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THE TIER LIST: VYPE DFW Preseason Softball Rankings; Melissa, Guyer flexing early on
Contrary to what the current chilly temperatures might indicate, the spring edition of the UIL season is officially underway, marking the start of the race toward Red & Charline McCombs Field.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the Melissa Cardinals are the early favorites, and for good reason.
After a historic 2024 season, Melissa not only reached the State Tournament for the first time in program history, but they also secured the UIL-5A Title.
What’s even more daunting for opponents is the return of nearly the entire championship roster, including State MVP Caigan Crabtree (Texas-commit), along with All-Tournament selections Alexandra Starr (Michigan State), Kennedy Bradley (Florida), and Amariee Bradford (So. IF).
Shifting focus from the 5A favorites, Denton Guyer, fresh off their second consecutive State Final Four appearance, is aiming for a third trip out of Region I, with no intention of settling for another bronze medal.
Other 6A powerhouses, such as Keller, Forney, and Southlake Carroll, are expected to make noise this season, while Aledo, Centennial, and Walnut Grove will lead the charge in 5A.
While predicting the season's outcome is never an exact science, here are VYPE's top softball teams from DFW to watch as the 2025 campaign begins.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Melissa Cardinals (13-5A) -- 38-2-1; 11-1 in District (UIL-5A State Champions)
2. Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A) -- 37-5; 13-1 (State Semifinalists)
3. Keller Indians (4-6A) -- 29-11-2; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
4. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 38-5-3; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
5. Aledo Bearcats (5-5A) -- 35-4; 12-0 (State Semifinalists)
6. Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A) -- 34-10 (Regional Semifinalists)
7. Centennial Spartans (8-5A) -- 32-9; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
8. Walnut Grove Wildcats (13-5A) -- 38-5; 14-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Plano West Wolves (6-6A) -- 24-14-1; 8-6 (Regional Semifinalists)
10. Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A) -- 24-10; 11-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
Honorable Mentions: FM Marcus (5-6A), Timber Creek (4-6A), Sanger (9-4A), Hebron (5-6A), Aubrey (10-4A)
STATE PREVIEW: Guyer seeks revenge at State Tournament
After exiting the state tournament early last season, the Denton Guyer Lady Wildcats are out for revenge; ready to take down anyone who stands in their way of finishing the job this season. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and what fans can expect as they head into the UIL Class 6A State Tournament:
So Far:
Boasting a 37-4 overall record so far this season, the team has defeated talented opponents. Beginning their season with a 15-game win streak, the Lady Wildcats were able to set the tone for the rest of the season. Posting non-district victories over the likes of Colleyville Heritage (9-1), Flower Mound (10-1), Lake Ridge (2-0), South Grand Prairie (6-3), and more, the Lady Bearcats were poised for excellence in district play.
Once in district play, the team took on their district opponents without fear or doubt. Overpowering the likes of Prosper (8-5), McKinney Boyd (7-2), Allen (6-4), Prosper Rock Hill (10-0), Little Elm (13-2), and more as they finished at the top of their district standings with only one loss in district play and a 13-1 overall record.
Securing a playoff spot, the team never looked back as they took down Flower Mound (14-3, 7-2), Arlington Martin (5-1, 3-0), Flower Mound Marcus (7-2), Southlake Carroll in a three-game series (5-9, 3-2, 4-1), and Keller in a three-game series (11-1, 1-2, 8-0) to punch their ticket to the state tournament.
What To Expect:
Denton Guyer is set to take on Weslaco in the semifinal on Thursday, May 31st in Austin, Texas. Facing a team that boasts a 35-6 overall record is going to come with it's share of challenges, but Denton Guyer has what it takes to set the tone early and continue with a strong performance throughout the game as they set their focus on making it to the state finals.
Be sure you catch the team in action as the game begins at 4 pm on Thursday, May 31st at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas.