Nacogdoches ISD Names Leamon Head Boy’s Basketball Coach

According to a district press release, Nacogdoches Independent School District (NISD) has hired Anthony Leamon as the new Nacogdoches High School (NHS) head basketball coach for 2017-2018.  

NISD has officially hired Anthony Leamon as the new basketball coach with a one year contract on May 4. Coach Leamon's official start date is August 17. In addition to coaching basketball, he will be teaching science and assisting with cross country and long distance track during the 2017-2018 school year at NHS.

"Coach Leamon is a quality coach who will help our basketball team continue to grow," said NHS principal Dr. Michael O'Guin. "I look forward to having him join us, here at NHS, as a Dragon next year."

Coach Leamon earned his bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Oklahoma. He received his master's in Education Administration from the University of North Texas. He is certified to teach - Health, Biology, Physical Education, Anatomy & Physiology. Leamon is also a - Texas "Highly Qualified" Teacher, Gifted and Talented Certified, CPR and First Aid Certified, CDL Bus Driver Certification, and is half way through dual credit qualification.

Coach Leamon is coming to NISD from Frost Independent School District (FISD) with a career track record of 329-171 Varsity and 269-92 J.V.

"After numerous interviews were conducted, I feel Coach Leamon is the right coach to lead the Dragons basketball team," said NISD superintendent Sandra Dowdy. "His track record is very encouraging and his vision aligns with our district. I am excited to see him work with the students to continue to grow on and off the court."

At Frost ISD, Leamon was Head Coach Bi-District (2A) and doubled the win totals from the year before he got there. He was also Head Coach for Cross Country and helped the team bring home two district championships.

In his 28 years of coaching, he brought his varsity teams to playoff qualifiers nine times out of the past 15 years and his J.V. teams have earned eight district titles in the past ten years - 5A State Runner-up, 4A Regional Tournament two times, 4A Regional Quarterfinals four times, and 4A State Semifinals.

"I'm a lifelong coach," said Coach Leamon. "I'm impressed with what Coach Hall did with the kids last year. I want to build on what they accomplished last year and take it to the next level. I am happy to be a part of this district. I can see that these students have talent and potential to grow."

His teams play a very fast full press, high tempo game. He aims for high scoring games and to hit the opposing team hard in transition.

"We want to tire the other team down by rotating a lot, not using a set pattern, and applying as much effort and intensity as possible with motion offense," said Coach Leamon. "By trusting and believing in each other, the players can continue to grow."

"My passion is for the kids," said Coach Leamon. "Everything I've done in my career is for the kids on and off the court."

Coach Leamon's family members also hold public education close to heart. His wife of 16 years, Elaine Leamon, is the Speech Pathologist/Coordinator for Ennis Independent School District (EISD). His daughter, Mara, will graduate from Texas State in December and plans to enter public education as a volleyball coach and special education teacher. Leamon's son, Casey, is a graduate from Cornell University and is currently in his third year at Texas A & M medical school.