Rattlers, Longhorns basketball teams on the road

link The Tucumcari Rattlers and Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins scramble for the

rebound during the Jan. 10 game at the Snake Pit. The Rattlers won the game

in overtime 62-60. The Rattlers travel on Thursday to play the Demons at

Dexter.

By Thomas Garcia

QCS Senior Writer

Quay County high school teams, boys’ and girls’, and wrestling teams continue regular season action this week.

The Tucumcari Rattlers, 13-2, will travel Thursday to take on the Demons, 4-12, at Dexter.

The Rattlers had an impressive overtime win against the Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins on Jan. 10 at the Snake Pit.

Rattlers Head Coach John Span said the team worked together for the win against a stout Blue Griffin team. He said foul trouble forced some of the Rattlers’ starters to the bench but the younger players were able to take care of business and did a great job of keeping the Rattlers out of trouble.

Game time: 7 p.m. Thursday at Dexter

The Lady Rattlers, 6-8, will play against the Lady Demons 10-6 at Dexter.

The Lady Rattlers had a slow start due to some players being gone, said Gary Hittson, Lady Rattlers head coach.

Hittson said that has since changed, and now the Lady Rattlers are making a mid-season push. They have outscored some opponents by double digits in the first periods in their last two wins. He said he is working with the girls to keep up their opening intensity throughout the game.

“They’d be a force to reckon with if they kept that kind of energy all game long,” Hittson said.

Game time: 5:30 p.m. Thursday

The Logan Longhorns, 12-2, are coming off a 64-55 win on Jan. 17 against Springer’s Red Devils, 6-4.

It was a tough game and helps the Longhorns prepare for their next challenge against Clayton on Saturday, said Randy Robertson, Longhorns head coach.

Robertson said that against the Red Devils the Longhorns set up their offense plays well after taking a 10-point lead. He said he wants the team to take their time and let plays develop. He never wants the team to rush and force a play, he said.

Robertson said against the Yellowjackets 10-6 the Longhorns focus will shift to defense and try to shut down Clayton’s big guys under the goal, including 6-foot, 4-inch senior Mark Craine. He said the Longhorns will have to be mindful while they try to close off the lane to avoid allowing open shots for the Yellowjackets perimeter shooters.

Game time: 4 p.m. at Clayton

The Lady Longhorns 10-4 will take on the Lady Yellowjackets 9-6 Saturday at Clayton.

The Lady Longhorns are coming off a 80-56 win over the Springer Lady Red Devils on Jan. 17 at Springer.

Game time: 7 p.m. Thursday at Clayton

The San Jon Coyotes 12-2 and San Jon Lady Coyotes 2-11 split homecoming wins with Des Moines Saturday at San Jon.

The Coyotes and Lady Coyotes next game will be on Thursday against the Clovis Christian Eagles.

Game time: 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Clovis Christian.