Stegall takes over JHS boys basketball program

Veteran Coach Steve Stegall has made his way north from Poolville to take the helm of the Jacksboro boys basketball program.

Steal, who was head Monarch for 13 years, said his time here so far has been great and he likes what he’s seen on film.

“The guys were right there in a few games,” Stegall explained. “The guys are a year older now. You add some of the new coaches kids and I think we’re going to be competitive next year.”

Stegall said he has a lot of respect for the incoming juniors, who have grown by leaps and bounds doing both 7-on-7 football and also taking part in the City View summer basketball league.

A win over district rival Holliday in the league last week showed the job of getting a playoff spot for the first time in many years can be accomplished.

“That was just the tip of the iceberg,” Stegall noted. “Folks won’t be expecting a lot from us and that’s where we sneak up on them.”

The team has had a chance to work with some former Poolville players who have been impressed with the talent that incoming juniors like Lando Belcher and Kasey Ray Swan possess. Those wanting to see the team develop will have to hit the road … at least for the early portion of the 2022-2023 season.

“We’re getting a lot of early road games, which will hopefully allow us to be better,” Stegall said. “That will hopefully turn us into road warriors and help us once district takes place.”

The damage done by the March tornado has forced the cancellation of this year’s Jacksboro tournament

Once action begins this Fall, Stegall said his team will be one that needs to grind out wins.

“There are a lot of good teams in our district, so we need to be a team that will be the right pick for our situation that night,” Stegall offered. I’d like to run when we can but also have a more patient offense when we need too.”

One thing that will help the team down the road is Stegall working with the offensive linemen on the football team to help the big men, something the squad was in need of last year, to help develop some footwork.

So far, Stegall has been very pleased with the town and its people.

“It’s been a great place,” Stegall said. “It’s been nice and the people have been welcoming. The group of coaches all have a great camaraderie. It’s a great start.”