North Crowley gives Fort Worth first boys basketball title in 18 years — PHOTOS

For 18 years, the city of Fort Worth did not have any UIL Texas high school boys basketball state champions.

But all that changed Saturday at the Alamodome when North Crowley throttled San Antonio Brennan 65-52 to claim the Class 6A Division I state championship. The Panthers and head coach Tommy Brakel won their second title — the first since 2008.

“We’ve worked so hard this year,” Brakel said. “These guys have put in an incredible amount of time. But it hasn’t been just about that. It’s about them sacrificing the individual for the good of the team.”

After Tyler Hastings’ state semifinal game-winner to down Duncanville, the team capitalized on Fort Worth’s first title appearance since 2018.

“To say that it means a lot to me to bring this back for the community — that’s an understatement,” Brakel said. “But it wasn’t even about that. It was about these guys and them making all the sacrifices that we asked them to.”

The Panthers have 11 regional semifinal appearances since their last title in 2008. The heartbreak, according to junior guard Isaak Hayes, was a motivator. There have been plenty of good North Crowley teams over the years, but this one broke through.

“You talk to them about being a team,” Brakel said. “And then you have a chance to do something special. Doesn’t always work out that way, and I’m just so happy for these guys.”

North Crowley’s basketball state title is the most recent accomplishment in a string of success for Crowley ISD. The Panther football team won the 2024 Class 6A Division I state title.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our athletic department and the success we’ve had,” said Brakel, who is also the athletic coordinator.

North Crowley bests Brennan

North Crowley (35-4), No. 2 in the state in Class 6A according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, got off to a wicked fast start behind senior Alex Barther II, who notched nine first-quarter points powered by pure hustle and grit. With a smothering team defense, the Panthers took a 14-6 lead into the second quarter.

That’s when Hayes caught fire.

The junior converted two shots from beyond the arc, powering the Panthers to a dominant 31-12 halftime lead. No. 4 Brennan (33-4) struggled from the field, shooting 25% in the first half.

The third quarter saw the Bears chip away at the lead, cutting it to 44-31 heading into the final frame. The effort was not enough to come within striking distance, as North Crowley maintained a double-digit advantage.

The difference in the game was arguably offensive rebounding, as the Panthers grabbed nine more offensive boards than the Bears. The Panthers also won the turnover battle, forcing 10.

“This team has bought into protecting the ball,” Brakel said.

Hayes, the championship game Most Valuable Player, finished with a game-high 22 points with three rebounds and six assists. Hayes also went 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, helping to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

He was visibly stunned as his name was announced, and said he was solely focused on winning the game.

“A phenomenal playmaker,” Brakel said. “He can make plays for himself, and he can make plays for his teammates. He can do so many things to help your team be successful.”

Trey Hall finished with a double-double for the Panthers, recording 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go with three steals, two blocks and an assist. Barther contributed 17 points, two rebounds and a steal for North Crowley.

Donovan Criss led the Bears with 15 points and added four rebounds and two assists. Sean Mondragon chipped in 13 points for Brennan. It was the first championship game appearance for Brennan after losing in the state semifinals in 2025, 2023 and 2013.

North Crowley won by 13 points, and free throws played a big part, as the Panthers hit 27 of 36, including 15 of 20 in the fourth quarter. Brennan was 13 of 20 from the line.

“It means everything,” Hall said. “We came a long way.”

This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 6:35 PM.

Charles Baggarly

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

(909)758-6249

Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.