All-Valley Girls Basketball Agate

All-Valley Biographies

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Victoria Gonzalez, sr., post, Hidalgo

Gonzalez was the heart of the Lady Pirates historic postseason run to the state Final Four and led the Valley in scoring with 25.0 points per game. She also finished scored in reboundning with 13.9 per game and her biggest scoring output came againt Churchill in a 66-60 win where she finished with 40 points. Gonzalez also helped the team win its fifth straight district title.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Samantha Garcia, fr., post, St. Joseph

Garcia was on the Lady Bloodhounds' varsity from the start and averaged 8.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.9 blocks per game. She started most games and helped St. Joseph reach the playoffs. She didn't miss one game after suffering a concussion Jan. 4 against Holy Cross.

FIRST TEAM

Bianca Torre, sr., guard, Harlingen South

Torre finished the season averaging a triple-double with 24.6 points, 10.0 assists and 11.3 steals per game, and she led South to its seventh straight district title. The 2008 MVP was named most valuable player in District 31-5A and has been a four-year starter for coach Dawn Engleman.

Ali Bills, sr., guard, McAllen High

Bills is the only returning starter for the Lady Bulldogs and led her team to the regional tournament, posting 18.9 ppg, 4.7 apg and 4.0 spg. She was selected as the 30-5A District MVP.

Kim Armstrong sr., forward, Weslaco High

Armstrong led the Lady Panthers in scoring on the way to a 13-1 district record, earning the team the 32-5A title. Armstrong was named District 32-5A MVP.

Crystal Gasca, sr., guard, Harlingen High

After missing the playoffs last season Gasca lead her team back to the postseason with 18.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 5.3 apg. Gasca scored a game-high 19 points in a bi-district 52-46 win over Los Fresnos.

Diamond Caballero, soph., guard,  Santa Rosa

A sophomore, Caballero dropped 20.1 ppg for Santa Rosa, was named the offensive player of the year in 32-2A and ended the year averaging a double-double with 10.0 rpg,  5.3 apg, and 5.3 spg.

SECOND TEAM

Yadira Salinas, sr., Edinburg High
Marissa Shinsky, sr., St. Joseph
Roxy Gutierrez, sr., Hanna
Melanie Leija, sr., La Feria
Kristy Guerra, sr., Roma

THIRD TEAM

Dalia Carmargo, jr., Mission High
Karla Sierra, sr., Lopez
Nashae Owens, soph., Hidalgo
Laura A. Rodriguez, sr., Mission Veterans
Anika Lopez, soph., Santa Rosa

Valley Girls Top 10

The following is Valley Freedom Newspapers' girls Rio Grande Valley Top 10 high school basketball poll (Note: Teams' records and previous week's rankings also are listed):

 Record Prev.
1. Hidalgo 33-2 2
2. Harlingen South 32-2 1
3. McAllen High 27-7 3
4. Weslaco High 24-8 4
5. McAllen Memorial 27-8 5
 Record Prev.
6. Mission Veterans 25-9 6
7. Edinburg High 28-7 7
8. St. Joseph 21-8 8
9. Roma 19-11 10
10. Santa Rosa 25-9 9

