STAFF REPORT
Over the weekend, the Hays High boys basketball team went 2-2 at the first ever Rattler Booster Club Tournament in San Marcos. They exited the weekend with a 4-2 overall mark.
The Rebels finished second in the silver bracket, defeating San Antonio FEAST School and Hutto, while falling to Leander and Katy Seven Lakes.
Hays wing Heath Agnew and guard Jacob Rodriguez were named to the All-Tournament team.
Head coach Robert Lucero said the team played well. He was pleased with how the team competed against top tier teams.
Hays guard Stephen Ayala attempts to drive the lane against a Copperas Cove defender during their Nov. 15 contest. From Nov. 21-23, Hays competed at the first-ever Rattler Booster Club Tournament in San Marcos, going 2-2 and finishing in second place. |
That included an overtime matchup with 19-5A opponent Katy Seven Lakes, which is currently the No. 16 team in 5A, according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). Seven Lakes was taken to the brink by Hays, who fell in a close 66-64 loss.
The Rebels were slowed down by Seven Lakes, according to Lucero. The Spartans forced Hays to play in the half court – a trait the team continues to practice.
Despite the setback, Lucero was pleased with his team’s ability to battle against Seven Lakes, which won 30 games in four of the last five seasons.
“It shows that we can play at a high level,” he said.
Overall, Lucero was pleased with the Rebels ability to move the floor and score points. They will now focus on defense.
“We are going to work on defensive intensity,” Lucero said. “We have given up more points than we would like.”
Lucero plans to help the team strengthen their inside game. Gaining senior Hayden Cagle, who returns from football, will help. Lucero said it will help free junior Heath Agnew on the interior.
Hays will travel to play Killeen Ellison on Dec. 3.
