High School Sports

Introducing the 2025-26 Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year

North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) attempts to guard Flower Mound guard Maci Pringle (23) during the second half of a UIL Class 6A Division I girls regional final basketball playoff game at Arlington ISD Athletics Center in Arlington, Texas, Friday Feb. 27, 2026.
North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) attempts to guard Flower Mound guard Maci Pringle (23) during the second half of a UIL Class 6A Division I girls regional final basketball playoff game at Arlington ISD Athletics Center in Arlington, Texas, Friday Feb. 27, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram

Introducing the Star-Telegram’s 2025-26 Fort Worth-area Girls High School Basketball Defensive Player of the Year:

North Crowley senior Mecca Crawford

Crawford, a 6-foot-3 post committed to University of Illinois Chicago, was a key player for North Crowley in a strong season. The Panthers tallied a 30-5 overall record and won the District 3-6A championship with a 12-0 run.

Mansfield shooting forward J'nye Weaver (15) drives in hard to North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) during the first half of a UIL girls basketball game between North Crowley and Mansfield at Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Texas, Tuesday Jan. 20, 2026
Mansfield shooting forward J'nye Weaver (15) drives in hard to North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) during the first half of a UIL girls basketball game at Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Texas, Tuesday Jan. 20, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram

Crawford, the District 3-6A Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds. With size, athleticism and a high motor, she made an impact en route to TABC All-State honors. Crawford and teammate Jamari Milton were the only Fort Worth-area players to make the All-State Team in Class 6A.

North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) holds out her hands with a 3 guesture after making a 3-pointer during a 3-6A district matchup against Weatherford at North Crowley High School on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
North Crowley forward Mecca Crawford (23) holds out her hands with a 3 guesture after making a 3-pointer during a 3-6A district matchup against Weatherford at North Crowley High School on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. miles meador photo

This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 11:58 AM.

Profile Image of Charles Baggarly
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.
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