xavier (La.) in the Texas A&M-Kingsville Holiday Tournament Sunday
night at Kleberg Bank Court.
Montalvo (La Joya HS) scored a career-high 27 points and was named
MVP of the tournament. Lanauze, who was also named to the
all-tournament team, scored all 10 of his points in the second half
and Mulkey finished with six points, four assists, a blocked shot
and a career-high 10 steals. The win was the fifth consecutive win
for the Hogs, tying a season high, the 19th win in the last 20 games
at home against non-Lone Star Conference teams and improved their
overall record to 10-2.Xavier, an NAIA national tournament team last
year, is ranked #11 in the latest NAIA Division I poll, saw its
four-game win streak end and fell to 10-2. Two other Javelinas
scored in double figures led by Reggie Love’s 16 and 12 from Clyde
Johnson. Mark Stewart had 22 to lead the Gold Rush in scoring. Texas
A&M-Kingsville shot 50 percent or better for the fourth time in the
last five games and scored a season-high 89 points, the third time
in the last four games the Hogs scored at least 80 points. The
Javelinas out-scored the Gold Rush 55-44 in the second half, hitting
58 percent of their shots from the floor including 7 of 10 3-point
shots and 20 of 27 free throws. The Hogs also forced a season-high
28 turnovers from Xavier, 16 of them coming over the final 20
minutes. A&M-Kingsville held the Gold Rush to just 3 of 15 shooting
from the floor over the final 10 minutes of the game. “The win was
keyed by our defense,” said Javelina head coach Pete Peterson. “We
just decided we weren’t just to give them anything. When Wendell
gets a steal, everybody gets fired up. He came out in the second
half and does what Wendell Mulkey does. Adan was feeling it tonight.
I heard he could shoot and tonight he was banging them down.” “He
(Coach Peterson) told us we weren’t matching their intensity,” said
Montalvo. “We came out in the second half and ran them. We made
shots and we worked harder. I think Coach Pete outcoached them.”
Down three at the half, the Javelina defense came out of the locker
room with intensity, forcing four consecutive Gold Rush turnovers
and turning them into seven consecutive points. Mulkey had back to
back steals and layups and Love knocked down a 3-point shot to give
the Hogs a 41-37 lead. A fifth turnover led to a Naquawn Lee layup
to give the Hogs a 43-40 lead at the 17 minute mark. Three
consecutive 3-point baskets by Montalvo, Love and then Montalvo
again gave the Hogs their biggest lead of the game, 52-42 just five
minutes into the second half. Montalvo drained another 3-point shot
off of another Gold Rush turnover at the 13:51 mark to give the Hogs
a 57-44 lead. A&M-Kingsville hit 5 of its first 6 3-point shots of
the second half and 9 of its first 14 shots overall while forcing 10
turnovers in the first six minutes of the second half. But the
nationally ranked Gold Rush responded, out-scoring the Javelinas 9-1
to cut the lead to 58-53. The Gold Rush made their first seven shots
from the floor in the second half and didn’t miss a shot from the
floor until the 10:07 mark. The Hogs continued to keep the Gold Rush
at arms length, never allowing them any closer than three points.
Juan Lanauze’s layup at the 6:50 mark gave the Hogs a 68-62 lead and
then hit a 3-point shot with just over six minutes left to make it
71-65. It was the 10th 3-point basket for the Hogs, tying a season
high. After a Javelina free throw made it 72-65, Lanauze drew a
charging foul, the 27th turnover on Xavier. Clyde Johnson hit two
free throws on the following possession to increase the lead back to
nine, 74-65 with just over five minutes remaining. Lanauze scored on
a reverse layup with 3:45 left to increase the lead to 10, 76-66.
Lee hit two free throws with two minutes left to increase the lead
to 11, 80-69. But with 1:33 left in the game, the Javelinas were
called for two fouls on the same play, one being intentional. Xavier
shot five consecutive free throws, making four to cut the lead to
80-73 and got the ball back. Williams scored on a spinning layup and
the lead was down to five, 80-75. Montalvo hit two free throws with
45 seconds left to make it 84-77 and then drew a charge with 38
seconds remaining. Johnson then hit two free throw shots with 32
seconds left to increase the lead to 86-77. The Hogs fell behind
quickly to star the game, 7-0 just two and a half minutes into the
game. But Reggie Love hit a three and Clyde Johnson came up with a
steal and a layup to cut the lead back to a pair, 7-5. Adan
Montalvo’s 3-point basket at the 13:30 mark evened the game at 11
and Love’s layup at the 12 minute mark gave the Javelinas their
first lead of the game, 13-11. Stephen Story capped the 9-0 run with
a layup at the 11:07 mark to give the Hogs a four-point lead. The
Javelinas still led by three, 21-18, but Xavier went on a 9-0 run to
grab a 27-21 lead with five and a half minutes left in the half.
Another 3-point basket by Montalvo cut the lead to 29-26 and
eventually Montalvo tied the game at 34 with a layup with 27 seconds
left, but Xavier’s Mark Stewart hit a 3-point basket at the buzzer
to give the Gold Rush a 37-34 halftime lead. The Hogs shot 54
percent from the floor in the first half and closed the half by
hitting three of their final four shots. Xavier also shot the ball
well, hitting an even 50 percent, but was sizzling from behind the
3-point arch, making 5-of-7 3-point shot attempts. The big
difference in the first half was rebounding as the Gold Rush
out-rebounded the Javelinas 21-8 which included 10 offensive
rebounds which led to 8 second chance points. Stewart led the Gold
Rush in the first half with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting including
4-of-5 on 3-point shot attempts.
Las Vegas Main Event
After months of practice and
game preparation and countless hours of fundraising, the time had come
for the South Texas Stallions 17U basketball team to leave to Las Vegas.
The team gathered at the Mcallen International Airport at 7:30 pm on
Saturday July 21st, checked their bags in, said good bye to family
members and boarded the plane. The plane departed at 9:30 pm Valley time
and arrived at 10:30 pm Las Vegas time. We shuttled off to the Rental
Car buildings at around 11:30pm and spent over 2 hours there. We then
traveled down Las Vegas Boulevard also known as the Strip and arrived at
our hotel (Circus Circus) around 2:15 am. The team ate and went to sleep
at around 4:00 am. The coaches and players had to report at 8:00 am to
take the NCAA class and get coaches wristbands and packets. Then it was
time to get busy.
