Brennan Faces North Crowley in UIL Boys Basketball State Championship

Brennan makes its first state finals appearance after two previous semifinal losses

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:04pm

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The Brennan High School boys basketball team is set to face North Crowley in the UIL Class 6A Division I state championship game on Saturday at the Alamodome. Brennan, led by a balanced attack from seniors Isaiah Ward, Donovan Criss, and Talon Todd, is making its first state finals appearance after falling short in the semifinals in 2023 and 2025. The Bears have not lost a district game since 2023 and bring a 21-game win streak into the title game.

Why it matters

Brennan has established itself as one of the top 6A boys basketball programs in the San Antonio area in recent years, but the Bears have experienced heartbreak in the state semifinals in the past. This year's state finals appearance is significant for the team and the city, as Brennan is the first 6A boys basketball team from San Antonio to make the state championship game since 2017.

The details

In Tuesday's state semifinal game, Brennan defeated Humble Atascocita 63-61 in a back-and-forth contest. Senior guard Talon Todd led the Bears with 22 points, including 6-of-10 shooting from 3-point range, while senior center Delano Tarpley recorded a double-double with 10 defensive rebounds and 12 total boards. With under 20 seconds to play and Atascocita trailing by just two points, senior guard Donovan Criss sealed the win for Brennan with a crucial block.

  • Brennan has not lost a district game since February 2, 2023.
  • Brennan is currently on a 21-game win streak heading into the state championship game.
  • Brennan fell to Beaumont United 70-68 on a missed buzzer-beater in the 2023 state semifinals.
  • Brennan lost to Bellaire 65-57 in last year's state semifinals.

The players

Isaiah Ward

A senior forward for Brennan High School who had a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds in the 2023 state semifinal loss.

Donovan Criss

A senior guard for Brennan High School and a UTEP signee who sealed the team's state semifinal win with a crucial block.

Talon Todd

A senior guard for Brennan High School who led the team in scoring with 22 points in the state semifinal game.

Delano Tarpley

A senior center for Brennan High School who recorded a double-double with 10 defensive rebounds and 12 total boards in the state semifinal.

Koty Cowgill

The head coach of the Brennan High School boys basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“It's about time, right?”

— Isaiah Ward, Senior forward (expressnews.com)

“I know it's not over. I know we've still got one more, but it feels good because we've never been here before.”

— Donovan Criss, Senior guard and UTEP signee (expressnews.com)

“Those experiences shouldn't give you doubt. They should give you confidence. You've been in these situations. You learn something every time. You've taken away little bits from every loss that we've had.”

— Koty Cowgill, Head coach (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.