Past Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees

Raymond Alford of Beaumont High School (1925-27) won four letters as a schoolboy basketball player, as well as earning two in football and three in baseball. In 1925 Beaumont knocked off Estelline, Sulpher Springs and El Paso in the state playoffs. Beaumont defeated San Antonio in the state championship game 14-12. The state champions then travelled to Chicago to play in the National High School Basketball Tournament. After a quick start, Beaumont was defeated in the second round of the tournament.

Billy Allen was a standout guard for Highland Park High School. His senior year Allen averaged 25 points per game with 10 assists and led the Scots to a record of 27-4. Allen was selected as All State team and was named as 1978 Dallas Area Player of the Year. Allen was an MVP in the Texas-Oklahoma All Star Game and helped the North to a 109-108 victory in the THSCA All Star Game. Although only playing two years at SMU (1979-1980), Allen set the SWC career record for assists with 472. Allen transferred to the University of Nevada-Reno and led the Big Sky Conference in assists his junior and senior seasons. Allen finished his career with an NCAA record 936 assists.

Coach Allen was the head coach at Waskom High School for 5 years and 27 years at Sabine. He compiled a 714-189 won-loss record during that span. He led his teams to 14 State play-off appearances, 12 District Championships, 4 Regional Championships, 4 State Tournament appearances and back to back State Championships at Sabine High School in 1981(30-0) and 1981. His teams won 69 consecutive district games and had a 54 game winning streak overall. Coach Allen and his wife Alice, have two children, Mark and Carolyn. Mark started on his dad’s State Championship teams in 1980 and 1981 and is the head girls basketball coach at Jefferson High School. Coach Carl Allen was recently named one of the Top 100 coaches in the history of the UIL.

Linda Andrews Waggoner was an outstanding player at Comanche High School from 1972-1975. She led her team to the 2A state championship game twice (1973, 1984) but lost in the finals both times. Waggoner was also selected to play in the 1975 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game. At the University of Texas (1976-1980) Waggoner averaged 14 points per game and scored 2,256 career points. Waggoner left Texas as the school’s all-time leader in most games played (161), career points (2,256), steals (346), most field goals made (1,047) and field goals attempted (2,247).

Jay Arnette was a star basketball player for Austin’s McCallum High School (1953-1956). His senior year, 1956, he was a member of the All-State Team. Arnette later played for the University of Texas and was named the All-SWC Team in 1960. That year Texas won the SW but lost to Kansas in the first round of the Midwest Regional 90-81. Arnette was picked ninth overall in the 1960 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. Arnette played three seasons for the Royals from 1963-1966.

Billy Arnold played for Fort Worth’s Haltom High School from 1962-1964. His senior year he averaged 23 points per game and made all-state and All-American. In the 1963 playoffs Haltom lost to eventual state champion San Angelo in overtime. Arnold’s senior season Haltom posted a 27-2 record and advanced to the state tournament. Haltom lost the first game but defeated S.A. Lee 73-69 in the consolation game. In 1964 Arnold broke the THSCA All-Star game scoring record with 26 points and was named MVP. Arnold played at the University of Texas from 1965-1968 and led the SWC in scoring with 22.9 points per game his senior season.

F.C. “Whitey” Baccus participated in basketball, football, baseball, tennis and track. His first love was basketball, and through his tremendous talent, the little town of Estelline, population 500, became known all across Texas. Baccus played for the TMC at Terrell for one year, then enrolled at SMU where he letter in football, basketball and baseball, making All-SWC in basketball his junior and senior years. He was named second team All-American his senior year. He coached in the school boy ranks before becoming an assistant at SMU and became head basketball coach in 1938.

Jerode “Smokey” Banks was an outstanding player at Temple High School. His senior year he averaged 24.1 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and led the Wildcats to a 35-1 record. He was twice named District 13-5A’s MVP an was an all-state selection. Banks was selected to play in many all-star games including the Texas High School Coaches Association game and the Texas-Oklahoma Faith Seven All-Star Game. At the Texas High School Coaches Association Game he scored 25 points and was named MVP. After a successful freshman season at Baylor University Banks was tragically killed in a car accident in 1994.

Weldon Beard’s first job during his successful coaching career was at LaSalle High School from 1962-1966. After serving as an assistant on San Antonio Lee’s 1967 state championship team he took the job at Harlandale. In 1970 Beard moved to Schertz Clemens where he would coach until his retirement in 1985. Beard’s record at Clemens was 362-305 and included district, bi-district and zone championships. Beard who had five articles published in Texas Coach magazine was named San Antonio’s Coach of the Year in 1973. In 1980 he won 32AAAA Coach of the Year honors.

John Beasley of Linden-Kildare High School (1957-1960) was a two time All-State player. In 1960 he led his team to the AA State Championship over Dimmitt 52-44. He later played at Texas A&M and made the All-SWC Team in 1965 and 1966. Beasley played seven seasons in the ABA with the Dallas Chaparrals (1967-70) the Texas Chaparrals (1970-71) the Utah Stars (1972-74). Beasley was also named MVP of the 1969 ABA All-Star game.

Judy Beasley-Cooley was a four-year starter for Hawley and scored 3,956 points in her varsity career, second best in Texas and top 10 in the nation. She led the Bearkittens to three consecutive final fours in 1959, 1960 and 1961, and was named all-state tournament all three years. Her 302 (43.1 ppg) points scored in seven tournament games remains a state tournament record. Judy graduated from Abilene Christian College with a degree in education. She married Richard Cooley and they have three children, Cody, James and Hunter, and six grandchildren. She still lives in Hawley where she and her husband operate their farming and construction business after 51 years of marriage.

Wanda Bender started her impressive career as the girls basketball coach at Poteet in 1958. Since then she has won over 900 games. Her career record of 901-447 includes 19 playoff appearances and two state championships. Her first state championship came in 1966 when Jourdanton beat Springlake Earth 79-74 to win the 1A title. In 1971 her Victoria team defeated Canyon in overtime 55-51 to win the 3A state championship. Her 1964 & 1965 teams at Jourdanton finished second at the state tournament. Bender was selected to coach the South squad at the TCGA All-Star game in 1966 & 1971. She coached the women’s basketball team at Texas A&M from 1977-1979 and twice led the Aggies to the TAIAW playoffs. Her 1978-79 team won 26 games and advanced to the TAIAW Zone Tournament. In 1997 she was elected to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bender is currently the head girls coach at Jourdanton High School.

Fendley “Sonny” Benefield Jr. was a prolific scorer at Sweeny High School from 1961-1965. He averaged 29.3 points per game in high school and had a 94% free throw percentage. An All-American and All-State selection his senior year, he led the state in scoring with a 34.6 average. Benefield’s teams won district championships in 1961 and 1965 and he scored 10 overtime points to lead his team to victory in the 1965 Texas high School Coaches Association All-Star Game. He played basketball at Texas A&M from 1965-1969. As a tri-captain in 1969 Benefield led the Aggies to the SWC title and was named 2nd team All-SWC.

Sue Betts has spent her entire career at A&M Consolidated, where she is in her 37th year in education as an administrator. Betts became head coach in 1981, and during her 24 years as coach, the Lady Tigers made 16 playoff appearances, including 10 district championships, five regionals and one Final Four. Her 1986 team lost a heartbreaker to Levelland, 44-43 in overtime, for the 4A state championship. She was district coach of the year 10 times and Brazos Valley coach of the year three times. She retired from coaching in 2005 to become the athletic director.

A.C. Black was a star player for Dallas’ Crozier Tech High School from 1953-1956. The 6’9″ center/forward was a two time All-American and All-State selection. He made the Dallas All-City team three times and in 1955 led the city in scoring with a 25.5 average per game. Black led Crozier Tech to the 1955 4A state championship game where they defeated Waco High School 57-55. Black attended SMU and later East Texas State where he was an All-Lone Star Conference pick and helped lead his team to two conference titles.

Gary Blair began his illustrious coaching career as a Texas high school basketball coach. In seven seasons at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas (1973-1980) his girls teams won three 4A state championships (1977, 1978, 1980) and posted a 239-18 record. Blair’s bid for four consecutive state titles ended with a 43-41 loss to Victoria in the 1979 state title game. South Oak Cliff set a state record with five consecutive trips to the state tournament from 1976-1980. Blair was an assistant at Louisiana Tech from 1980-85 and during that time the Lady Techsters won two National Championships. Blair was hired by Stephen F. Austin in 1985 and turned the school into a women’s basketball power. From 1985-1993 SFA had a 210-43 record, won seven SLC conference titles and went to the postseason 7 times. Four of those teams advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. Blair has been the head coach at Arkansas since 1993. Entering his ninth season as coach of the Lady Razorbacks his record is 176-109 with seven postseason playoff appearances. His 1998 Lady Razorback team advanced to the NCAA Final Four and the next season won the NIT Championship.

Jim Bond of Pampa High School (1951-1954) was selected to the High School All-American Team in 1954. This honor came on the heels of consecutive AAAA state championships for Pampa in 1953 and 1954. Bond was a two time selection on the All-State Team. Bond finished his basketball career at Pasadena College and was named to the NAIA All-American Team.

Charlie Boggess (Coach) In 38 years of coaching, including 33 at Alamo Heights, he won 916 games, which are the most in San Antonio HS history. In 37 years as a varsity coach he had 30 playoff teams, 10 regional qualifiers, and 3 final fours. Coach Boggess led the Mules to the state tournament in 1988 and 1991. He is a Past President of TABC.

Stanley Bonewitz played four varsity seasons under his father and head coach Stan Bonewitz at East Central High School. Bonewitz, a 6’3″ guard led East Central to a 108-86 victory over Dallas Carter to win the 1995 5A state championship. Bonewitz was named state tournament MVP and set a 5A tournament record with 78 points in two games. Bonewitz led the state in scoring as a senior with 31.1 points per game and set the San Antonio city record for career points (2,481) and assists (941). His many honors include being named the TABC 5A Player of the Year, TABC AlI-State First Team, Mr. Basketball for the state of Texas and the USA Today Texas Player of the Year. Bonewitz continued his career at Texas Tech from 1996-1999. He set the school career record for assists with 435, was a career 43% shooter from the 3-point line, and ranks second on the school’s all-time list with 241 career 3-pointers.

