Bel Air's Victoria Moreno played key role in success for girls basketball program
Bel Air girls basketball player Victoria Moreno came a long way during her high school career at Bel Air and on Monday night, she'll have one more opportunity to shine.
Moreno, a senior, will compete in the Greater El Paso Girls Coaches Association All-Star basketball game along with her Red Team teammates. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. at Austin high School.
"It's a great opportunity to get one more game in against great players from El Paso and to share the court with some new teammates," Moreno said. "It's been a learning experience during my career. I've learned so much and come a long way."
Moreno began playing basketball in middle school and the sport became her favorite sport. She was on the varsity team all four years at Bel Air and she capped her senior season with her best effort to date. Moreno earned District 2-5A MVP honors and helped lead the team to district and bi-district championships.
"It took a lot of work," Moreno said. "But I enjoyed the process and it was fun. We accomplished so much, especially this past season and my confidence grew throughout my time playing for the Highlanders. One of my goals is to play at the next level and I'm hopeful to get that opportunity"
Moreno came up big in many of Bel Air's biggest games this past season. She scored 21 points against Amarillo Tascosa in a 47-39 area round loss, had 19 points in a bi-district playoff win against Canutillo and scored 14 points against Del Valle late in the season to help clinch an undefeated district season.
"Victoria grew so much as a player during her time in our program," Bel Air coach Cecilia Olan said. "She became an all-around player for us, she could play in the post, she shot the ball well, played at the guard position and she turned into a great leader for us. Victoria put in a lot of hours besides her time on the court with us. She worked hard in the weight room and worked on her diet to become the player she is today. There is no doubt she has a bright future in basketball and life."
In addition to school and basketball, Moreno has an internship with Early Bird Pediatric Therapy, where she helps others in regards to physical, speech and occupational therapy needs.
"I just want to continue to grow as a person on and off the court," Moreno said.
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Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
All-Star Basketball Game
What: Greater El Paso Girls Coaches Association All-Star Basketball Game
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: Austin High School
Red All-Stars: Alyssa Abascal, El Dorado; Mirakle Anderson, Eastwood, Kimberly Cruz, Canutillo; Ella Feuille, Coronado; Talitha Hicks, El Dorado; Jasmin Holt, Chapin; Victoria Moreno, Bel Air; Norma Mota, Bel Air; Natalie Mesa, Chapin; Kiana Valdez, Pebble Hills
Blue All-Stars: Tranyah de Rouen, Burges; Audrey Hernandez, San Elizario; Hannah Jones, Irvin; Leslie Mojica, Andress; Gabby Martinez, Eastlake; Anissa Rodriguez, Ysleta; Angie Sanchez, Americas; Fatime Seck, Franklin; Amaris Valadez, Franklin; Brianna Vargas, Burges
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Bel Air's Victoria Moreno ready for annual All-Star basketball game
