News Summary
Rhonda Farney, head coach of the Georgetown Eagles, has received the prestigious Pat Summitt National High School Coach of the Year Award for the second time. Her impactful coaching journey has spanned over two decades, coinciding with the evolution of girls’ basketball in Texas. As playoffs intensify, both boys’ and girls’ teams are facing fierce competition, with standout recruits like Billy White and the transfer of Payton Jones adding to the excitement in Texas high school basketball.
Georgetown, Texas – Rhonda Farney, the head coach of the Georgetown Eagles, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Pat Summitt National High School Coach of the Year Award for the second time in her coaching career. This significant honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to high school basketball.
Farney’s coaching journey began over two decades ago, during a pivotal transition period for Texas high school girls’ basketball. She started coaching just four years before the game evolved from the traditional six-on-six half-court format to the current five-on-five full-court style. This extensive experience has shaped her into a prominent figure in the basketball community.
This year, the Texas high school basketball season is heating up as teams progress through the playoffs. Currently, girls’ teams are competing in regional semifinals while boys’ teams are actively engaged in the first round of competition. Notably, several teams from the Amarillo area have successfully advanced to the regional finals, striving for a coveted spot in the UIL state tournament in San Antonio.
In addition to the coaching awards, high school basketball is buzzing with the recruitment of young talent. One of the standout players this season is Billy White, a four-star recruit in the class of 2026 currently drawing interest from notable college programs. He has received scholarship offers from several universities, including Illinois, Kansas, and St. John’s, and is scheduled to visit Maryland, LSU, TCU, SMU, and Oklahoma State, furthering interest from Virginia.
As White’s recruitment continues, there is speculation regarding his leading options, with indications that Illinois is not currently at the forefront of the race. His impressive skill set has placed him under close observation by college scouts and coaches alike.
Meanwhile, the basketball landscape in Southeast Texas is further highlighted by the move of Payton Jones, a top guard who has transferred from Silsbee High School to Beaumont United. Jones averaged nearly 25 points per game during his sophomore season and has garnered significant attention with numerous scholarship offers from various colleges across the country.
The decision for Jones to transfer was motivated by both emotional and practical considerations. His father noted that the move, while sentimental, aligns with their family’s goals, particularly as Payton qualifies for the Magnet program at Beaumont United. This transition has allowed him to join a new team while continuing to develop his skills on the court.
During the recent Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Showcase, Jones showcased impressive talent alongside his new teammates. Beaumont United’s head coach, David Green, has a long-standing connection with the Jones family, having been part of the coaching staff during Payton’s father’s time as a student.
If there is a driving force behind Payton Jones’s journey, it is his family’s steadfast motto, “FI9HT,” which is an homage to his late brother Jayce, who tragically passed away from brain cancer in May 2022. This motto encapsulates the family’s resilience and their collective commitment to achieving success in basketball.
As the basketball playoffs unfold, high school teams across Texas are gearing up for key matchups. With both boys and girls squads showcasing their skills, the excitement surrounding the regional finals will contribute to determining which teams advance further in the quest for state glory.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Illinois Lags Behind in Billy White III Recruitment
- Google Search: Basketball Coaching Awards
- Beaumont Enterprise: Payton Jones Joins Beaumont United
- Wikipedia: High School Basketball in the United States
- Amarillo Globe-News: Texas Panhandle High School Basketball Playoffs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- San Angelo Standard-Times: West Texas Boys High School Basketball Playoffs
- Google News: Texas High School Basketball
