February 10, 2025 — The Buchanan Bears boys basketball program has seen a remarkable turnaround this season, positioning itself as a dominant force in the TRAC. Following a crucial win over Clovis North on Friday, the Bears now hold a 23-4 overall record (7-2 TRAC) and are on the brink of securing at least a share of the league title with a victory against Clovis East on Tuesday.
The transformation of the program has been led by head coach Tom Orlich, who is now in his second full season at the helm. Initially stepping in as an interim coach in December 2022 after the resignation of Ed Madec, Orlich took over a team that went winless in league play that season. Despite the struggles, he remained confident in the team’s potential for success.
Orlich’s coaching career is marked by a history of building winning programs. Over 25 seasons at South Tahoe (1975-2000), he led the Vikings to an impressive 521-184 record, securing nine regional titles and two Nevada state championships. His success continued at Clovis West (2003-2016), where he captured eight league titles and three Central Section championships before transitioning to the collegiate level as an assistant at Stanford.
Returning to the high school ranks, Orlich inherited a Buchanan program that had recorded just one winning season since 2012-13. Under his leadership, the Bears have undergone a complete transformation, now competing for league championships in front of packed stands.
With one game remaining in the regular season, Buchanan has the opportunity to cap off its turnaround with a league title, further solidifying its return to prominence in Central Valley basketball.