FORT WORTH — Separated by just under five miles, rivals North Crowley and Crowley also didn’t have much distance between them on the basketball court before their Tuesday night rivalry game.
Crowley, which finished 11-19 last year, has turned things around this season and entered its final game before the playoffs ranked eighth in the state, one spot behind perennial power North Crowley.
When the programs last met in January, North Crowley (29-5,10-2 District 3-6A) snuck away with a 5-point win. But on Tuesday, North Crowley widened the gap with a 76-58 victory in front of a large crowd at North Crowley High School.
North Crowley, up 33-26 at halftime, outscored Crowley 20-9 in the third quarter and ran away with the game. Sophomore standout Isaak Hayes starred with 33 points, scoring 16 in the second half. Junior Treaton Hall finished with 17.
Both programs will begin playoff runs next week, but the rivals won’t share the same bracket. It’s the first season of the UIL’s new split-division postseason format that will crown two state champions in each classification. North Crowley will compete in 6A Division I and Crowley (21-12, 8-4 District 3-6A) will go Division II.
Rivalry! See photos from North Crowley’s win over Crowley in front of packed crowd
Landon Harlin, Grapevine Faith: He recorded 35 points, five assists and three steals in a 93-75 win over Dallas Thunder. The senior was 7-of-8 from three.
Caleb Steger, Jesuit: In a 67-36 win over Richardson Pearce, Boston College signee Steger recorded a double-double with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds. The senior also had six assists and three steals.
Antoine Shannon and Deandre Thomas, Allen: The pair scored 13 points each in a 97-56 win over Plano for the area’s top-ranked Class 6A team.
DJ Hall, Plano East: The three-star Texas State signee led Plano East with 27 points in a 75-47 win over crosstown rival Plano West.
Noah Mallory, Wylie: He exploded for 30 points, leading Wylie to a 73-67 win over Sachse.
Xavier Rainwater, Frisco Panther Creek: Rainwater scored a team-high 23 points in a 59-40 win over Lake Dallas.
Nationally-ranked Allen’s record entering the playoffs. Allen, which will compete in the 6A Division I bracket, went 16-0 in District 6-6A. Its only loss of the season came in overtime to state No. 1 San Antonio Brennan.
Frisco Panther Creek’s district record. Panther Creek is the 13th ranked Class 4A team in the state.
On Twitter/X: @t_myah
Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
