By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

For both the Bowie High School boys’ and girls’ basketball programs, it’s a return engagement.
Bowie will compete inside the plush American Airlines Center (AAC), home of the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks, for the second straight season.
Bowie head girls’ basketball coach Colby Davis-Pastusek said playing at the AAC is made possible through the Mavericks’ “Courts of Dreams” program.
According to the Mavericks’ website, “Court of Dreams” is an “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all ages and skill levels to play on the Mavericks’ main court.”
The program is available to everyone. Some businesses have rented out the facility for employee challenges.
Bowie’s boys will play Krum at 1 p.m., followed by the girls’ game at about 2:15 p.m.
Davis-Pastusek said games will be played rapidly, with shortened times for both warm-ups and intermission.
“It’s a great experience for the girls,” she said. “It’s a neat place to play and it gives us an opportunity to play in a big arena.”
Last year, Bowie’s girls defeated Millsap 55-32 and Courtney Brady was the Lady Rabbits’ leading scorer, dropping in 17 points.
Davis-Pastusek downplayed the atmosphere inside the AAC.
“We still have to go and play basketball,” she said. “The goals are still 10 feet high. You can’t get caught up in the logistics of it.”
Bowie boys coach Doug Boxell agrees with Davis-Pastusek’s sentiments.
“It doesn’t matter the gym,” he said. “It’s not about the surroundings or the depth perception. It’s all about making lay-ups and getting rebounds.”

For the second straight season, the Bowie High School boys’ and girls’ basketball programs will play at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Bowie will play Krum, with the boys tip-off at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. (Courtesy photo by Danny Bollinger/Dallas Mavericks)