By Brian Argabright
Though the Del Rio Rams basketball team’s 2020-21 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the team still earned recognition from the coaches of District 30-6A.
Junior J.J. Cervantes earned all-district first team honors. The Rams’ premiere post player, Cervantes was near the top of all the Rams’ offensive and defense statistics. He was key to the Rams success and will be looked at to lead the team next season.
Nick Rivera earned all-district second team honors. Rivera was the sparkplug of the team, showcasing pure hustle on defense and often times leading the teams’ fast breaks.
Senior Luis Arteaga was an all-district honorable mention. The Rams’ top shooter beyond the arc, Arteaga was a threat to score from anywhere on the court and was another player whose energy helped fuel the team.
Rams head coach Joe Nieto shared coach of the year honors with the rest of the coaches in 30-6A. According to a release distributed by the coaches, the reason all of the coaches in the district shared the honor was simple. “Because of this trying year and everything that all coaches had to go through to keep players, families and staffs healthy and keep the basketball programs going, we feel that all coaches should be recognized as coaches the year. Congratulations to all coaches!” the release stated.
Several Rams also earned honors for their work in the classroom. William Proffit, Dylan Casas, Esteban Chapa, Damien Espinoza and Mikael Perez each earned all-academic recognition. Casas, a senior, also earned all-state academic honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.
Aside from the district honors that were doled out to the Rams, the team also announced the Rams that earned various team honors.
Cervantes and Rivera shared the Mr. Basketball-MVP award.
Cervantes also earned the Big Man on the Glass award.
Rivera also shared the Ram Basketball MVP Offense award with Proffit.
Proffit earned the Ram Basketball Classroom Court-GPA, Basketball Skills, Community Service award.
Arteaga was named the Ram Basketball MVP Defense.
Eli Webster earned the Ram Tough Award and the Most Improved Ram Award.
Aiden Huerta was presented with the Ram Pride Award – Attitude, Character, Leadership.
Joel Dominguez was named the Rams Newcomer of the Year.