The first game was against Minnesota Select Sunday
morning at 10:00 am at the UNLV Cox Pavillion. The game went back and
forth in the first half and then the Stallions began to pull away and
eventually won 63 -53. The squad then faced off with the Georgia Eagles
on Monday afternoon. The Stallions started off a little sluggish and
then kicked into high gear. The South Texas team eventually won by the
score of 71-46. 8:00 am on Tuesday morning the team battled with the
California Jaguars and won in overtime 68-66. Next up Colorado Premiere.
After leading the majority of the game, the Stallions went down to this
stellar team by 6 points. Overall the team did a great job. History was
made, for this was the first time that an RGV based team made it to the
Platinum division at the Las Vegas Main Event. GO STALLIONS!
After the Las Vegas Main
Event, the South Texas Stallions had 2 days to relax and enjoy the sites
of Las Vegas before beginning the Youth National tournament. On Friday
July 27th the Stallions started off play against California Sierra
Express. The team was down by 12 in the first half and then rallied in
the second half to pull out the 66-63 victory. The next day, the
Maryland Sixers came ready to play and in a low scoring affair, the
Stallions fell 48-42. On Sunday, the Stallions had to play without point
guard Esteban Arriola who sprained his ankle against the Sixers. The
team came together and beat Canada All Stars by the score of 62-55. Then
it was off to battle with the Chinese Chickens at 8:00 am on Monday. The
Stallions just attacked from the tip off and won by 2 against a much
taller and older team. Later on in the evening the team met up with I-20
Sports. The South Texas team won by 2 to advance to the Final 4. After
leading the majority of the game against Nor California Magic, turnovers
and bad shot selection resulted in a 2 point loss. However, once again
the South Texas Stallions made history. This was the first time that an
RGV based team made the Final 4 at the Las Vegas Youth Nationals.
Congratulations Stallions!
Denton Great American
Shootout
In 2004 the South Texas Stallions traveling team
became the first Rio Grande Valley team to ever
compete in the annual Denton Great American Shootout
that is held at the University of North Texas. The
team went 3 -2 against teams from Louisiana,
Oklahoma, Houston and Dallas. Since then it had
been a struggle for the Stallions in the NBA
division. That was until the most recent South
Texas Stallions made the journey. Due to injury and
summer school, only seven players from across the
RGV made the July 6th - 9th tournament that was host
to over 300 teams from across the United States.
The team faced Team Hoop Force and lost by 12 on
Friday afternoon. The next game was held at
the famous 4 court Physical Education Building
against Dallas Showtyme. The game did not begin
well with the Stallions trailing by 9 in the second
half. However the team did not give up and came
back to force the game into overtime. In overtime,
the Stallions controlled the game and finished with
a 2 point victory. The overtime victory gave the
team a big dose of confidence and it showed in the
next game. The South Texas Stallions played at the
Super Pit (Main North Texas University Gym) against
the Oklahoma Thoroughbreads. Only a certain amount
of teams are scheduled to play at the Super Pit,
which is set as a college type game. The team names
are put in the scoreboard and players names are
announced with every shot made. The South Texas
team lead the whole way and won by 5 in front of
a nice size crowd. Next opponent Tulsa Titans.
Height was a major disadvantage for the team but the
Stallions played fundamentally sound, hitting big
shots, boxing out, taking charges and
playing aggressive defense. The game went back and
forth in the second half with both teams giving it
everything they had. Tied with 8 seconds left and
control of the ball, the Stallions play was
disrupted and in the final seconds 4 to 5 players
fighting for a loose ball. The game went into
overtime and the Titans scored immediately on an
open layup. But the squad answered right back. In
the final minute, the Stallions took control getting
to the line and making their free throws. The team
then advanced against the Southwest Celtics which
ended the South Texas Stallions run.
The Stallions 2007 Summer team matched the 2004
team with the 3-2 overall record and gave Coach
Ileana Martinez her first victory in the Super Pit.
"The team did some awesome things this weekend.
They gave it everything they had and I am proud of
their efforts. I have been coaching the core of
these players since they were freshmen and
sophomores and after the injury struggles that have
plagued us this year, I am just happy for them."
The team consisted of (listed in alphabetic
order) Esteban Arriola (Edinburg), Jonathan Chapa (Edinburg), Steven
Garcia (Harlingen South), Cameron Gatling (Nikki
Rowe), Malique Graham (Marine Military), Cory Pace (McHi),
and Neo Sanchez (PSJA North). Next stop for the
team is Las Vegas. The team will be participating
in the Main Event and the Youth Nationals.
Texas A&M Great American Shootout
Over 100 teams participated in the Great American
Shootout at Texas A&M on the June 1st - June 3rd
weekend. The South Texas Stallions NBA & NIT teams
began their journey at around 8:30 am and arrived at
College Station at around 4:00 pm. Both teams played at
7:00 pm.
South Texas Stallions NBA
The NBA team competed against Texas Select out of Dallas
in the firstround. The Stallions came out sluggish and
quickly fell behind. In the 2nd half the team began to
rally and play good team ball, but it was too late and
eventually lost by 6 points. On Saturday morning the
Stallions took control early against the Westside All
stars out of Houston Texas. With a 5 man substitution
switch every 4 minutes, the team just ran the Westside
team out of the gym which resulted in a 20 point lead
the majority of the game. This win gave the team some
confidence going into the next game against Team Texas
South 2007 out of San Antonio. It was a great battle,
but at the end the senior loaded Team Texas took over
and won by 4 points. The next game came down to the
wire, and The Legend All stars made up of kids from
Madison, Holmes, etc. won in a come back victory by 1
point. The losses came at an average of 3.7 points a
game against some great competition, and much needed
experience was gained in
preparation for the Denton Great American Shootout, Las
Vegas Main Event and Youth Nationals. "We brought in
some new blood into our team this tournament and they
are a good fit with the players we already had. The
inexperience playing together was exposed throughout the
tournament, but I truly feel confident and believe in
every single player that suited out for the Stallions
this weekend."
