Rattlers fall to Hays in rivalry showdown

SMHS BOYS BASKETBALL

In a rivalry showdown with Hays, the Rattlers were unable to overcome the Hawks’ fast offensive start and fell 68-52.

The Rattlers and Head Coach Dan Miller were coming off a thrilling 65-61 overtime win over John Paul II the night before but were unable to start the game against Hays with the same energy.

“We were in an overtime game last night. It took everything we’ve got to get the win,” Miller said. “I thought we came out flat today. We talked to the guys about last night and how we gave a lot of energy to get that win, but we have to refocus in 18 hours to play another game.

“I just thought we came out of a little flat, and they made us pay right from the jump. To their credit, they hit shots at a high level and when they are open, they made us pay.”

Despite the Rattlers going up 7-3 over the Hawks, Hays responded with a 13-3 run to lead 16-10.

In the second quarter, Hays pushed their lead to 34-16 followed by an 11-0 run but the Rattlers responded with an 8-0 to cut the deficit down to 34-24 going into halftime.

Despite the Rattlers’ comeback attempt in the second half where the offense picked up, San Marcos was unable to crawl out of the first half deficit, falling to Hays 68-52.

For Miller, the Hays loss will be a valuable lesson for his team moving forward.

“Teams [we are playing] are a little bit more experienced on the varsity level than us,” Miller said. “Most of these teams are a little bit longer, a little bit taller and so we have to be a team that plays harder, more gritty and more together. I didn’t think we were gritty and played as hard as we should have tonight. [Hays] just made us pay for that.”

The Rattlers are back on the court Tuesday night on the road against San Antonio Pieper. The Warriors are 7-1 and are ranked 20th in the state in Class 5A.

Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pieper High School.