Regular-season standings
District 30-5A
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
McAllen Memorial 28 10 13 1 -
McAllen High 28 7 13 1 -
McAllen Rowe 17 16 9 5 4
Donna 14 17 7 7 6
Sharyland 12 19 6 8 7
La Joya High 12 20 4 10 9
Rio Grande City 14 19 3 11 10
La Joya Palmview 1 23 0 14 13
District 31-5A
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
Harlingen South 33 2 14 0 -
Edinburg High 29 7 11 3 3
Harlingen High 24 10 10 4 4
Edinburg North 21 15 9 5 5
PSJA North 18 10 7 7 7
Economedes 11 18 4 10 10
PSJA High 11 20 2 12 12
PSJA Memorial  5 23 0 14 14
District 32-5A
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
Weslaco High 25 8 13 1 -
Los Fresnos 19 15 10 4 3
Brownsville Hanna 19 14 10 4 3
San Benito 19 11 10 4 3
Brownsville Lopez 9 17 6 8 8
Brownsville Rivera 12 15 4 10 9
Brownsville Pace 6 21 2 12 11 
Brownsville Porter 2 13 1 13 12
District 32-4A
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
Mission Veterans 25     10 13 1 -
Roma 20 12 13 1 -
Mission High 23 10 8 6 4
Weslaco East 18 15 8 6 4
Mercedes 17 16 6 8 5
Edcouch-Elsa 10 21 5 9 6
Valley View 10 23 3 11 9
LJ Juarez-Lincoln 2 29 0 14 12
District 32-3A
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
Hidalgo  33 2 14 0 -
Raymondville 19 11 12 2 2
La Feria 17 17 10 4 4
Rio Hondo 15  14 7 7 7 
Port Isabel  10 20 6 8 8
Zapata 16 16 4 10 10
Progreso 2 12 2 12 12
Lyford 4 22 1 13 13
Others
 Overall District
Team W L W L GB
Santa Rosa 25 9 11 1 -
Bro. St. Joseph 22 9 8 5 -
Harvest Christian   21 6 5 2 -
San Perlita 21 7 - - -
La Villa 8 12 3 4 -
IDEA Academy 2 11 - - -
Santa Maria 0 9 - -- -