Russell Boone, a sharpshooter from Sweeney High School, poured 50 points through the Gregory Gym hoops in Austin in his team’s 1954 championship finals game. In that game, Sweeney won the 1A title by beating Sundown 92-67. Three seasons earlier, in 1950, the Texas High School Coaches Association voted Boone the MVP in their All-Star Game. Boone went on to play for coach Floyd Wagstaff at Tyler Junior College. From 1954-1956 he was a two time all conference pick and a Junior College All-American once. Boone also coached high school basketball at Anahuac and had a record of 441-116.

Andre Boutte led Beaumont’s Herbert High School to back-to-back State Championships as a player, and in his 21-year career as a head coach, he won State Championships at Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School in 1991 and 1995 and Beaumont Ozen High School in 2001.

Byron “Buster” Brannon was one of the best known basketball coaches in the Southwest, and one of the all-time greats, both as a player and a coach. He was a member of the 1929 Athens High School team that won the National Championship. After his playing career came to a close, he coached in the high school ranks at Van, Dublin, and Odessa. He went to Rice in 1938 as head basketball coach and coached the Owls to SWC titles in 1940 and 1942. After a stint in the Navy, Brannon was hired as basketball coach at TCU. During his 19 season at TCU the Frogs won SWC titles in 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1959.

Breithaupt coached for 17 years, serving as a head varsity coach for 15. He spent eleven years at Hardin-Jefferson (1978-85, 1989-92) and four at Beaumont-Westbrook (1985-89). Every team he coached made the playoffs. He coached 10 district champions, five regional tournament teams, and two final four teams. His 1984 team was state runner-up and the 1991 squad was the 3A state champion with a 37-1 record. His 1992 team at Hardin-Jefferson averaged 109 points per game (4th all-time nationally) and set state records in 13 categories. Those records still rank in the top 10 nationally. The team’s records for most assists in a season (1,127) and assists in a game (52) rank 1st nationally. Breithaupt’s overall high school coaching record was 414-96. He served as TABC President in 1989-90 and at various times as a classroom teacher, school board member, assistant principal, athletic director and high school principal. In 1992 he joined the UIL as assistant Athletic Director. He currently serves as Athletic Director for the UIL, a position he has held since 1995.

Gary Brewster was outstanding throughout his high school career at Midland but really came into his own as a senior. The 6’8″ Brewster averaged 24.1 points per game, rebounded superbly, played fierce defense. Brewster’s great play led his mates to a 31-3 record and a state playoff berth where they lost to San Antonio Jefferson 54-52. Brewster was honorable mention All-American on the 1972 Sunkist Coach and Athlete Team and played on the THSCA All Star Game. Brewster went on to have a brilliant career at UTEP.

Collin Briggs coached the Wheatley Wildcats from 1945-1969. During that time his teams won an amazing 608 games and lost only 55. Briggs won 13 station championships – 11 in the Prairie View Interscholastic League and 2 in the UIL. Briggs’ teams were known for their constant full court pressure defense and up tempo offense. In 1968 Wheatley became the first black school to win a UIL state championship. The Wildcats capped a perfect 36-0 season by beating Dallas Jefferson 85-80 in the 4A state title game. That year the Wildcats averaged 92 points per game. Briggs retired in 1969 after his team defended their 4A title with a 52-47 win over Houston Memorial.

Carroll Broussard is a native of Louisiana but won fame as a cage star for Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson High School from 1955-1958. Broussard was an All State selection his junior and senior years. In 1957 Broussard led Port Arthur to the 4A State Championship over Pampa 67-51. The next season, 1958, Port Arthur and Pampa met again in the finals, with Pampa winning 48-47. Broussard enrolled at Texas A&M and was an All-SWC pick in 1960, 1961 and 1962. He is ranked sixth on Texas A&M’s all time scoring list with 1,382 points and thirteenth on the rebounding list with 596.

Jack Brown of Dallas’ Crozier Tech was an All-City and All-State performer during his high school career (1945-1947). At SMU he made the All-SWC Team in 1950 and 1951. Brown later toured with a college All-American team that played against the Harlem Globetrotters in 1951.

One of the original founders of TABC, Larry served as president for the association in 1979-81, one of only two coaches to serve two terms. His career record was 628-313, including three trips to the final four (Canburg 1, Bryan 2). His Bryan teams won back-to-back State Championships in 1983 and 1984. After coaching the past two years in Florida where he helped organize the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches, L.B. retired from coaching and resides in Dallas working for A.I.D.

Barbara graduated from Dallas South Oak Cliff High School where she led them to the 1977 State 4A Championship and a 37-2 record. She was selected All-State and All-American and received a basketball scholarship to Stephen F. Austin University where she was an All-American player in 1981. She was selected to two Olympic all-star teams (1980, 1984) and is in the SFA Hall of Fame. Barbara returned to Dallas first teaching and coaching at Bryan Adams and then South Oak Cliff where her team returned to the state tournament. She is presently the Athletic Director at Dallas South Oak Cliff.

Wayman “Jiggs” Buchanan, (Player) graduated from Carter Riverside High School in Ft. Worth and the University of Texas. He led the city of Fort Worth in scoring in 1951 and 1952, by averaging 22 ppg and 25 ppg, respectfully. He was chosen first team All-City in Forth Worth both years. He was selected the MVP in the 1952 THSCA All-Star game, where he led his North team to a 29-27 victory, scoring the winning bucket with seconds to play. He was a 3 year letterman for the Texas Longhorns.

Bonnie Buchanan Gray was a scoring sensation for May High School. From 1974-1977 she averaged 33 points per game. During her senior year she averaged 45 points per game. At the state tournament Buchanan set records for most free throws in one game (26) and points scored in two games (94). Buchanan was a four time All District and All-Regional selection. Her senior year she was named to the Parade All-American Team. Buchanan was the youngest girl ever selected to play for the United States in the Pan American Games. She went on to play at Tyler Junior College and Abilene Christian where she was named NAA Division II Player of the Year.

Rick Bullock was a three time All-District selection for San Antonio Thomas Jefferson and was the first San Antonio player to score over 2,000 points. He earned All-State and All-American honors as a senior while leading his team to the state finals. Bullock played in the THSCA All Star Game and the Texas-Oklahoma All Star Game. His freshman year at Texas Tech he helped the Red Raiders win the SW title and was named SW Newcomer of the Year. Bullock holds the Texas Tech career scoring record with 2,118 points and is second on the rebounding list with 1,034. Bullock is fourth on the all time SWC scoring list. He averaged 19.8 points per game for the Red Raiders from 1973-1976.

A native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Sue played basketball and golf at the University of Florida and earned her Master’s at North Carolina University. After coaching for 4 years out of state, she came to West Orange Stark in 1976, staying for 10 years. Her final stop was Euless Trinity, where she has coached for the past 23 years. During her 37 year coaching career, she has 928 wins with 29 playoff appearances. Sue has coached in both the TGCA and TABC All-Star games and is a past president of TGCA.

Ruth Cannon Nichols led Cotton Center in scoring for six seasons, 7th grade thru her senior year. She was selected to 13 All-Tournament Teams during her career. Nichols led her team to the state meet three of four seasons and set a record for most points in one game in 1950. She led the tournament in scoring her junior and senior seasons and was selected to the All-State Team both seasons. At Wayland Baptist College, Nichols and the Flying Queens won two National Titles and finished second twice. She was named All-American three years and captain of the All-American Team in 1951. Nichols was also a member of the 1951 Pan American team that won a gold medal.

Coach Robert Capello graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School in 1960 and Texas A&I University where he attended on a football scholarship. He has been coaching for 52 years with 30 at Edcouch-Elsa. Other coaching stops included Uvalde, Barbers Hill, Lyford, PA Jefferson, Donna and Mission. In addition to winning 1,004 games, Capello has 32 Playoff appearances and 25 District Championships. He is a past president of the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association and the Edcouch-Elsa High School gym is named in his honor. Robert and his wife Gloria have four sons and ten grandchildren. All of his sons played for their dad and three became teachers; the fourth is an attorney.

George Carlisle was a star player for class B Prairie Lea High School. Prairie Lea won back to back state championships in 1944 and 1945. In 1944 they defeated Blossom 30-26 and in 1945 they beat Mount Enterprise 35-33. At Southwest Texas in San Marcos, Carlisle earned All Lone Star Conference Honors in basketball and football. Carlisle started his coaching career at Clear Creek High School and his teams advanced to the state tournament seven times in nine years. Carlisle was an assistant coach at the University of Rice, 1962-63, and head coach from 1964-1966.

Jackie Carr was an assistant to Collin Briggs at Houston’s Wheatley High School for 11 years before taking over in 1969. His 1969-70 team went 39-0 and is considered by many to be the best high school team in Texas history. Led by Dwight Jones, Lawrence Johnson and Alan Batro, Wheatley changed high school basketball with its up-tempo offense and full court pressure defense. Carr coached four state champions – 1969, 1970, 1973 and 1978 and has a career record of 722 wins and 168 losses.

Johnnie Carter started all four years for Carthage High School form 1967 to 1971. During that time Coach Bill Tatum’s teams won 101 games and lost 26. The “Hawk” was the leading scorer his last three years and was a two time ail-state selection. Carter led the bulldogs to their first state tournament appearance in 1970 winning all-tournament honors. He had 86 double doubles (points and rebounds) during his career. Carter played college basketball at Panola Junior College and East Texas Baptist winning All-Big State Honors in 1975. Carter is currently coaching basketball at Aldine McArthur. His teams made the playoffs in 1994, 1995 and 1996, In 1995 the Generals were Area champs, In 1996 Carter was selected to coach the THSCA All-Star Basketball Game.

