GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
...
*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: Lovejoy gears up for Magnolia West
With a full season under their belts, the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards' baseball team has punched their ticket to the UIL Baseball State Tournament. In the program's first-ever appearance at the state tournament, Lovejoy is looking to bring home a ring and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that goal a reality for themselves. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team's season so far:
So Far
Starting off the season with several strong non-district victories, the Lovejoy Leopards were able to set the tone of excellence for the year. Defeating tough opponents like Frisco Wakeland, Prosper Walnut Grove, McKinney Boyd, and more, the Leopards used every moment as a learning opportunity to get set for a district schedule that was sure to see not only tough opponents, but opportunities for growth.
Through district play, Lovejoy posted an undefeated 12-0 record and finished the regular season as the top of their district standings. Dylan Sears, Grant Harlan, Kyle Branch, Braden Smith, Reese Ogden, Beau Maddux, Jackson LaTorre, and other athletes played key roles in taking down the likes of Melissa, Greenville, Sherman, Denison, Princeton, Plano East, and more in a dominating fashion; securing their spot in post-season play. In the post-season, the team showed up and showed out against Red Oak, Porter, Hallsville, Frisco, and, most recently, Forney keeping their goal of making it to the state tournament in mind.
What To Expect
With a 29-7-2 overall record, a 78% winning percentage, and having outscored their opponents by over a combined 144 runs this season, the Leopards aren't slowing down as they enter the state tournament. The team is set to take on a tough Magnolia West; who boasts a 26-14-1 overall record and has utilized the art of resiliency to help guide them through the postseason.
Fans can expect Lovejoy to continue on a dominant streak as they look to come out strong early in the game in order to take control and seal the deal; punching their way into the state finals.