Four Rattlers to play in Heartland Conference next year...

After another successfull season in which Otero finished as Region IX Runner-Up's with a record of 26-8, we are pleased that all 10 Sophomores are moving on to play at the next level. Four Rattlers will move on to play in the powerhouse Division II Conference called the Heartland.

Jason Armstead (6'1 PG from Mt. Pleasant, TX) and Andre Rieder (6'4 Wing from Boulder, CO) will continue their playing careers together at Texas-Permian Basin. Armstead was a transfer for the Rattlers after red-shirting on the 2012 Championship team. Jason made tremendous strides during his time at Otero and became a terrific point guard. His defensive mindset and ability to fulfill any role asked of him will never be forgotten. Andre Rieder leaves Otero with a career record of 56-14. He was the best defender in all of Region IX this past year and routinely held the other team's best player to well below their average production. Andre is one of the toughest, most intelligent players we've ever had and we will miss him greatly.



Perryonte Smith (5'10 PG from Milwaukee, WI) has committed to Newman University in Wichita, KS. Perry had offers from several presitigious Division II schools and also recieved strong interest from Pepperdine and Florida A&M at the Division I level. Perryonte was the unquestioned leader for this year's team and started every game. Smith averaged 7.5 pts and 3.6 assists per game this past season. Over the past two seasons, he played in all 70 games for the Rattlers and helped attain a 56-14 record. Perry's toughness and loyalty will never be forgotten.

Chris Strong (6'6 Post from Albuquerque, NM) will play at Dallas Baptist next season. Strong is another Rattler that finished his career with a 56-14 record and was instrumental in Otero's 2012 Region IX Championship and 2013 Region IX Runner-Up finish. Chris's toughness, intelligence, and leadership were crucial to our programs success in the last two years. He is a skilled post that was also our best screener on our team. Chris led the team in charges taken this season and set the tone for the rest of team in terms of toughness and accountabilty. He recieved strong interest from numerous other Division II instituions. His unselfishness and will to win will be missed.