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)
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.
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.
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.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 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