Boys basketball storylines: 8 promising Fort Worth-area teams to watch
The Texas high school boys basketball season is well underway, and plenty of Fort Worth-area teams are making some noise.
Here are some key storylines to keep an eye on:
Can North Crowley get over the hump?
North Crowley (18-3) has undoubtedly been one of the Fort Worth area’s most consistent programs since the Panthers’ last state title in 2008.
Year after year, they’ve fielded great teams that compete at the highest level of Texas basketball, but have fallen just short one way or the other. Now, coach Tommy Brakel’s Panthers have another good opportunity to get North Crowley back on the mountaintop.
The Panthers are ranked No. 2 by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches in Class 6A behind only Katy Seven Lakes (22-0).
They’ve been powered by junior Isaak Hayes, who has been playing at an elite level since his freshman year. In 2025, he earned Star-Telegram All-Area First Team honors.
Keep an eye on returner Treaton Hall; he has a 6-foot-7 frame and can score in multiple ways. Another player to watch is senior Alex Barther II, a three-star uncommitted recruit who transferred in from Fort Worth Eastern Hills.
Mansfield Lake Ridge looks to bounce back
It was a tough end to the 2025 season for Lake Ridge, as a promising playoff run ended after a player was ruled ineligible. But the Eagles are back and are once again in a position to thrive.
Lake Ridge (14-5) holds a No. 10 ranking in Class 6A.
Fans can get a closer look at Lake Ridge and North Crowley when the powerhouses face off at 8 p.m. Friday at Lake Ridge. This game will give a glimpse at how close both squads are to being the best in Texas.
Birdville still a top 5A contender
Birdville’s run in the 2025 playoffs ended in heartbreak in the state championship game, but the Hawks are back and arguably better than ever with experienced returning seniors Sawyer Dotson and Avery Webb. Both earned Star-Telegram All-Area honors last season.
The Hawks (17-3) are ranked No. 2 in Class 5A.
Can Mansfield Summit, Kennedale repeat?
In the first season of the UIL’s split-division playoffs, Mansfield Summit and Kennedale capitalized. Summit won the Class 5A Division II state championship, while Kennedale won the Class 4A Division II title.
Both squads are now back with high expectations. Summit (16-5) is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A, while Kennedale (16-5) sits at No. 11 in Class 4A.
Even with star point guard Theo Brannan transferring to South Central Prep in Oklahoma, the Jaguars haven’t missed a step, competing well despite losses against proven programs like Birdville and Lake Ridge.
Kennedale is rolling with All-Area returner Jacoby Lovings, who hit a game-winner against Brewer and helped lead his team to a win over Crowley, a 6A program.
Watch out for Mansfield Timberview, Brock, FW Southwest
Once again, Mansfield Timberview has fielded a very strong team in Class 5A. The No. 8-ranked Wolves (16-3) have wins over 6A squads Arlington Martin, Southlake Carroll, Byron Nelson, and South Grand Prairie.
In the Class 4A realm, keep an eye on No. 15 Brock (14-6) and No. 22 Fort Worth Southwest (14-7). The Raiders defeated Brock 54-47 and lost to defending champion Kennedale 49-48.
.jpg)