Culture. Confidence. Community. Gonzales Basketball Returns to Its Roots Under Keane and Matanic

GONZALES — A new energy fills Apache Gymnasium this fall — fitting, since the court now bears the name of longtime coach Vic Salazar, whose legacy of discipline and determination still echoes through the halls. That same spirit is what first-year Gonzales head coaches Brady Keane and Alex Matanic are determined to revive as they lead the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs into a new chapter.

Keane, who also serves as assistant athletic coordinator, comes to Gonzales after playoff success as head coach at Bandera High School. Matanic, a familiar face in Apache athletics, steps into his first head-coaching role after three years as lead assistant on the boys’ side. Together, they’re working to re-establish Gonzales as a proud basketball town.

“When people think about Gonzales basketball, there’s a rich tradition of success here,” Keane said. “Coach Salazar built great teams that showed it’s possible to win consistently. Our goal is to get Gonzales back to that level — a program that people are proud of and opponents respect.”

The boys’ program has shown flashes of progress but struggled to sustain success in a tough Class 4A district. Gonzales has posted records of 6-14 (2020-21), 16-8 (2021-22), 11-18 (2022-23), 7-24 (2023-24) and 11-20 (2024-25). Last year’s team reached the playoffs but fell in the first round — a season highlighted by a senior surpassing 1,000 career points before graduating.

The Lady Apaches have followed a similar path. They finished 14-19 overall and 2-4 in district last year under Coach Mark Belford, also falling in the opening playoff round. That team, too, celebrated a milestone as one of its seniors joined Gonzales’ 1,000-point club before graduation. Before that, the Lady Apaches went 12-20 (2023-24), 7-14 (2022-23), 6-26 (2021-22) and 11-12 (2020-21). Despite recent challenges, both programs have a foundation to build on.

Keane and Matanic have quickly aligned their approach. Practices emphasize defense, effort and trust — qualities already defining both teams. “We want Gonzales basketball to be known for outworking everybody on and off the floor,” Keane said. “Our players have bought into hustling, communicating and leaving everything on the court.”

Matanic said his players have embraced that mindset. “During our Lockhart Fall Ball League, one of their coaches came up to me and said, ‘Coach, your girls are diving for loose balls in fall ball — I can’t even get my girls to high-five each other,’” he said. “That told me we’re heading in the right direction.”

Beyond the court, both coaches are focused on development from youth to varsity. They’ve connected with the Gonzales YMCA and Gonzales Youth Basketball League to align fundamentals district-wide. “We want every level of Gonzales basketball speaking the same language,” Keane said. “When freshmen arrive, they should already know our expectations.”

Matanic added that the district will launch a Little Dribblers program — open to boys and girls — allowing young athletes to perform at halftime of varsity games. “It’s about planting those seeds early,” he said. “When little kids dribble on that same court, they start to dream about wearing a Gonzales jersey one day.”

Academic accountability is also a pillar of both programs. “We talk a lot about making sure our athletes are A-B honor-roll students,” Matanic said. “If we’re failing, we can’t play. Academics matter just as much as what we do on the court.” Keane agreed, saying classroom commitment reflects the same discipline expected in practice.

Mental toughness is another key focus. “Head Football Coach Lyndon Hamilton does a great job teaching the mental side of competition,” Keane said. “Those lessons translate directly into basketball. Our goal is to build belief — that no matter who’s across from us, we control how we play.”

Matanic echoed that message. “I tell the girls every day, I want other teams to see the Gonzales bus pull up and know they’re in for a fight,” he said. “We’re just as good as anyone in our district. It’s about confidence, stacking good days and trusting our work.”

For the Lady Apaches, Matanic said upperclassmen Amiyah Ibarra, Syrenity Smith, Zniyah Washington, McKenzie Gillette and Jayda Glass have set the tone, mentoring younger players while leading by example. Multi-sport athletes Jordyn Gonzales and Amaris Johnson have also impressed, while Ellie Lester will return after competing at the state cross-country meet on Nov. 1. Freshman Maggie Farrar has already stood out for her poise and work ethic. “She’s the kind of kid who asks questions, listens and competes — that’s the culture we’re building,” Matanic said.

On the boys’ side, Keane pointed to senior Bill Greathouse and newcomer Danny Goodman as early standouts, praising Goodman’s leadership after returning to basketball for the first time in years. “He’s one of the hardest-working kids we have,” Keane said. “He leads by example.” Returning contributors Jayvion Gonzalez and Tommy Barnes are also expected to play key roles, while football players Damion Hunt and BJ Jones will add athleticism once they transition to the court.

Both coaches said community support is vital to building momentum. “We want Gonzales to be one of those places teams don’t want to play,” Keane said. “When the gym is packed, it gives our kids that extra energy. This year, district home games will be back-to-back — girls at 6:15 and boys at 7:30 — so fans can stay and support both teams.”

The Lady Apaches open Nov. 7 at Bandera and make their home debut Nov. 14 against La Grange, while the Apaches begin scrimmage play Nov. 8 at New Braunfels Long Creek.

As both programs tip off a new era, Keane and Matanic share the same vision — to bring pride back to Gonzales basketball through hard work, discipline and belief in each other.

“It’s going to be a good year for both programs,” Matanic said. “Coach Keane and I see eye to eye on almost everything. That unity — between coaches, players and community — is what’s going to carry us forward.”

Keane added that the foundation being laid this season extends far beyond wins and losses. “We’re building something that lasts,” he said. “Culture, confidence and community — that’s what Gonzales basketball is all about.”