SPORTS

FANTASY OF LIGHTS NOTEBOOK: New coaches have success

Published

12 years ago

12/03/2014

By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

Both the Nocona High School boys and Bellevue girls’ basketball teams have first-year coaches in Tyson Mankin and Bryan Goehring, respectively.
Players are adjusting to new systems with these coaches. Mankin had been coaching most recently in the Brackett Independent School District while Goehring moved back to Clay County from North Carolina.
This past weekend, both programs found some success in the Fantasy of Lights Tournament at Wichita Falls.
The Nocona boys advanced to the consolation championship in the small school division and nearly rallied to defeat Holliday – a preview of coming attractions since both the Indians and Eagles compete in the same district.
Mankin said there’s plenty of room for improvement after the Indians’ 65-62 loss to Holliday.
“I felt like we didn’t play our best at any point of the tournament and we are still going through growing pains that should be expected with a coaching change,” he said. “We have a different style of play, and once we grasp our team offensive and defensive philosophies, we have the potential to be a very good team.”
Goehring won his first two games with Bellevue, defeating Notre Dame 41-31 and then grabbing ninth place with a 40-34 conquest over Uplift N. Hills during Saturday’s slate.
“It was good to finally get some wins under our belt,” Goehring said. “To finally find some success was refreshing. Getting the wins definitely helps with the confidence of the team all around.” Read more in the mid-week Bowie News.

First-year Bellevue High School girls’ basketball coach Bryan Goehring talks to his team during a timeout in a Saturday’s morning tournament game against Notre Dame at City View High School in Wichita Falls. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SPORTS

McLennan to coach Saint Jo boys

Published

5 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

5 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

6 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.