HS Basketball: Rattlers hope to gain momentum

San Marcos junior Jarrett Henderson goes up for two of his six points against San Antonio-Wagner last Friday (Photo by Gerald Castillo).

San Marcos’ chances for a district title pretty much came to an end after Friday night’65-62 loss to San Antonio-Wagner.

Barring any major upsets in other District 25-5A games, San Marcos will likely settle for third place, securing its postseason berth a week ago. SMHS needs last-place New Braunfels to beat Converse-Judson — a team currently tied for first with Wagner — to force a tie for second.

Wagner can win the title outright with a win at Smithson Valley tonight. However, the only way San Marcos can grab a share of the title is if Judson and Wagner both lose and the Rattlers win tonight‘s 7 p.m. game at New Braunfels-Canyon. That would also force  some sort of playoff for the district’s top three seeds.

“We need some big things that are out of our control to happen, but the main thing we need to focus on is using tonight’s game as opportunity to get ready for the playoffs,” SMHS head coach David Norris said. “I’ve seen all four teams that we could face in the postseason and they’re just as good as what we have seen in district. It doesn’t matter who we face, we will have our work cut out for us.”

San Marcos will face either San Antonio- Reagan, Churchill or Madison, teams that are all currently tied for first place in District 26-5A.

Canyon currently has a hold on fourth place and will stay there if Wagner beats Smithson Valley. SMHS senior Brandon Coleman’s last-second 3-pointer gave the Rattlers a 62-59 win in the initial meeting.

San Marcos continues to be paced by senior Alex Frye (who is averaging 13.9 points and 8 rebounds per game) and junior guard Josh Coleman (11.4 ppg). Both threw in 14 point in Friday’s loss to Wagner.

Canyon (18-14, 4-5), which is coming off a 55-40 loss at Judson, is led by junior forward Levi Hidalgo (18.1 ppg).