Johnny Carter won the state championship in his first year of coaching and three titles in his first four seasons at class B Kennard (1967, 68, 70). The 1970 state champs were 43-0. After 12 years of college coaching, including seven as head coach at McLellan Community College in Waco (6 conference championships), he returned to high school coaching at his hometown of Madisonville, where he had played in three regional finals in high school. His 1995 Mustang team returned to the championship game in Austin capping off a runner up season with a 34-4 record. His 33 year head coaching record is 903-241. He retired in 2005 after 38 years as a basketball coach.

Tamika Catchings capped her brilliant high school career by leading Duncanville to the 1997 5A state championship with a perfect 40-0 record and a no. 2 national ranking. Catchings was the 1997 state tourney MVP, Parade All-American and Gatorade Circle of Champions Southwest Regional Player of the Year. Catchings averaged 21 points per game and 10 rebounds her senior year. As a freshman at the University of Tennessee she averaged 18.2 points per game and made the Kodak All-America team. She was voted to the All-Final Four team when Tennessee won the national championship.

Kenneth Cleveland was the head coach at Dimmitt High School from 1961- 1993. During his 32 years at Dimmitt his teams won 27 district titles including 18 in a row. Cleveland’s teams won 20 or more games 29 times. He took teams to the state final four 10 times and won state championships in 1975, 1982 and 1983.

Jeff coached for 45 yeas with 43 of those seasons as a varsity coach. After stops in Granbury, Andrews and Boswell, he led the Cleburne Yellow Jackets for 36 seasons. His teams made 24 playoff appearances and played in 6 regional tournaments, with the 1987 Cleburne team winning State 4A Runner-up honors in Austin. He coached the TABC All-Stars in 1995 and finished with an 808-506 career varsity record. Jeff is a graduate of Brewer High School in Fort Worth and Midwestern State University. He and his wife Carolyn have been married for 47 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

Andy Cohen helped El Paso High School win the University Interscholastic League’s first state basketball tournament in 1921. El Paso defeated San Antonio 25-11 to win the 1921 state championship. El Paso lost in the finals of the 1922 tournament to Lindale 27-15 but Lindale was later disqualified for using an ineligible player. Cohen was a two time All State selection and was named Outstanding Sportsman in the 1922 state meet. For 30 years Cohen was involved in pro baseball as player, coach and manager. Cohen was the baseball coach at Texas Western from 1963-1978 and also coached the El Paso team of the Texas League.

Don Coleman’s 37 year coaching career included stops at Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson High School (1955-1957), Aldine High School (1957-1962) and Memorial High School (1963-1992). Coleman’s teams won 892 games and won at least 20 games for 26 consecutive seasons. At Memorial High School his teams set a 5A record with 81 district wins in a row from 1964-1971. In 1966 he won a state championship and coached state finalist teams in 1967, 1969 and 1984. Coleman was named the Coach of the Decade for the 1980’s by the Houston Chronicle.

An All-District basketball player at Lufkin HS and All-Conference at Stephen F. Austin, Jack began his 41 year career in Education in
1941. The first two years he coached, his Colmesneil teams won district both years. After serving in the army for three years he returned to coaching in 1946. In 1952 he was named Head coach in Victoria where his 1955 team won the 3A State Championship. From 1973 until his retirement in 1985 he served as athletic director of Victoria CISD. Jack passed away in 2008.

Denton Cooley played basketball at Houston’s San Jacinto High School from 1934-1937. In 1937 he was selected to Houston’s All-City Team. Cooley played at the University of Texas from 1938-1941 and was a member of the Longhorn’s 1939 SWC championship team. Dr. Cooley is currently the Surgeon-in-Chief at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston and a clinical professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical School. In 1980 he was honored by the NCAA with the Theodore Roosevelt Award which goes to a varsity athlete for career achievement.

Rudy Davalos played varsity basketball at San Antonio’s Thomas Edison High School in 1955 and 1956. He led his team to a district championship his senior year and was named to the all-district and all-city teams. Davalos was also selected to play for the South All-Stars in the 1956 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. At Southwest Texas State University (1958-60) he was a two-time All-Lone Star Conference pick and led the Bobcats to conference championships in 1959 and 1960. Davalos was the captain of the 1960 NAIA National Championship team and was also an NAIA 1st team All-American thats season.

W.F. “Buddy” Davis won All-District honors for three years while leading Nederland to district titles his junior and senior years. Davis led the state in scoring his senior year and was selected to play in the 1948 THSCA All Star Game. Davis enrolled at Texas A&M and led the Aggies to their first SWC championship in 28 years his junior season. His senior year, the Aggies won their second consecutive SWC Conference Tournament. Davis was selected to the All-SWC TEam in 1951 and 1952. During a five year NBA career, Davis played on NBA Championship teams with the Philadelphia Warriors (1955-56) and the St. Louis Hawks (1957-58). In 1952 Davis won a gold medal in the high jump at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.

Reggie Davis coached at Waco-Midway, San Saba, Plano, and Whitehouse. He won 910 games while serving as head coach for boys for 17 years and girls for 23. His teams won 27 District championships or co-championships. He led the boys to the State Tournament in 1974 and the girls to the State Tournament in 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1997. He captured the State Championship in 1994.

Lynn Davis Pool was selected all-state and all-state tournament in 1973 and 1974 for legendary coach Bob Schneider at Canyon. During her junior year, the Lady Eagles were state runner-up to Angleton. As a senior, she led her team to a 32-2 season and a 65-41 win over Conroe in the title game. Pool played in the Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas-Oklahoma all-star games before playing for Wayland Baptist in college. Her coaching career began at Lubbock Cooper High School before spending 10 years as an assistant to Jody Conradt at the University of Texas, where the Lady Longhorns were national champions in 1986. She was head coach at Austin Bowie (1990-2006) and then moved to administration in Austin ISD, becoming AD in 2009.

Clarissa Davis Wrightsil was a three-time class 5A all-state selection at San Antonio’s John Jay High School. Davis set the city’s all-time scoring record for boy and girls with 2,759 points in her career. In 1985 she was named Miss Basketball for the state of Texas. At the University of Texas she played on the 1986 NCAA Championship team that posted a perfect 34-0 record. Davis was a three-time All-SWC selection and twice was named SWC Player of the Year. Davis finished her career as the all-time scoring leader at Texas with 2,008 points. She was a member of the US squad at the 1986 Goodwill Games, 1987 Pan American Games, and the World Championships in 1986 and 1994. In 1996-97 Wrightsil was an American Basketball League All-Star with the New England Blizzard. Wrightsil currently plays for the Long Beach StingRays. In 1998 she set an ABL record by scoring 38 points in game five of the ABL finals.

Carroll Dawson played basketball for Joe W. McKenzie at Alba High School. As a senior, the 6’5″ Dawson led Alba to a 44-3 record. After two years at Paris Jr. College he earned All-America honors and transferred to Baylor (1959-1960) where he made the All-SWC Team in 1960. Dawson began his coaching career as an assistant to Bill Menefee at Baylor from 1963-1973. He later became the head coach at Baylor from 1973-1977. After spending two seasons as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys he returned to basketball. From 1980-1996 Dawson served as an assistant under four different Houston Rockets coaches. He is the only coach to participate in all four of the Rockets NBA Finals appearances (1981, 1986, 1994 and 1995). Dawson has been the general manager for the Houston Rockets since 1996. Dawson was also responsible for building the WNBA’s most successful franchise – the Houston Comets.

Laura Dawson (Coach) played for Deer Park HS and Southwestern University before starting her coaching career in 1980 at Houston C.E. King HS. After 8 successful years at King (163-64) she was hired as an assistant coach at the University of Houston for one season before returning to high school coaching at Alief Elsik HS. While at Elsik, her teams were 247-45 and made 4 trips to the state tournament starting in 1991. In 1996 and 1997 the Lady Rams were state finalists and the 1998 team won the 5A state championship.

Bill DeWitt played junior high basketball at North Junior in Waco and then made Major Keithley’s Tiger varsity. He had grown to 6’3″ his senior year and was a starting guard on the 1943-44 Waco High team that won district and regional championships before losing to Highland Park in the quarterfinals. After a stint in the Navy DeWitt returned to Waco and played on three Baylor teams that won or shared SWC titles. Most memorable was the 1948 team when he and All-SWC performers Jackie Robinson and Don Heathington led the Bears into the NCAA finals, losing to Kentucky.

John DeWitt was a valuable player for coach Major Keithly’s Waco High School teams in the 1940’s. DeWitt led Waco to the state tournament in 1945 and 1947. As a sophomore, DeWitt was named MVP of Dallas’ Dr. Pepper Tournament. His senior year, 1947, he became the first player from Waco High to play in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. DeWitt went on to have an outstanding career at Texas A&M. He was a member of the Aggies 1951 SWC basketball championship team, played on an Aggie baseball team that advanced to the College World Series and was the SWC champion in the 440 yard dash in 1952.

A San Antonio native, he attended Highlands HS and played basketball at St. Mary’s University graduating in 1974. After three years as an assistant he was promoted to head coach at Sam Houston where he led the boys program for 30 years including 28 playoff teams. His teams played in four state tournaments (1980, 83, 2003, 2005) and the 2005 team was the class 4A state champion. His career record as a head coach is 815-321 making him one of only three San Antonio area head coaches to win over 800 games. He coached for three years at SA St. Gerards before retiring from coaching. He lives in Seguin.

Mildred “Babe” Didrikson participated in basketball, baseball, golf, swimming, tennis and volleyball at Beaumont High School. Didrikson was the high scorer for the Miss Royal Purples her junior season. Her senior season she made the All-City and All-State teams. After high school Didrikson was given a job with the Employers Casualty Company in Dallas and played for their AAU women’s basketball team the Golden Cyclones. Didrikson earned All-American honors three years in a row – 1930-1932. In 1930 and 1932 she led the Golden Cyclones to a second place finish in the AAU National Tournament. Didrikson would later become an Olympic star and professional golfer.

