Mary Ann Otwell
Mary Ann Otwell, a Panola Legend. But before coaching, she was a two sport athlete at Ouachita where she played both basketball and Tennis. On the basketball court she led the basketball team to an AAU State championship in both seasons (1961-1962) and was the team’s leading scorer along with an All-State selection both years. After the 1962 season, she was selected to the National Women’s Basketball League All-Star team.
Otwell graduated from Ouachita Baptist in 1964 with her Bachelors, and went on to pursue her Masters at Arkansas State in 1969.
Otwell got her early coaching start at Stephen’s High School in Arkansas. Winning was a standard for her early on and throughout her career as she took that team to a Class A and overall state championship. She also coached at Elysian Fields High School here in East Texas. She made two regional tournament appearances while there.
Otwell went on to coach at Panola from 1974-1978. During her seasons there she did some astounding things. While at Panola, Otwell made 4 trips to the NJCAA National Tournament and won it twice in 1977 & 1978. Her resume also includes 3 Conference Championships, 4 Regional Championships, 1977 & 1978 NJCAA "Coach of the Year", 3x Conference "Coach of the Year", and 4 NJCAA All-Americans.
Coach Ottwell was the first women's coach to take the Men's style of play and put it into action for the women's. And was known across the country for this. She made her teams start using jump shots which was unheard of in women's basketball. She implemented the first full court press, which prior to that the women's game was played in halves.
The University of Texas and Texas A&M quit playing Panola, which back then they could, but they quit because they couldn't beat Panola and it was hurting their recruitment of juco players.
After Panola, Otwell went on to coach at Stephen F. Austin (SFA). Three of the four All- Americans she coached at Panola went on to SFA. She took over after being an assistant to the Ladyjack Legend Sue Gunter. At SFA her overall record was 61-29. There she led the Ladyjacks to 3 straight postseason tournament appearances. Otwell is in elite company with some of the other coaches such as Gary Blair, who took over shortly after, and Brandon Schneider.
Otwell went on to coach at LeTourneau University from 1994-2001. There she was 129-72. There she was a Hall of Famer as well. Otwell coached more All- Americans and a NCCAA National Player of the Year. Otwell in 1997-98 NCCAA National Coach of the Year, 1997-98 NCCAA National Champion, 1996-97 NCCAA National Coach of the Year, 1996-97 NCCAA National Champion. She later goes on to be the Assistant Director of Athletics.
A little bit on Coach Otwell’s philosophy. Otwell says, “To me, coaching is more than just going to practice and games. I want to be able to mold the players to make them the best possible player and people they can be.”
Region XIV Basketball Tournament 2023
Legends Recognitions
March 8-10, 2023
Wednesday, March 8th
(Halftime of the 6:00pm game)
Family of MaryAnn Otwell – Panola College
Thursday, March 9th
(Halftime of the 6:00pm game)
Guy Davis – Angelina
Dale Dotson – Lon Morris
Scott Gernander – San Jacinto
Lewis Orr - Navarro
Leon Spencer – HCJC / TVCC
Friday, March 10th
(Halftime of the 6:00pm game)
Family of Vernon Harton - Jacksonville
Family of Floyd Wagstaff – Tyler
Family of Joe Turner – Kilgore
2023 NJCAA Region XIV Basketball Schedule & Bracket : Tournament Schedule
The Fillies finished the regular season of play with a 17-12 record overall and 8-8 in conference play. This earned them the 5th seed going into the Region 14 Tournament. The Fillies will take on the 4th seed, Angelina, Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Tyler, TX.
Panola Ponies enter the Region XIV Tournament on a 14 game win streak and ranked #10 in NJCAA. The Ponies have a bye until Thursday's Quarterfinals. They play the winner of Angelina/Bossier Parish. Tip off is Thursday, March 9 at 6pm at Tyler Junior College.
For the full schedule:Livestream Link: