Brawl between Rattlers and Judson causes delay in Rockets’ district championship win (1/31/2025)

By: Mikah Lusby

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Judson Rockets secured a district championship in the 51-46 victory against the San Marcos High School Lady Rattlers.

It was a long anticipated game for the Rattlers. In their first game against Judson this season, San Marcos was decisively defeated by 36 points, with a final score of 67-36. This was the biggest margin of loss for the Rattlers dating back to a tournament in summer 2024. 

Most of the Rattlers’ starters missed the contest against the Judson Rockets, leaving San Marcos at a disadvantage against the Converse powerhouse. San Marcos went into this game knowing the work would be cut out for them. 

The 31-1 Judson Rockets are currently fifth in the state and have multiple players committed to D1 colleges, including a McDonald’s All-American contender Kayla King. The McDonald’s All-American game is an annual all star game that contains the top high school seniors in the United States. Some famous members of this honor are LeBron James, Caitlin Clark and Michael Jordan.

The game started out with a six point run by Rattler guard Ayleceia Pierson. Two fast-break opportunities and quick decision-making inside the paint are where Pierson excelled in the first quarter. Kayla King put Judson back in position after a few fade-away jumpers and a corner three. Despite the rally from the Rockets, San Marcos was able to keep pace and end the first leading with a score of 15-12.

Unfortunately for the Rattlers, the first quarter would be the only time they held a lead during the game. 

Five foot and three inches tall guard and Rattler team captain Ezra Tobias, demonstrated her ball handling skills, resulting in success in the paint. Tobias seemed unphased by the size difference. 

Judson’s Korina Garcia matched up against Tobias and became the Achilles heel for San Marcos. Garcia forced multiple turnovers and converted on several easy baskets for Judson, putting the Rattlers in a double-digit deficit. 

Sloppy passing by the Rattlers, mixed with the quick feet of Judson, caused an uphill battle. Judson was setting traps behind half court, resulting in miscommunication in the Rattlers’ offense and ultimately giving up vital possessions. 

Although the game was intense, there was no signs of unnecessary physicality. When the fourth quarter began, this became a different story. 

Rattler’s starting sophomore Riley Good  knocked down a three and followed it up with a steal. Good was able to put the Rattlers in better position to build a comeback 

With a 1:25 left on the clock and a 49-44 lead by Judson, a surprising scuffle between the two teams broke out, causing a delay. 

Pierson, Tobias and Judson guard Dejah Dudley all began exchanging strikes, and from there a brawl broke out. Fans and players from both sides clashed together on the court, resulting in an auditorium-wide scuffle.

The San Marcos Police Department got involved and took around five minutes to get everyone off the court. After a short statement from faculty, basketball-action resumed on the court.

The Rattlers ultimately lost the game with a final score of 51-46. A close final score, as expected between two top-25 teams.

Coach Haralson was not available for an interview following the game against Judson

In the matchup against Steele, the Rattlers will be confronted with a final goodbye to star seniors Ezra Tobias, Ayleceia Pierson, and Brooklynn Harris. 

The 23-7 Rattlers will travel to matchup against the 22-7 Cibolo Steele Knights on Feb. 4. San Marcos will look to repeat the performance of their last matchup, ending their season with a win.