Ad Dietzel played at St. Mary’s Academy in San Antonio from 1927-1929. Dietzel averaged 22 points per game in an era when teams rarely scored over 30 points. Dietzel went on to play at TCU and was named to the All-SWC Team in 1931 and 1932 when he led the league in coring. In 1931 Dietzel was a member of the SWC champion squad that posted a 9-3 record.

Dale Dotson was an All-District, All-State and a High School All-American selection his senior year at Rusk. Dotson averaged over 39 points per game and led the state and the nation in scoring. He scored over 50 points in 6 games and twice scored over 60 points. Dotson was a member of the North squad in the 1963 THSCA All Star Game. Dotson enrolled at Lon Morris Jr. College and earned All-Conference, All-Region and Junior College All-American honors. Dotson completed his playing career at the University of Texas and then began coaching high school basketball with stops at Frisco, LaVega and Corsicana.

Bill played at Clear Creek High School for Hall of Fame Coach George Carlisle. A 3 – year starter, He play helped lead the Wildcats to three consecutive State Tournaments in 1960, 1961, and 1962. During that span, the Wildcats compiled a 109-10 won-loss record. His teams won 3 consecutive District Championships, Bi-District Championships, Area Championships, and Regional Tournaments. He averaged over 24 pg his senior year. He hauled in over 1100 rebounds and scored nearly 2,000 points during his career. Bill went on to play at Rice University. He and his wife Patsy, have been married for 59 years. Their daughter, Chemine, who was a two-time All-Conference volleyball player at Texas A&M, passed away in 2010. Their grand-daughter, Natalie, played at SMU on a volleyball scholarship.

Houston Sterling product Clyde Drexler played at the University of Houston for Guy V. Lewis and was a member of the high flying Cougar squads known as “Phi Slamma Jamma”. Drexler led the Cougars to consecutive trips to the NCAA Final Four in 1982 and 1983. Drexler played for the Portland Trailblazers from 1983-1994 and became the Trailblazer’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points, rebounds and steals. In 1995 he was traded to Houston and helped the Rockets win the NBA title that year. Drexler was selected to ten NBA All-Star Games and was a member of the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team” that won the gold medal. In 1996 he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. During the 1997-98 season he became only the third NBA player to amass 20,000 career points, 6,000 rebounds and 6,000 assists. In 1998
Drexler was named head basketball coach at the University of Houston

Bill played at Clear Creek High School for Hall of Fame Coach George Carlisle. A 3 – year starter, He play helped lead the Wildcats to three consecutive State Tournaments in 1960, 1961, and 1962. During that span, the Wildcats compiled a 109-10 won-loss record. His teams won 3 consecutive District Championships, Bi-District Championships, Area Championships, and Regional Tournaments. He averaged over 24 pg his senior year. He hauled in over 1100 rebounds and scored nearly 2,000 points during his career. Bill went on to play at Rice University. He and his wife Patsy, have been married for 59 years. Their daughter, Chemine, who was a two-time All-Conference volleyball player at Texas A&M, passed away in 2010. Their grand-daughter, Natalie, played at SMU on a volleyball scholarship.

Kelly J. Duncan was a two time All-State selection for coach Joe Turner at Cayuga High School. Duncan led the Wildcats to the 1950 class B consolation game where they defeated Foreston 68-34. In 1951 Cayuga returned to the state tournament this time defeating Big Sandy 44-38 for the Class B title. Duncan set a state tournament record for most points in one game (39) and most points in a three game series. In the 1951 THSCA All Star Game Duncan was named the Outstanding Player by scoring 17 points and leading the South to a 60-55 victory. After enrolling at TCU, Duncan transferred to San Houston State and finished his career from 1952-1955.

During his distinguished 31-year coaching career Jerry English accumulated 853 wins with only 197 losses. He was the head girls basketball coach at Pflugerville (1969-1977), Sweeny (1977-1987) and Dripping Springs (1987-2000). English’s teams won 23 district championships, advanced to the regional tournament 17 times, advanced to the state tournament 11 times and made 10 trips to the state finals. In 1994 he capped his remarkable career by coaching the Drippings Springs girls to a 65-56 victory of LaVega in the 3A state championship game. English has been named the Texas Sportswriters Coach of the Year in 1994 and the Central Texas Coach of the Year in 1994, 1997 and 1998 by the Austin American Statesman.

Earl Evans played at Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School from 1971-1974. During that time the Bumble Bees’ record was 88-18 and Evans averaged 25 points and 20 rebounds per game. Evans was a two time all-state selection (1973 and 1974) and was named to the 1974 Parade High School All-America Team. After two years at US Evans transferred to UNLV. Evans was the top scorer and rebounder on the 1978-1979 Running Rebels team. UNLV finished 21-8 that year and Evans was named the team’s most valuable player. Evans played in NBA during the 1979-1980 season with the Detroit Pistons.

Daniel Ewing (Player) Daniel was a three year starter for Coach Ronnie Courtney at Willowridge HS, 1999-2001. He was instrumental in helping the Eagles to a 75-1 re-cord, including a 62 game winning streak and back to back State 5A Championships in 2000 and 2001. He was selected Mr. Basketball in 2001 by TABC.

The long time director of the University Interscholastic League is a former boys and girls coach, teacher and superintendent at several schools including Lorena and Crawford. His Crawford girls teams played in three-consecutive final fours from 1975-77. The 1975 team won the Class B state title.

Rick Flanagan had an outstanding four-year varsity career at Crockett High School. During his career he made nine all-tournament teams and was voted all-district three times. As a senior he averaged 36 points and 21 rebounds and made the class AA all-state team. His career high point game was 49 and his 44 rebounds against Troup in the Rusk Tournament was a state record that stood for 13 years. Against Trinity in 1964 Flanagan had 36 points and 24 rebounds at halftime. He did not play in the second half due to the lopsided score. Flanagan also had an excellent coaching record winning 440 games and 13 district championships in 22 years. His coaching jobs included Greenhill Prep, Texas HS in Texarkana, Longview Pine Tree and Denton High School.

Will Flemons (Player) Will was a four year starter at Paducah HS. where he led his team to a 127-7 record, making three state tournaments appearances, including winning the class A State Championships in 1987 and 1988. He was named Class A Player of the Year in 1988. Will starred at Texas Tech University averaging 17 point and 10 rebounds per game, while blocking 109 shots. Will was selected All Conference and SW Player of the Year.

O.W. Follis compiled a truly remarkable record at Lamesa High School, winning 875 games plus three state championships. When Follis’ 1975 team went 34-0 and won the state crown, it was Lamesa’s third title in 13 years. During his 36 year coaching career he never had a losing season. Follis was a member of the Board of Directors of the THSBCA and helped to form the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

T.J. Ford (Player), graduated from Willowridge High School, where he helped lead them to back-to-back state championships which included a 62 game winning streak. He attended the University of Texas, where he became the first freshman to ever lead the NCAA in assists. During his sophomore season, he led the Longhorns to the Final Four for only the 2nd time in 47 years. The 8th pick in the 2003 NBA draft, where he went on to have a stellar career with the Bucks, Raptors, Pacers and Spurs in the NBA.

Joe Fortenberry played at Happy High School from 1927-1930. In 1933 while playing for West Texas State, Fortenberry became the first player from that school to make the All-America team. He played seven years of AAU basketball and earned All-America honors four times. Fortenberry played AAU basketball with the Globe Refiners and the Phillips 66ers. Fortenberry was the co-captain and gold medalist on the United States first Olympic basketball team in 1936.

Nell Fortner was an all-state selection and a Parade High School All-American at New Braunfels. At the University of Texas (1977-1981). the 6’0″ forward had a stellar career. She currently ranks 4th in career games played (142), 8th in career field goals made (658), and 13″ in career scoring (1,466). While at Texas, her teams compiled a 127-26 record. In her first and only season as head coach at Purdue (1996-97) she led the Boilermakers to a share of the Big 10 title and to the second round of the 1997 NCAA Tournament. She was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the 1996-97 season. In 1997 Fortner was chosen to coach the USA Basketball Women’s National Team, Since that time Team USA has won gold medals at the 1998 World Championships and the 2000 Olympics. As head coach of the Women’s National Team she has more wins (101-14) than any national team coach in history. Since 1999 she has worked as the Head Coach and General Manager of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.

Nell Fortner was an all-state selection and a Parade High School All-American at New Braunfels. At the University of Texas (1977-1981). the 6’0″ forward had a stellar career. She currently ranks 4th in career games played (142), 8th in career field goals made (658), and 13″ in career scoring (1,466). While at Texas, her teams compiled a 127-26 record. In her first and only season as head coach at Purdue (1996-97) she led the Boilermakers to a share of the Big 10 title and to the second round of the 1997 NCAA Tournament. She was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the 1996-97 season. In 1997 Fortner was chosen to coach the USA Basketball Women’s National Team, Since that time Team USA has won gold medals at the 1998 World Championships and the 2000 Olympics. As head coach of the Women’s National Team she has more wins (101-14) than any national team coach in history. Since 1999 she has worked as the Head Coach and General Manager of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.

Ed Franklin was a star basketball player at Houston Lamar. His senior year he averaged 26 points per game and scored 48 in a game against San Antonio Alamo Heights. Franklin was chosen by three newspapers to the All-Houston Team. Franklin’s coach, Don Longcope, called him “the best player I ever coached”. He also played in the THSCA All Star Game before enrolling at Baylor University.

Larry Franks was a versatile athlete at Nacogdoches High School. Franks was a four sport letterman his last three years of high school. He was All-State in baseball in 1959, All-District in basketball three years with All-State honors coming in 1961. His senior year he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game and made the all tournament team in 11 of 12 tournaments. In college Franks was the second leading scorer and the top rebounder on the University of Texas’ only undefeated freshman team. During the 1964-65 season he was the team captain and MVP on the Longhorns’ SWC Co-Championship Team.

