Azle High School Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: Laying the Foundation for a Bright Future
The 2025 winter basketball season was one of growth, grit, and groundwork for the Azle High School Varsity Boys Basketball team. Under the leadership of Head Coach James Crafton, the Hornets navigated a challenging but rewarding season, one that emphasized player development, team chemistry, and preparation for a future filled with promise.
Though the season came with its fair share of growing pains, it also delivered key individual performances, signs of maturity, and a hungry core of returning athletes who are already putting in the work for what lies ahead. With nine players expected to return, Azle's program is setting its sights on transformation—and eventual triumph.
Young Stars Rise to the Challenge
Every season begins with questions: Who will lead? Who will step up? Who will define the team’s identity?
At Azle, two standout players took center stage this season: Jayden Taylor and Cason Cook.
Jayden Taylor, a junior, emerged as a powerhouse for the Hornets. Known for his physicality and determination, Taylor led the team in both points and rebounds in multiple games. One of the defining highlights of his season—and a major team milestone—was his career-high 17 rebounds in a single game, a figure that set a new benchmark for the program.
“Jayden really carried us in a lot of ways,” said Coach Crafton. “His energy on the glass and ability to finish around the rim gave us a constant presence inside.”
Meanwhile, sophomore Cason Cook made his mark as Azle’s most lethal shooter. In district play, Cook shot an impressive 40% from beyond the arc, taking over 100 attempts. His fearlessness and consistency added a much-needed dimension to Azle’s offense and earned him the reputation of being a go-to shooter when the Hornets needed a spark.
“Cason’s confidence was contagious,” Crafton noted. “He opened up the floor for us and showed flashes of being an elite perimeter threat.”
A Season of Growth Through Experience
One of the biggest challenges heading into the 2025 season was the team's lack of varsity experience. For many players, this was their first real taste of high-level competition. That inexperience often translated to tough moments on the court, but it also led to significant development.
While Coach Crafton didn’t identify a single defining game or turning point, the season as a whole became a long-form lesson in resilience and self-belief. The players were thrown into the fire and asked to adapt on the fly—something they embraced with maturity well beyond their years.
“The guys showed tremendous growth,” Crafton said. “They learned how to compete, how to adjust, and how to trust each other. That kind of learning curve is invaluable.”
Eyes on the Future: A Core Ready to Compete
If there’s one word that encapsulates the future of Azle boys basketball, it’s potential.
The Hornets will return nine players next season, many of whom gained critical experience throughout the 2025 campaign. Even more encouraging is their offseason commitment—from hitting the weight room to playing AAU basketball and spending extra hours in the gym, these young athletes are not wasting any time preparing for what’s next.
“Their commitment has been amazing,” said Coach Crafton. “We’ve seen the mindset shift. These guys know what it takes now, and they’re putting in the work. If they continue to grow as a team and build strong chemistry, the sky truly is the limit.”
A Senior Class That Set the Tone
While the team leaned heavily on underclassmen, the senior class still played an essential role in shaping the team's identity. Britt Haas was the only senior this year. Bryce Robinson will be a senior. He has the athleticism and length to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor, and his ability to mature in big moments will be key
Though the roster lacked extensive veteran experience, the seniors led with energy and effort, helping to guide the younger players through the ups and downs of a rebuilding season.
“Our seniors brought accountability,” Crafton shared. “They helped create a competitive culture that will benefit our program long after they’re gone.”
Offseason Goals: Toughness, Execution, and Purpose
As the Hornets transition into the offseason, Coach Crafton has a clear vision for what must come next.
On the offensive end, the focus is on execution—making every possession count, improving shot selection, and increasing efficiency.
On defense, it’s about toughness—both physical and mental. Crafton wants his team to become relentless defenders who thrive under pressure and wear opponents down over four quarters.
But beyond tactics and drills, Crafton is instilling a deeper message in his team: play for something bigger.
“We’re building a program, not just a team,” he emphasized. “I want our players to understand that this is about more than basketball. It’s about legacy, unity, and representing Azle with pride.”
Culture Over Everything
What stood out this season wasn't just the statistics or even the final scores—it was the culture being cultivated within the program.
Coach Crafton is laying the groundwork for a sustainable, competitive future. One built not just on talent, but on values: hard work, selflessness, and continuous improvement.
That culture was visible in how the team handled adversity. Despite being inexperienced, despite taking their lumps, the Hornets kept showing up, kept working, and kept believing in their potential.
Final Thoughts: The Climb Has Just Begun
The 2025 season may not have ended with a championship, but it laid the foundation for what could become a transformative era for Azle High School boys basketball.
With Jayden Taylor’s inside presence, Cason Cook’s sharpshooting, and a deep returning roster full of hungry, gym-dedicated players, the Hornets are positioned to take a major step forward in 2026.
They’ve learned their lessons. They’ve tasted competition. And now they’re building the habits, chemistry, and mentality needed to turn promise into results.
As Coach Crafton puts it: “We’re not done—we’re just getting started.”
For fans and supporters of Azle basketball, it’s time to buckle in. The Hornets are on the rise.
You can follow the Hornets' stats and progress through MaxPreps, where the journey of this resilient and determined group continues.
Share With