San Marcos’ boys basketball team fell into a nice rhythm on Wednesday night and Dos Pueblos could not keep up in a 55-40 Channel League decision at Sovine Gym.
The Royals spread it around and found contributions from just about everywhere. Eight Royals scored in the game. Combined, San Marcos converted 17-of-19 free throws, hit six three-point buckets, and did well in their transition game.
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“I thought we played 32 minutes tonight,” said Royals head coach Jarrod Bradley. “Part of the reason for that is we had multiple guys have good games .”
Cade Ridenour’s 13 points and 13 rebounds, plus Thayer White’s 13 points and eight rebounds headlined for San Marcos.
Our team had good balance tonight,” White said. “That’s the way we want to play; we want to get everyone involved and it’s tough for them to stop us if we have everyone being able to score.”
“I think that’s when we’re at our best.”
Dos Pueblos was the complete opposite. Cruz Mertens and Mansai Conner accounted for over 75 percent of DP’s points.
Mertens led all scorers with 18 points and Conner added 15. The pair were the only Chargers to score in the first half. Jackson Wopat and Chris Williams were the only Chargers who joined them in the scoring column in the second half.
“They really did a good job of shutting us down on our offensive end. We couldn’t get too many good looks at the bucket,” said Chargers senior captain Daniel Vickers.
San Marcos started hot and picked up some easy baskets in transition to build a 25-15 lead at halftime. Eight of Ridenour’s points came in the first half on two 3-pointers and a pair of free throws.
“I wanted to come into this game and score right off the bat and get our team going and get a good start,” Ridenour said.
Denver Nuggets guard Julyan Stone watched the game and was introduced to the crowd at halftime. Stone led the Chargers to a 17-5 record his senior year at Dos Pueblos in the 2006-07 season.
San Marcos built its lead up to 19 late in the third quarter before the Chargers trimmed it some in the final period.
It was the third win of the league season for San Marcos over Dos Pueblos. The Royals are 5-5 in the Channel League with Santa Barbara and Buena remaining on the schedule. Dos Pueblos, at 3-6, still has three league games left starting with Ventura on Friday.
SAN MARCOS 55, DOS PUEBLOS 40
San Marcos – Bryce Ridenour 6, Cade Ridenour 13, Douglas 4, Ridgway 2, Hempy 8, Hurtado 3, Chad Ridenour 4, White 13. Totals 16 FG, 17-19 FT.
Dos Pueblos – Wopat 3, Conner 15, Mertens 18, Williams 4. Totals 12 FG, 12-18 FT.
SAN MARCOS 9 16 16 14 – 55
DOS PUEBLOS 6 9 9 16 – 40
3-pointers SM 6 (Cade Ridenour 3, Hurtado, White, Hempy), DP 4 (Conner 2, Mertens 2) Total Fouls – SM 20, DP 21. Technical – Williams. Fouled Out – Williams.
