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THE TIER LIST: VYPE DFW Preseason Baseball Rankings; Grapevine, FMHS among early favorites
Despite what the weather might suggest, the spring edition of the UIL calendar has officially arrived, marking the midpoint of February.
With fans heading back to the ballpark, a new season of intrigue begins, and the race to Dell Diamond is underway.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our early predictions favor the Grapevine Mustangs. Coming off a historic season in which they secured their second UIL-5A State Championship (the first since 2016), Grapevine enters 2025 with high expectations.
Just behind them are the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards, who made program history last spring by reaching the 5A Final for the first time in their 18-year existence. With a roster loaded with returning talent, Lovejoy is poised to make another deep postseason run.
Flower Mound, aiming for a third consecutive State Tournament appearance, is another contender to watch. Meanwhile, Rockwall-Heath (2021 State Champions) and Southlake Carroll (2022) are eager to reclaim their respective titles.
In addition, programs like Argyle, Boswell, and Rockwall round out the list of preseason heavyweights.
As we look ahead to another thrilling season on the diamond, here are VYPE’s top teams to watch as the 2025 season begins.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH BASEBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Grapevine Mustangs (6-5A) -- 40-5; 13-1 in District (UIL-5A State Champions)
2. Lucas Lovejoy Leopards (9-5A) -- 30-8-2; 12-0 (UIL-5A State Runner-Up)
3. Flower Mound Jaguars (5-6A) -- 40-6; 14-0 (State Semifinalists)
4. Rockwall-Heath Hawks (10-6A) -- 34-9; 12-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
5. Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A) -- 26-13; 8-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
6. Argyle Eagles (6-5A) -- 29-9; 11-3 (Regional Finalists)
7. Boswell Pioneers (3-6A) -- 32-8; 14-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
8. Rockwall Yellowjackets (10-6A) -- 27-12-2; 7-5 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Pearce Mustangs (7-6A) -- 30-19; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
10. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 31-13-1; 9-3 (Regional Finalists)
Honorable Mentions: Prosper (6-6A), Frisco (11-5A), Keller (4-6A), Lone Star (12-5A), Mansfield Legacy (3-6A), Benbrook (8-4A), Aledo (5-5A), Allen (6-6A), Walnut Grove (9-5A)
STATE SEMIFINALS: Flower Mound Jaguars hunt for a repeat
With only four losses this season, the reigning state champions are making their way back to the state tournament where they look to repeat this season. Flower Mound has put in the work and they're reaping the rewards as they prepare to take on Pearland in the UIL Class 6A Baseball State Semifinals. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and what fans can expect moving forward:
So Far
The likes of Garrett Wallace, Adrian Rodriguez, Wes Brown, Cody Brady, Adam Hawrylak, Sam Distel, Josh Glaser, Zane Becker, and other talented athletes began Flower Mound's hunt for a repeat early in non-district play as the team secured victories over tough opponents including Barbe, Opelousas Catholic, Gulfport, Arlington, Keller, Wylie, Aledo, Frisco Lone Star, and more. As they sharpened their skills and prepared for their district schedule, it was clear that there was going to be nothing that could possibly stand in the way of their goals this season.
In district play, the team went undefeated with a 14-0 record and a top-of-the-standings finish in their district. Victories over Flower Mound Marcus, Plano, Plano West, Lewisville, Coppell, and more powered their motivation and fire when inching toward postseason play. With determination, the team waltzed into the playoffs and took down Little Elm (7-1, 6-4), Dallas Jesuit (3-1, 10-0), Prosper (1-0, 5-3), Keller (1-6, 2-1, 10-4), and, most recently, Richardson's JJ Pearce (5-4, 0-3, 6-2) in order to punch their ticket back to the state tournament and continue their mission.
What to Expect
The team is searching for their third title in their fifth appearance at the state tournament. With titles in 2014 and 2023, the Jaguars are already used to this level of play and can be expected to play at their very best from the moment they step foot onto the diamond until the final moments of the last inning. Looking to take down Pearland, the team can be expected to bring the heat at the plate, but also remain focused and cohesive as a defensive unit. Pearland boasts a 36-8 record and can be expected to be one of the biggest challenges Flower Mound has seen so far this season. Remaining determined should help power the team to the state finals in Round Rock, Texas!