Kimball Dominates Fort Bend Crawford, Secures Ninth State Title

In a commanding performance, Kimball High School defeated Fort Bend Crawford 49-33 in the Class 4A Division I boys basketball state championship held in San Antonio on March 13, 2026. This victory marks Kimball’s third state title since 2023 and the ninth in the program’s history, bringing them within one title of the UIL state record.

Strong Performance and Strategic Play

During the championship game, Kimball quickly overcame a slow start, trailing 3-0 in the opening minutes. The team responded with a remarkable 10-0 run, taking control and leading 32-18 at halftime. David Coe, a standout guard for Kimball, showcased his skills by driving through Crawford’s defense, contributing significantly to the team’s momentum.

In the second half, Fort Bend Crawford began with a 4-0 run, but Kimball maintained its composure. A layup by Rylan Austin quelled Crawford’s resurgence, helping Kimball extend its lead to 17 points entering the fourth quarter. The final period saw Kimball outscore Crawford 17-14, solidifying their championship win.

The victory is particularly notable for head coach Nicke Smith, who secured his third state championship with Kimball. Under his leadership, the team bounced back after losing key players, including several Division I talents, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the season.

Path to the Championship

Entering the playoffs as the third-ranked team in Texas’s 4A division, Kimball finished the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record in District 11-4A. Although they did not clinch the district title—falling short twice to their rival Carter by narrow margins—they remained focused during the playoffs. Kimball outperformed its previous five postseason opponents by an average of 26.6 points, showcasing their dominance leading up to the championship game.

As Kimball celebrates this latest achievement, attention now turns to another Dallas Independent School District (DISD) team, Carter, which has the opportunity to complete a DISD sweep by winning the 4A Division II state title against La Marque later this evening.

With this victory, Kimball continues to establish itself as a powerhouse in Texas high school basketball, leaving fans and players excited about what the future holds for this storied program.