Rattlers split homecoming wins

The Tucumcari Rattlers split homecoming wins Saturday with the visiting Pecos Panthers at Rattler Gym.

QCS photo: James Lout

Tucumcari Lady Rattlers Destanie Nathan drives along the base line defended by Alexis DeBaca during Saturday's 63-48 in over the Pecos Lady Panthers.

The (5-12) Lady Rattlers surged to a 63-48 win with a 12-point run early in the final period against the (5-11) Lady Panthers.

Fouls were among one of the problems hurting the visiting Lady Panthers, sending the Lady Rattlers to the free throw line over 40 times.

"Our fouling has been an issue over the past four games," said Leroy Barela, Lady Panthers head coach.

QCS Photo: Thomas Garcia

Rattlers Zach McElroy boxes out Longhorns Hayes Frost after he shoots a three pointer.

Late in the third period the Lady Panthers put together a 11-point run cutting the Lady Rattlers lead to one point. Though the Lady Rattlers were quick to answer by stealing the ball and scoring a 12 point run of their own, Esperanza Moncayo scored five field goals and Brianna Molinas was 2-2 from the free throw line.

Berela said his team was not able to make the inside shots, which would have kept the game closer. The Lady Panthers were 24 percent from the field, that combined with their 30 turnovers during the game led to the loss.

"They started playing with heart," said Gary Hittson, Lady Rattlers head coach.

Hittson said the girls need to continue working on being patient on offense and not rush the plays. He said when they rush they miss the easy shots or turn over the ball.

Hittson said they are starting to play aggressively on defense and boxing out on rebounds.

QCS photo: James Lout

Lady Rattlers Shanelle Martinez shots the jump shot as two Lady Pecos Panthers defenders move in to block her shot.

This win is an improvement for the Lady Rattler who had lost 66-40 two days prior to the (13-5) Logan Lady Longhorns.

Hittson said the team's percentage was low; there were times when easy shots were missed and poor ball control resulted in turnovers.

"We are getting there," Hittson said. "Slowly but surely we are getting there."

It was the opposite story for the (10-6) Rattlers with weekend basketball action.

The Rattlers were able to stave off the (12-6) Longhorns 48-43 in overtime on Thursday.

"We had some fouls which sent them to the line and that could have cost us," said John Span, Rattlers head coach.

Span said a lull in the scoring in the third period let the face paced Longhorns back in the game. He said the team will have to play consistently and keep the offense churning in order to prevent that from happening down the road.

QCS Photo: Thomas Garcia

Cody: Cody Ryen defends Logan Longhorns Chris Roberts as he tries to keep the ball inbounds during Thursday's 48-43 loss to the Tucumcari Rattlers.

A potent offensive production by the (14-2) Panthers is exactly what led to the Rattlers 91-68 loss Saturday night.

Span said the team's turnovers and the Panther's high field goal percentage kept them trailing throughout the game.

"I was told they didn't miss a single shot in the first half, and I'm inclined to believe that," Span said.

Span said the team needs to make their baskets under the goal and remember to play smart. He said ball control is such an important issue, the team needs to make smart decisions with the ball.

"It's not going to get any easier from here," Span said. "We need to work hard and play our game."