Tigers deserve capacity crowd at district opener

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Snyder will be playing one of its most important basketball games in recent history at Tiger Gym Friday.
The Tigers, who last qualified for the playoffs in 2008, will open the District 2-4A season against No. 15 Lubbock Estacado. Snyder played a challenging non-district schedule and will come into Friday’s game with a 17-3 record.
Players deserve credit for the turnaround, but don’t overlook what head coach Lee Scott, who played for the Tigers and returned as coach, has done. Scott said that his goal — when taking the job three years ago — was to make the program competitive again.
Snyder won four games going into district play during Scott’s first season and increased the number the total to eight last year. The Tigers appear ready to become a legitimate contender.
Three seniors have been a part of the progress — Dillon Scott, Draylon Jackson and Chris Dickinson.
Scott played for the varsity during his sophomore season and earned a starting position last season. Jackson was the leading scorer last season and is averaging 26 points this season.
Dickinson has seen more time on the court since joining the varsity two years ago. He is one of the team’s leading rebounders.
Junior Chris Depaz’ playing time was limited last season due to an injury, but he played during the second half of the season. Depaz may be one of the team’s most versatile players.
Rodrigo Rodriguez and Juan Cortes may not show up a lot in the boxscore, but they have played important roles. Rodriguez and Cortes just do the job of a point guard — making sure the offense is running efficiently and guarding the other team’s best ball handler.
The additions of Abram Smith and Jarrett Reneau have benefited the Tigers. Smith played with the current players during summer league games. Reneau joined the team after football season.
Snyder won one tournament and advanced to the finals of another. Two of the three losses came during tournaments.
Like all sports, a team will be judged on its performance during district play. It’s not going to be easy as Snyder competes in one of the state’s toughest districts. The district’s four playoff teams reached the regional quarterfinals last season..
The players and coaches deserve a capacity crowd when Estacado comes to town. Basketball is a sport in which the home crowd can have an effect on the outcome.
Friday’s game is important, but not a must-win situation. Win or lose, the Tigers will still be in the hunt for the postseason. Nine games will still be on the schedule.
The game is scheduled to start around 7:45 p.m., depending on the length of the girls’ game.
And don’t forget to come out early and support the Lady Tigers in their game against Estacado. The Lady Tigers started district play last week.

Larry McCarty is the sports editor of the Snyder Daily News. He may be contacted at mccarty@snyderdailynews.com. Results of local teams and breaking news will be posted on the Snyder Daily News Facebook page.