GAMES
RANKINGS
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
STATE SEMIFINALS: Lancaster sets out to face Amarillo
On a 22-game win streak, the Lancaster Tigers are ready to face off against Amarillo in the UIL Class 5A State Semifinal matchup on Thursday, March 7. As the team prepares for their 8th appearance at the state tournament, VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and how they got here.
Starting the season with a roller coaster non-district schedule, athletes like Deontrell Barrett, Kardae Turner, Dillon Battie, Mario Perry, Damontrey Atkins, Clyde'Darrious Hall, and others helped lead the Tigers to big non-district victories over DeSoto (46-36), Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins (72-37), Mansfield Legacy (63-50), Waxahachie (77-57), and more before entering their district schedule.
Through district play, the team posted a 12-0 undefeated record. Posting victories over Crandall (65-56), Red Oak (54-37), Ennis (110-45), Forney (109-51), Terrell (118-32), and more in dominating fashion to secure a great playoff spot. Showcasing their talent on the court throughout the regular season, fans knew that the Tigers were sharpening their tools for their playoff opponents.
Throughout playoffs so far, the team has ended the seasons of Lucas Lovejoy (45-30), Mt. Pleasant (53-38), Frisco Lone Star (74-50), and most recently The Colony (42-39) to secure their ticket to the state tournament.
As the team looks to take on Amarillo (34-4), fans can expect to see high energy on the court. Typically setting the tone in their games, the Tigers can be expected to fight hard and put forth an effort that finds them in the state title game.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 7.