He was an All-State Player in 1961, where the 6’8″ post had played for the Samuell Spartans from 1960 through 1962 averaging 17.5 ppg. He scored 15 points in the 1962 THSCA All-Star game and was voted the MVP for the North. He then played for the University of Texas from 1963 -65, where he had an average of 9.3 ppg, in 1963, 13.3 ppg in 1964, and 10.7 ppg in 1965. His senior year he also averaged 8.2 rebounds a game, hit 77% of FTs & 49% of FGS. His high game was 29 in 1964, and as a Sophomore scored 20 points against UTEP to advance in the NCAA playoffs only to lose to two time NCAA Champ Cincinnati, while winning 20 games for UT. its first since 1948.

James Gamble coached high school basketball for 26 years and compiled a 641-220 record. At Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School, Gamble’s teams won four state championships – 1981, 1984, 1986 and 1988. During his tenure Lincoln won 15 district championships and 12 bi-district championships. In 1987 Gamble was selected to coach the South All-Stars in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. Coach Gamble was honored in 1993 by Lincoln High School with the inaugural James Gamble Holiday Classic.

Coach Roy Garcia coached for 43 years winning 712 varsity games. He spent 29 years of his career at Mission, where he won 666 games. He later came out of retirement to start the program at Pharr San Juan Alamo Southwest.

Coach Lonnie Gaylor has more than 40 years in education, with 34 as a head coach. He won more than 700 games and his 1996 Graham High School team was a State Finalist. Gaylor served as TABC president in 1997-98.

Calvin Gerke led Snook High School to a state record 90 game win streak from 1964-1966. During Gerke’s four years at Snook the team’s record was 181-14. He averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds per game in high school and led Snook to class B state championships in 1965 and 1966. At the 1966 state tournament Gerke set a scoring record with 35 points in the championship game. Gerke was a four time all-district selection and made the all-state team his junior and senior years. He also made the prep all-american team his senior year.

Heidi Gillingham had a stellar career at Poth High School. In four years she led Poth to a 108-24 record. As a senior she averaged 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. Gillingham was a three-time all-district and all-region selection and as a senior was named District 28-2A Co-MVP. Her other honors include being named Gatorade Circle of Champions Player of the Year in Texas and the Southwest Region, Naismith Player of the Year in Texas and the Houston Chronicle Player of the Year as a senior. Gillingham was a three-time All-SEC pick (1992-94) and an All-American at Vanderbilt. She also led the SEC in field goal percentage for three years and led the conference in blocked shots for four years.

Bob Glover had an excellent career at Dallas’ Thomas Jefferson High School from 1960-1963. In 1962 he led Jefferson to the 4A state finals where they defeated Houston Davis High School 69-46. Jefferson advanced to the 1963 state tournament and finished third after beating San Antonio Burbank High School 56-49. Glover was an All-State selection in 1963 and played in the THSCA All Star Game. At Texas Tech University Glover was named Sophomore of the Year in the SWC in 1965-66.

Placido Gomez of Houston’s Jeff Davis High School (1935-1937) made everyone’s all-star teams while in high school. Gomez was a two time Houston All-City selection and was named to numerous all-tournament teams. Gomez later starred at the University of Rice.

Jack Grammer coached high school basketball in Texas for 29 years and finished with a 615-271 career record. He coached the Austwell-Tivoli girls from 1956-1963 and had a 140-69 record including one district and one bi-district title. His boys teams at Austwell-Tivoli compiled a 200-98 record, won seven district titles and advanced to three regional tournaments. From 1961 to 1963 he coached both the girls and boys teams. In 1971 he became the boys coach at Rice Consolidated and won or tied for the district championship in all but one of his 13 seasons there. His 1981 squad won the 3A state championship over North Lamar 56-52. At Rice Consolidated, Grammer coached three of his sons in the state tournament (Steve 1975, John 1979 and David 1981) and had a daughter (Sandy) who made the all-state team in 1974. Grammer retired from coaching after the 1983-84 season.

Erin played at Mansfield High School, where she was outstanding winning 4 consecutive State Championships in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. She is the only Texas High School player to win four straight State basketball championships. Erin was a 4 year starter for Hall of Famer, coach Samantha Morrow. Erin was named All-State and All-State Tournament all 4 years. She was named Miss Texas Basketball in 2002. She led Mansfield to a 145-6 won-loss record during those years. She was named a McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year, and was named the homecoming queen her senior year. Erin finished with 1,055 assists which ranks her fourth, nationally. She continued her playing career at Texas Tech University, under Hall of Fame Coach, Marsha Sharp, where they compiled a 93-36 won-loss record, while earning All-Conference, 3 times, and All-American, her senior year. She is currently an assistant coach at USC. Erin was recently named one of the Top 100 players in UIL history.

Although Jack Gray also played at Canton, he had his greatest success at Wills Point. After high school he attended the University of Texas where he lettered twice in football and three times in basketball. Gray was named to the All-SWC basketball team in 1933, 1934 and 1935. He also led the SW in scoring each of those years. In 1934 Gray was the first player from the SWC to be named to the All-American team. He would return to the University of Texas as head coach from 1937-42 and from 1946-51. His teams went 194-97, won three SWC titles and played in the first NCAA tournament in 1939.

Fred Griffin (Coach) Brownsboro HS. Coach Griffin has a career record of 1026 wins, with 855 of those wins collected at 33 years at Brownsboro HS. He led Brownsboro to 29 playoff appearances, 20 district championships, 8 regional tournaments and to the state tournament 4 times. Before coming to Texas he had 11 regional tournaments and 6 final fours in the state of Louisiana.

John Guice began his basketball career as a four-year varsity starter at Antelope High School. He earned all-district honors three times and led his team to the regional tournament in 1952, 1953 and 1954. Guice was also selected to the All-Area Team in 1955. In 1961, he began his coaching career at Midway High School in Henrietta. He was both boys and girls coach for twenty-one years compiling a record of 374 wins 301 losses, 5 district championships and 2 regional appearances in girls competition. As boys coach his teams won 861 games and lost 440 with 23 district championships and 16 regional appearances. In 1981 he was named Class A Coach of the Year in Texas and in 1994 he coached the TABC All-Star Basketball Game.

Chuck Hall scored 3,550 career points at Krum High School from 1976-1979. Hall averaged 19 points per game and made the all-state team three times (1977-79). Не led the Bobcats to the state tournament four years in a row and made the all-state tournament team each of those years. Hall led Krum to a 165-15 record including the 1978 1A state championship with a 69-68 win over Avinger. He also played in the 1979 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. Hall earned all conference honors in 1981 and 1982 at McLennan Community College. After transferring to Midwestern he was a two-time Honorable Mention All-American in 1982 and 1983.

She played for Barbers Hill High School from 1979 to 1983, leading the Lady Eagles to the state championship during her junior and senior years, and scoring 3,857 career points. After playing for the University of Texas national championship team in 1986, she returned to Barbers Hill and coached them to the 1997 state championship.

Also a past president and charter member of TABC, coach Hamm was head coach at Krum for 20 years. His teams won 16 district championships (14 consecutive), played in 14 regional tournaments and six final fours. the Bobcats won State Championships in 1994, 1996, and 1998. His career record was 652-176 in 21 years as head coach. In 2002 Troy was named superintendent of Krum ISD, a position he currently holds.

John Allen Hatch played the low post on three consecutive state championship teams at Buna. His teams won 119 and lost only 4. The 1961 squad posted a perfect 43-0 record and defeated Dimmitt 60-36 in the 2A title game. The The 1962 squad knocked off Jacksboro 49-30 and then Canyon 47-41 in the 1963 finals. Hatch, who usually averaged 10 points per game, was a two time All-District selection. He was also chosen to play in the THSCA All Star Game. At East Texas Baptist University Hatch was a starting forward and was a two time All-Conference pick.

Coach William “Nemo” Herrera was one of the pioneers of Texas High School Basketball compiling a 545-193 record. In 1918 Herrera played on San Antonio Brackenridge’s first basketball team. In 1928 he took the head basketball job at San Antonio Lanier and led the Voks to state championships in 1943 and 1945. In 1946 he took the job at El Paso Bowie and led the team to the state tournament in 1948 and 1949. Herrera retired after a stint at El Paso Coronado from 1959-1970. A member of many halls of fame he was elected to the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1967.

After a playing career at Oklahoma City University under Coach Abe Lemons, Duane Hunt began his 26-year coaching career in 1963 at Guymon, Oklahoma where his 1966 team was a state finalist. He then began a 23-year run at Borger, where his teams were 507-206, including two state tournament runner-up finishes in 1977 and 1979. One of the original organizers of TABC, Hunt served as president in 1982-1983. From 1971-89, he and his wife Deanna published Basketball Outlook, an annual survey of information for 4A schools across the state. He retired in 1989 to serve as director for Larry Jones Ministries.

Miguel “Mike” Izquierdo was a fast hot-shooting little guard who flashed to stardom on El Paso and UTEP basketball courts in the 1940’s. He led El Paso to the 1941 state championship and won the unanimous vote of the sports writers as the best ever in the meet. Later he played at UTEP and was chosen on the All-Border Conference Team twice and captained the Miners in 1947-48. He was runner-up in scoring in the conference. Although slightly built, he also participated in football, baseball, boxing, track, and golf.

Larry Johnson was a four year letterman and All-District player at Dallas’ Skyline High School. Playing for coach J.D. Mayo, Johnson was named the Dallas Metro Player of the Year and was an All-State selection his junior and senior seasons. Johnson was named 1987 Co-Mr. Texas Basketball and was selected by Parade Magazine as a first team high school All-American. During his high school career Johnson was named MVP in six all star tournaments – including the McDonald’s High School All-American game. In 1987 he won the United States High School Basketball Player of the Year award. After attending Odessa Jr. College Johnson led UNLV to the 1990 NCAA championship. Johnson began his professional career with the Charlotte Hornets and is currently playing for the New York Knicks.