Regular-season leaders
Points
Player G Pts. Avg.
Victoria Gonzalez, Hidalgo 35 876 25.0
Bianca Torre, Harlingen South 34 787 24.6
Anika Lopez, Santa Rosa 28 575 20.5
Diamond Caballero, Santa Rosa 28 562 20.1
Melanie Leija, La Feria 31 606 19.5 
Veronica Hinojosa, Rivera 30 577 19.2
Ali Bills, McAllen High 26 492 18.9
Crystal Gasca, Harlingen 31 568 18.3
Marissa Shinsky, St. Joseph 25 443 17.7
Roxanne Gutierrez, Hanna 30 502 16.7
Christy Garza, McAllen High 26 428 16.5
Yadira Salinas, Edinburg High 33 530 16.1
Laura A. Rodriguez, Mission Vets 31 490 15.8
Leslie Storz, Harvest Christian 27 415 15.4 
Kristy Guerra, Roma 28 428 15.2
Cindy Castillo, Pace 31 465 15.0 
Patricia Lopez, Edinburg High 35 480 13.7 
Andre Owen, St. Joseph 31 419 13.5
Thea Koenig, McAllen Memorial 35 461 13.2
Nashea Owens, Hidalgo 35 457 13.0
Samantha Rodriguez, La Villa 22 285 12.9
Joslynn Benavides, Harl. South 32 404 12.6
Lucy Silva, Roma 30 378 12.6
Kassandra Lopez, LJ Palmview 16 200 12.5
Assists
Player G As. Avg.
Bianca Torre, Harlingen South 34 320 10.0
Kristy Guerra, Roma 28 226 8.1
Dalia Camargo, Mission 32 262 8.2
Nashea Owens, Hidalgo 35 274 7.8
Stpehanie Badillo, Harvest Ch. 26 192 7.1
Amanda Garza, San Benito 29 172 5.9
Anika Lopez, Santa Rosa 28 160 5.7
Hannah Wolf, La Feria 27 152 5.6
Nancy Carbia, McAllen Mem 32 177 5.5
Diamond Caballero, Santa Rosa  28 147 5.3
Darlene  Pineda, Hanna 31 162 5.2
Madalyn Lopez, Edinburg High 35 166 4.7 
Ali Bills, McAllen High 26 123 4.7
Vanessa Galvez, La Villa 22 101 4.6
Roxanne Gutierrez, Hanna 30 135 4.5
Alice Ramirez, Lopez 16 64 4.0
Marissa Shinsky, St. Joseph 25 98 3.9
Ali Bills, McAllen High  17 66 3.9
Yazmin Anzaldu, St. Joseph 31 111 3.6
Miranda Garcia, Harlingen South 32 119 3.6
Araceli Perez, Harlingen South 32 112 3.5
Bianca Casas, Edinburg High 33 112 3.4
Ashley Adams, Harlingen High 32 108 3.4
Samantha Villarreal, San Benito 28 94 3.4
Vanessa Delgado, McAllen Mem. 35 110 3.1 
Ana Lee Moncivaiz, Harlingen 32 98 3.1
Rebounds
Player G Rbs. Avg.
Melanie Leija, La Feria 31 510 16.5
Victoria Gonzalez, Hidalgo 35 487 13.9
Karla Sierra, Lopez 25 343 13.7
Sam Rodriguez, La Villa 22 276 12.5
Patricia Lopez, Edinburg High 35 422 12.1 
Christy Garza, McAllen High 26 295 11.4
Cindy Castillo, Pace 31 347 11.1 
Cassie Martinez, Port Isabel 24 243 10.1 
Diamond  Caballero, Santa Rosa 28 280 10.0
Yadira Salinas, Edinburg High 33 323 9.8
Amanda Boggs, Harvest Chris. 27 254 9.4
Janet Rodriguez, Roma 30 262 8.7
Laura A. Rodriguez, Mission Vets  25 215 8.6
Ashlee Rodriguez, San Benito 29 240 8.3 
Celina Garcia, Lopez 25 205 8.2
Vanessa Ramos, San Benito 29 230 7.9
Alice Ramirez, Lopez 25 194 7.9
Brittney Lerma, Port Isabel 30 231 7.7
Esmer Perez, Mission High 32 247 7.7
Joanie Garcia. Weslaco East 32 242 7.6
Emmily Morin, Weslaco East 27 190 7.0
Iroa Escamilla, Roma 30 205 6.8
Angelica Lopez, San Benito 29 197 6.8
Nancy Garcia, McAllen Memorial 32 219 6.8
Anika Lopez, Santa Rosa 28 190 6.8
Steals
Player G St. Avg.
Bianca Torre, Harlingen South 34 360 11.3
Amanda Battles, Lopez 20 145 7.2
Nashea Owens, Hidalgo 35 248 7.0
Lucy Silva, Roma 30 208 6.9
Natalie Cepeda, Santa Rosa 28 171 6.6
Kristy Guerra, Roma 28 187 6.7
Marina Rangel, Roma 29 185 6.3
Dalia  Camargo, Mission High 32 192 6.0
Anika Lopez, Santa Rosa 28 160 5.7
Diamond Caballero, Santa Rosa 28 147 5.3
Crystal Gasca, Harlingen High 32 164 5.3
Hannah Wolf, La Feria 27 139 5.1
Roxanne Gutierrez, Hanna 30 151 5.0
Alice Ramirez, Lopez 20 100 5.0
Ashely Adams, Harlingen High 32 128 4.0
Christy Garza, McAllen High 26 115 4.4
Laura A. Rodrguiez, Mission Vets 25 108 4.3
Marissa Shinsky, St. Joseph 23 97 4.2
Victoria Gonzalez. Hidalgo 35 144 4.1
Marleyna Bustamante, PSJA High 24 96 4.0
Ali Bills, McAllen High 26 105 4.0
Sam Villarreal, San Benito 28 107 3.8
Vanessa Delgado, McAllen Mem.  33 121 3.7
Amanda Garza, San Benito 29 106 3.7

