Evans looks to lead Special Olympics basketball squad

Matt Resnick/Daily Mail/ Nevada Special Olympics basketball player Billy Evans.

Nevada Daily Mail

Billy Evans has set the bar high for the 2015 Nevada Thundering Herd Special Olympics basketball team ---- slated to kick off their season Jan. 30 at Neosho's area tournament.

"I like being a part of a championship-tradition," Evans said. "We've been on the top throughout my high school career. We've won multiple state titles. And we've won regional championships five times in a row, and gunning for No. 6."

Matt Resnick/Daily Mail/ Billy Evans drives in for a layup during practice.

Evans said Thundering Herd head coach Bonnie Franklin, and assistant coach Karen Smotherman have played an important role in his basketball career.

"They've inspired me," Evans said. "Not many kids who have gone through Karen and Bonnie's group have tried to get to the highest level like I have."

Evans, a 1999 graduate of Nevada High School, considers himself a leader on the court.

Matt Resnick/Daily Mail/ Evans has high hopes for the Nevada Thundering Herd Special Olympics basketball team.

"If you don't have strong leadership, it's hard to win a basketball game," he said.

Franklin, who enters her fourth year as a Special Olympics coach, concurs that Evans is an excellent leader on and off of the court.

"He's motivated, and he cheers on his team," Franklin said. "He has great PR for the team and he's always willing to help however he can."

Matt Resnick/Daily Mail/ Billy Evans is closely guarded by Kendra Conner, during a recent Special Olympics basketball scrimmage at the Nevada community center.

Nevada is scheduled to host a Special Olympics practice tournament Feb. 7 at Nevada High School.

"Anybody is welcome to come out and watch," Franklin said.

Franklin added that if anybody would like to make a donation towards the Feb. 7 event, to contact her.

"We will have to provide lunch for the athletes and coaches," she said. "Also, we're looking for any referees who might be interested in helping."

Franklin can be reached at 417-448-2040 Ext. 4053.

Other interests

Evans said he also participates in Special Olympics track and field, as well as bowling.

"I went to a Special Olympics camp, and they were trying to get me to go to the U.S.A. State games and World Games," he said. "Which is every Special Olympians dream to get on, and go compete against the world.

"To get there in track and field, you have to place first in all of your events. And I've been winning every single event I've been to."

Evans said the Special Olympics track and field events begin in mid-April.