Rattlers take win from Chaparral

The Tucumcari boys basketball team salvaged a rugged week with a 37-26 victory Saturday over Chaparral in the consolation bracket of the Citizens Bank Classic tournament at Texico.

In the second half, Andrew Henderson-Clark scored 15 of his game-high 24 points to lead the Rattlers, who improved to 2-6 overall before the Christmas break.

"We went inside to Drew because he drew single coverage," Tucumcari coach John Span said. "We adjusted to what they were giving us."

Tucumcari trailed 12-7 after one quarter but held the Lobos to just one point in the second period. The Rattlers then outscored their foe 23-13 the rest of the way.

Span attributed the low-scoring game to a 9 a.m. tipoff, which forced the Rattlers to leave Tucumcari at 6 a.m.

"We don't even practice that early," he said.

The Lobos (1-10) hurt their own cause by going 3-for-9 from the free-throw line in the second half.

Span said he saw encouraging signs, despite his team going 1-2 during the tournament.

"We're getting better. We do good things when we work together and play hard," he said. "We just have to be consistent."

Unbeaten Magdalena won the championship by defeating Jal in the title game 77-39. Magdalena's average margin of victory during the tournament was 38 points.

Farwell 62, Tucumcari 42

A total of 10 Steer players scored during Farwell's solid 62-42 victory Friday over Tucumcari in the consolation bracket of the Citizens Bank Classic.

Farwell, trailing 13-11 after the opening period, seized control in the second quarter by outscoring the Rattlers 21-7.

Span said his team's problems were exacerbated by foul trouble during the first half.

"We didn't make good decisions on fouls," he said.

Corey Stancell led the Steers' stampede with 24 points.

Tucumcari was led by Curtis Gonzales, who scored 15 points. Henderson-Clark added 12 points and Dominick Jasper 11.

Farwell improved to 9-2.

Tohatchi 61, Tucumcari 57 (OT)

Tucumcari suffered a 61-57 overtime loss Thursday to Tohatchi in the first round of the Citizens Bank Classic.

The Rattlers had the lead - albeit a small one - for much of the game until the Cougars caught them in regulation.

Span said his team missed seven layups in the first quarter and 21 during the game.

"I knew that would come back to bite us," he said.

Henderson-Clark scored 21 points to lead Tucumcari, and Gonzales added 16.

Tohatchi, led by Josh Dawes' 22 points, improved to 5-5.

Raton 75, Tucumcari 42

A talented Raton boys basketball team seized a double-digit lead in the first quarter and poured it on during a dominating 75-42 victory over Tucumcari during the Rattlers' home opener Dec. 13.

"We ran into a buzzsaw, which I knew we would," Span said. "They're a very good ballclub. They shoot the ball well and move the ball well ... a very savvy team.

The Rattlers struggled at times against the Tigers' traps and press. Tucumcari did break Raton's press at times for easy baskets.

"When we take our time and work the ball before the trap got there, we got layups," Span said. "But when you get the ball and turn to look, they got the trap set up. If you take too long, a team like that will make you pay for it. And we had some unforced turnovers where (Raton) didn't do anything."

Henderson-Clark was Tucumcari's top scorer, with 16 points.

Raton (4-1) was led by Matt Quartieri's 15 points, while Anderson Weese and Chance Middlebrook each added 13. The 6-foot-2 Quartieri twins made it difficult for Tucumcari's inside players, and the Tigers also made eight 3-pointers.

"And we're coming along; we're getting there," Span said. "We've got kids that are having to learn things they didn't have to do. Our effort was really, really good. We just weren't consistent."