Play Ball!
The DFW Metroplex is full of baseball/softball talent. Baseball and softball stars across DFW got to experience the bright lights at the recent VYPE DFW Baseball/Softball Photoshoot presented by Whataburger.
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This year’s championship matchup is historic, with both Denton Ryan and San Antonio Wagner making their first-ever appearances in the title game.
For Denton Ryan, the breakthrough came earlier this week when the Raiders dominated Red Oak 50-31 in their State Tournament debut.
Led by head coach Monesha Allen, Ryan boasts an impressive 31-7 record, built on an explosive offense that averages over 60 points per game and a suffocating defense holding opponents under 37 points per contest.
While Ryan’s depth has been key all season, the trio of juniors—Kaylin Jackson (F), Zaviyana Madison (PG), and Kinley Lewis (F)—has been exceptional. The three combined for 41 of the team’s 50 points in the semifinal win, proving their ability to step up under pressure.
The Raiders have been underestimated all season, and a championship victory would be the ultimate statement to silence the doubters.
On the other side, Wagner is no stranger to deep playoff runs. The Thunderbirds have now reached the State Tournament six times since the school opened in 2005. However, in their previous five appearances, they fell short in the semifinals—until this year.
Wagner finally broke through with a hard-fought 67-63 overtime victory against Georgetown on Tuesday, earning a long-awaited shot at the title.
Ranked No. 5 in Texas by MaxPreps, coach Annissa Jackson’s squad enters the final riding a 25-game win streak, boasting a near-flawless 34-3 record.
Leading the charge for Wagner is Utah commit Leonna “LA” Sneed (Sr. PG), a dominant two-way player averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals per game.
She’s supported by a deep and talented cast, including sophomores Nia McBride (13 ppg, 3 apg, 2 spg) and A’Rielle Williams (8 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg), along with senior Jenae Moore (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and freshman Khiarra Fernandez (5 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg).
With Denton Ryan (31-7) and SA Wagner (34-3) set to clash, two programs look to cement their legacies on the season’s biggest stage. The UIL 5A-D1 State Championship tips off at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the Alamodome—with history on the line.
While they’re ranked No. 26 overall in the state by MaxPreps, the Tigers are no strangers to high-stakes competition, with four State appearances in the past decade—placing them 17th overall in state history.
Coached by Ashley Greer, Lincoln boasts a well-rounded lineup led by junior Ar'Jayla Elder, who averages 14 points per game. Elder is supported by a talented group of underclassmen, including freshman Lanae Dallas (12 ppg), Jada Patterson (9 ppg), and senior Grace Spencer (9 ppg). This depth ensures that Lincoln can strike in multiple ways, keeping opponents on their toes.
On the other side, Glen Rose, also with a 36-2 record, makes its fifth appearance in the Final Four under head coach Ramsey Ghazal.
Senior Alexis Rynders, a Tarleton commit, headlines the GRHS Tigers. An All-State selection for the past three seasons, Rynders leads by example, both with her leadership and on-court play. She is joined by fellow seniors Lily Melton and BrookLynn Peterson, who have been instrumental in Glen Rose’s journey to this point.
In this battle of 4A heavyweights, only one team will advance to the UIL State Final. With talent, experience, and history on both sides, fans can expect a memorable clash when these two Tigers square off.
Lancaster (27-5) has set a new precedent by reaching the State level for the first time in program history, most recently defeating Houston powerhouse Cypress Springs (59-55) this past Saturday. The Tigers will look to keep their hot streak alive as they face off against fellow DFW heavyweight Boswell.
Coach LaJeanna Howard’s squad’s greatest strength is their depth, with a well-rounded roster that spreads the wealth on both ends of the court.
Juniors MaKenzie White (13 ppg, 4 apg, 3 spg) and Monique Phoenix (12 ppg, 3 apg, 4 spg), along with sophomore KaMoriya Davis (11 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg), form a nearly unstoppable 'big-three' for Lancaster.
But senior Savanna Barnes (11 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 spg) has also been crucial, providing veteran leadership on a team that is on the brink of making history.
On the other side, Boswell (37-2) has lived up to its reputation as the best team in Texas (according to MaxPreps), with a dominant 42-30 win over Frenship in the Regional Final. Entering the State Semifinals, the Pioneers are considered the favorites to win it all.
A key contributor for Boswell is senior Camille Williams, a Miami-commit who’s averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Fellow senior Haleigh Jackson (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg) offers additional experience, while sophomores Sydney Durrah (13 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 spg) and Seleste Massey (12 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 spg) round out a well-balanced and talented roster.
The state’s No. 4 and No. 1-ranked teams will meet on Tuesday night (7:00 PM) at The Colony HS for a spot in the Alamodome. This is a matchup you won’t want to miss.
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