Montgomery ISD excited to announce the selections of new head basketball coaches at both Montgomery HS and Lake Creek HS.
Jake McDonald has been selected as the head coach of the Montgomery Bears, coming to Montgomery from Orange Field HS in Orange, Texas.
“Coach McDonald comes to Montgomery with years of experience building successful programs in small communities,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “We are very excited to have him bring his passion and drive for success to the court at Montgomery HS and believe his coaching style is exactly what our Bears need to win, both on the court and in the classroom.”
McDonald is a Beaumont native and a Texas A&M graduate with a Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University. He has nine years of high school coaching experience, eight as a head coach, and has coached Orange Field to five playoff appearances in six seasons, advancing to the third round twice. Before his arrival to Orange Field, the Bobcats had never advanced that far in the State Playoffs.
McDonald was named District 25-2A Coach of the Year in 2015 and District 22-4A Coach of the Year in 2022 and has led Orange Field HS in its three winningest seasons in school history in 2019, 2022 and 2023. He was named the Southeast Texas Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2020 and the Orange Leader Coach of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Most recently, McDonald led the Bobcats to their highest TABC ranking in school history (11th) during the 2023 season.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead the Bears,” McDonald said. “I’ve got the energy and passion to lead young men, not only in basketball, but in life. I’ve found great success in recent years and I’m hoping to carry that success with me to Montgomery.”
During his coaching career, Jake has prioritized increasing community involvement with his players and is excited for the opportunity to move to Montgomery and do the same. He is six years married to his wife Taylor, a school counselor, and they look forward to making Montgomery home.
Across town in Montgomery ISD, Scott Peak has been selected as the head coach of the Lions, after serving as the Assistant Coach for the 2023 season.
“We interviewed several amazing candidates from across the state and Scott continued to be the selection that truly made the most sense for the continued success of Lions Basketball,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “He’s passionate about the game and will create a seamless transition for our Lions, leading our young men to be great athletes and strong men of character on and off the court.”
Coach Peak spent twelve years teaching and coaching at both the college and high school level, as the Assistant Coach to his father at Texas A&M Commerce and coaching high school in both Conroe ISD and Spring ISD. With a desire to serve his community, Peak took a break from coaching and became a HPD Police Officer for twelve years, returning to the classroom in the fall of 2022 as Lake Creek’s Assistant Coach. Lake Creek Varsity finished fourth in district play last season with a playoff appearance and Junior Varsity, under the leadership of Coach Peak, were first in district play with a 25-4 record.
“I really missed the kids and the opportunity to work with young athletes again,” Coach Peak said. “I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity, didn’t expect it so soon, but am honored to build on the great foundation from previous coaches. The admin here is fantastic, there’s a real teamwork mentality on this campus and in this district, and I feel truly honored to get to carry on the tradition of success.”
Peak is a second-generation basketball coach with his father, Paul Peak, having coached for five decades. He is honored to have an opportunity to continue his legacy and use his background and passion for the game to influence student-athletes again. Peak looks forward to implementing the mentality of “Great Purpose” and is considering that as their team’s slogan at this time of leadership change.
“Yes, we want to win,” Peak said. “But there’s also great purpose for developing character, how I help prepare kids for their future and how my students will present themselves in the classroom and work hard in all areas of their lives. There is “great purpose” in growing these young men.”
Scott Peak has been married to his wife Joanna for 25 years and is the proud father of two sons, Preston and David. Preston is a recent Biomedical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M and David is currently in college, pursuing his goals of being a third-generation basketball coach. With educators as parents and a combined career in education and law enforcement, Peak is committed to service and training his student-athletes to be service-minded.
“I’m so happy and honored,” Peak said. “I can’t quit smiling!”
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