The NBA team consisted of Esteban Arriola (Edinburg),
Cameron Gatling (Nikki Rowe), Francisco Rodriguez
(Weslaco), Steven Garcia (HarlingenSouth), Jonathan
Chapa (Edinburg), Joseph Garcia (La Joya), Cory Pace (McHi),
Andrew Gonzalez (Edcouch Elsa), Chris Flores (Edinburg),
Neo Sanchez (PSJA North)
South Texas Stallions NIT
This was the NIT team's first experience at such a
heavily attended
event with teams from all over Texas. They placed 3rd
during pool play which included teams that had
sophomores and juniors. The Stallions then went on to
fight hard in the elimination rounds winning their first
2 games and earning a trip to the final 4 of the NIT
consolation bracket. Although they stepped up and fought
hard they fell short in the semifinal round. Al Gatling
coach of the NIT team said, "Overall the team played
extremely well and we are looking for great things from
this group."
The following is a list of team members of South Texas
Stallions (15 and under): Joshua Torralba (Rowe),
Joseph Pompa (McHi), Joshua Gatling (Rowe), Eli Suarez
(Rowe), Patrick Gomez (McAlllen Memorial), Fabian Nino
(Rowe), Jim Abiro (Rowe), Armando Garza (Rowe),
Johnathan Bimpong (Rowe) Joey Pena (Rowe), Jonathan
Herrera (Mission). Not Pictured Irving Segura (Weslaco)
Sweet 16 Back
to Back
In 2006 The South Texas Stallions made it to the
Sweet 16. Anything less for 2007 would not be
acceptable. The Reebok Pearland Classic had 144 of
the top teams / top organizations from Texas,
Oklahoma, Louisiana and California. The South Texas
Stallions were one of 75 teams entered in the NBA
division. In pool play the Stallions went into
overtime with Reebok Houston Elite and lost by 2.
The team then went on to beat Team Oklahoma by 9
before winning by 1 in an overtime game with the
Houston Hardballers that sent the Stallions to the
Sweet 16. The team lost to Team Lynx by 12. Teamwork
was the Key this weekend! The Stallions will travel
to the NCAA sanctioned Kingwood Classic and Next
Level Tournament at the end of this month. The team
consisted of (listed in alphabetical order): Esteban
Arriola (Edinburg), Joseph Garcia (La Joya), Steven
Garcia (Harlingen South), Cameron Gatling (Nikki
Rowe), Esai Mirelez (Mission), Francisco Rodriguez
(Weslaco) - All tournament team, Danny Ryan
(Weslaco), Eleasar Salinas (Brownsville Porter), Neo
Sanchez (PSJA North).
Junior Juggernauts
"Recognizing the Stallion Work Horse"
One can debate that the
senior talent level in South Texas is arguably on of the
best classes in a long time. A few junior young guns are
refusing to wait their turn and are on a mission to get
things done in 2006-2007. During the off season you can see
most of these top prospects training intensely and
participating on the South Texas Stallions AAU basketball
team. Together six junior players tallied up eleven All
tournament selections and three Most Valuable Player
awards. Four of them received an award in every event that
they were in.
31-5A One of the toughest
districts around
If you are a basketball fan
you have heard of PSJA North's
Neo Sanchez. The Rio Grande junior phenom has led
his team to a 23-5 record and is aiming to bring the
district title back to Raider town. 6'1 Sanchez was awarded
All tournament selection at the Mission Thanksgiving Classic
and helped his squad finish 4th. North brought home the
Consolation championship and Neo was named to the all
tournament team at the City of Palms tournament in McAllen.
One week prior to the Palms tournament Neo left his mark at
the Brownsville shootout and was named Most Valuable Player
of the Tournament. Sanchez scored 39 against Economedes on
Jan. 24.
Esteban Arriola is brand new to the Edinburg high
varsity team and has taken time to get accustomed to his new
role with the Bobcats. The 5'9 feisty point guard fought
hard and when all was said and done, Arriola earned an all
tournament selection award in every tournament that his team
participated in. His first came at the Craig Smith
tournament where his team won the championship and teammate
Justin Ramirez received MVP. The next stop for the Bobcats
was the Sharyland Diamondback Classic where during the
championship game Esteban scored 23 points and made the all
tournament team. As a late Christmas gift Coach Filoteo and
his crew packed their bags and headed to Corpus Christi
Callalen and left the Sparkling City with at 1st place
championship trophy and Arriola brought home his final all
tournament selection. The 22-5 Edinburg Bobcats are aiming
to bring the district title back to the All American City.
Steven Garcia is making waves by accepting his new
role at Harlingen South. The junior playmaker has been
given the green light by first year head coach Brian Molina
and just like Sanchez and Arriola, Garcia brought home
awards in every tournament the Hawks participated in. The
Harlingen Keillor Classic was the first all tournament
selection for the 6'2 guard . The Hawks made it to the
championship game but fell short. The next stop for South
was the Edcouch Elsa tournament where Coach Molina's team
finished fourth and Steven received his second all
tournament selection nod. The young gun received his final
all tournament selection at the Brownsville Tournament.
Garcia and the Hawks are 17-10.
Through Thick and Thin!
La Joya's
Joseph Garcia and Mission's
Esai Mirelez have been on the
South Texas Stallions since the sixth grade playing on a
seventh grade squad. Both will break the record this year
for seasons played, previously held by Adan Montalvo (Corpus
Christi Islander basketball player) and Mission Veterans
Archie Reyna. TRUE TEAM PLAYERS best describes both of
these talented athletes.
In his first tournament as
a Stallion, Garcia led the Stallion squad to the
championship game and earned his first Most Valuable Player
award. Being on the Varsity team since freshman year,
Garcia has gone through ups and downs with his Coyotes
but are 5-2 in district play and is looking forward to
making it to the playoffs. Joseph a Laredo Nixon all
tournament selection scored 25 points on Jan. 24 and had 8
assists.
During the summer Esai
Mirelez can be best described as Mr. Dependable. If the
game is on the line Esai can hit a three, drive it in, find
an open man, get a rebound or take a charge. Mirelez led
his team to the championship game at the Mission
Thanksgiving Classic and received all tournament selection
honors.
Newest Commitment!
Laredo Alexander's
Chris Martinez will be the
newest member to join the South Texas Stallions 17U squad.
Martinez has led his team to a 23-1 record the best in the
Rio Grande and Laredo area. The Bulldogs brought home the
championship at the Mission Thanksgiving Classic and
Martinez received his first Most Valuable Player award.
