The 1st annual Lone Star Throw Down was held Saturday and Sunday November 22-24 at the San Marcos parks and recreation center in San Marcos Texas. The event which featured the 2nd meeting of the three Texas teams in as many weeks was sponsored by Texas State University, The City of San Marcos, ASCOTS and the Texas Stampede. All proceeds went to ASCOTS scholarship program.

The tournament kicked off with Texas vs the Ruff Ryder’s.  Texas still smarting after two losses to San Antonio came out with a determination to correct their last outing.  Both sides open with a frantic pace. Stampede standout and voted “best offensive player” Jessie Honl (11 points) led an aerial offense to a 1 point defect at the half. The Ruff Ryder’s anchored by MVP Juan Garcia (9 points) however would have none of it as the upstart Stampede waned in the final period giving San Antonio its first win of the tourney 49 – 40.

Going back to back San Antonio attacked the Pasadena Texans.  Pasadena led behind long time stand out David Bynum (5 points) and Mike Peacock (6 points) led a attack on what they hoped would be a worn down San Antonio side.  Luck was not in their favor as San Antonio led behind Gil Garcia    (15 points) and a return of Todd (the Tuna) Cachette (1 point) jumped on Pasadena quickly and never looked back winning   46 – 27.  Of note in the game, Clay “Dozier” Moore got the “big hit” award with a savage hit in the 3rd to Ruff Ryder Jimmy Trbovich and a career high point game by .5 Matt Reynolds (3 points).

The nightcap featured Texas vs Pasadena.  Pasadena coach Marc Reynolds commenting before the game “We are committed to developing our youth and working towards the future”. The future was showcased in this game as Pasadena saw quality development of newcomers Diego Berrara, Chris Post, and Tim “Mike” Jones.  The Stampede also showed off some of their newcomers with Austin Slaymaker (9 points), Austin Cogar (3 points) and Gabe Garcia seeing quality minutes. In a game loaded with turnovers the Stampede prevailed winning 50 – 29.

Sunday saw the rematch of the Stampede and Texans.  Texas coach James “Gumbie” Gumbert commenting of the teams Saturday’s games said “We are young, but we have a lot of potential”. “Our goal is to reduce the turnovers and play our roles”. The Stampede responded to the challenge and came out with an 11 – 6 first quarter. The pressure continued through the 2nd quarter behind the defensive player of the tournament Brad Schramel.  His stout defense limited the Texans to just 5 goals in the 2nd. Defense combined with the emergence of Andy Burton (8 points) and Mike Fries led Texas to a 47 – 23 victory.

The Championship game would see a rematch of the Andy Beck Classic final.  Texas still stinging from Saturday’s loss was determined to change their final placement.  Both teams traded goals until 2:20 in the first when an errant pass from Honl to Jace Beck saw the games first turnover. Efficient clock management saw San Antonio get the last goal of the quarter giving them a 13 – 11 lead.

Texas pulls the game to even at 3:12 in the 2nd when newcomer Austin Slaymaker picks up a loose ball caused by Stampede teammate Chase “Manhatten” Bearden and scores. A series of turnovers ensue and when the dust settled Texas trailed by 1 at the half.

The third saw the Ruff Ryder’s turn up the heat and cause 5 unanswered turnovers.  The Stampede would not be able to respond and put Texas at a 6 point deficit with a quarter to go.

The final quarter saw Texas trying to climb back into the game but the aggressive Ruff Ryder’s would have none of it.  Constant line rotation and skilled efforts from veteran players proved to be too much.  San Antonio wins 50 – 36 to claim the Lone Star Throw Down tournament.

Final results were San Antonio 1st (4 – 0) Texas 2nd (2 – 2) and Pasadena 3rd (0 – 4).

A big thank you goes to Hannah Walker, Texas State, ASCOTS, and the City of San Marcos.  Their first effort at hosting was a complete success.  Also a big thank you to the 30+ “volunteers” who stayed until the end to clean floors must be recognized.  All in attendance commented they can’t wait for the next tournament!