Duarte province Honors Top Basketball Talent at Annual Awards Ceremony
The CODIA club in Duarte province was abuzz with excitement as the Association of Sports Writers celebrated the achievements of the region’s finest basketball players in the 2024 senior tournament. Juan Luis Cruz and Braheam Pérez, representing the Nordestana de Préstamo Consortium, had the honor of presenting the coveted awards.
Esteral Dolfy Arias, a standout performer for the San Vicente club, was crowned the Most Valuable Player. Her remarkable contributions propelled the green and yellow team to success throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Esteral Andrew Herrera of the Juan Pablo Duarte club received the Most Improved Player award, showcasing his remarkable growth and advancement on the court.
Leonel Núñez, a former national team member, was recognized as the Rookie of the Year. Coming off the bench, Núñez delivered impressive statistics, earning him this prestigious title.
The juan pablo Duarte club’s skilled point guard was honored as the Most Disciplined Player, demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship and dedication.
Danilo Javier Jerez, the head coach of the San martín de Porres club, was named Manager of the Year. Under his guidance, the team dominated the regular season, achieving an impressive 7-1 record.
This year’s awards ceremony was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Seaborg Clean Energy, the Municipal Mayor’s Office, Rizek Group, IADIS School, Agua maría, and others.
For 35 consecutive years, the association of Sports Writers of Duarte province, a respected association comprised of leading sports journalists, has organized this esteemed event. The awards serve as a testament to the exceptional talent and unwavering spirit of the region’s top basketball players.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the athletes, coaches, and sponsors who contribute to the vibrant basketball community in Duarte province.
Duarte Province Basketball Awards: A Conversation with Legendary Coach Rafael Vargas
The hardwood of duarte province has always been a hotbed of talent, and this year’s annual awards ceremony hosted by the Association of Sports Writers was a testament to that. we sat down with legendary local coach Rafael Vargas,who has mentored countless players through the years,to dissect the event and the future of basketball in the region.
Moderator: Coach Vargas, thank you for joining us.The awards ceremony certainly showcased the incredible depth of talent we have here in Duarte. What were your thoughts on this year’s honorees?
Rafael Vargas: It’s always inspiring to see these young athletes recognized for their hard work and dedication. Esteral Dolfy arias winning the MVP was no surprise; she was truly the engine behind san Vicente’s success.And I’ve known Leonel Núñez since he was a kid, and it’s amazing to see him step onto the senior scene with such confidence and skill.
Moderator: Andrew Herrera’s Most Improved Player award was especially noteworthy.
RV: Absolutely. Andrew’s growth is inspiring. He stayed dedicated, worked on his weaknesses, and really came into his own this year. It’s a message to all the young players out there: hard work and perseverance pay off.
Moderator: We see a lot of potential in these young players. What do you think the future holds for them, and how can we continue to nurture that talent here in Duarte province?
RV: We need to continue to provide them with the right surroundings to flourish, both on and off the court. That means access to quality coaching, good training facilities, and importantly, strong support systems. I also think we need to expose them to higher levels of competition. Playing against top-tier players from other provinces and even internationally will only push them to become better.
Moderator: Speaking of support systems, the Management of the Year award went to Danilo Javier Jerez.
RV: Danilo has been quietly building a strong program at San Martín de Porres for years. That 7-1 record in the regular season is a testament to his leadership and coaching expertise. Building a prosperous team is about more than just coaching Xs and Os; it’s about creating a culture of discipline and accountability. Danilo clearly understands that.
moderator: This year’s ceremony was made possible by generous sponsors like Seaborg Clean Energy and Rizek Group. How crucial is this kind of support for the continued growth of basketball in Duarte?
RV: Absolutely vital. Without sponsors like them, many of these young athletes wouldn’t have the opportunities they deserve. It takes a community to raise a champion, and businesses stepping up like this shows how invested they are in the future of Duarte’s youth.
Moderator: Coach vargas, any final thoughts for our young aspiring basketball players out there?
RV: Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. There’s something special about Duarte basketball. We’ve seen countless young talents rise from this community and make a mark on the national and even international stage. you can be next.
Moderator: Thank you for your insights, Coach Vargas.
We want to hear from you! what are your thoughts on this year’s awardees? What are some other ways we can support the future of basketball in Duarte province? Tell us in the comments below.