After the Thanksgiving Classic, Alexander competed at the
Edcouch Elsa tournament and fell short in the championship
game against the Jackets, but Chris managed to make the all
tournament team. In the Laredo Border
tournament, the Bulldogs beat Laredo United in the
championship game and once again Martinez was named Most
Valuable Player.
2007 South Texas Stallions
- All juniors listed above along with
Justin Lafitte, Cameron Gatling
and Andrew Gonzalez make up 9
of the 12 players that will represent the South Texas
Stallions NBA squad this upcoming year. The recruiting
process is now taking place. Any Freshman, sophomore or
juniors interested in the STS program please call
956-519-0788 Mon-Thurs. from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Senior Studs Recognizing the Stallion Work Horse
It is the last high school season
for these South Texas Stallions and they intend to leave their
mark. Some have already signed to division 1 universities, won
district championships, received numerous all tournament
selections, Most Valuable Player nods, ink on South Texas
tabloids, but remain fighting till the final buzzer sounds.
Jose
Raul Reyna also know as Big Archie was named to two all
tournament teams and received a Most Valuable
Player award during non district play. He has led his team to a
24-4 record and is doing what he can to lead his team into the
playoffs. 6'4 Reyna holds a 3.4 GPA in the class room and is in
the top 5 in points and top 10 in rebounds. Archie received an
all tournament selection at the Mission Thanksgiving Classic and
the Laredo Border tournament. Reyna was named Most Valuable
Player at the Sharyland Diamondback Classic.
PSJA High's
Ty Gough was one of two RGV Division 1 signees in the
Class of 2007. Gough will be headed to Texas State in the Fall
but not before he tries to finish business at Bear country.
Being in what seems to be the toughest district in the Valley,
Ty remains focused and is looking forward to making playoffs.
Ty is averaging 22 points and 17 rebounds per game and is
sporting an 18-8 record. Gough holds a 3.6 GPA.
Edgar Uriel
Segura out of Weslaco High has signed to play with the
University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. Uriel known for his
passing ability is leading the valley in assists (9.4) and is
averaging 18.5 points per game. Also known for his defense,
Segura is averaging 4.5 steals per game while leading his team
to a 22-4 record. Uriel holds a 3.5 GPA and received all
tournament selection honors at the Sharyland Diamondback
Classic.
The tallest player in the Rio
Grande Valley can be found right by Uriel's side.
Francisco Rodriguez has mad the
best of 2006-2007. Rodriguez made the All tournament team at
the Sharyland Diamondback Classic and is averaging 6 blocks per
game. Rodriguez holds a 3.4 GPA.
Joe Andre
Firova out of Laredo United joined his hardwood teammates
late due to the success of the football team. 6'1 Firova didn't
waste any time making an impact for the Longhorns. Firova is
Laredo's leading scorer and led his team to the championship
game at the Laredo Border tournament. Joe Andre holds a 3.5
GPA.
When it comes to scoring few can do
what Eleasar Salinas out of
Brownsville
Porter can do. He leads the Rio
Grande Valley and Laredo with a 26 point average per game. He
has been named to the all tournament team in 3 events. The
Cowboys won third place at the Craig Smith and fourth place at
the Brownsville tournament. Porter is 15-8 overall and will have
to fight hard in the second round to get a playoff spot.
When he wants to play he plays!
McHi's Henry Valladares scored 24
points against McAllen Memorial on Jan. 24. Valladares also had
a buzzer beater
against Sharyland high. Henry is
the on and off the court leader this year.
Best bud
Anthony Wilkerson joined McHi basketball team late due to
the playoff stint that the Bulldogs had in football. Wilkerson
should also help the Bulldogs make playoffs.
Rio Grande's
Juan Landa has been a Stallion since the eighth grade.
Landa is listed as a top scorer and holds a 4.0 GPA.
Texas
State Lands a Steal!
In August 2005 Ty Gough got on a bus and headed to the Rio
Grande Valley. He knew he wanted to live his two final
years of high school with his mom Lauree Ford. She was
offered a higher paying job in McAllen but resided in
Pharr. Word spread like wild fire throughout the Rio Grande
Valley about the 6’9 center.
Ty found himself in a different surrounding going from 1800
total population in his hometown Missouri to more than 1800
students at his high school. During the 2005-2006 season
the PSJA Bears were chosen to be district champs but found
themselves excluded in the last district game.
Ty joined the South Texas Stallions in the Spring of 2006.
The Spring Ice Breaker was the first tournament that Ty
played for the Stallion organization and Rivals.com
immediately featured him on their website. “He eats, sleeps
and breathes basketball. Ty works and works on improving his
game.” Says Coach Ileana Martinez. In 2006 – 2007 Valley
fans were entertained as Gough provided them with rebounding
records, slamming dunks and a charismatic flare.
Ty was named District Most Valuable
Player, 1st team all Valley by the Coaches, and 1st
team all Valley for the Monitor and is ranked 41st
in the State of Texas by Rivals.com. Gough led his team to
the State Playoffs and finished 3rd in the
district standings. Although he has managed to attain
numerous records and awards, this is just the beginning for
the Texas State Bobcat.
The New Phoenix!
Edgar Uriel Segura! Every Rio Grande basketball fanatic
has heard this name by now. The 6’3 point guard from
Weslaco High has committed to play for the University of
Wisconsin Green Bay.
It wasn’t long ago,
when Uriel (what he prefers to be called) was training with
his Dad Antonio Segura in Saltillo Mexico. Antonio
instilled basketball in Uri’s life at the mere age of 5 and
knew his son had that something special. You see, Antonio
was a professional coach in Mexico and spotting and training
talent is what he was paid to do. The Segura family aimed
to send their eldest son to the States to have a better
opportunity in basketball and a finer education and by the
age of 8 Uriel began his English training.
Years went by and he
lands in the hands of Weslaco High. In his first year at
Panther Country, Segura went through many ups and downs,
often questioning his basketball future. “I remember seeing
Uriel play against Pharr Bears and immediately saw potential
and a huge upside.” Says Coach Ileana Martinez “As the
season progressed, I recruited Uriel and knew he would be
the starting point guard.” In his very first tournament
with the Stallions, Segura caught the attention of college
scouts and the rest shall we say is History.