Playoff schedule
Feb. 16
Class 5A
Bi-district
Harlingen South 84, Brownsville Hanna 54
Weslaco High 51, Edinburg North 42
Laredo Alexander 75, Donna 34
Edinburg High 47, San Benito 45
S.A. Southwest 39, McAllen Memorial 36
Class 4A
Bi-district
Flour Bluff 47, Mission Veterans 41
Class 3A
Bi-district
Ingleside 54, La Feria 45
Class 1A, Division II
Bi-district
Leakey 48, San Isidro 28
TAPPS
Area
Fort Worth Nolan 58, Brownsville St. Joseph 17
Feb. 17
Class 5A
Bi-district
Del Rio 26, McAllen Rowe 21
Harlingen High 52, Los Fresnos 46
McAllen High 48, Laredo United 40, OT
Class 4A
Bi-district
Alice 55, Weslaco East 36
Tuloso-Midway 47, Mission High 37
Roma 71, Calallen 63
Class 3A
Bi-district
Orange Grove def. Raymondville
Class 2A
Cotulla def. Santa Rosa
Class 1A, Division II
Bi-district
Comstock 33, San Perlita 31
Feb. 20
Class 5A
Area
Harlingen South 50, S.A. Southwest 30
Laredo Alexander 63, Harlingen High 60, OT
McAllen High 53, Edinburg High 51
Weslaco High 46, Del Rio 37
Class 4A
Area
Moody 58, Roma 55
Class 3A
Area
Hidalgo 55, Lytle 40
Feb. 24
Class 5A
Regional Quarterfinals
Harlingen South 36, Laredo Alexander 29
McAllen High 42, Weslaco High 32
Class 3A
Regional Quarterfinals
Hidalgo 61, Ingleside 44
Feb. 27
Class 5A
Regional Semifinals
At the UTSA Convocation Center,
San Antonio
San Antonio Jay 51, McAllen High 27
Pflugerville 57, Harlingen South 41
Class 3A
Regional Semifinals
At C.C. Ray High
Hidalgo 44, Pettison Royal 34
Feb. 28
Class 3A
Regional Final
At American Bank Center
Hidalgo 37, West Oso 36
Feb. 28
Class 3A
State Semifinal
At American Bank Center
Argyle 58, Hidalgo 43

All-District
District 32-5A
Most Valuable Player
Kimberly Armstrong, jr., Weslaco High
Newcomer of the Year
Vivan Lopez, Jr., Pace
Sophomore of the Year
Ashley Benavides, so., Los Fresnos
Defensive Player of the Year
Amber Polvado, sr., Weslaco High
First team
Roxanne Gutierrez, sr., Hanna; Darlene Pineda, sr., Hanna; Karla Sierra, sr., Lopez; Samantha Garcia, sr., Los Fresnos; Lindsay Edquist, sr., Los Fresnos; Cindy Castillo., jr., Pace; Veronica Hinojosa., sr., Rivera; Roxanne Serrano, sr., Rivera; Alex Rocha., jr., Weslaco High
Second team
Alice Ramirez, sr., Lopez; Amanda Battles, jr., Lopez; Lily Garcia, sr., Pace; Stephanie Gomez, sr., Porter; Vanessa Ramos, sr., San Benito; Ashlee Rodriguez, sr., San Benito; Amanda Garza, so., San Benito; Clarissa Villarreal, jr., Weslaco High
Honorable Mention
Kacie Patterson, so., Hanna; Kimberley Perez, sr., Hanna; Hillary Glover, sr., Hanna; Jaqueline Salinas, sr., Hanna; Debby Cruz, sr., Lopez; Celina Garcia, so., Lopez; Ashley Garcia, sr., Los Fresnos; Ranadi Rareba, jr., Los Fresnos; Brandy Hernandez, so., Los Fresnos; Erika Amador, sr., Pace; Amanda Quiroga, sr., Pace; Jessica Sosa, jr., Porter; Angie Abiles, jr., Porter; Jina Balgh, jr., Porter; Bea Escobedo, sr., Porter; Bianca Reyna, so., Porter; Stephany Cruz, sr., Rivera; Adelina Rodriguez, jr., Rivera; Gabriela Fernandez, jr., Rivera; Iris Uriegas, jr., Rivera; Kassandra Sanchez, fr., San Benito; Angelica Lopez, sr., San Benito; Samantha Villarreal, sr., San Benito; Kaila Zuniga, so., San Benito; Alejandra Marquez, sr., San Benito; Ronica Munoz, sr., Weslaco High; Kimberley Marquez, jr., Weslaco High; Inez Cadenas, so., Weslaco High; Alayna Solis, jr., Weslaco High