Rick Kaminsky played for Bellaire High School in Houston where in 1960 he averaged 18.0 ppg. He starred in the THSCA All-Star game where the 6’3″ forward scored 19 points and was voted MVP for the South. He then played for Yale University from 1961-64 and led the Ivy League school to a conference title and a 18-5 record as a sophomore in 1962 losing in OT to Wake Forest in the NCAA Tournament. As a JR he averaged 20.2 ppg finishing in 2nd place to Princeton (with Bill Bradley) in 1963. He was named 1st Team All-Ivy his JR year and SR year where he averaged 25.6 ppg (2nd to Bill Bradley) and was selected as 1st Team Helms All-American. Drafted in the 6th round of the NBA he elected to go to medical school and is currently a urologist in Houston.

Bob Kinney attended San Antonio’s Thomas Jefferson High School from 1935-1937. Kinney was an All-City and All-State basketball player. At Rice Institute Kinney was named All-SWC for three years, 1940-1942, and was named to the All-American Team twice. Kinney played in the NBL for the Fort Wayne Pistons from 1945-48. The Pistons joined the NBA for the 1948-49 season. Kinney finished his career with the Boston Celtics (1949-50). (Note-The Basketball Association of America added six teams from the National Basketball League on August 3, 1949 and created the National Basketball Association or NBA).

Jimmy Kitts brought Texas its first taste of national acclaim in basketball when he coached Athens High School to National Championships in 1929 and 1930. He coached the Hornets to state championships in 1927 and 1929. The Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame has honored five members of Kitt’s Athens team – Buster Brannon, Doc Sumner, John “Preacher” Tompkins, Benny Tompkins and Fred Tompkins. Rice Institute hired Kitts away from Athens, and he was just as successful at the college level, coaching the Owls to SWC football titles in 1934 and 1937. Kitts’ Owls also won a co-championship in basketball in 1935.

He began his coaching career in Dime Box and started a 36-year stint as the boys coach at Moulton in 1972. His Bobkatz have appeared in the final four eight times, including winning the state championships in 1991, ’98 and ’99. Coach Koudelka has a 1,037-349 career record and he still coaches in Moulton.

Jerry Kroll’s Memorial Mustangs played his final three years without a district loss and an overall 100-12 record. He scored 2,160 points while averaging less than 24 minutes played per game. During his senior season in 1965-66, Jerry was selected All-State, All-American and State Tournament MVP, while leading Memorial to the 1966 state championship. Jerry was selected to play in the THSCA All-Star game where he scored 40 points, a record that still stands. Jerry played college ball at Davidson College, where he played in the NCAA Tournament three times and was selected All-Conference his final two years. He played in the ABA before a knee injury cut short his career. Jerry then opened Stratford High School in 1973, coaching for five years posting a 51-11 record the final two seasons. After two years as assistant athletic director, Jerry went into the insurance business, but has remained active in Katy Youth Basketball. He was selected to the Davidson Hall of Honor in 2003.

Bill Krueger’s illustrious 39 year coaching career included stops at San Marcos High School (1959-65), Clear Creek High School (1962-72) and Clear Lake High School (1972-96). Krueger’s career coaching record is 1096-250. Krueger won a 3A state championship at San Marcos High School in 1965 and the 1989 5A state championship at Clear Lake High School. During his 39 year career Krueger’s teams won 28 district championships. Krueger was named Texas High School Coach of the Year in 1965 and 1989. In 1996 Krueger was named National Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

Jan Lahodny’s record of 707 wins and 264 losses ranks her as one of the most successful basketball coaches in state history. Lahodny’s teams made 20 playoff appearances, 14 regional appearances and won 10 regional championships. She guided Victoria to three class 5A state championships (1979, 1982, 1986) and seven times finished as state runner-up. Named coach of the year three times by the TABC, she was selected to coach the south squad five times as the TABC’s annual All-Star Game. In 1995 she was named National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High School Coaches. Lahodny has had numerous articles and books published including Competitive Drills for Winning Basketball in 1986, and a video titled A Systematic Approach to Coaching.

He spent 43 years in education including 18 season as a high school coach. He also coached at Trinity University. His 471-112 record included seven consecutive final four appearances at South San Antonio. His 1961 South San team and his 1967 S.A. Lee teams won State Championships. He served as athletic director of the Northeast ISD from 1975-1989 where the field house is named in his honor. Coach Littleton passed away in August 2009.

Coach Lombard has won 13 state championships, seven at Canyon and six at Nazareth. The Fort Wayne, Indiana native played collegiate ball at Wayland Baptist and has 968-89 record. His 29-year career includes two years at Nazareth as coach of the boys and girls team, taking both to the final four.

Kim Lummus started all four years on the Cleburne varsity and was a three-time all-district selection for coach Judy Brown-Mizell. Cleburne was 105-30 during her career and won a state championship 1995. Kim was the TABC free throw champion (83%) for the entire state in 1993-94 and the three point champion 114/220=52% in 1994-95. She is the only player to ever win both. Her senior year she made numerous all-state teams and was the TABC 4A Player of the Year. During the state tournament Kim scored 34 points, all but 4 on 3 pointers, had 10 assists and 7 steals. She was also chosen honorable mention All-America by USA Today. At the University of Texas (1995-99) Lummus ranks first on the career free throw percentage list with .839 and 2nd for career 3 point shots made with 179. She is currently an assistant women’s basketball coach for the UC-Irvine Anteaters.

John “Dub” Malaise was a star player for his father and coach at Odessa High School from 1959-1962. Malaise was a two time All-District selection and was voted to the All-State team in 1962. His senior year he averaged 26 points per game. At Texas Tech University Malaise made the All-SWC Team in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Malaise was also named SWC Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons. Malaise is eleventh on the all time Texas Tech scoring list with 1,420 points. In 1975 he was named to the All Time SWC Team.

Raymond Mattingly coached at Bowie High School from 1945-57. His teams won 234 games and lost only 37. Bowie won a record four consecutive class A and AA state championships from 1951-1954. During that time Mattingly’s teams had a 77 game winning streak. In 1962 he was elected to the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. One of Mattingly’s fellow coaches, Jack Keck, said, “Most people don’t realize just what kind of legend he was. He spoke at coaching clinics from New York City to Louisiana and was sought by more high schools and colleges than you could imagine. He was the most dedicated man I’ve ever met.”

Also a charter member of TABC he served as president in 1986-87 while at Morton HS. After stints at Boerne and Merkel, Tony spent the next nine years leading the Morton Indians to six consecutive final fours and State Championships in 1983, 1986, and 1987. He also coached nine years in college and three years in Africa before returning to Texas. He is presently coaching at Garland Lakeview Centennial and has 672 career wins.

During Bobby McKinley’s four years at Bowie High School the Jackrabbits never lost a district game and were regional finalists in 1958 and 1960. In 1959 McKinley led Bowie to the state tournament where they lost to Buna 53-48 in the 2A state final. McKinley played three years at TCU for Buster Brannon. His senior year he was named team MVP and made the SWC All-Academic Team. After coaching stops in Pasadena and Houston Baptist, McKinley moved to Weatherford College. He coached the men to a conference title in 1989 and the women to a conference title in 1993 and 1997. McKinley is currently the athletic director at Weatherford College.

Clifton McNeely was a standout player for Greenwood and Slidell High Schools from 1935-1937. After coaching stops at Decatur Baptist and Texas Wesleyan colleges, McNeely began coaching at Pampa High School. McNeely coached the Harvesters for 13 seasons with a record of 321-43. Pampa dominated 4A basketball in the 1950’s. McNeely’s teams won back to back state championships in 1953 and 1954 and had a 72 game winning streak. The Harvesters repeated as state champs in 1958 and 1959 while putting together a 53 game win streak.

Legendary high school basketball coach Sandra Meadows started her coaching career at Castleberry and Olton High Schools before moving to Duncanville in 1968. Meadows coached at Duncanville from 1968-1992 and compiled a 709-119 record. In Meadows’ 24 years at Duncanville her teams won 24 district championships and advanced to the state tournament 10 times. Duncanville set a state record with 134 consecutive wins from 12/30/87 to 3/1/91. The Pantherettes won four state titles under Meadows including three consecutive 5A state championships from 1988-1990.

Shelby Metcalf was an outstanding player at Tulsa’s Central High School. Metcalf attended East Texas State from 1952-1955 and played on Lone Star Conference championship teams in 1953, 1954 and 1955. In 1955 ESU won the NAIA National Championship. Metcalf was an NAIA All-American in 1953 and a member of the All-National Tournament team in 1953 and 1955. After coaching at Cayuga High School in 1956, Metcalf coached at Texas A&M from 1963-1989. He compiled a 438-306 record at A&M and when he retired had coached more games, won more games and coached more seasons than any coach in Southwest Conference history.

A graduate of Haskell High School, David Middleton returned to his alma mater after earning his degree at North Texas University. From 1959-1969 he was an assistant at Haskell and Abilene before starting the basketball program at newly opened Brazoswood High School. After 10 years, he opened Klein Forest High School in 1979, retiring from coaching in 1990. In 1998 David returned to coaching where it all began in Haskell, where he continues to coach at this time. He has won over 800 varsity basketball games. David and his wife Patti have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Bryan Miller was named All-State at Crozier Tech leading them to State Championships in 1946 and 1948. He then starred for Tyler Junior College in 1948-49 and leading them to a 37-1 National Championship season being named All-American. His career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his discharge in 1953 he returned to Tyler J.C. before moving on to East Texas State (now A&M Commerce) in 1955. He played a major role in ETSU’s winning the NAIA National Championship in 1956. Bryan married his wife Barbara in 1957 and they have two children and seven grandchildren. Bryan passed away in 2006.

