1. Dirk Nowitzki vs. 12.Mike Modano

We asked you to help us find the Metroplex’s Most Valuable Player. The Daily Ticket’s tournament selection committee seeded the field of 16 and you voted. We’re down to the Final Four. It’s Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki vs. Stars center Mike Modano and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo vs. Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

1. Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks, forward

The case: He’s actually been an MVP and he’s made the All-NBA team eight times. The Mavericks might have flopped in the playoffs the past couple of seasons, but before Nowitzki’s arrival, fans could only dream of seeing the Mavs flop in the playoffs.

Road to the Final Four

First round: It wasn’t a good week for Mavericks forward Josh Howard. After being pummeled by Nowitzki in the voting, Howard was arrested in North Carolina. Fact: A No. 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1 seed in a Metroplex MVP tournament.

Second round: Did playing with a broken hand spike support for Rangers shortstop Michael Young? Maybe. He hung tough with the top seed on the first day of voting, but faded down the stretch.

12. Mike Modano

Dallas Stars, center

The case: Well, the selection committee can make mistakes. We might have underestimated Modano. Voters have clearly remembered his body of work that includes a Stanley Cup and his role in selling the sport of hockey in Texas. He isn’t the dominating player he once was, but he’s still pretty good.

Road to the Final Four

First round: Survived a back-and-forth matchup with Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. The lead changed hands a few times over the two days of voting. Doesn’t it always seem as though a No. 12 seed beats a No. 5.

Second round: Modano kept the momentum going with a convincing victory over No. 4 Ian Kinsler, who might still be a couple of years from seriously contending in this contest.