District 32-3A
Most Valuable Player
Victoria Gonzalez, sr, Hidalgo
Coach of the Year
Monica Rodriguez, Hidalgo
Newcomer of the Year
Ashley Silva, soph., Raymondville
Offensive Player of Year
Melanie Leija, sr., La Feria
Defensive Player of Year
Nashae Owens, soph., Hidalgo
Sixth Man Award
Clarissa Solis, jr., Zapata
First Team
Jessica Olvera, jr. Hidalgo; Hannah Wolf, jr. La Feria; Cassie Martinez, sr. Port Isabel; Alejandra Trevino, soph. Progreso; Natalie Silva, sr. Raymondville (unanimous); Marissa Bauman, jr. Rio Hondo; Mayra Alaniz, sr. Zapata
Second Team
Maria Perales, jr. Hidalgo; Stephanie Serna, jr. Hidalgo
Ashley Gonzalez, jr. La Feria; Maria Lopez, jr. Lyford; Adriana Barron, jr. Raymondville; Kaylene Betancourt, Soph. Rio Hondo; Brandi King, Soph. Zapata
Honorable Mention
Jessica Castillo, jr. Hidalgo; Nelly Flores, fresh. Hidalgo; Nikki Gonzalez, soph. Hidalgo; Miriam Vazquez, La Feria; Natalie Gray, soph. La Feria; Victoria Hernandez, jr. La Feria; Kelly Rodriguez, jr. La Feria; Nelli Perez, jr. Lyford; Lexi Lopez, jr. Lyford; Jackie Esparza, sr. Lyford; Brittney Lerma, jr. Port Isabel; Morgan Malik, soph. Port Isabel; Laura Perez, fresh. Port Isabel; Lisa Oceguera, soph. Port Isabel; Sheila Hernandez, soph. Progreso; Alma Alaniz, sr. Progreso; Rebecca Rodriguez, jr. Progreso; Corina Sanchez, jr. Progreso; Deborah Barnhart, jr. Raymondville; Frankie Rivas, soph. Raymondville; Eliana Cortez, jr. Rio Hondo; Annette Jaramillo, sr. Rio Hondo; Chantelle Mascorro, sr. Rio Hondo; Monica Zuniga, soph. Rio Hondo; Lynda Leyva, sr. Zapata; Adriana Pena, jr. Zapata; Melissa Martinez, jJr. Zapata; Maritza Garcia, jr. Zapata

District 30-5A
Most Valuable Player
Bianca Torre Harlingen South
Defensive Player of the Year
Yadira Salinas Edinburg High
Offensive Player of the Year
Patricia Lopez Edinburg High, Arri Perez Harlingen South
Newcomer of the Year
Lisa Manciallas PSJA High
First Team
Jossyln Benavidez, Harlingen South; Tori Martinez, Harlingen South; Crystal Gasca, Harlingen; Shayvon Hernandez, Edinburg Economedes; Rebecca Diaz, Edinburg Economedes; Madalyn Lopez, Edinburg; Brandy Garcia, Edinburg North; Danielle Vargas, Edinburg North; Maya Gray, PSJA High
Second Team
Miranda Garcia, Harlingen South; Annalee Moncivaiz, Harlingen; Anaka Garcia, Edinburg; Bianca Casas, Edinburg; Essence Brown, Edinburg North; Kimberly Alegria, PSJA North; Jeannette Avitia, PSJA North; Debbie Martinez, PSJA North; Marleyna Bustamente, PSJA
Honorable Mention
Arial Gulvara, Harlingen South; Meg Shed, Harlingen South; Jasmine Villarreal, Harlingen South; Alyssa Bubba Romero, Harlingen South; Ashley Adams, Harlingen; Megan Adams, Harlingen; Victoria Wiesman, Harlingen; Crystal Montano, Economedes; Melody Olivarez, Economedes; Mireya Galvan, Economedes; Lory Martinez, Economedes; Laura Torres, Edinburg; Victoria Ponce, Edinburg; Brittany Coronado, Edinburg North; Vicky Pena, Edinburg North; Vianey Salinas, Edinburg North; Samantha Ruiz, PSJA North; Samantha Flores, PSJA North; Stephanie Nunez, PSJA North; Sophie Sanchez, PSJA; Bianca Cuellar, PSJA; Samantha Sifuentes, PSJA; Bianca De Hoyos, PSJA Memorial; Jasmine  PSJA Memorial