Robert “Bobby” Moers was one of the greatest basketball players to ever come out of Houston. Moers was twice named All-City while playing for Houston’s John Reagan High School. He attended the University of Texas where he letter three years in basketball and became recognized as one of the greatest dribblers in the game. All-Conference twice, he was named All-American in 1940 and also named the outstanding athlete at the University of Texas. He also lettered once in football and three times in baseball.

Roy M. Needham was Houston Jeff Davis’ first coach. His teams won two consecutive state championships in 1942 and 1943 and six Houston City Championships. During his 16 year coaching career NEedham coached future hall of fame members Slater Martin, Frank Carswell and Placido Gomez. Needham graduated from Laneville High School and then attended Sam Houston State where he earned 10 varsity letters. Needham founded the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce Basketball Tournament. He is also a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Dick O’Neal was a star at Fort Worth’s Polytechnic High School from 1951-1953. O’Neal was an all-district and all-state selection in both basketball and baseball. In 1952 Poly advanced to the 4A-3A state title game but lost to San Antonio Heights 54-46. O’Neal played for TCU from 1955-1957 and averaged 24 points per game. He made the 1955 All-America team and was a three time All-SWC selection.

Lometa Odom led the Dimmitt Bobbies to three state championships in 1950, 1951 and 1952. She scored 2,408 points during her career and led the Bobbies to a 100-7 record. Odom was an All-District and All-State forward from 1950-1952 and made nine All-Tournament Teams. Odom later played for the Flying Queens of Wayland Baptist College and was a four time All-American selection. Her freshman year, 1953, the Flying Queens went 35-4 and finished second in the AAU. The next three years the Queens won National AAU Championships (1954, 1955, 1956) with a combined record of 116-4. Odom was also a member of the gold winning 1955 Pan American basketball team. Her high school coaching career includes stops at Gruver, Spearman, White Deer and Plainview.

Bill Overall played for coaching legend Bill Krueger at San Marcos High School in 1960-1963, making all-district three seasons and all-state his senior year. The 6’1″ guard averaged 29.2 points per game as a senior, scoring 60 points once and 50 or more on two other occasions. His career total was 1,865 points and he was selected to play in the THSCA All-Star game in 1963, scoring 16 points. Bill played for the University of Texas freshman team in 1964 averaging 16 points per game before transferring to Southwest Texas State. At SWT he averaged 14 points per game and made all-conference. Bill also earned letters in football and golf at Southwest Texas State. In 1968-69 he was the youngest 4A head coach in the state at King HS in Corpus Christi. After serving his country in Vietnam, Overall began a 30 year career working for the Herff-Jones Company. Bill’s father Buck (Cushing HS 1937-39) was inducted in 1986 making the Overalls the first father son duo inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

Thelma Overstreet Bledsoe was a star player for Bowie coach Alleen Burgess’ Lady Rabbits basketball team as a freshman and sophomore. The 5’9″ center led Bowie to Montague County championships in 1931 and 1932 – which was as far as girls team could advance at the time. In the 1932 championship game Bowie defeated Nocona 106-8. Bledsoe set a state record by scoring 96 of her team’s points. At that time girls played six on six basketball with three players on offense and three on defense. In 1932 Bledsoe’s career was cut short by a UIL decision to halt girl’s basketball. The UIL did not recognize girl’s basketball as a sanctioned league activity until 1951. Bledsoe’s single game scoring record stood for forty years until Claude’s Diane Campbell scored 100 points on January 28, 1972. Overtstreet Bledsoe was also an outstanding volleyball and tennis player. She attended the University of Texas and Mary Hardin Baylor majoring in Physical Education. Thelma Overstreet Bledsoe passed away on April 6, 2002 at the age of 85.

Coach Carl Owens won the Class-A State Championship at Kennard High School in 1973 and a total of 809 varsity games during his 37-year career. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Hall of Fame for his years at Harlingen High School

Eddie Owens was a three time all-state player for coach Jackie Carr at Houston Wheatley from 1970-1973. During the “Eddie Owens Era” Wheatley went 117-9 and during one stretch scored 100 points in 33 out of 44 games. Owens, a 6’7″ forward, averaged 28 points per game his senior year and led Wheatley to the 1973 4A state championship over Midland 84-78. Humble coach Larry Cooper called Owens, “The best player that ever came through the city in my opinion.”

Gene Phillips was one of the most prolific scorers in Texas high school basketball history. The 6’4″ sharpshooter played at Houston’s Jesse H. Jones High School from 1965-1967. Phillips was a two time all-state selection and averaged 27 and 28 points per game his junior and senior years. Phillips holds the Texas high school single game scoring record with 81 points against Houston Madison in 1967. He averaged 28 points per game his junior and senior seasons at SMU. Phillips holds the record for most points scored in a SWC game with 51 against Texas in 1971.

Lewis Qualls played basketball at Houston’s Smiley High School from 1957-1959. The 7′ 1 1/4″ Qualls was the tallest high school basketball player in Texas history. Qualls scored 1,782 points in three years and helped Smiley to a record of 129-27. With Qualls playing center, Smiley won two 3A state championships. In 1957 Smiley defeated Pecos 52-35 for the title and in 1959 they defeated Hereford 58-42.

Leta Rains Andrews began her basketball career as a guard at Granbury High School. Andrews lettered all four years and was selected as an All State guard as a junior in 1954. In 1955 she made the All State team as a forward. She played one season at Weatherford Junior College before transferring to Texas Wesleyan. A successful girls basketball coach, she posted numerous winning records – 34-16 at Gustine, 292-56 at Comanche, 108-28 at Granbury and 223-31 at Corpus Christi Calallen. Her track teams have won nine district titles, six regional crowns and she also coached a team which set the national 800 meter relay record in 1973.

Jill Rankin-Schneider started her impressive career as a two-time all-state player for Phillips High School. She averaged 42.7 points per game as a junior and 40.4 points as a senior. Twice she led Phillips to the 2A state championship game, losing in 1975 and defeating Bellville 83-69 in 1976 to win the state championship. At the 1976 state tournament she set records for Individual High Score (58), Individual Field Goals (27) and Individual High Score for 2 Games (93). Rankin was twice named to the All-State Tournament team and made 7 all-tournament teams during her career. She was selected to the Panhandle Plains Super Team three times and was the Panhandle Offensive Player of the Year in 1976. Rankin’s number 13 jersey which was also worn by her sister Debra was retired by Phillips High School in 1979. At Wayland Baptist University (1976-79) she earned Kodak and Academic All-America honors while setting a three year scoring record of 2,121 points. She transferred to Tennessee in 1979 and again was selected to the Kodak and Academic All-America Teams. In 1980 Rankin was chosen as Co-Captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. Jill Rankin-Schneider is currently the head girls basketball coach at Lubbock Monterey High School.

Phil Ransopher was the voice of the boys and girls state tournaments for almost 60 years. He also served as announcer at the boys and girls UIL state track meets, as well as other University of Texas sporting events and traveled with the Harlem Globetrotters for two years. He tied for second place in the Southwest Conference track meet in 1951 as a Texas high jumper. While attending Texas in 1948, working as a towel boy, he was asked to fill in for the state tournament announcer who was ill. He filled the position until his death in October of 2008 and his folksy style became forever associated with state tournament games.

Legendary coach Harley Redin coached the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens from 1955-1973 compiling a 431-66 record. In 18 seasons his teams made 17 AAU Tournaments and won six National Championships. Redin actually began as the Wayland Baptist men’s coach from 1946-1957 compiling a 205-118 record and making three postseason appearances. The Queens won the first 76 games that Redin coached, and later an amazing 131 consecutive games. Redin also had a fine international career guiding his teams to gold medals at the 1959 & 1971 Pan American Games. In 1964 he coached the U.S. World Championship Team and was one of the first coaches to compete against the Russian National Team. Harley coached 36 All-America players and 32 of his players played on U.S. National teams. Redin pioneered rule changes like the five player full court game, 30 second shot clock and the unlimited dribble which helped to modernize the women’s game. He also wrote two books, The Queens Fly High in 1958 and A Basketball Guide for Girls in 1971. In 1 999 Redin was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

W.J. “Sleepy” Redwine was selected to the 1937 All-State Team for leading the Carey High School Cardinals to the state basketball championship. In that game Carey defeated Gober 26-18. Redwine was a two time All-District and All-Region selection in high school. At East Texas State he was the top scorer on the 1938 undefeated freshman team. Redwine led the 1939 and 1940 teams to Lone Star Conference Championships.

Phil Reynolds was voted Best All-Around Athlete at Waxahachie High School three times. Reynolds was a three time All-District selection and helpd lead the 1956 team to the state semi-finals. His senior year, Reynolds averaged 24.3 points per game and was the MVP on a team that went 29-3 and won the state championship. Reynolds made the All-State Team, was selected as the 1958 Outstanding Player in Texas and played in the THSCA All Star game. He was also invited to play in the East/West All-American Basketball Game in Evansville, Indiana. Reynolds began coaching basketball in 1962 and has had successful stops in Van, Kilgore Jr College and Angleton.

LeRoy coached at Wells, Dayton, Hemphill, Hooks, Henderson and Barbers Hill before ending his 32 year career at Longview. His 18 years leading the Lobos was highlighted by winning the State 5A Championship in 1992. He coached the THSCA All-Stars (1981), the TABC All-Stars (1993) and served as TABC president in 1990-91. HIs career varsity coaching record is 720-312. LeRoy graduated from Carlisle High School in 1958 and Stephen F. Austin University in 1963. He and his wife Betty Lou have been married for 43 yeas and have 3 children.

Kyle Rote’s name is synonymous with athletic success both in football and basketball. A two sport star at San Antonio’s Jefferson High School, Rote led the Mustangs to the state playoffs in both sports his junior and senior years. In 1947 the Mustangs lost to El Paso 27-22 in the 2A state championship game. After a brilliant career at SMU, Rote went on to play professional football with the New York Giants.

