SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Botard takes Nocona boys’ post

Published

11 years ago

07/24/2015

By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@gmail.com

The revolving door in and out of the Nocona boys’ basketball program continued this offseason.
Bret Botard, most recently the head coach at Palestine, has been tabbed as the new coach for the Indians.
Botard replaces Tyson Mankin, who was placed on leave during the spring. This will mark the third coach in three seasons for Nocona as J.D. Mayo served in the same capacity in 2013-14.
“I think first and foremost, it’s the community,” said Botard, of what drew him to the Nocona opening. “The town and the people support basketball, and coach (Brad) Keck was a selling point for the job. He wants to make sure all sports are successful.”
Botard was an all-district basketball player for Del Valle, down in the Austin area, during his junior and senior years. He also was a successful athlete in cross country, distance running in track and field and baseball.
After Del Valle, Botard graduated from Texas Tech in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Botard guided Palestine to a successful season during the 2014-15 campaign, losing in the Conference 4A regional quarterfinals 81-78 to Mexia. The team racked up 18 wins this season.
Meanwhile, Nocona also produced a double-digit win campaign, and finished third in District 3A-9 after losing a seeding game to Holliday. Read more in the weekend Bowie News.

Bret Botard has been named Nocona’s new boys’ basketball coach. Botard most recently worked at Palestine. He watched Nocona compete in the Texas Basketball Championships at Colleyville in late June. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SPORTS

McLennan to coach Saint Jo boys

Published

6 days ago

06/19/2026

bowienews

New Saint Jo Boy’s Basketball Coach Terry McLennan said the school’s family atmosphere is what prompted him to join the Panther family.

“This is an opportunity to be an important program but also part of a great community,” McLennan said. “I’ve been looking to get back to a small town environment like the one I grew up in and played ball and this should do that.”

McLennan played basketball in Hubbard outside of Waco. McLennan comes to town after being the assistant girl’s basketball coach in Grand Prairie.

McLennan contends he’s a defensive style of coach but says his team will focus on intensity.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

McLennan to coach Saint Jo boys

Published

7 days ago

06/18/2026

bowienews

New Saint Jo Boy’s Basketball Coach Terry McLennan said the school’s family atmosphere is what prompted him to join the Panther family.

McLennan played basketball in Hubbard outside of Waco. McLennan comes to town after being the assistant girl’s basketball coach in Grand Prairie.

McLennan contends he’s a defensive style of coach but says his team will focus on intensity.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

Botard new BHS girls BB coach

Published

7 days ago

06/18/2026

bowienews

After some coaching time in East Texas, Bret Botard will be the new girl’s basketball coach at Bowie.

Botard said it’s a chance to work with Bowie Athletic Director Tyler Price once again. Price was Botard’s assistant when he coached at Nocona.

“I wanted to get back into the area,” Botard said. “It’s a good community.”

Botard graduated high school in 1995 from Del Valle High School, outside Austin, and went to Texas Tech. He started his coaching career in Lubbock followed by returning to his alma mater where he was an assistant for his high school coach.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.