District 31-5A
Most Valuable Player
Ali Bills, sr., McAllen High
Offensive Player of the Year
Thea Koenig, sr., McAllen Memorial
Newcomer of the Year
 Kassandra Lopez, fr., La Joya Palmview
All-Defensive Team
Ysela Garcia, jr.; Donna, Irlanda Amador, sr.; La Joya High; Christy Garza, sr., McAllen High; Vanessa Delgado, jr., McAllen Memorial; Monica Guerrero, Jr., McAllen Rowe; Lorena Robles, sr., Rio Grande City; Stephanie Martinez, sr., Rio Grande City; Lilly Guzman, sr., Sharyland
First Team
Amanda Guerro, soph., Donna; Irlanda Amador, jr., La Joya; Christy Garza, sr., McAllen High; Nancy Carbia, sr., McAllen Memorial; Brittanie Best, soph., McAllen Rowe
Second Team
Yslea Garcia, jr., Donna; Vanessa Delgado, jr., McAllen Memorial; Stephanie Martinez, sr., RGC; Bethany Thompson, jr., Sharyland; Amanda Skaggs, sr., McAllen Rowe
Honorable Mention
Arial Gulvara, Harlingen South; Meg Shed, Harlingen South; Jasmine Villarreal, Harlingen South; Alyssa Bubba Romero, Harlingen South; Ashley Adams, Harlingen High; Megan Adams, Harlingen High; Victoria Wiesman, Harlingen High; Crystal Montano, Economedes; Melody Olivarez, Economedes; Mireya Galvan, Economedes; Lory Martinez, Economedes; Laura Torres, Edinburg High; Victoria Ponce, Edinburg High; Brittany Coronado, Edinburg North; Vicky Pena, Edinburg North; Vianey Salinas, Edinburg North; Samantha Ruiz, PSJA North; Samantha Flores, PSJA North; Stephanie Nunez, PSJA North; Sophie Sanchez, PSJA High; Bianca Cuellar, PSJA High; Samantha Sifuentes, PSJA High; Bianca De Hoyos, PSJA Memorial; Jasmine  PSJA Memorial

District 32-4A
Most Valuable Player
Kristina Guerra, sr., Roma
Offensive player of the Year
Laura A Rodriguez, Mission Veterans Memorial
Defensive Player of the Year
Lucy Silva, sr., Roma
Newcomer of the Year
Amy Trevino, jr., Weslaco East
Coach of the Year
Abelardo Escobar, Roma; Rafael Cantu, Mission Veterans
First Team
Jackie Hinojosa, sr., Edcouch-Elsa; Elena Hernandez, soph., Mercedes; Dalia Carmargo, jr., Mission High Marina Rangel, sr., Roma; Janet Rodriguez, sr., Roma; Edna Ramirez, sr., Valley View; Sarah Benavides, sr., Mission Veterans; Joanie Garcia, jr., Weslaco East
Second Team
Victoria Lopez, sr., E-E; Bonnie Jackson, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln; Sam Ramirez, soph., Mercedes; Aurelia Cortez, sr., Mission High; Kelly Vargas, sr., Mission High; Ashley Sanchez, sr., Valley View; Carolina Vera, sr., Valley View; Ana Tamez, jr., Mission Veterans Memorial; Emily Morin, jr., Weslaco East
Honorbale Mention
Danika Saldana, sr., E-E.; Maribel Bernal, soph., E-E; Veronica Bautista, sr., E-E; Brenda Montemayor, soph., LJLJ; Selena Fuentes, jr., Mercedes; Cassy Martinez, sr., Merecedes; Maggie Vargas, jr., Mission High; Esmer Perez, sr., Mission High; Lora Escamilla, sr., Roma Sr.; Paty Vela, jr., Roma; Cristina Flores, jr., Valley View; Britney Garza, jr., Mission Veterans Memorial; Alyssa Navaro, sr., Mission Veterans; Michelle Cuellar, jr., Weslaco East; Cristina Rodriguez, sr., Weslaco East

District 32-2A
Offensive Most Valuable Player
Diamond Caballero, Santa Rosa
Defensive Most Valuable Player
Anika Lopez, Santa Rosa
Sixth man
Samantha Mendoza, Santa Rosa
Second Team
Natalie Cepeda, Santa Rosa
Honorable Mention
Santa Rosa: Kim Mendoza, Brittney Barocio, Brittany Rickford, Crystal Sepulveda
All-Academic Team
Santa Rosa: Natalie Cepeda; Crystal Sepulveda; Brittney Rickford