This is the toughest week physically and mentally for San Marcos as the team had to return to the floor after a short hiatus against the beginning of its district schedule. The purple and white began its long week with a convincing 20-point win over Austin High on Monday. The team followed that up by defeating a scrappy Del Valle team on Tuesday, 74-66, moving San Marcos to 3-0 in district play.
The Rattlers have seen two or more games in a week this season only one time, giving players the necessary tools to rest and prepare for the next game. But this week is much different. Three games on the schedule mean more tread on the players’ legs but head coach Steven Pinchback believes his team has been preparing for these tough stretches in practice throughout the year.
“We haven’t played a lot of games. We’re only eight games deep, we’re good, we’re fresh. Our guys play a lot but we push them in practice so we’re able to play. I mean, you saw how we dominated in the fourth quarter. They’re not tired,” Pinchback said about his team. “I asked (Malik) if he needed a break and he was like, ‘No,’ but then coach Napoli gave him a break. I said ‘You got 45 seconds, have a seat then get back out there.’ These kids are so fun, just to be around these coaches, we all care about each other and it’s just a great environment and I’m just excited to be a Rattler, man.”
