![\"North](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MEADOR_NCvsBRE_031426-3.jpg\" "\\"North")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
North Crowley guard Isaak Hayes (22) drives with the basketball against a San Antonio Brennan defender in the Class 6A Division I state championship at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, March 14, 2026.<\/p>\n
Miles Meador<\/p>\n
Special to the Star-Telegram<\/p>\n
SAN ANTONIO<\/p>\n
For 18 years, the city of Fort Worth did not have any UIL Texas high school boys basketball state champions.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 the first since 2008.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked so hard this year,\u201d Brakel said. \u201cThese guys have put in an incredible amount of time. But it hasn\u2019t been just about that. It\u2019s about them sacrificing the individual for the good of the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
After Tyler Hastings\u2019 state semifinal game winner to down Duncanville, the team capitalized on Fort Worth\u2019s first title appearance since 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo say that it means a lot to me to bring this back for the community \u2014 that\u2019s an understatement,\u201d Brakel said. \u201cBut it wasn\u2019t even about that. It was about these guys and them making all the sacrifices that we asked them to.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Panthers have 12 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 and this made a difference with teamwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou talk to them about being a team,\u201d Brakel said. \u201cAnd then you have a chance to do something special. Doesn\u2019t always work out that way, and I\u2019m just so happy for these guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
North Crowley\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t be more proud of our athletic department and the success we\u2019ve had,\u201d said Brakel, who us also the athletic coordinator.<\/p>\n
North Crowley throttles Brennan<\/p>\n
North Crowley (35-4), No. 2 in the state in Class 6A according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches<\/a>, got off to a wicked fast start behind senior Alex Barther II, who notched 9 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 \u2014 that\u2019s when Hayes caught fire.<\/p>\n 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% ahead of the break.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The difference in the game was arguably offensive rebounding, as the Panthers grabbed 9 more offensive rebounds than the Bears. The Panthers also forced 10 turnovers, winning that battle.<\/p>\n \u201cThis team has bought into protecting the ball,\u201d Brakel said.<\/p>\n Hayes, the Championship Game Most Valuable Player, finished with a game-high 22 points with 3 rebounds and 6 assists. Hayes also went 10 of 12 from the free throw line, helping to seal the game in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n \u201cA phenomenal playmaker,\u201d Brakel said. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Trey Hall finished with a double double for the Panthers recording 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go with 3 steals, 2 blocks and an assist. Barther II contributed 17 points, 2 rebounds and a steal for North Crowley.<\/p>\n Donovan Criss led the Bears with 15 points and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Sean Mondragon chipped in 13 points for Brennan.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It was the first championship-game appearance for Brennan after losing in the state semifinals in 2025, 23 and 13.<\/p>\n This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 6:35 PM.<\/p>\n