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.
Miles Meador
Special to the Star-Telegram
SAN ANTONIO
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 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.
“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.”
With his second state title, Brakel joins legendary Dunbar head coach Robert Hughes on an exclusive list of Fort Worth head coaches to win multiple state titles.
North Crowley throttles 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 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 — 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% ahead of the break.
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 9 more offensive rebounds than the Bears.
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.
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.
Donovan Criss led the Bears with 15 points and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Sean Mondragon chipped in 13 points for Brennan.
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 was the first championship-game appearance for Brennan after losing in the state semifinals in 2025, 23 and 13.
This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 6:35 PM.
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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.