The 2007 season, like always, concludes with the release of the All-Valley team.
It is tough to put together because I always fear that I am going to overlook someone. There are so many talented volleyball players but only a limted number of places.
I am confident the girls choosen this season are the cream of the crop.
MVP Kassy Larios carried South this year and is one most talented female athletes in the Valley. You will hear a lot about her during the track & field season.
Outisde Hitter of the Year Jaclyn Lopez of Sharyland might know the game better than anyone. I really like her all-around play and hopefully she can continue playing in college.
Middle Blocker of the Year Brownsville Rivera’s Laura Ochoa is a powerful hitter and she dominated matches this year.
Setter of the Year Sonia Lerma from Mission Veterans has helped the Lady Patriots win 43 consecutive District 32-4A matches. She has been one of the most consistent players during her four years as a varsity player.
Brownsville Rivera’s Anayeli Trevino was the Libero/DS of the year. She might be the riskiest pick but everytime I saw her play this season, I was impressed with her digging abilities.
Newcomer of the Year had to go to the girl that won her district’s MVP as a sophomore. In only her first season as a varsity player, Wolf helped lead the La Feria Lionettes to the District 32-3A championship with an all-around game.
TOP 10
There are a couple of surprises. Los Fresnos is ranked ahead of Harlingen HIgh because the Lady Falcons came on strong late in the year and beat the Lady Cardinals in bi-district.
The Lady Cards have become somewhat of a powerhouse, so it was an impressive win.
Brownsville Pace reached the Top 1o because it proved to be one of the most consistent teams on the season.
Any of the Top 3 picks Mission Veterans (1), Harlingen South (2) and Sharyland (3) could have been No. 1
Veterans did beat South twice this season. Sharyland looked really impressive late in the season and played San Antonio Reagan tough in the regional semis. South continues to be a safe beat for a deep postseason run.
RAMBLINGS ON THE SEASON
The best match of season was Rivera’s five-set win over Edinburg Economedes in the first round of the playoffs.
Edinburg High, Edinburg Economedes and Harlingen High hurt themselves with a seeding tournament. The extra games for the three teams contributed to first-round playoff loses for each of them. It was part of the reason the Edinburg teams did not finished ranked in the Top 10. … The three teams tied for second and instead of flipping for place, they played a seeding tourney.
Economedes coach Araceli Ortega does a great job and might have the Lady Jags on the brink of becoming an elite Valley program.
Look for Edinburg High setter Jenetta Sanchez to have a big season in 2008. Edinburg High coach Deanna Sanchez is high on her setter and for good reason. During district play, she compiled 400 assists.
With so manny top teams losing players to graduation and realingment expect wide-open races next season.
This season’s Sharyland team was the type of team I think is needed to knock off a team in the regional tourney. The Lady Rattlers had a bevy of options and did not depend on just one player. … New coach Lizette Torres had Sharyland looking like a club team.
Sharyland setter Brittany Hawkins is scray good and should be a force in 2008.
The All-district lists, like always, are not always a true refelection of who is the best players in the respective districts. … District 43-4A had three defensive MVPs. Mission Veterans’ Kolby Warren was obviously the best defensive pleyer and shouldn’t of had to share the award.
La Villa played a very limited schedule this year. Its former coach left the Lady Cards with no sked, forcing them to pick up game whenever it could.
Mission was the scrappiest team of the year. Scrappy is a good word. I described McAllen Rowe as scrappy last year and a few girls on the team let me know they did not appreciate that.
Whats up with Weslaco High? In three years as the volleyball beat writer I am yet to meet the head coach or had a call-infrom the Lady Panthers.
It was a good season. I hope you enjoy the All-Valley readings in the paper today.
If you disagree with the All-Valley team of the Top 10, let me know. Tell who you think should have been on the team. I welcome comments.
Make love, not war!