By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
The Del Rio Rams’ return to the playoffs brought a wide array of emotions from the team’s head coach, and a bevy of awards for its players.
Seven members of the Rams basketball team were selected for the District 30-6A All-District and All-Academic teams.
Two of the teams seniors – J.J. Cervantes and Nick Rivera – were named to the first team.
Cervantes, who was a first team selection as a junior as well, was the team’s premiere post player. His stature meant he had to tangle with the monsters of the paint from other teams, but Cervantes more than held his own. Later in the season he added to his range, often times stepping out to shoot a mid-range jumper and the occasional three-pointer.
Rivera was the team’s leading scorer. A second team selection as a junior, Rivera amped up his game in his final year with the Rams. His mad dash to the basket served as a starter for the Rams’ offense and his finish with a flourish often allowed him to draw a foul and often times earn the chance for a three-point play. He was one of the team’s top defenders, generating steals and turning those opportunities into assists for his teammates.
Freshman Alessandro Elizondo was named the district’s co-Newcomer of the Year along with Javen Colbert of Laredo United. Standing at more than six feet tall, the talented freshman, and son of Rams first assistant coach Rudy Elizondo, the younger Elizondo made his mark by being a tenacious defender and a talented scorer inside and out. He was one of the Rams’ top three-point threats and one its grittiest rebounders.
Senior Will Proffit was named to the all-district second team. The team’s primary point guard, Proffit was the team’s top defender and its floor general. Able to direct traffic while doing a standout job of protecting the ball, Proffit often sacrificed points to allow his teammates to take the better shot. Like Rivera, Proffit was adept at generating turnovers and fighting for rebounds whenever necessary.
Sophomore Alan Dobbins was named an all-district honorable mention. Dobbins came off the bench early in the season, but one he got his “basketball legs” under him he became a key part of the Rams’ attack. The son of former Queens all-district standout Claudia Juarez-Dobbins, the younger Dobbins showed off his athletic prowess every time he stepped on the court. Whether it was driving to the basket and drawing contact for a trip to the free throw line or out-leaping others for a rebound, Dobbins’ contributions to the Rams proved invaluable as the season wore on.
“The season meant a lot to the team, the program, the staff and myself as we were able to accomplish our main goal we set before the season started, which was to reach the state playoffs. We had to go through the adversity, the challenges, the learning experiences our tough pre-district season brought. However in doing so we were able to play and compete well versus top level competition. I believe this allowed us to endure and fight through the rigors and demands of the tough district schedule and tough programs we face in district,” Rams head coach Joe Nieto said. “Our program prides itself on building teams and individuals that will endure a challenge, face adversity and fight to the end no matter the outcome. I believe the senior leadership we had in Will, Nick and J.J. guided us and led us to do so and reach our potential as a team and get back into the postseason. This was witnessed as the team fought until the last game of the district season and earned their playoff berth here in front of the home crowd versus a tough LBJ team.”
Proffit, junior Corbin Farrar and junior Damian Espinoza were named to the all-district All-Academic team.
This year marked a return to the playoffs for the Rams, their first in four seasons. And while the Rams bowed out in the bi-district round, hopes are high as they lost just four players from that playoff squad.
“The team had success and with it came the individual awards, which speaks volumes to the hard work, commitment and dedication each player on the team brought to this season. These players played a big role in the team’s success, as they accepted their roles and fulfilled it to the best of their abilities. The great thing about the team was their chemistry and cohesiveness, as is evident in that each individual recognized will tell you they couldn’t have accomplished it without their teammates,” Nieto added. “We had a great mixture of varsity experience mixed in with youth to the varsity scene and the team’s success, along with the individual successes this season has brought, has set the tone for next season, as our returning guys and a great mixture of underclassmen have already begun to hit the weight room and the gym in preparation for next season, which doesn’t begin for another eight months.”
“Myself and my coaching staff just want to say ‘thank you’ to the community for all the support they showed the team during this magical season and we hope to see them out there cheering for the Rams next season as well,” Nieto added.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