Uriel became the 2007
Rio Grande Valley’s Most Valuable Player and the Coaches
pick for Mr. Basketball. Segura also led the Panthers to
the Sweet 16 and is ranked 39th in the state of
Texas by Rivals.com. This young man has accomplished a lot,
but his mission is far from over.
Gough Looking Towards Summer
March 22, 2006
Blue Zertuche TexasHoops.com Recruiting Analyst
This summer the South Texas Stallions will have 6'9"
transfer,
Ty Gough on their
roster. Gough made his way to Texas last August when both of
his parents received new jobs in South Texas. Gough lived 45
minutes outside of Columbia, Mossouri where he was a dual
sport athlete. Gough only had the chance to participate in
basketball this past season at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo and
still is undecided about playing football next year. As for
now, Gough is preparing himself for a long summer on the
hardwood and likes the type of competition that Texas
offers.
"Everything is great here in Texas," said Gough. "I
like the 5A competition that I played against this
year at . In Missouri it is a real slow fundamental
game, and here it is physical and fast. Also the
players here are taller and bigger."
This past weekend at the Icebreaker Gough showed
that he belonged on the court with his style of
game. Gough knows how to use his size and strength
and has a blue collar worker's mentality. This type
of play has already earned him some major attention.
"I have offers from Southern Illinois, Yale and
Western Kentucky. Southern Illinois will be coming
to my high school in a few weeks to watch me play."
Gough mentioned that other schools look foward to
seeing him play this summer and hopefully get more
involved in the recruiting process. "I've been
contacted by A&M Corpus Christi and Texas Tech. I've
been receiving mail from Northern Iowa and Arizona
State and West Point."
Living here in Texas took some adjusting for Gough.
"I lived in a town with just 1800 people. And now I
go to school with 3000 students. That is double to
what I am used to, but it was an easy adjustment."
Gough is going to take the time this off-season and
summer to become a more effective post player.
"Right now I weigh about 237 and I want to gain a
few more pounds of muscle. I also am working on
getting my outside shot more consistant. I like
playing against all of the fast and quicker guards
and players because that will make me quicker."
Texas Hoops Analysis:TY is a very physical
competitor on the court. He is a very broad and
strong post player who moves well in the paint with
some skill. He battles for loose balls and attacks
the boards. He plays with intensity and energy. He
will post-up in the paint, block shots and scores
around the basket.
SOUTH TEXAS STALLIONS IN LAS VEGAS
The 15s went 2-3 made it to Semi Finals in Bronze division (Losses
by 2 points in double overtime, 2 to advance to the Bronze
Championship, & by 16 against Pennsylvania Sam Rines. The future
looks bright for this team. Plans are to participate in at least 10
tournaments in 2006 - Coached by Ileana Martinez
16's - 2-3 made it to the 2nd round in the silver division. (Losses
came by 7 - 15 points) - This team will travel a great deal in 2006
so any incoming juniors interested, contact Stallion office at
956-519-0788. - Coached by Ricco Ollervides.
17's - 1-3; 1-3 - These games were heart breakers, but served as
great experience. Coached by Rick Horne
The teams stayed at Circus Circus, dined at great eateries, and most
importantly played the toughest level of competition and made
lasting friendships. Good Job Stallions! Dedicate yourself on having
a great 2005-2006 season! We will always sit on the home side.
5/3/05 AAU CHAMPS
The Stallions 15U team reached their goal at the AAU
Regional tournament becoming the 2nd Stallion team & the 3rd high
school RGV based team to win the championship & qualify for Nationals.
Fourth season Stallion members Joseph Garcia (La Joya), Esai Mirelez
(Mission), & Danny Flores(Mission Vets), had fallen short in previous
years but with the additions of some standouts, the team would not be
denied. Ireneo Sanchez (PSJA North) - offensive specialist, JD
Cisneros - defensive specialist (La Villa), & Andrew Gonzalez -
rebounding specialist (Edcouch) have proven to be some strong
additions to the team and along with Garcia, Flores & Mirelez make up
the top 6. JD Carrera (Mission Vets), Aundra Maxwell (Mission Vets),
Rudy Lopez (PSJA Memorial), Victor Guerra (Mission) & Marco Salinas
(San Antonio Churchill) make up the rest of the AAU Regional
championship team.
The Stallions beat out Brownsville Fire, Hoopsters 14U & Stallions 14U
in pool play & then went on to beat the Hoopsters 14U in tournament
play & the Hoopsters 15U in championship round by 20. The Stallions
beat their opponents by an average of 23 points en route to their
title crown on Sunday May 1st. With the victory the Fabulous Freshman
advance to the AAU national in Kingsport Tennessee.
5/3/05 Team shows promise at AAU
The South Texas Stallions 17U went 3-1 at the AAU
Regional tournament, held in Mission on April 30-May 1, and showed no
proof that this was the first time playing together. Alex Horne, Randy
Garcia & Richard Gonzalez are the only players that have participated
in 3 tournaments for the Stallions 17U team along side 2005 teammates
Jaret von Rosenberg, Ivan Dominguez, Jermaine Bishop & Erwin Jones.
Laredo United Sophomore Joe Andre Firova, a starter on the Stallions
16's team, moved up to play in the 17's & was joined by his high
school teammates Juniors David, Luis Guevara & Edgar. "These 4 boys
did a great job for us this weekend," said Coach Ileana Martinez.
"Laredo United is going to have a great team next year & we are really
excited to have these boys as part of our 17 & under team."
In their division, not one team went undefeated thoroughout the
tournament & the Stallions beat the Hoopsters Red team who then went
on and eventually won the championship. We had a great day Saturday &
started off sluggish against the Hoopsters white team on Sunday. "We
played catch up ball throughout the game, we missed a few key shots &
they just out hustled us in this game to pull out the win." The team
made up the loss during the 3rd place game beating Del Rio by 25
points. The team will travel to Texas A&M, UTSA, Denton, & Las Vegas
this summer & are looking for 2 more players to fill up their roster.
"Joe Andre is on the 16's team so we are definitely looking for 2 more
guards to help out in the back court." Martinez also added "This is a
great opportunity for any young player to showcase their talents in
front of college scouts as well as the chance of playing with great
teammates."
