Wednesday, May 7, 2008

SHS basketball celebrates season

Nat Holland El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

NHOLLAND It was a celebration of not just a successful season, but of the successes of the last four years of Socorro High School boys basketball with coach Dominick Romero at the helm.

"He taught us a lot of good lessons," junior Jeff Jaramillo said of Romero at the close of the awards banquet, held Wednesday, April 30. "He's like a father figure to all of us."

The focus though was on the players, as Romero talked about the positives of each player, from Jeff Jaramillo, "He's the littlest man on campus, but won't back down to anybody. He's a fireball" — to Baski Baker, "He's got an unlimited future, whatever sport he plays."

"We beat the state champs — Pojoaque," Romero said. "They came here and we beat them by nine points. We got bumped in the quarterfinals and they end up state champs. That's how balanced (Class 3A) was this year."

Numerous awards were handed out and players were noted for the honors they received from their play. Seniors Antonio Carrejo and Jeremy Montaño were selected for the South team and junior Baski Baker was selected for the All-State, first team. Carrejo, Montaño, Baker and Jorge Gonzalez were chosen for the first team All-District.

"The MVP (Most Valuable Player) is someone (without whom) we might not have had a lot of wins if we lost them in the season," Romero said as he presented the MVP award. "I think a lot of those 20 wins wouldn't have happened without our MVP, Jeremy Montaño."

Senior Antonio Carrejo was selected for the Warrior Pride award. The Warrior Pride trophy is awarded to a well-rounded player who has all the characteristics of a quality citizen, excels in academics, is respectful and skilled.

A plethora of thanks went out to everyone involved with the basketball program, from parents and scorekeepers to the media and the other coaches, and "Fearless Leader" school principal Tom Trujillo.

"These guys had a great season," Romero said of the C-team. "I really appreciate their hard work and the future looks bright."

"After three years, I just have to look at them and they know what to do," said C-team coach Robert Mata, who has a 37-10 record at the helm.

The C-team finished 14-3 this season and was the district champion with a 5-1 record.

"What coach (Lawrence) Baca has done with the JV the last three years has helped us to be successful on varsity," Romero said.

"On the floor and off the floor these are a great group of kids," Baca said. "Whoever comes in has a heck of a program started, good job coach (Romero), we'll miss you."

The JV team had a perfect 8-0 district record for the second year in a row, having won back-to-back district championships.

Romero will next teach and coach at the new Valencia High School, which he described as a career-based decision.

"If it was a basketball decision only, it would be a no-brainer — I'd stay here," Romero said.

The Warriors already have the Valencia team on their schedule next year, and Romero asked the Warriors to go easy on his team when they play.

"Hopefully (Jorge Gonzales) won't dunk at Valencia. Uh-oh, he's nodding his head that he will dunk," Romero said at one point.

"You have nine returnees. Kill it next year and run down that Pit ramp," Romero encouraged the team. "I'm very proud. Good luck to you."

nholland@dchieftain.com

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