The high school boys basketball playoffs saw significant victories as North Crowley surged past L.D. Bell with a decisive score of 68-50 on February 23, 2026. The match, held at Carrollton Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas, marked a strong start for North Crowley, which is aiming for a state championship run this year.
North Crowley faced a formidable challenge from L.D. Bell, which managed to tie the game at the end of the first quarter and trailed by just five points at halftime. However, a powerful fourth quarter, featuring a surge of 24 points, propelled North Crowley to victory. Star junior guard Isaak Hayes played a crucial role, scoring nine points in that pivotal period and finishing the game with a team-high of 21 points. Seniors Trey Hall and Benjamin Jones contributed significantly with 19 and 14 points, respectively. This win extended North Crowley’s impressive streak to 13 games and set them up for a matchup against the winner of the El Paso Eastlake versus Midland Legacy game.
North Crowley’s performance this season has been remarkable; the team went 12-0 in District 3-6A and averaged an astounding 90.2 points across its district games. The program has also secured victories against several state-ranked teams, notably defeating the No. 3 Little Elm. With a history of success, including winning a 5A state title in 2008, North Crowley is eager to reclaim its place at the top.
Meanwhile, in another playoff matchup, Coppell emerged victorious against Plano East, winning 69-56 in what was their first playoff game in four years. Head coach Ryan Murphy anticipated that a high-scoring game would favor his team, a prediction that proved accurate. Junior Isaiah Fleming led Coppell with 21 points, including 16 in the first half, helping the team establish a 39-30 lead by halftime.
Coppell’s defensive strategy also played a critical role in the victory. As Plano East attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, Coppell switched to a zone defense, effectively stalling their opponents’ offense. This adjustment allowed Coppell to maintain its lead, with senior Colin Griffith sealing the game by scoring crucial free throws late in the match. Griffith finished with 20 points, while senior Moustafa Abualneel led Plano East with 12 points. This win marks Coppell’s first playoff victory since 2021 and the first under Murphy’s leadership.
In the 4A Division II Region II playoffs, Panther Creek was another standout, achieving a commanding win where players Kedreon Cole and Rodney Wagner combined for an impressive 67 points against their opponent. Cole scored 34 points, while Wagner contributed 33, and Panther Creek did not allow any of their quarters to feature double-digit scoring by their opponents. The team, currently ranked 23rd among Class 4A teams, will face the winner of the Carter-Godley game in the next round.
Additionally, the District 6-6A champion, Allen, secured a spot in the area round with a win over Denton Braswell. Jonathan Bradley led Allen with a remarkable 36 points, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess as they prepare for a matchup against the winner of the South Grand Prairie versus Richardson game.
The playoffs continue to demonstrate the high level of competition among high school basketball teams, with several promising teams making strides toward potential state championships. As this season unfolds, the excitement and intensity of the matches are sure to captivate fans and players alike.
