Left: 2010 W/P 6'6" J.J. Avila Right: 2009 G 6'3" Cory Pace
McAllen HS is clearly the class of the Rio Grande Valley. Last year they made a nice run to San Antonio before running into the buzzsaw that was Converse Wagner. If Coach Roy Swift had another guy that competed as hard as 2010 J.J. Avila did, they may have had a chance. This season will be a whole new test for McHi.
Region 4 looks as good as it's ever been with a number of strong teams coming out of Austin and San Antonio this year. Coach Swift will need some of his guys to step up.
I really like 2009 G 6'3" Cory Pace. He's going to have to provide backcourt leadership and make sure that J.J. Avila gets to touch the ball plenty. Avila, a veteran of big games during past years with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors will rough it up inside, then step out and hit shots too. He won't back down from anyone, and competes hard on every play. Continued work on his handles and shot will assure you'll be seeing Avila in the Southland Conference, if not higher in a couple of years.
Coach Roy Swift is extremely optimistic about the coming year as in addition to the above mentioned players he has two other big contributors who will key the McAllen run this season. He only lost one senior from last year's crew, so McAllen will have a seasoned bunch for this year's run.
2009 PG 5'11" Mark Lopez
2010 SF Nick Garza 6'3" (currently in football)
Coach Swift likes to run the Roy Williams Carolina Break, with lots of back and down screens. He expects his veteran group to rebound well, get into transition and get a good percentage of their offense from their break.
I also received an update on two of Coach Swift's former players when he was at Weslaco HS.
P Francisco Rodriguez is currently at John Brown University in Arkansas
PG Edgar Segura who originally signed with Wisconsin-Green Bay has transferred to McLennan JC in Waco, TX and if my sources are correct will sign with Texas State for the 2009-10 season. This will be a great "get" for the Bobcats Staff, and will bring the Mexican National team player closer to home.
