Bottiaux Resigns at Sonora

Paul Bottiaux, who led Sonora High School to a Southern Section 2-A division basketball title in 1983, resigned Monday night as the Raiders’ coach.

Bottiaux coached Sonora for 10 seasons and led the Raiders to the playoffs five times, including four straight years from 1980-84.

In 1983, Sonora beat Garey, 64-60, for the 2-A title and finished with a 25-7 record. The next year, Sonora won the Freeway League title and finished 27-3, losing to Workman, 72-53, in the title game.

The Raiders concluded the 1987-88 season Monday night with a 59-57 loss to Buena Park in the opening round of the Freeway League tournament, finishing 9-13.

“This is something I started thinking about three years ago,” Bottiaux said. “I’m looking for a new challenge. I feel I’ve done a lot of things here at Sonora, and it’s time for a new shot in the arm.

“I have a son who will be a sophomore in Canyon’s basketball program next year, and I would like an opportunity to watch him play. All of these things played a part in my decision to resign.”

Bottiaux coached one of the most talented trio of brothers--Jon, Eric and Mike Samuelson--ever to play in Orange County. Jon was the 2-A player of the year in 1983 and Eric was a two-time Times All-County selection in 1983-84.

Bottiaux said he will continue to teach special education at Sonora. No successor has been named to replace him.