DECATUR -- The 2013-14 2A 4 West District champion Decatur Bulldogs basketball team is comprised of many talented players; Meng Vang, Terry Kell, Pheng Lee, Kyle Shaffer, Matt Lee, Trey Kell, and Victor Urquidi, to name a few. But one player stands out above all others. His leadership abilities, coupled with his love of the game, were the driving force behind the Bulldogs' remarkable season. This player has earned respect from players and coaches throughout the state of Arkansas.
Mario Urquidi, whose scoring and rebound abilities earned him double-doubles in almost all of his games this season, was named co-player of the year in the 2A Region 4 West conference March 3. The title was determined by written ballots submitted by coaches within the conference.
"We have a coaches' meeting at the end of the season. We vote on four things, one of which is player of the year. Each coach nominates who they want and then we do a silent ballot," John Unger, Decatur head basketball coach, explained.
"We list one through however many we nominated. Each is given points, and the one with the least amount of points gets player of the year," Unger said. " We had a tie this year. There were seven nominated and Mario and Ryan Sanchez from Eureka Springs tied."
Urquidi does not mind sharing co-player of the year with his Highlanders counterpart. He feels honored to have been nominated. Urquidi described winning the title as simply "rewarding."
"Exciting, I think," Urquidi remarked. "I guess I like being at the top of the conference."
Urquidi is not the type to take all the credit. Instead, the humble 6 foot, 4 inch, junior forward/guard is quick to credit his fellow Bulldogs for much of his success on the court.
"It's a team effort!," Urquidi stated. "It shows that our team has some good players this year."
In addition, Urquidi was named to the 2013-14 all-district team, along with brother Victor Urquidi, Meng Vang and Trey Kell. Pheng Lee received an honorable mention for his contribution to the Decatur Bulldogs' district win.
Urquidi not only earned the notice of those in the 2A 4 West District but also the 2A Conference as well. He was named to the 2013-14 2A All-State Team. This is the second year Urquidi has been named to the team.
When watching Urquidi move up and down the basketball court, it is clear that some of his success is owed to the interaction with his brother, Victor. The duo has the unique ability to anticipate each other's moves, a trait that often catches opposing players off guard.
"We have played a lot together for a long time now, so we know what we are going to do on the court," Urquidi reflected.
Urquidi has one more year left of high school, after which he plans on playing Division I basketball at a college yet undecided. With the honors he has earned over the last two years, his chance of getting on one of these teams is very good. He is quick to recognize that fact.
"Hopefully, it will get my name out there." Urquidi stated.
His next challenge is following in the footsteps of former Bulldog track star Evan Owens by returning the pole vault state title to Decatur. Urquidi is also working on capturing the state title in high jump, a sport suited to his unique jumping abilities.
Next year's Decatur Bulldog senior boys' basketball season promises to be more exciting than this year. Most of this year's team will return in 2014-15. With Mario Urquidi leading the team, the state 2A title could adorn the trophy case in Peterson Gym next year.
Sports on 03/12/2014