4/25/05 - Making the
Gold at Kingwood The South Texas Stallions 16's & 17's went to Kingwood
on a mission - Make the Gold division & prove that South Texas has
players to be reckon with. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! The Stallions 16U division had 96 teams while
the 17U division had 255 teams from accross the country participating
in the biggest basketball Spring Event in the world. This is the 2nd
straight year in a row that the Stallions are the only RGV based team
to participate in this tournament. The Stallions do consist of players
from all over the south including athletes from RGV, Corpus Christi,
San Antonio & Laredo.
The teams began play Saturday April 23 at 8:00 am & their last game of
the night started 5 minutes after midnight. The 16U team won both of
their games in pool play. They beat the Houston Kings 61-57 and then
went on to beat the ARC BTI out of California 59-49 before loosing to
a talented Milwaukee group. "When these boys play as a team, they can
battle with anyone." said coach Ileana Martinez "I believe that we
have the top sophomores from the Valley, Laredo, & San Antonio." As
far as varsity experience goes, this team is good to go. Leading the
way are Sophomore Varsity starters Nathan Gonzalez (Mission Vets),
Eleasar Salinas (Brownsville Porter), Abraham Valdez (Brownsville
Lopez), Joe Andre Firova (Laredo United), Louis King (La Villa),
Anthony Starling (San Antonio Holmes) along with top Junior Varsity
stars Archie Reyna (MissionVets), Henry Valladares (McHi), Anthony
Wilkerson (McHi), & Wally Garza (Mission Vets).
The17U team started off their day at 11:30 am against the Texas
Platinum Starz & beat them by a score of 86-78 & followed that with a
victory over the Utah heat 67-42. The team went on to play at 9:00 pm
agains the Houston Heat 16's and won & then played their last game of
the tournament against the Arkansas Lakers 5 minutes after midnight.
Playing with only 6 players the whole day proved to be the key factor
in this game, as exhaustion just caught up with the team during the
second half. Class of 2005 Jaret von Rosenberg (Sharyland) & Ivan
Dominguez (Mission Vets) led the charge along with Alex Horne (CC
Flour Bluff), Randy Garcia (CC King), Richard Gonzalez (Edcouch) &
received help from 16's Anthony Wilkerson (McHi).
Overall it was a great weekend of basketball for South Texas.
Pictured above front L to R: Neo Sanchez (PSJA North), Joseph
Garcia (La Joya), JD Cisneros (La Villa), Middle L to R: Joey Perez
(Edinburg), Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls), Cameron Gatling (Nikki
Rowe), Esai Mirelez (Mission), Back L to R: Danny Flores (Mission
Vets), Andrew Gonzalez (Edcouch Elsa) Coached by Ileana Martinez
The 15s went 2-3 in the Las Vegas Main Event & made it to the Semi
Finals in the Bronze division. The team's losses came by 2 points
in double overtime to the Frisco Ballers, 2 to advance to the Bronze
Championship, & by 16 against Pennsylvania Sam Rines. The team
then went on to compete in the Sparkling City tournament in Corpus
Christi on August 6-8 going undefeated. The team won
the championship game by 41 points. On August 12 - 14 the boys
played their last tournament in 2005 for the AAU Stallion team.
The Fantastic Freshman finished their season off with a 4-0
performance in the Varsity division at the Slam N Jam tournament
held in La Joya. The future looks bright for this team. The Nikki
Rowe Warriors, Edcouch Elsa Yellow jackets, Edinburg Bobcats,
Edinburg Economedes Jaguars, & Mission Veterans, were some of the
teams that participated in the Slam N Jam Tournament of Champions.
For results on the Slam N Jam tournament, click on Results under the
South Texas Shootouts.
The 16's went 2-3 in the Las Vegas Main Event and made it to the 2nd
round in the Silver division. The team also participated in 5 Great
American Shootouts in 2005 as well as showcasing their talents in
the Kingwood Classic. This team will travel to the biggest
tournaments in 2006, so Juniors - If basketball is an important part
of your life, we would like for you to contact the Stallion office
at 956-519-0788 Mon.-Thurs.from 4:15 7:15 or fax us your schedule to
956-519-0788.
(17's picture Coming Soon)
Randy Garcia (CC King), Manny Gatling (Nikki Rowe), David Gomez
(Laredo United), Richard Gonzalez (Edcouch Elsa), JC Herebia (Pharr
North), Alex Horne (CC Flor Bluff), Ryan Nieto Whitaker (Harlingen),
Edgar Perez (Laredo United), Danny Torres (Del Rio), Coached by Rick
Horne
17's - 1-3; 1-3 - Boy oh Boy, Had this team played together since
March, it could of been a different story. Some of these players
played together for the 1st time & only practiced once as a team the
day of departure. The team still managed to compete well & get their
name out there. These games were heart breakers, but served as
great experience. In the 1st tournament losses came by 2, 3 & 4
points. The feeling of defeat carried over into the 2nd tournament &
the team went 1-3 lo sing those 3 games by a combination of 18
points. This team just needed a little more time together. Each
one of these boys should make some noise during the high school
season and lead their team to playoffs.
Making
it Happen by IleanaMartinez
Division 1 prospect Jaret von Rosenberg out of Sharyland high
school signed with Colin County Junior college in early May &
becomes the fourth 2005 Stallion member to receive a basketball
scholarship. Von Rosenberg led the class in recruitment with 11 D1
offers & countless D2, D3 & Juco offers, but due to a knee injury
during the 2004 football season & signing deadlines, many colleges
withdrew their offers. There was heartbreak felt throughout the Rio
Grande Valley as family members, teammates, classmates & friends
discovered the news. One couldn't help but ask why? To understand
the impact that Jaret has made on everyone througout his life one
must go back to an earlier time.
It was the Spring of 2002 and top student/athletes throughout the
South were invited to tryout for the AAU South Texas Stallions
basketball traveling team. About 65 freshman, sophomores, juniors &
seniors from all over the RGV including big name talents such as
Earvin Taylor, Eduardo Lopez & Gilbert Garcia walked into the gym in
hopes of making the team. Big names or not - (Freshman) Jaret was
determined to make the team and leave his mark. He kept making
moves on everyone and kept smothering opponents
on the defensive end. I remember thinking WOW - this kid is
special. At first, he seemed to be cocky & a little arrogant for
his age, but as I began to coach this kid, I realized that his
cockiness was really confidence & the arrogance was really great
knowledge for the game and he felt comfortable enough to speak his
mind. I coached Jaret for the 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2005 & he always
gave it everything he had & left it all on the court.
