Senior point guard AB Lozoya carried the torch for the Warriors this year and helped guide Santa Rosa to its second straight state tourna-ment.
Lozoya dazzled on the court and displayed leadership on and off the court. In the playoffs against Corpus Christi London, he dropped a ca-reer high 40 points that sent the Warriors to the regional tournament, and against San Antonio Cole, he scored 34 and punched his team’s ticket to state.
The senior point guard was named this year’s Valley Moring Star All-STAR Most Valuable Player.
The Valley Morning Star got a chance to catch up with Lozoya.
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Q: What does it mean to you to be named MVP?
A: We’re known for being a basketball school and to win the MVP is great. Most people judge me by my size and I’m the smallest guy on the court, but winning this for Santa Rosa is great.
Q: What is your game day routine like?
A: Other than trying to wear the same clothes on a game day, I try and do the same thing and that’s warm up and then get dressed, pray and hit the court. The night before, I watch film and study.
Q: Who is your favorite super hero?
A: It has to be The Flash; I just love the way he runs.
Q: Would you rather have free Wi-Fi or have your cell phone never die?
A: I’d rather have free Wi-Fi because I can charge my phone anywhere but with free Wi-Fi I wouldn’t have to pay for any mobile data.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I’d have to say “Toy Story.” Woody is my favorite character and I just love the movie. It’s great.
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Arellano’s big season leads to Offensive Player of the Year honors
Harlingen High made its return to the postseason this year, but endured plenty of lumps along the way.
Despite the obstacles, the Cards got hot and made it all the way to the regional quarterfinals.
Their catalyst was junior point guard Michael Arellano, who directed the offense all season long.
In the Cardinals’ playoff game against McAllen Memorial, Arellano suffered a torn ACL and a minor tear in his meniscus.
Before the injury, however, Arellano averaged 19 points per game and 3.4 steals per game.
For his tremendous season, Arellano was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the hoopster.
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Q: How much fun was this season for you?
A: You can’t judge us on where we finished in district. We played tough teams in district and it helped us prepare for the playoffs. I guess, don’t judge a book by its cover.
Q: What was your favorite memory from this season?
A: It would be the Bird Bowl; we were able to sweep Harlingen South and we hadn’t done that in a long time. Last year we lost twice to them and this year being able to sweep them was big for us.
Q: What is your pre-game routine?
A: I warm up and stretch; I try and do all my stretches and keep everything the same. I then go into the locker room and pray.
Q: Who is your favorite DC comic book character?
A: It has to be Superman. He is indestructible and he can do anything, and show that anything is possible.
Q: What does it mean to you to be named Offensive Player of the Year?
A: It’s a blessing to win this award; none of this would have been possible without God. I thank him for everything; even though I got hurt, I can’t question it because it’s God testing me, and I need to get stronger and get ready to come back next season.”
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Tige Johnson named All- STAR Defensive Player of the Year
San Perlita sophomore Tige Johnson is no stranger to athletics.
Johnson, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to a military family, moved to the small Willacy Country town when he was 7 years old.
Johnson’s older brother played basketball for the Trojans from 2012-15 and his mother also played basketball from 1982-86.
Johnson has kept the family legacy going and has emerged as one of the top big men in the Valley.
This year he averaged a double-double by scoring 17.4 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. He also averaged 3.6 blocks per game.
Despite his offensive prowess, his defensive skills are second to none and, as a result, Johnson was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Defensive Player of the Year.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the Trojans big man.
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Q: What were some things you worked on defensively this offseason that helped you improve your game?
A: I worked on my legs for speed and jumping. In the weight room I worked on my strength, and several eye and hand coordination drills to help improve with offense and defense.
Q: Who was the toughest player you had to guard this year and why?
A: I take every challenge very seriously, but I would have to say my biggest challenges came during playoff situations. Of course, every game before then prepared me well in all aspects of offense and defense.
Q: What was your best memory from this past season?
A: My best memory this year is our back-to-back deep playoff runs. We worked very hard to get where we got. Also this honor of being named Defensive Player of the Year will be most memorable as well.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: Off the court I am an outdoors kind of guy. I love going fishing as often as I can and I love the beach. And when I’m not outdoors you can find me playing video games with my friends.
Q: What does being named Defensive Player of the Year mean to you?
A: It is such a great honor. I have worked so very hard and this proves to me that hard work does pay off.
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Herrera named Valley Morning All-STAR Newcomer of the Year
San Perlita freshman James Herrera got a taste of playing at the varsity level right off the bat.
The ninth grader displayed a steady hand at the point guard/shooting guard position and served as the team’s sixth man.
Despite being a freshman, Herrera didn’t shy away from the spotlight and helped the Trojans to another district title and deep postseason run.
For his efforts, Herrera was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.
The Star had a chance to catch up with Herrera.
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Q: Who was the first person you told that you made it on the varsity team?
A: When I made varsity the first person I told was my dad.
Q: How have you adjusted to the varsity level?
A: I got used to all the running and the fast pace. Also, I’m used to going up against way bigger guys then me.
Q: What was the biggest challenge for you playing at the varsity level?
A: My biggest challenge was me trying to guard a person taller and faster than me. But I got used to it quickly.
Q: What are some things you plan on working on in the offseason?
A: I want to get better at my 3-pointers and my driving in the lane.
Q: What does being named Newcomer of the Year mean to you?
A: It means a lot because I was the first person that did it in my family.
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VMS All-STAR Team
MVP
AB Lozoya, Santa Rosa
OFFENSIVE POY
Michael Arellano, Harlingen
DEFENSIVE POY
Tige Johnson, San Perlita
NEWCOMER
James Herrera, San Perlita
COACH OF THE YEAR
Johnny Cipriano, Santa Rosa
FIRST TEAM
Ryan Perez, Santa Rosa
Aaron Briones, Harlingen South
Matthew Sesler, Harlingen
Jeremy Vasquez, Harlingen
Victor Galvan, San Perlita
SECOND TEAM
Chanz Love, Harlingen South
Jaime Zaller, San Perlita
Rene Castillo, Harlingen
Layne Klostermann, Lyford
Jay Guerra, Santa Rosa
HONORABLE MENTION
Sean Turrubiates, Harlingen South
Aaron Medrano, San Benito
Brandon Bennett, Harlingen South
Jonah Agado, Santa Rosa
