By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@gmail.com

The drive from Montague County to Colleyville’s Heritage High School typically takes about 90 minutes.
So, it was rather interesting to see on Sunday afternoon that Bowie and Nocona squared off in the Division 2 consolation title contest at the Texas Basketball Championships.
Nocona defeated Bowie 56-31 for the trophy.
On Monday, the Jackrabbits returned the favor with a double-digit conquest over the Indians in the Bowie Summer League.
Regardless, both Bowie and Nocona benefitted from participating in the TBC for the first time ever. Both the Indians and Jackrabbits earned the right to play in the event based on their performances in State Qualifying Tournaments.
For first-year Nocona head coach Bret Botard, it was a chance to begin the bonding process.
“I’m trying to get to know the players and develop relationships with them,” said Botard, who spent the past five years as head coach at Palestine.
Botard said the Indians played their best when they were moving and sharing the basketball on offense and showing intensity on both ends of the floor.
As is University Interscholastic League rule, Botard couldn’t coach the squad from the bench. Rather, he was an observer. Read more in the mid-week Bowie News.

Dillon Swaim (left) and Josh Monkres both have a hand up while trying to defend a Callisburg player during Sunday’s consolation bracket game. Click on the image itself for the complete photo. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)