When Jaret injured his knee, many people (including myself) asked
him," why - why did you play football?" and Jaret's response was, "I
could not walk around the halls of the school if I didn't do
everything I could to help the team out." And that is Jaret - the
complete competitor- doing what ever it took to help his team win.
Many people rode him off, saying he would never play college ball
again, well Jaret did not get that memo & he will be the newest
member of the Colin County College team under Head Coach Sigona and
the staff could not be happier. Assistant Brian Burton first saw
Jaret last year at the Texas A&M College Station Shootout and
was instantly impressed. "When we saw Jaret play, he showed great
leadership and confidence that is needed to play the point guard
position" said Burton. "He played unselfish and gave it all he had
for four quarters and we know that he will make an impact on our
team."
Jaret will be competing against recent signees Jermaine Bishop
(Temple JC) and Erwin Jones (Richland JC) his AAU South Texas
Stallion teammates who become the 5th and 6th signees out of the
2005 class.
Pablo Cruz out of Edinburg Economedes will be joining von Rosenberg
as he is transferring to Colin from Nazarene College. Jaret is
looking forward to playing with his new team and knows that this
opporunity can open many doors for him. "It just feels right" Jaret
said about playing for Coach Sigona. "I am playing a sport I love
while getting my school paid for."
Montalvo Looking
Forward to Getting to Islanders
Staff -
TexasHoops.com
At the current
moment, Adan Montalvo is busy playing quarterback for his La
Joya (TX) football team. But his heart is truly
on the basketball
floor, and after a solid year on the AAU circuit, the slippery 6-0,
170-pound PG got exactly what he wanted - a solid Division I offer.
It didn't take him long to accept it. After taking an unofficial
visit to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in August, theunderrated guard
pulled the triger and committed to the Islanders.
"I went and visited
the school with my brother Eddie and my AAU coach (Ileana Martinez),
said Montalvo. "I like the school -
everything about it,
basically. I like how the school is on an island."
Montalvo also noted
that he likes the direction the basketball program is heading as well.
"I like how everybody
there wants to get better and build a winning tradition," said
Montalvo. "Especially with all of the guys they are recruiting."
A quick point guard
who was the trigger man for the SOUTH TEXAS STALLIONS this
summer, Montalvo is still planning on making an official visit to
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in September with his mother and oldest
brother. And after he finishes football season, he'll get back to
work on improving his game for the next level.
"I'm working on
everything," said Montalvo. "Now that I'll be going to a University,
I can get everything better."
Most of all, he's
excited about his commitment and the opportunities ahead.
"I'm thankful and
happy," said Montalvo. "Everything is all over with."
TEXAS HOOPS ANALYSIS: Adan is a quick and athletic scorer. He can really create with the
ball in his hands, is a very good ball handler, can cross-over the
defense and get into the paint and finishes strong in the lane. He is
a good shooter with 3 point range, sees the floor well and can pass
it. He has good speed in the open floor and is a solid defender.
INSIDERS
REPORT.COM
UNDER THE RADAR
SCREEN
7/19/2004
Author: Special to
Elite Hoops Basketball
Some guys just need
to be seen. That's the case of Adan Montalvo, a slippery 6-0 PG
from LaJoya (TX) HS. Since he's down in South Texas, not a whole lot
of people have seen him play. But traveling the circuit with his
SOUTH TEXAS STALLIONS AAU team, he's getting the chance to make
himself known - and he's taken full opportunity. "He is still under
the radar as far as recuitment goes - this part of Texas doesn't get
that many looks," said Stallions head coach Ileana Martinez. "There
have been scorers, defenders, passers, etc., but this kid does it
all. He is the total package and he knows when to pass and when to
score."
Montalvo recently led
his underdog Stallions team to a few upsets and the second round of
the elimination tournament in the Great American Shootout in Denton,
Texas. While the Stallions made it further than just about everybody
thought they would, Montalvo was still striving for more. "I did
alright, I could have taken my team further," said Montalvo. "But
overall it was a good tournament. I did a good job of driving in and
dishing and hitting some jump shots and three -pointers."
The best word to
describe Montalvo is slippery. On offense, he's cat-quick and gets to
the hole in a hurry, either dishing is off to an open teammate inside
or beyond the arc, or taking it himself with a patented step-back
jumper. He created fits for defenders with his ability to take them
off the dribble, or launching the three. Scoring aside, he's more of
a natural point guard. "If its there I'll take it, but I'm looking to
get my teammates open too," said Montalvo, who's been working on
improving on the defensive end. "I'm trying to get quicker to stop
people from taking it to me," he said.
Prior to the
tournament, Montalvo had gotten some interest from Texas-Pan
American, Houston University, and some in state Division II schools
such as St. Edwards and St. Mary's. His older brother Eric will be a
senior at Texas Pan American, and the younger Montalvo certainly
wouldn't mind following in his brother's footsteps. But if continues
to play like he did at the Great American Shootout (the Stallions will
finish out the summer at the Big Time in Las Vegas, and then AAU
Nationals in Orlando), he'll get even more options. While returning
home from the tournament, Montalvo received a call from Texas
A&M-Corpus Christi Ronnie Arrow offering him a scholarship.
At this point,
Montlavo is just looking for a chance - and if he gets an opportunity,
he'll sign in the fall. "I'm just hoping to get my school paid for,"
said Montalvo. "Whoever offers me the (scholarship) money, that's
where I'm going."
And his coach
believes that whoever lands her star point guard will be getting
somebody special. "Someone is going to get a steal," said Ileana
Martinez. "He is a major D-1 player - but we'll see what happens."
PSJA North’s Smith intends to play for
UTPA October 11,2004 The Monitor
EDINBURG — Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North basketball player Ben
Smith won’t be leaving too far from home when he graduates high
school in May, with the senior forward opting to play his college
hoops at the University of Texas-Pan American.
Smith (6-foot-2, 170 pounds) verbally committed to the Broncs and
is expected to sign his scholarship papers the first day during the
early signing period on Nov. 10, his high school coach Jaime Gongora
recently confirmed. While a verbal commitment isn’t binding until
his signature is etched on the letter-of-intent, Smith is adamant
about being a member of the Broncs.