She played at Tulia High School, leading the Lady Hornets to the state championships in 1965, ’66 and ’67. She scored 52 points in the ’67 championship game and had 99 in the tournament, both state records. Freida had 3,730 career points and was an All-State selection three times.

Playing for coach Don Woodhall, Lynn Royal led Hughes Springs to a three year record of 98-14. Hughes Springs advanced to the state tournament in 1970 and 1971. Royal was named MVP of the state tournament in 1971 as Hughes Springs defeated Friendswood 64-60 for the 2A state title. Royal was the district 16AA MVP three times, a two time all state selection and was selected as a Parade All-American in 1971. At TCU Royal averaged 16.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and was named to the All-SWC team as a freshman.

John Schlicher, a 6’3″ guard/forward, averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for Paschal High School. Schlicher helped Paschal advance to the 1975 4A state championship game but lost to Houston Kashmere 60-58. His senior year Schlicher was named Ft. Worth Player of the Year, 1st team all-state and was a member of Converse’s All-American Team. He played in the McDonald’s All-America game and was selected as a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex All-Decade Team for the 1970’s. Schlicher was a four year letterman at Texas A&M and played on SWC championship teams in 1976 and 1980.

Bob Schneider began his illustrious coaching career in 1958 at Darrouzett High School. He also coached at Clayton and McLean, New Mexico before arriving at Canyon High School in 1966. At Canyon Schneider’s Lady Eagles advanced to the state tournament ten years in a row. During that span his teams won five state championships (1969,1972,1974,1977 and 1978) and finished second five times. Schneider was named Coach of the Year in 1978 after his team posted a perfect 37-0 record. Schneider’s record at Canyon was 393-87. After three years at Texas Women’s University Schneider began coaching at West Texs A&M University. Under Schneider, the Lady Buffs won 8 Lone Star Conference Championships and have been invited to nine NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament births in the past 11 seasons.

Coach Cathy Self-Morgan won her 1,000th game during the 2014-15 season to add to her six State Titles at two different schools. At Westlake High School, she won the State Championship in 1993, 1994 and 1996 and guided Duncanville High School to the State Title in 2002, 2012 and 2013.

As a player she led High Island to four state tournaments including State Championships in 1967 and 1968. They were State Runner-ups in 1969. She was selected All-state and All-State Tournament her last three years and scored 197 points in 9 state tournament games. As a coach she was head coach at Spring Westfield for 25 years with a career record of 679-203. Her 2001 team was state finalist, and in 2004 they were State Champions (35-4). Susan retired in 2006.

Suzie Snider Eppers was a four time all-district selection and a three time all-state selection at Robinson. In 1970 Eppers led Robinson to the 2A state championship over Spearman 57-49. In 1973 Eppers set a state record of 50’2″ in the shot put. Eppers toured Russia and Europe as a member of the 1973 AAU touring team and was the first woman to receive a scholarship to Baylor. She was also the first woman to be inducted into the Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ken Spain, a 6’8″ center for Houston’s Austin High School, was an accomplished athlete. In addition to lettering three times in basketball, Spain also lettered in football and track. In 1964, Spain’s junior year, he scored 832 point in 38 games and led the Mustangs to the 4A state championship over Dallas Adamson 50-42. Spain scored 1,972 points his senior year and was selected to all-city, all-state and all-American teams. He also played in the 1965 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. After an excellent career at the University of Houston, Spain played one year with the Pittsburgh Condors in the ABA.

Dave Stallworth went to Wichita State after graduating from Dallas’ Madison High School in 1961. At Wichita State Stallworth averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was a first team consensus All-American his junior season and his number 42 was the first jersey to be retired at Wichita State. During his career at Wichita State Stallworth scored over 30 points 20 times. In 1965 he was a first round draft choice of the New York Knicks. Stallworth spent eight seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Baltimore Bullets and Capital Bullets. In 1970 Stallworth was a member of the Knicks NBA Championship team.

He played on three state championship boys teams at Buna High School from 1955 to 1957. The 1957 squad was 40-0 and Pat scored 38 points in their semi-final game. After high school, he played on the national championship team at Kilgore Junior College and was an All-Conference selection at Texas A&M.

Coach Wayne Tipton guided three different teams to the Final Four, winning State Championships in two appearances. His State Titles came at White Deer High School in 1962 and Gruver High School in 1966. He coached both boys and girls many of his 25-year career before passing away in 1983.

Bennie Tompkins played for Athens High School from 1927-1930. Tompkins was a two time All-State selection who helped the Hornets to the 1929 state championship over Denton High School 22-11. Bennie along with his brother Freddie helped Athens win the National High School Championship in Chicago in 1929. Tompkins later enrolled at the University of South Carolina where he was team captain his junior year. After a brief stint in the semi-pro leagues Tompkins settled in Columbia, South Carolina.

Freddie Tompkins starred at Athens High School and played on coach Jimmy Kitts’ two National Championship teams of 1929 and 1930. After both of those seasons Tompkins was named to the All American Team. Tompkins helped to lead the Hornets to state titles in 1929 and 1931. After losing to Denton in the 1930 state meet, Athens won its second consecutive National Title as defending champion of the National Tournament. Tompkins entered the University of South Carolina in 1932 and lead the Southern Conference in scoring. In 1934 he was named captain of the team and made the All American team.

Coach Skip Townsend won his 1000th game in 2014-15 season. During his career, he has captured seven State Championships, including six State Titles in 10 years at Brock High School (2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2011). His seventh State title occurred this past year as the coach of the Argyle High School Lady Eagles.

After 35 season Coach Tullos retired in 2003 with a career record of 1,022-382. He coached both the boys and girls teams on all levels at Latexo and Slocum High Schools. His final year at Slocum, both the boys and girls made the regional tournament. In 1976, he moved to Grapeland where he coached junior high and high school girls making nine playoff appearances. Six times his teams advanced to the regional tournament. During this time Grapeland made three trips to the state tournament, finishing as runner-up in 1987. In 1988, Tullos moved to Lovelady. In his third season, Lovelady made the playoffs for the first time in 28 years and in 1992 the Lady Lions made their first ever state tournament appearance. Tullos’ biggest contribution to girls basketball may be his Thanksgiving Tournament that started at Grapeland in 1978 and then moved to Lovelady in 1988. Tullos’ tournament grew to become the largest in the nation. Most years it attracted 30-40 teams from Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa, Louisiana and other states.

He returned to his alma mater in 1976 and became head coach at Snook in 1979. In his twelve seasons the Bluejays were 363-88, won eleven district titles, and played in ten regional tournaments and six final fours. They were State Champions in 1980, 81, 82, 83 and 84.
Donnie also coached three State Champions in track ( 80, 81, 82) and served as a principal and superintendent at Snook where he still lives after retirement.

Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb burst upon the basketball scene as a senior as Dalls’ Wilmer Hutchins High School in 1980. Webb averaged 26 points per game and led the Eagles to a bi-district championship and a 27-9 record. Webb was named Player of the Year and made the All-Metro and All-State teams. After attending Midland Junior College and North Carolina State Webb joined the NBA in 1985. The 5’7″ guard played 12 years in the NBA spending seven seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, four with the Sacramento Kings and part of a season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic. In 1994-95 Webb led the NBA with a .934 free-throw percentage. He appeared in 39 playoff games and averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds. In 1986 Webb won the NBA Slam-Dunk competition in Dallas during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

David Wesley, a 6’1″ guard, averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 assists per game for Coach Leroy Romines at Longview High School. Wesley was a two-time All-District 13-5A selection and was named East Texas Player of the Year in 1988 by the Longview News-Journal. Wesley was also named to the TABC All-State team as a senior and was selected to play in the THSCA All-Star Game. At Temple Junior College (1988-89) he averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 steals, 5.9 assists and made first team All-Texas Junior College Athletic Conference. Wesley then finished his college career at Baylor where he scored 1,224 points from 1989-1992. As a senior he averaged 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and was named SWC MVP. Wesley was also the second player in SWC history to record a triple double. He is currently a member of the New Orleans Hornets and has recently completed his ninth season in the NBA. Wesley also played for the New Jersey Nets (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-97) and Charlotte Hornets (1997-02).

Billy Wilbanks led Belton to the 2A state championship in 1958. A two-year starter for the Tigers he was all state, all state tournament and THSCA all-star after scoring 10 consecutive points in the finals to lead a Belton comeback that edged New London 58-56 in overtime. He had 29 points in the semifinals. Dr. Wilbanks has continued to contribute to basketball by researching all boys and girls state champions and inductees in the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame and posting them on www.texasbasketballchamps.com.

A native of Childress, Jim Wilcoxson was a state championship golfer attending Texas Tech on a golf scholarship. After serving as a golf pro and course superintendent until 1985, Wilcoxson began his coaching career at age 40 at Booker. He moved to Amarillo Tascosa for three years before taking over at Canyon Randall in 1989. In 15 years at Randall, his teams made the playoffs every year, including state championships in 1992 over Georgetown (43-42) and 1998 over Bay City (52-23). Wilcoxson has since retired back to the golf course.

J.W. Williams coached at Bardwell High School from 1946-1948 and compiled a 73-7 record. During four years at Waxahachie Jr. High Williams’ teams had a perfect 64-0 record. Williams coach at Waxahachie High School from 1952-1968 and won 14 district titles in 16 years. His record of 378-97 included a class 3A state championship in 1958. His 1958 squad defeated South San Antonio 77-63 in the title game. Williams coached 14 all-state players, 6 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game selections and 2 high school all-americans.

Between 1953 and 1957 Max Williams raced across the scorebooks of Texas schoolboy basketball. The little class B school of Avoca dominated basketball in the B ranks and was a power outside its class winning 160 games and losing only 16 during the four years Williams played. His four year scoring average was 24.5 points per game. Williams was a three time All-State choice and All-Tournament in every tournament he played. He attended SMU and was All-SWC as a sophomore, junior and senior. An All-American his senior year, Williams later served as general manager and coach for the Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA.