The Rattlers knocked off No. 21 Cibolo Steele 74-67 on senior night in the final home game of the season on Tuesday.
The victory put an end to a three game losing streak for the Rattlers, and improved their record to 17-17 and 3-8 in district play.
Before the game, San Marcos recognized the careers of seven seniors: Cash Good, Marqus Espinoza, Donovan Riddick, Damian Lestourgeon, Sergio Gutierrez, James Carr, and Josiah Hollmon.
San Marcos head coach Dan Miller remarked on the success that this year’s senior class has seen over their four years.
“They were involved in four great years, if you think about it,” said Miller. “Even though they weren’t on that varsity team that was one game away from state, they were in the program. And Cash ends his career with 105 wins over four years, which is the greatest four-year stretch in San Marcos history.”
Good provided a spark for the Rattlers to open the game, converting on a layup and knocking down a three-pointer to get the scoring started.
San Marcos received contributions from seniors Damien Lestourgeon, Donovan Riddick, and Josiah Hollmon in the first, but Cash Good led the way with 10 of the Rattlers’ 20 points as they led 20-13 after one quarter.
Steele responded in a big way in the second quarter, starting with a 12-2 run to take a 25-22 lead.
However, the Rattlers did not back down as Cash Good found his way to the free throw line on three separate occasions for six points. San Marcos led 33-30 going into half.
Senior guard Marqus Espinoza stated that Miller’s message for the team at halftime was simple: play for each other, and leave it all on the court.
“Just stick together and lock in for those final moments,” said Espinoza. “It was our final time playing with each other, and we all just really came together in those final moments, and pulled the right way, all together, at the same time.”
The Rattlers pounced early with two huge three-pointers from Josiah Hollmon, and two points from Donovan Riddick to open the second half on a 8-1 run.
Steele settled in offensively, and used a three-pointer of their own to draw within four at 44-40
The two teams played neck-and-neck the rest of the quarter, but after a three-pointer from Espinoza, the Rattlers led 55-50 going into the fourth.
Steele attacked the rim in the fourth quarter, drawing fouls and getting San Marcos in the bonus. With three and a half minutes left, the Knights took a 62-61 lead.
Once again, the Rattlers didn’t blink. Donovan Riddick was the hot hand down the stretch, scoring seven of San Marcos’ final 13 points. On the defensive end, the Rattlers were suffocating. They didn’t allow any easy points and forced numerous key turnovers.
San Marcos ended the game on a 13-5 run to win 74-67. Closing out close games was an Achilles heel for the Rattlers this season, but they finished the job on senior night.
“We came out here and just never gave up,” said Riddick. “That’s the important thing, I love how this team just did not give up. Even though we’re not going to the playoffs, we all lifted up our heads and decided to really play tonight.”
The Rattlers conclude their season on the road against New Braunfels Canyon next Tuesday.
