SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: A journey’s underway
By ERIC VICCARO
sports@bowienewsonline.com
Wednesday, basketballs could be heard pounding down on the hardwood or tartan surfaces of area high school gymnasiums.
Like girls the week before, boys’ basketball teams began practices on Wednesday at several locations in the area.
Four boys’ teams from the Bowie News area qualified for the playoffs during the 2015-16 season in Bowie, Bellevue, Forestburg and Nocona. Bowie advanced the farthest by reaching the regional quarterfinals in Conference 3A, Region II.
“We worked on full- and half-court traps,” said Bowie head coach Doug Boxell, “and on breaking the press.”
That’s pretty advanced for the first day of practice, but a champion coach like Boxell wouldn’t have it any other way.
Boxell reported 18 boys out for basketball so far, not including some that may join once the football season has completed.
The head coach said he expects Kason Spikes to be a frontline starter this year along with returners Taylor Pigg and Keck Jones. Justin Franklin was promoted to varsity late last season. And Boxell expects Spenser Meekins to log plenty of minutes.
“We’re excited to get the ball rolling,” the coach commented.
Bowie will have a pair of scrimmages, at Keene on Nov. 10 and then at 10 a.m. on Nov. 12 at Conference 5A Wichita Falls Rider. Read more in the Oct. 29 Bowie News.
The first allowable date for boys’ basketball practices across the area was this past Wednesday. Here, Bowie’s Spenser Meekins shoots during a timed drill. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)
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
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.
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.
-
NEWS2 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS3 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News