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BIRDS OF PREY: Argyle pursuing first 5A State Title, seventh overall
The Argyle girls basketball program stands as one of the most consistent and successful teams in the history of the UIL.
Since the school’s founding in 1999, the Eagles have become a model of excellence, reaching the State Tournament 10 times and claiming six state championships—2006 in 2A, and a dominant stretch from 2015 to 2019 in 4A.
Their impressive legacy speaks to the strong culture and tradition that has been built over the years, with the team’s reputation growing as they ascend through classifications.
Argyle's move to Class 5A in the 2022-23 season brought with it tougher competition, but the Eagles didn’t miss a beat.
In their first year in 5A, they finished with an impressive 31-4 record, advancing to the Area Finals. In the following season, they maintained that high level of play, going 34-5 and making it to the Regional Semifinals.
The 2024-25 campaign has been no different, with the seventh-year head coach Chance Westmoreland and co. currently holding a record of 27-4, securing them a spot in the DFW Top-10.
Argyle’s path to success this season has been paved by several key victories, including dominant wins over tough opponents such as Flour Bluff (59-26), Westlake (42-30), and 4A powerhouse Glen Rose (49-42).
However, perhaps the most pivotal victory came earlier this month against Denton Ryan (55-39), which solidified Argyle’s position at the top of District 6-5A with an undefeated 8-0 record.
This year’s team features a talented roster, with several standout players making significant contributions.
Sophomore Wrigley Green, a versatile combo guard, has quickly emerged as a leader on the court. After earning a second-team, all-district nod last season, Green’s ability to impact both ends of the floor has been invaluable to Argyle’s success.
She is joined by senior guard/forward Kennedy Hafer, a Lehigh commit, and junior forward Brooklynn Northeim, both of whom consistently produce on offense and defense.
Veteran players like senior Zoe Jackson, junior McKenzie Napier, as well as sophomores Kensley Vest and Landry Murphy round out the talented squad, all of whom are poised for a deep playoff run.
Argyle’s recent success includes a trip to the State Tournament in 2022, where they were still in 4A.
With only a few district games left to play, the Eagles are well on their way to adding another remarkable chapter to their already impeccable history, with high hopes for a strong postseason run.
Argyle Aces Fredericksburg Test; Looks To Win 7th State Championship On Saturday
Next to dynasty's definition in the dictionary is a photo of the Argyle girls basketball program. That's because the Lady Eagles entered Friday's UIL 4A state semifinal against Fredericksburg as the five-time defending state champion. The Battlin' Billies gave them a great fight early, but a late second quarter push allowed Argyle to flip a four-point deficit to a three-point lead going into halftime and set the tone for the rest of their 49-38 victory.
"Today was a really good and tough game for us, but we were prepared," said VYPE Player of the Game Rhyle McKinney. "We didn't give up on it. And it just showed tonight that we can really get big stops on defense and that's just what we're going to have to do tomorrow."
McKinney, who led all players with 20 points and three blocks, helped her team warm up with six-point performances in the second and third quarters.
One hurdle that Argyle faced in the opening half was Fredericksburg's balanced attack that included five different scorers. Freshman Ella Hartmann was among them, scoring eight of her team-high 18 points before halftime. But, six-point first half performances by Brooklyn Carl and Shelby Henches helped the Lady Eagles fly past the competition. They finished with nine and eight points respectively.
Once Argyle had the lead, it didn't give it back. Along with its shooters heating up, its defense assisted in outscoring Fredericksburg 25-17 in the second half.
"We talked about it at halftime," said Argyle coach Chance Westmoreland. "The third quarter, we really needed to lock in on defense [and] make it hard for 'em. I thought the girls did a great job of that."
Argyle will celebrate their annual semifinal victory during Friday's dinner at Fuddruckers, but its players and coaches will start planning for Saturday's UIL 4A state championship and final season opponent Fairfield once they walk through the restaurant's doors.
"Every game's a new game," said McKinney. "Our coaching staff, we trust them 100 percent. They prepare us completely."
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