Rattlers Men’s Basketball season ends with a loss to the Canyon Cougars (2/11/2025)

By: Eliana Nieto 

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas-In a dramatic end to San Marcos’ season the Rattlers team traveled to New Braunfels to face the Canyon High Cougars, where they were defeated 67-61.  

Prior to this defeat, the Rattlers beat the Steele Knights 74-67 on Feb. 4th. Although the Rattlers’ win against Steele was a much-needed boost in morale as they were off three consecutive losses, San Marcos was unable to replicate that performance when closing Tuesday’s game. 

In the first half of the game against Canyon, the Rattlers showcased an electric offense consisting of cohesive team chemistry as well as precise shooting stats. Rattlers point guard Cash Good scored all 17 points made by the team in the second quarter, leading San Marcos to a nine point advantage over the Cougars going into halftime.

With the score being 33-24 at halftime, Good had luck on his side during the second quarter, as many of the points scored were a slew of consecutive three pointers that turned up the intensity of the game.  

Although the first half of the game carried an air of determination and calculated plays, the last quarter of the second half was not a similar story.   

In the third quarter, the Rattlers kept their momentum with a couple of executed corner threes, as well as some physical moments in the paint.  

Rattlers forward Josiah Hollmon was able to drive into the paint during crucial moments towards the end of the game, scoring 15 points overall and finishing as the second leader in rebounds overall. Despite the powerful defense played by the Rattlers, there were miscues in the shooting department in the second half and several potentially game changing free throws were missed. 

Rattlers’ head coach Dan Miller offered some insight on the team’s performance amidst the loss to Canyon.  

“The second half was the frustrating part for us. We just got out of focus on the free throw line, you’ve got to make your free throws. A couple of miscommunication things led to Canyon [winning], but Canyon played good.” 

Although the Rattlers worked up a strong hunger for victory with the season closing, also saying goodbye to its seniors, the team was missing one of its key players Donavan Riddick.  

Coach Miller acknowledged the uniqueness of the season closer and not having Riddick there. 

“I told them [Seniors] we loved them, and I’m proud of them. We ran out of gas- can’t make excuses,” Miller said. “If we would have had Donavan Riddick, our leading scorer, I probably think it would’ve been a different result, but he couldn’t go tonight so it is what it is.” 

With 3:52 remaining in the game, the Rattlers held a one point lead (53-52) over the Cougars, but the momentum quickly flipped during the final stretch for the Rattlers. The final score of 67-61 marked a bitter end to the season but hope for whats to come next year. Despite the upset, Coach Miller acknowledged the team’s growth in a closing thought. 

“I’m proud of the seniors, they did a lot of good things. In four years, we had 105 wins, so that’s the most in a four year period.” 

The San Marcos Rattlers finished the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 17-18 with some moments to look back on.