Only two of the four playoff spots in District 25-5A have been claimed going into the final game of the regular season. Converse-Judson and San Antonio-Wagner probably both secured their spots before the season began.
After the Lady Rockets and Lady Thunderbirds, there are three teams in contention for the last two slots — and San Marcos is right in the thick of it. If it weren’t for a loss last Friday night to previously-winless New Braunfels, the Lady Rattlers would be inches away from a bid, instead of feet.
There are a few ways San Marcos can earn a second consecutive trip to the playoffs.
First, the Lady Rattlers automatically get the fourth spot if they beat Judson and Smithson Valley loses to New Braunfels-Canyon.
San Marcos lost to Judson by 36 earlier this season and struggled, as it scored in the single digits in three quarters. Sophomore guard Madison Miles led the Lady Rattlers with 10 points in that game.
“We learned what it takes to win since then,” San Marcos head coach Christina Jamerson said after her team’s 49-46 loss to the Lady Unicorns. “We had too many turnovers and bad shots, but we’ve cut down on both.”
If the Lady Rattlers and Lady Rangers win, it would force a three-way playoff for the third and fourth slots. San Marcos, Smithson Valley and the Lady Cougars would all be 4-6 in district play.
Should the Lady Rattlers and Lady Rangers lose, a playoff game would be played between the two teams. It would determine the district’s fourth seed.
Finally, the worst thing to happen would be San Marcos losing and Smithson Valley winning. That would completely eliminate the Lady Rattlers from playoff contention.
“Our focus is on Judson and winning that game,” Jamerson said. “This team is resilient and play really, really well when their backs are against the wall.”
Tonight also marks senior night for six San Marcos athletes. Guard Brianna Brown, post Natalee Langford, guard Michelle Moody, senior guard Adolynn Netwon, senior post Justis’ Powell and senior guard Pamela Stover will all be honored for their contributions as Lady Rattlers.