Revisiting Panhandle boys basketball’s first-ever UIL State Championship

PANHANDLE, Texas (KFDA) - When visiting Panhandle High School’s gym on a random summer day, it’s likely all is quiet.

However, during the season, the Panther faithful come out in full force to support the boys basketball team, something that doesn’t go unnoticed for second-year head coach Josh Strickland.

“Our student body really shows out, they take pride in that. I felt like that’s helped us when we’re maybe not playing so well. It’s picked us up and gave us a lift of energy and allowed us to make a run to, kind of get ourselves back in the game and take control of it. But if you’ve ever played here or you’ve ever watched a game, it’s exciting to watch,” said Strickland.

This support was a catalyst for one of the greatest runs imaginable. Following a loss on New Year’s Eve Panhandle was 9-6. Once the calendar flipped, the team would never lose again, rattling off 17 straight victories en route to the program’s first-ever state championship.

“We just played so well there in San Antonio that we have to remind ourselves that it happened sometimes, but a lot of gratification there,” said Strickland.

Strickland faced his toughest challenge off the court. In 2021, he lost his youngest daughter Hunsley at the age of 6 to Fanconi Anemia, a rare blood disorder. With the anniversary of her passing taking place during basketball season, his team decided to honor her memory in their own unique way.

When he was preparing to give his pregame speech, Strickland looked around and noticed his team all had their wrists taped, an uncommon accessory for most of his players. When he began to give them the details of the game, Strickland noticed that they had written ‘H4H’ (Hope for Hunsley) on their tape.

“For those guys to be completely unselfish and to put my family and I as a priority with all the things that are going on in their lives, it filled my heart and my family’s heart. My daughter, she had her fingerprints all over this playoff run,” said Strickland.

While some players have graduated, including 2A Division 1 State MVP Caden Armes, the team still returns six seniors and is poised to make another deep run this upcoming season.

“This is the deepest basketball team that I’ve ever had as a head coach. Throughout the summer, we were able to play nine to ten kids and really had production on the floor. They’re still learning how to play with one another. But as for skill, talent and the depth, I’m really super excited about what’s going to happen here in year two,” said Strickland.