Lady Rattlers top Santa Rosa

The Tucumcari Lady Rattlers plan to limit the open shots for the Lady Yellowjackets offense today in the District 5-3A tournament game at Clayton.

"We have to defend their shooters; they can score from outside if you give them an open look," said Aliyah Herrera, Lady Rattlers shooting guard.

Herrera led the Lady Rattlers offense with 29 points Monday night during the 70-44 win against the Santa Rosa Lady Lions at the Snake Pit.

Herrera, who made seven 3-pointers, said Clayton (15-9, 3-3) is a team that can hurt you from the outside if you not strong on defense. She said the Lady Rattlers will have to be in the Lady Yellowjackets face, pressuring them during every possession.

"Rebounding is going to be key," said Gary Hittson, Lady Rattlers head coach.

During Monday's game, the Lady Rattlers (24-3, 4-3) had issues securing the rebound in the first half.

Hittson said the second chance shots not only led to points for the Lady Lions, fouls by the Lady Rattlers stopped the clock and put Santa Rosa on the foul line. He said against Clayton, the Lady Rattlers will have to box out and secure the rebound.

"The girls did a good job of moving their feet on defense in the second half," Hittson said. "They got in position to block the open shot and fight for the rebound."

Hittson said the Lady Rattlers offense will need to be just as productive as it was Monday night to keep pace with Clayton.

Herrera's 29 points against Santa Rosa was followed by Lady Rattlers Ashley Shipley (22 points) and Jasmine Jones (18 points). Four of the non-starters for the Lady Rattlers each scored one or more basket against the Lady Lions.

Starter Kalani French was out due to an illness and Jones came out of the game in the second half with an injury.

"The bench did great job, they stepped it up when it was needed," Herrera said. "That level of confidence from our non-starters is crucial. We need them to keep that confidence when they are called upon."

Game time: 6 p.m., today at Clayton

Third time's a charm?

The Tucumcari Rattlers (9-16, 0-6) played Tuesday against the Yellowjackets (12-13, in the first round of the District 5-3A tournament at Clayton.

The results of the game were not available at press time.

"We need to match up with Clayton's post under the basket," said John Span, Rattlers head coach.

Span said the Rattlers have lost two close games to the Yellowjackets, and Tuesday's game represented a chance for the boys to climb back into the hunt.

"This is the heart of the season, the time we have all been working for," Span said.

Second time around

The San Jon Coyotes (4-15, 0-9) played Tuesday against the Bronchos (13-11, 5-5) in the District 4-1A tournament at Grady.

The score was not available at press time.

The Coyotes lost to Grady 82-51 on Feb. 15 in their last home game of the season.

"We will have to address unforced turnovers and securing rebounds," said Scotty Gates, San Jon head coach.

Gates said playing the Bronchos back to back gives the Coyotes an opportunity to correct these issues for a closer match-up.