Turnovers and a lack of offensive rhythm handicapped the San Marcos High School boys varsity basketball team in their 92-42 defeat against Schertz Clemens on Friday at the Snake Pit.
The Rattlers looked outmatched from the opening tip. Facing a full-court pressure defense, the team struggled to bring the ball up the court, committing numerous turnovers, which led to easy buckets for Clemens. After falling behind by 10 points, the team failed to bring the game back within single digits. The Rattlers continued to post prolonged scoring droughts while allowing the Buffaloes to score easily in transition and the half-court.
“I’m proud of our guys for staying together in the loss,” said coach Dan Miller after the game. “When you’re getting beat as bad as we were, a lot of guys start pointing fingers. Our guys stayed together and that part I am proud of.”
San Marcos scored just seven first-quarter points while allowing Clemens to coast to 17. Trapping became an issue early, as the Buffaloes scored a majority of their points off turnovers. The Rattlers attempted to battle back but fell short. Points came few and far between, and the team struggled to gain a rhythm on either side of the ball.
The pressure only mounted in the second quarter, as the Buffaloes continued to suffocate the Rattlers defensively. The Rattlers briefly showed a 3-2 zone defense with hopes of limiting Clemens’ offensive attack, but the attempt proved unsuccessful. Buffalo players consistently got to the rim, scoring in the paint or kicking the ball out for an open three-pointer. Going into the half, the Rattlers found themselves trailing 40 to 18.
“We had some flashes, but we have to get better on the turnovers and giving up open shits,” Miller claimed. “We need to work on playing against the traps and just being more confident.”
With a 20-point cushion, Clemens’ full-court pressure continued, extending the lead to 30 points in the third. San Marcos was held scoreless in the first four minutes of the quarter and was outscored 22-8 headed into the fourth. The team’s most productive quarter came in the fourth, where they scored 18 points. The scoring burst did little to affect the now 40-point deficit, as the Buffaloes put up 30 points to end the contest. The loss served as the Rattlers 11th and now puts the team at 0-8 in district play.
The Ratllers will take on East Central High School at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Stan Bonewitz Center.
