History of Boy’s Basketball

Take it to the hoop

While the history of men’s basketball in Gunter has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the years, there have been records set and legacies established since the early 1960s. A vast array of head coaches have helped pass on skills and knowledge to numerous athletes who have gone on to achieve success in their careers after high school.

Athletes will always find a way to continue their move forward and become stronger in their sport. The outstanding play of past greats Jason Smith, Ed Pitts, Brad Dowling, and Michael Pelley allowed the men’s program to notch many victories that would inspire the younger generations to uphold the tradition. Gabe Johnson is undoubtedly the best athlete that Gunter basketball has seen. After he finished his basketball career at Gunter, he was given the opportunity to sign with Tarleton State University where he played all four years.

The most prosperous years in Gunter men’s basketball occurred in 1994 and 1995 under the guidance of head coach Joe Koesel, where the team advanced to the Regional tournament in Stephenville, Texas. After surviving a strenuous District schedule that included local power-house basketball programs such as Krum and Ponder, the Tigers were led by Gabe Johnson on playoff runs filled with nail biting finishes that led the team farther than any previous men’s basketball teams in the history of the school. During Koesel’s years as head coach, the Regional Tournament was one of his top accomplishments, alongside his former players Johnson, Thomas Byrd, and Adam Denton. Even though they lost before the State Tournament,  getting that far left a legacy for future Gunter players.

After Koesel’s departure, Woody Young and Mark Neely guided the Tigers and then were replaced by Lonnie Scott. Since coming to Gunter in 2006 from Pilot Point, Coach Scott has led the Tigers to two Bi-District Championships behind the play of athletes such as: Justin Martin, Richard Young and J Bailey. Justin Martin played his college ball at Austin College, while Richard Young (football) and J Bailey continue to excel at Howard Payne University.

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