By Brian Argabright
Even in a season lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Del Rio Queens basketball team still had reason to celebrate.
Two of the Queens were named to the District 30-6A All-District teams, and nine were named to Academic All-District squad.
Junior Sydney Ballard and freshman Annette Betancourt were named as honorable mentions to the all-district teams due to the Queens only being able to play three district games this season. The San Felipe Del Rio CISD suspended play during the season as a precaution against the spread of COVID in the community. The suspension lasted long enough to keep the Queens from being able to make up their missing district games.
“Due to missing out on the final nine games of the 30-6A game schedule, the Queens were relegated to just two compulsory honorable mention selections,” Queens head basketball coach Chris Jost said.
Ballard, who is a three-year starter for the Queens, averaged six points, three rebounds and two assists for Del Rio in district play. She played every spot on the court during the season due to an ever-changing roster.
In her first varsity season, Betancourt showed why she could be a big part of the Queens’ future. She averaged eight points, 11 rebounds and two steals in her debut season.
Del Rio’s academic standouts included Ballard, sophomore Alexia Muñiz, and seniors Celeste Cantu, Paige Everett, Victoria Menchaca, Mallory Polanco, Eliana Rodriguez, Renee Salas and Renee Villarreal.
Laredo United and Laredo United South, the district co-champions this season, split the district awards and each put two players on the first team and three on the second team. Laredo Alexander, which finished third, had three first teams and two second teamers.
“United South looks to be the early 30-6A pre-season favorite for the 2021-2022 girls’ basketball season; as seven of their eight all-district selections were underclassmen, including junior Co-MVP Angela Lopez and sophomore Offensive Player of the Year Bridgette Tello,” Jost said.
Aside from the all-district honors, several of the Queens also earned local honors.
Salas was presented with the Outstanding Academic Award. She was also awarded the Queen of Hearts Award.
Eliana Rodriguez earned the Fighting Hard of the Year Award.
Menchaca was named Most Improved Player.
Allie Rodriguez took home Newcomer of the Year.
Leyra Alzugaray was named the Queens’ Defensive Player of the Year.
Betancourt took home the award for Offensive Player of the Year.
Ballard was named the Queens’ Outstanding Player of the Year.
