By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
It was the beginning of a new era for Del Rio Queens basketball, and the end of a stellar career for one of the team’s seniors.
The District 30-6A All-District team was recently announced and Del Rio had three players earn spots on the all-district teams and three earn academic all-district honors.
Leading the group is senior Sydney Ballard.
Ballard, a four-year starter for the Queens, ends her Del Rio High School basketball career with a spot on the all-district first team. In a season that saw the Queens have to reschedule games due to COVID and several changes to the team’s roster, Ballard was one of the constants on the team. A solid rebounder and scorer, Ballard played every position on the floor for the Queens, using her size and experience to help guide the team through one of the most competitive districts in the region.
Last season Ballard was an all-district honorable mention selection after the Queens were unable to complete their season due to COVID protocols. She’s also the reigning Queens Outstanding Player of the Year.
Junior Joselyn Gonzalez was an all-district honorable mention. Gonzalez was the definition of hustle for the Queens, often times leading the fast break as she broke away from the pack for an uncontested layup. Gonzalez was also one of the toughest Queens, often sacrificing her body to create turnovers or fend off pugnacious defenders. She was also the team’s most consistent three-point shooter.
Junior Allie Rodriguez was also an all-district honorable mention. Rodriguez was consistently one of the team’s top scorers during the district season. A dogged defender, Rodriguez wasn’t afraid to wade into traffic in search of a rebound or use her length to making passing a difficult task for anyone she guarded.
Rodriguez was last year’s Newcomer of the Year for the Queens.
Academic All-District honors went to Ballard, junior Marina Jimenez and junior Makayla Lewis.
This was the first season for Queens head Marisa Soto. A longtime Queens assistant, and a former all-district honoree, Soto expressed her joy at watching how the team continued to grow and get better with every game this season.
“I am so proud of each and every one of my kiddos. It was awesome to see the growth they made, not only as basketball players, but as young women. These ladies came in willing to work, to go hard everyday and truly set the new standard for Del Rio Queens Basketball. I am excited for what our future holds and to see these ladies continue to grow and get better on and off the court,” Soto said.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
