Texico Team Honors Classmate Killed in Crash with State Championship Win

The Wolverines dedicated their second consecutive title to 18-year-old Luciano Miranda, who died just days before the tournament.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:35am

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The Texico boys basketball team won the state championship, but the victory carried deep emotional weight after the tragic death of their classmate Luciano Miranda in a car crash just days before the tournament. The team decided to honor Miranda's memory throughout their championship run, playing with heightened intensity and emotion to pay tribute to their fallen friend.

Why it matters

The Texico community was devastated by the loss of Miranda, a popular student-athlete. The team's decision to dedicate their championship season to him provided a powerful way for the school and town to grieve and find strength in one another during a difficult time.

The details

Just before the state tournament, 18-year-old Luciano Miranda was killed in a car crash in Clovis, along with 17-year-old River McElroy of Farwell, Texas. Another Farwell student was hospitalized after being ejected from the vehicle. The Texico team was shaken by the tragedy, but they made a shared decision to honor Miranda's memory throughout their championship run. They played with heightened intensity and emotion, ultimately winning their second consecutive state title in dramatic fashion.

  • On March 8, just two days before the state tournament, Luciano Miranda died in the car crash.
  • Texico capped off their 30-2 season by winning the state championship on March 11.

The players

Luciano Miranda

An 18-year-old Texico High School student and classmate of the basketball team, who was killed in a car crash just days before the state tournament.

River McElroy

A 17-year-old student from Farwell High School in Texas who was also killed in the car crash with Luciano Miranda.

Craig Cook

The head coach of the Texico boys basketball team.

Mason Pipkin

A student-athlete on the Texico basketball team.

Jahiem Moses

A classmate of Luciano Miranda who was close friends with him.

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What they’re saying

“We were playing with high emotions and intensity until the final buzzer. Once it went off, it was just full joy.”

— Craig Cook, Head Coach

“We went to war every day in practice.”

— Mason Pipkin, Student-Athlete

“I immediately started crying. He was like my brother. I grew up with him real close.”

— Jahiem Moses, Classmate

What’s next

The Texico community continues to grieve the loss of Luciano Miranda and River McElroy. The school and basketball team will likely hold a memorial service or other tribute to honor their fallen classmates and teammates.

The takeaway

The Texico boys basketball team's state championship victory was a powerful display of resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. By dedicating their season to their late classmate Luciano Miranda, the Wolverines showed how sports can bring a community together and provide solace during difficult times.