By Moses Leos III
The Hays Rebels welcomed a familiar foe in the Schertz Clemens Buffaloes Tuesday in a rematch of last season’s 4A Region IV final. But Clemens size and speed proved too much for Hays in a 98-69 loss at Bales Gym.
Three Buffaloes scored in double figures, led by a game high 20 points from Cayne Edwards. Senior Jake Krafka led Hays with 15 points, while sophomore Charles Bohannon scored ten.
Part of Rebel struggles stemmed from limiting Clemens’ fast break opportunities. According to first year head coach Sam Lunz, picking up Clemens players in transition was an issue.
“We should be ready for that. They knew those guys coming in. They played those guys three times last year,” Lunz said. “It was nothing new. We just didn’t get it done.”
An additional problem was dealing with Clemens size and physicality in the paint. Led by Edwards and Devante Ford, Clemens held the upper hand.
Clemens asserted their size and speed advantage from the get go. The Buffaloes pulled out to a 15-5 first quarter lead, which grew to 26-10.
Hays’ offense, which was without senior Heath Agnew, couldn’t find momentum early on. Senior guard Nate Alvarado said the team had open looks at the basket, but were unable capitalize early in the contest.
The Rebels rebounded in the second quarter; Alvarado said the team ran its sets on offense.
Lunz attributed success to slowing down and not playing at Clemens’ pace.
“In the second half, we settled into the game and we calmed down a little bit,” Lunz said. “Once we settled in, [we did] the things we needed to do. Our execution was a little better.”
However, Clemens’ offense continued knock down buckets. The Buffaloes held a 44-30 halftime lead.
Clemens’ ability to quickly put up points extended into the third quarter. They attacked the interior, with Ford scoring eight of his 13 points.
The Buffaloes held a commanding 71-43 third quarter lead and never looked back.
Lunz said the loss provided a gauge for where the team must improve. Alvarado stressed the need to play more as a team.
“We don’t want one person doing everything for us,” Alvarado said. “We want the whole team playing.”
