Rattlers fall behind Longhorns

Logan's basketball team found its shooting touch, and Tucumcari is trying to find its primary point guard.

That summarizes the Longhorns' 71-36 victory Thursday night over the Rattlers in Tucumcari's home opener at the Snake Pit.

Without someone stepping up to run the offense, the Rattlers fell behind by a double digits in the first quarter and trailed 39-15 at intermission.

Tucumcari showed life offensively with 18 points in the fourth quarter, but they came primarily against Logan's second-stringers.

"We don't have a true point guard, and that's huge," Tucumcari coach John Span said. "We don't have any rhythm. I've got three guys with potential to run it. I just need them to be aggressive and not be afraid to make mistakes. We're making mistakes and not being aggressive. So why not make a mistake going hard and learn how to correct it?"

Span said with district play coming up, he needs a solution for that problem, and fast. With its first three games of the season against perennial powers Texico, Melrose and Logan, Tucumcari's problems became magnified.

"We have to figure it out, and I believe we will," he said. "I think once we get into district, we'll be able to compete a lot better than what we're playing right now. That's the whole key to these games, anyway: to get ready for district. I think we have a chance to win it or be runner-up, but it's going to be tough. It's not going to be easy."

Dominick Jasper scored 10 of his team-high 13 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Rattlers. Andrew Henderson-Clark added 10 points.

Meanwhile, Logan coach Kyle Griffith observed that good shooting will cure many ills for a basketball team, including his.

"We came out and shot the ball well," he said. "The first night we got beat (vs. Clovis Christian), we didn't shoot the ball well. Tonight, we came out and hit shots and, really, that was the difference. We finally got it clicking."

Dante Sanchez totaled a team-high 16 points for the Longhorns. A total of 12 Logan players scored points Thursday.

Logan scored many of its points in transition.

"We work on it a lot, so we should look good in it," Griffiths said. "The things you do in practice you hope will translate to a game. Tonight was one of those nights in which it all fell into place."

Despite the easy win, Griffiths saw things his team needs to tinker with.

"Defensively, I still don't think we were great," he said. "We gave up too many open shots and gave up some second chances. And we had a few too many turnovers at times. Other than that, we had a pretty solid game."

Span noted Logan has five seniors on its squad.

"That makes a difference," he said. "The first three opponents we've had, they ain't no slouch. These teams are tough. All of them are veteran teams, and we're not. I have one senior, three juniors, three sophomore, three freshmen."

Clayton 72, Tucumcari 67

A second-period dry spell proved decisive during Tucumcari's 72-67 road loss Friday at Clayton.

The Yellowjackets outscored the Rattlers 17-5 during the period, giving Clayton a 38-28 lead at intermission. Tucumcari clawed back in the second half to make it close, but it wasn't enough.

"The second quarter hurt us, along with free throws and turnovers," Span said. "We played a lot better and were more aggressive, which gave us a chance to win."

Henderson-Clark led the Rattlers with 22 points, while Nathan Griego scored 17. Jasper added 15.

Span said he was encouraged by Griego's performance.

"He was shooting the ball, which we need him to do to get some scoring our of him," he said. "We need to get double-digit scoring out of our starters and some from our bench."

Tucumcari ended the week 0-4 overall.

Clayton, led by Dario Avila's 26 points, improved to 3-0.

Melrose 67, Tucumcari 23

Defending Class 1A champion Melrose cruised to a 67-23 home win over the Rattlers on April 6.

The Buffaloes led 19-4 in the first quarter and 34-16 at intermission.

Henderson-Clark scored a team-high 12 points for the Rattlers, and Jasper added eight.

For Melrose, Tate Sorgen scored 19 points and Brandon Garcia 14. The Buffaloes won easily despite 6-foot-6 Devon Bailey being sidelined with a football injury.

But it was the 6-foot-4 Sorgen who impressed Span.

"The big guy, he's a baller," Span said. "He's a load, and he knows how to play; he's very smart."

Texico 61, Tucumcari 37

Tucumcari had a 13-11 lead after one quarter, but Texico sealed the victory by outscoring the Rattlers 30-13 in the second and third periods during a 61-37 loss April 5 at Texico. It was the season opener for both teams.

Curtis Gonzales led the Rattlers with nine points. Henderson-Clark added eight points, and Jasper and Nate Mardo added seven.

For Texico, David Davalos scored a team-high 16 points.