Rattlers Steal the Victory from the Raptors

By Keilani DeLuna

KTSW Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Friday night, the San Marcos Rattlers pulled off a second-half comeback, defeating the Liberal Arts & Science Academy- Austin Raptors 51-46. 

The Rattlers came into this game on a two-game winning streak after beating the Lockhart Lions and Pieper Warriors. Friday night’s win for the Rattlers pushes their record to 11-4 overall in the early season.  

Despite losing key starters like Kaden Gumbs, Malik Presley, Mateus Perkins and Jayven Cofer from last season, the Rattlers demonstrated tonight that they are still competitive with the current talent on the roster. 

Despite losing the opening tip, the Raptors struck first on offense and didn’t cease control of the lead until later in the game. Rattlers Junior guard Donavan Riddick and the Raptors Junior guard Vince Williams were each team’s leading scorer. Three of Williams’ points came from a circus half-court shot at the end of the first quarter.  

There were numerous turnovers for both teams as the defensive intensity picked up throughout the game. Coming out of halftime, the Rattlers were able to reclaim a lead they hadn’t held since the beginning stages of the game due to their defensive-oriented third quarter. The Raptors’ failed box-out opportunities made way for the Rattlers to out-hustle them in the second half alongside their stifling full-court pressure defense. 

In the final period, Riddick hit two back- to-back threes, effectively taking the lead for the Rattlers. The Raptors were unable to muster late-game points against the Rattler defense and the Rattlers ultimately won the game. 

The Rattlers will take on the Laredo LBJ Wolves on December 12th at 6:30 p.m. at home in the snakepit. They will look to build momentum as tournament time approaches towards the end of December.