SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Growing and learning

Published

11 years ago

07/01/2015

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)

SPORTS

Norwood new Bowie boys hoop coach

Published

8 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Landry Norwood has agreed to become the new Head Boys Basketball Coach for Bowie High.

Norwood grew up in Paradise, playing a number of sports for the Panthers during his high school career. With a number of family members still in the area and the position coming open, Norwood applied and was hired.

“I know the tradition up here,” Norwood said. “I was glad (Athletic Director and Head Football) Coach Tyler Price felt he could put his trust in me.”

Bowie’s varsity went 2-10 last year, both wins coming against Vernon. Norwood spent five years as an assistant in Lipan before spending the next four years at Llano, three years as head coach. He said his last two years in Llano were rough after graduation of nine seniors his first year and a 26-7 squad.

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

SPORTS

Nocona softball falls to Archer City

Published

8 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Nocona came into game two of its Class 2A Division I bi-district series with Archer City looking to rebound from a 17-0 loss in game one.

The Lady Indians took a quick lead but the Lady ‘Cats had too much in the tank and knocked Nocona out of the playoffs courtesy of a 13-3, five-inning victory winning the best of three series, 2-0.

Kylea Wallace reached base on a second baseman’s error. With one out, M’leigha Franklin took a pitch over the wall in left field for a home run, igniting the Lady Indian crowd with a 2-0 lead.

Archer City prevented further damage by retiring the next two hitters. The Lady ‘Cats struck in the bottom of the inning for seven runs.

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

SPORTS

Lady Rabbits win bi-district

Published

8 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Culture. It’s a beautiful word.

Bowie Softball Coach Griffin Fields has been trying to install a positive, winning culture since taking over the job. For the first time since 2019, the Lady Rabbits qualified for the postseason, facing District 8 top seed Early in the bi-district round.

After beating the Lady ‘Horns 9-8 in game one of the best-of-three series April 23, Early came back and evened the series less than 24 hours later, 15-0. The Lady Rabbits used the aforementioned culture and got out to a quick lead in game three.

Bowie was then forced to come from behind for the second straight night. Kinley Baker, who had the game winning RBI in game one, came through again in game three and broke a 6-all tie with a single to lift the Lady Rabbits to a 9-6 victory in the finale.

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