THE STATUS: VYPE DFW Preseason Basketball Rankings; Allen, Boswell start off on top

The game has changed as we enter the new season.

Similar to how the football postseason is played, the UIL has split the upcoming basketball playoff format into two divisions -- meaning there will be more state champs, and one less game needed to acquire the title.

Out of Dallas, there are a numbers of programs, on both the boys' and girls' side, that could potentially make their way to the Alamodome.

For the boys, expect Allen to continue trending upwards as they bring back the vast majority of their starting roster this winter. Meanwhile, Plano East will look to retain their UIL-6A crown with State MVP DJ Hall back in the fold.

However, Duncanville, North Crowley, and 2024 5A Champs Lancaster should be among the numerous squads to give them a run for their money.

On the girls' side, Duncanville is coming off their 12th state title acquisition and look poised to make it 13. But, Regional Finalist Boswell could easily shake things up in the coming months, with plenty of talent to do so.

Don't sleep on Argyle, DeSoto, or Braswell, either.

With tournament-season tipping off, let's review the most elite teams out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area who we expect to stand out, entering the new year.

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VYPE DFW BOYS TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)

*Last section indicates 2024 result

1. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 32-6; 13-1 in District (Regional Quarterfinalists)

2. Plano East Panthers (6A) -- 40-0; 14-0 (UIL-6A State Champions)

3. Duncanville Panthers (6A) -- 19-10; 12-2 (Area Finalists)

4. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 32-4; 14-0 (Regional Quarterfinalists)

5. Lancaster Tigers (6A) -- 30-5; 12-0 (UIL-5A State Champions)

6. Lake Ridge Eagles (6A) -- 32-7; 11-3 (State Semifinalists)

7. The Colony Cougars (5A) -- 31-6; 12-2 (Regional Finalists)

8. Keller Indians (6A) -- 30-6; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)

9. Lewisville Farmers (6A) -- 31-5; 10-4 (Regional Semifinalists)

10. Rockwall Yellowjackets (6A)-- 21-15; 7-5 (Regional Finalists)

Honorable Mentions: DeSoto, Highland Park, Denton Guyer, Timberview, White, South Grand Prairie

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VYPE DFW GIRLS TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)

1. Boswell Pioneers (6A) -- 35-6; 11-3 (Regional Finalists)

2. Duncanville Panthers (6A) -- 35-4; 13-1 (UIL-6A State Champions)

3. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 34-5; 12-2 (Regional Finalists)

4. DeSoto Eagles (6A) -- 27-6; 13-1 (Regional Finalists)

5. Braswell Bengals (6A) -- 29-6; 11-3 (Area Finalists)

6. Lincoln Tigers (4A) -- 30-4; 10-0 (State Semifinalists)

7. Lancaster Tigers (6A) -- 20-15; 9-3 (Area Finalists)

8. South Grand Prairie Warriors (6A) -- 33-4; 15-0 (State Finalists)

9. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 10-20

10. Denton Ryan Raiders (5A) -- 30-8; 13-1 (Regional Quarterfinalists)

Honorable Mentions: Lovejoy, Timberview, North Crowley, Southlake Carroll, Plano East, Red Oak, Aledo