Smith will be the first Rio Grande Valley player to join the
Broncs and be rewarded a scholarship directly out of high school in
at least six years. Current UTPA basketball player Eric Montalvo (La
Joya) is on a full scholarship, but was forced to walk on during his
first season. Danny Puente (McAllen Memorial) and Ryan Buck
(Harlingen High), also current Broncs, were walk-ons as well.
"Ben wanted to sign early, and UTPA has been right there from the
beginning," Gongora said. "Ben is going to succeed at UTPA. We run a
very structured offense — we don’t freelance like a lot of teams
here — and that’s going to benefit him tremendously.
"Baylor was interested in him, but they didn’t want to sign him
early. UTPA offered, and it’s pretty much a done deal."
Smith averaged 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the
Raiders last season.
Two Valley Players Sign Early November 11,2004
Wade Baker
The Monitor
McALLEN — It may have happened before in the Rio Grande Valley,
but it surely hasn’t happened in a long time — especially on the first
day of the early signing period for NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
Two of the top Valley high school hoopsters inked national letters of
intent Wednesday to play college basketball.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North senior forward Ben Smith signed with the
University of Texas-Pan American, while La Joya guard Adan Montalvo
hitched on with the Broncs’ rival Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. "It was a
huge relief getting it over early," said Smith (6-foot-2, 170 pounds),
who averaged 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game last
season for the Raiders. "UTPA followed me all along, and now I don’t
have to have the hassle of worrying about signing. It’s over with, and
it’s pressure I don’t have to worry about."
Montalvo (6-1, 174), a quarterback currently in the playoffs with the
La Joya football team, said the opportunity to ink a scholarship early
was a deciding factor for him. Montalvo is the brother of current UTPA
senior guard Eric Montalvo, who was forced to walk-on for the Broncs
before eventually earning a full scholarship.
With Eric in his final season of eligibility, the two brothers won’t
meet next season when the rival South Texas teams play.
"I would have lit him up," Adan said of his brother Eric.
Adan averaged 18 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists for the Coyotes
last season. Smith and Montalvo are also members of the South Texas
Stallions, the local Amateur Athletic Union team which travels across
the country playing in tournaments.
"I don’t know if (the Valley has) ever had two kids sign full
scholarships to play Division I basketball during the same year," said
11 th-year PSJA North coach Jaime Gongora, a native of the Valley.
"(The Valley has) had lots of kids walk-on at Division I programs, but
I don’t ever remember two receiving full scholarships to play
basketball in the same season."
La Joya coach Bill Groogan agreed.
"I’ve been in and out of the Valley for 40 years, and having two guys
sign with Division I programs in basketball, that hasn’t happened too
often to my knowledge." Groogan said. "Ben and Adan are both smaller
players, but they are both very skilled and have a chance to be very
successful on the next level.
"It should be a treat when UTPA and A&M-Corpus Christi play in the
next few years."
Thoroughbreds -- Stallions Proving To Be Mighty Team
June 15,2004 Blake Daniels
The Monitor
MISSION — At any moment, a basketball court becomes like a
playground for some of the top high school juniors in Texas.
Stepping onto the court against the best players in one of the best
markets to produce top-rated basketball talent in the U.S. can be
intimidating.
But not for the under-17 South Texas Stallions, an Amateur Athletic
Union basketball team made up of Valley players who have the
confidence like that of David against Goliath.
The team will get its chance to see and play against some of the
finest high school juniors from both Texas and the U.S. this summer.
For La Joya standout junior guard Adan Montalvo, the chance to compete
on the same court with the best Texas has to offer is like a dream
come true.
"We are just as talented as the other players in Texas," said Montalvo,
who is being recruited by Texas State, Texas A&M and the University of
Houston among others. "We have just never had this many opportunities
to play on the same court against the best outside of the Valley. I am
glad to see what is out there."
Lurking North of the Rio Grande Valley are players like McNeil High
School’s up-and-coming junior point guard, A.J. Abrams and Dayton High
point guard Henry Dugat, who averaged 28.9 points per game as a
junior.
"We have already faced — or at least seen — Abrams and Henry play this
summer," said Jaret Von Rosenberg, a junior guard from Sharyland.
"They were OK, but I thought only one of them was really more talented
than some of us.
The Stallions, who are no strangers to competing against
blue-chippers, will travel to four city tournaments in July, starting
in San Antonio at the San Antonio Shootout. They will also play in the
Texas Roundball Shootout in Waco, the Las Vegas Main Event and the AAU
National Tournament in Orlando, Fla.
"We have broken all kinds of barriers this year," Stallions coach
Ileana Martinez said. "We are the first Valley team to qualify for
nationals, win regionals and be asked to compete in the Tops in Texas
tourney in Austin."
Martinez, in her fifth year at the helm, has brought together her best
team yet to represent the Valley in the AAU league. Martinez grabbed
the Valley’s best juniors from Harlingen to La Joya, and now the
Stallions have finally cleared the hurdle that plagued them the past
two years — a regional title.
The Stallions claimed the regional championship, defeating opponents
anywhere from 15 to 35 points per game during their 5-0 mark in the
regional tourney. They defeated Del Rio, two teams from Austin and two
from San Antonio en route to the crown.
"I am completely relieved as a coach after we won regionals," Martinez
said. "The team had doubted themselves because they had fallen short
two years straight by one basket each time, and it really hurt. But
now we are in a groove."
The Stallions began preparation for the regional tourney during spring
break by practicing while other teenagers were at the beach. Montalvo,
Von Rosenberg, seven other Valley players, one from Corpus Christi and
another from Laredo make up the Stallions.
They are Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North’s Ben Smith, Mission Veterans
Memorial twins Ivan and Adan Dominguez, Harlingen High’s Charlie
Bennett, Raymondville’s Tommy Wolfe, CC Ray’s Erwin Jones and
Alexander’s Jaime Cantu.
In a league of
his own
Kingsville
– It was the outside game of Adan Montalvo, the inside game of Juan
Lanauze and the defense of Wendell Mulkey that sparked the Texas
A&M-Kingsville Javelinas to a 89-81 win over nationally ranked
Xavier (La.) in the Texas A&M-Kingsville Holiday Tournament Sunday
night at Kleberg Bank Court. 
