By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

The Nocona High School boys’ basketball team took care of business in Tuesday’s District 3A-9 finale.
The Indians outscored visiting Jacksboro 19-11 in both the second and the third quarters en route to a 74-59 conquest.
The win set up a three-team tie-breaker as Bowie defeated Henrietta 40-22 for the district title the same night. Nocona, Henrietta and Holliday were all in the tie-breaker scenario.
Nocona won the coin toss, and Holliday and Henrietta played Thursday night to determine who would face the Indians on Friday night. The Eagles defeated the Bearcats 55-41 to set up the game, which took place at Burkburnett High School, to determine the No. 2 seed from 3A-9.
“I was in a similar situation last year (at Brackett) except we had three teams tied for two spots,” Nocona first-year head coach Tyson Mankin said.
Regardless, the Indians are going to be at least a No. 3 seed when the postseason starts next week.
“We believe making the playoffs the first year will be a good stepping stone,” Mankin said. “But, making the playoffs wasn’t a surprise for us, the coaching staff or our players. It was expected. Building a culture of winning playoff games is what we are striving for, and we will have a very good chance at doing that this season.”

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Nocona High School’s Jaxon Phipps drives through the lane during Tuesday’s District 3A-9 finale between the Indians and Jacksboro. Nocona won the game 74-59, and is part of a logjam to determine the No. 2 seed out of the district since Bowie won it. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)