GAMES
RANKINGS
THE PERENNIAL POWER: Lincoln maintaining degree of traditional excellence in 2024
When it comes to Texas high school girls hoops, there are few teams more consistent than Lincoln.
Similar to Duncanville in UIL-6A (4 championships since 2015), the Tigers are always in the conversation within Class 4A, evidenced by their 16 state tournament appearances over the past 34 seasons -- claiming three titles over that span.
That trend continues to this day, and then some, as Coach Ashley Greer and company have enjoyed a perfect 23-0 start to the winter, while they currently compete in the Sandra Meadows Classic.
The 2023 District 13-4A MVP, Ar'Jayla Elder (Jr. G), headlines the high-octane Lincoln offense, averaging just over 14 points per game.
Naturally, this has paid dividends for a group that now seeks to dominate 11-4A, following the UIL realignment this past off-season.
Of course, she's not alone.
Fellow returning starter T'Anna Saddler contributes roughly 9 points and 3 assists per contest, while adding a significant rebounding and defensive presence with her 6-foot-1 frame.
Meanwhile, newcomer Lanae Dallas has wasted no time in establishing herself within the team's ranks, as the freshman is averaging over 11 points an outing.
If that isn't enough to hurt the opposition, sophomore Jada Patterson (8 ppg), as well as seniors Grace Spencer (9 ppg, 2 rpg) and Sy'Niyah Gulley (5 ppg, 1 rpg) are more than capable of making a difference.
Lincoln reached the State Semis a year ago, where they fell 65-60 in a double-overtime heart-breaker against eventual champion Waco La Vega.
Suffice it to say, the No. 2 team in our updated rankings would love to return the favor down the line
As is the case every season, the Tigers will have their sights set on reaching the Alamodome. If all goes according to plan, they'll secure the program's first state crown since 2008.
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....
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
...
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