San Marcos completed the National Prep Classic with a 59-46 basketball loss against a tough Lawndale team in the third-place game on Tuesday at St. Joseph High.
Despite suffering their second straight defeat in the tournament, Royals coach Dave Odell said the experience his team gained playing against high-level competition will prove to be beneficial during league play and in the postseason.
“I was pleased by what we accomplished in this tourney,” he said. “We competed with the best of the best and we will grow from the confidence that brings.”
The Royals played a Lawndale team that featured two 6-10 players. One of those players, Chiemzie Metu, is considered one of the top prep players in the country. He scored 17 points and blocked five shots.
“Metu is a stud. He was the best big man we faced this week,” said Odell.
Bryce Ridenour paced the Royals with 15 points.
San Marcos cut a five-point halftime deficit to three early in third quarter, but a tough shooting night doomed the Royals.
“The Royals played like a team that appeared fatigued from four tough battles in five days, said Odell.
San Marcos beat Miami Beach and host St. Joseph and fell to Texas state champion Prestonwood Christian and Lawndale.
