After capturing a guaranteed playoff berth with Friday night’s 63-50 win over New Braunfels, the first-place San Marcos Rattlers can now focus on winning a District 25-5A title.
Tonight, the Rattlers (17-12, 6-1) will try to take a big step in that direction with a 7 p.m. road game at Converse-Judson.
“I told the kids ‘Let’s get the win against Smithson Valley, get that playoff berth, then we can focus on winning a district championship,’” SMHS head coach David Norris said. “The guys knew what that game meant and scratched and clawed to get it.”
San Marcos faces a tough test if the team wants to remain in sole possession of first place. Converse-Judson (24-7, 5-2) is currently tied for second place with San Antonio-Wagner, as the memory of the Rattlers’ last-second win in the initial meeting at the Snake Pit is likely still fresh in the Rockets’ minds.
Senior Alex Frye’s lay-up with 2.2 seconds remaining gave the Rattlers a 34-33 win Jan. 18.
“We know what we’re going against and we’re expecting a battle like it was the last time,” Norris said. “Judson is a very good team that really play well on their home court, and I know they don’t want the same thing to happen at their place.”
Judson is coming off an 81-56 win over Smithson Valley after suffering a 50-48 loss to Wagner a week ago.
The Rockets own the district’s top front-court attack, led by 6-foot, 6-inch junior wing Tanner Leissner (16.3 points per game) and 6-9 junior post David Wacker (12.3 ppg). Wacker is also averaging 10 rebounds per game with 87 blocked shots, while Leissner is pulling down an average of 9.5 boards per game.
In charge of slowing down the Rockets’ front-court attack will be Frye, a 6-5 post who is San Marcos’ leading scorer (13.9 ppg) and rebounder (8 rebounds per game). Frye posted 12 points in the initial meeting and helped hold the duo of Leissner and Wacker to only 22 points. He’s coming off a 15-point performance against New Braunfels.
“Frye might not have the size like other district players in his position, but he’s proving to be one of the best posts in the district,” Norris said. “He’s a warrior.”
Frye should also get some help from 6-6 junior Jarrett Henderson, who has come on strong as of late. Henderson posted nine point against New Braunfels, while swatting down three blocks.
The Rattlers have also benefited from a well-balanced offense which includes junior Josh Coleman (11.4 ppg), senior Michael Hicks (9 ppg), senior Brandon Coleman (8.8) and junior Isaiah Brown (7.6 ppg).
“These guys have really banded together and they’re not worried about who scores what,” Norris said. “They’re only interested with us being ahead when the final second roll off.”