GAMES
RANKINGS
Barbers Hill SB poses after defeating Smithson Valley 4-0 in the 5A-D1 State Semis
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Barbers Hill v. Melissa (5A-D1)
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Barbers Hill SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles (35-3)
Head Coach: Aaron Fuller
Barbers Hill punched its ticket to the title game with a 4-0 win over Smithson Valley in last week’s semifinal.
Though the final score suggests a close contest, the Eagles dominated every phase—most notably from the circle. Senior right-hander and Kentucky-signee Hailey Nutter was simply untouchable, tossing a no-hitter and racking up 18 strikeouts in a performance that left little doubt.
Offensively, the Eagles have leaned on a young but potent lineup.
Junior outfielder AshLynn Cooper, sophomores Aybrie Corona (2B), JosLynn Cooper (3B), Savannah Barrientos (OF), and catcher Zoey Hood have all made significant contributions.
Hood, in particular, has emerged as a steady presence behind the plate in place of senior Peyton Helmly (Sam Houston State-signee), who’s been sidelined for most of the season due to a hamstring injury.
This marks the fifth UIL State Tournament appearance in program history for Barbers Hill—and just their second trip to the final. Their last appearance came in 2021, when they defeated Aledo 4-1 to win the title.
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The Melissa Softball program moments after winning the 2024 UIL-5A State Championship (6/1/2024)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Melissa Cardinals (37-1)
Head Coach: Cassie Crabtree
The defending champions return to Austin with momentum and swagger after dismantling Aledo 15-4 in the semifinal. Melissa captured the 5A crown in dominant fashion last year, shutting out Harlingen South 8-0 on this very field.
The Cardinals boast a star-studded roster, highlighted by sophomore catcher Hutton “Lulu” Adrian, outfielder Finlee Williams, and senior shortstop Caigan Crabtree—a Texas-signee and the reigning 5A State MVP. Junior third baseman Kennedy Bradley, a Florida-commit, leads the team with 24 home runs.
In the circle, sophomore ace Eloisa Maes has been lights out, compiling a flawless 30-0 record with over 200 strikeouts this spring. Senior pitcher/first baseman Makenna Ramsey and outfielder Paisley Needham (Grayson College-signee) round out a deep and exceedingly dangerous squad.
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Both programs are chasing their second state championship in what promises to be one of the most compelling finals in recent memory. Will Barbers Hill dethrone the champs? Or will Melissa reinforce their status as the powerhouse of 5A softball?
Either way, expect fireworks in Austin.
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THE TIER LIST: Final VYPE DFW Softball Rankings ahead of 2025 postseason
Leading the pack are the undefeated Melissa Cardinals, entering the playoffs with a flawless 27-0 record. Under head coach Cassie Crabtree, the defending state champions are aiming to make it back-to-back titles this May.
Denton Guyer (20-3) is no stranger to postseason success, having reached the State Tournament in each of the last two seasons. Forney (25-1-1) is also building momentum, hoping to return to the big stage for the first time since 2019—when the program still competed in Class 5A.
Also among the top contenders are Aledo and Birdville, both making strong cases in 5A, while 4A powerhouse Brock remains unbeaten at 25-0-2.
In Class 6A, Keller, Flower Mound, Hebron, and Mansfield Legacy all deserve attention, as each program has shown flashes of postseason potential.
With talent spread across every classification, the DFW area is primed for a thrilling playoff run. The next few weeks should go a long way in determining which teams truly stand among the state’s elite.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates current overall record; district record
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Melissa Cardinals (13-5A) -- 27-0; 13-0 in District
2. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 25-1-1; 11-1
3. Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A) -- 20-3; 11-1
4. Aledo Bearcats (5-5A) -- 24-3; 12-0
5. Birdville Hawks (6-5A) -- 24-3; 10-1
6. Keller Indians (4-6A) -- 20-6-1; 13-2
7. Flower Mound Jaguars (5-6A) -- 18-7-1; 12-2
8. Brock Eagles (6-4A) -- 25-0-2; 10-0
9. Hebron Hawks (5-6A) -- 18-6; 10-4
10. Mansfield Legacy Broncos (3-6A) -- 22-5; 12-0
Honorable Mentions: FM Marcus (5-6A), Aubrey (10-4A), Prosper (6-6A), Midlothian (14-5A), Royse City (10-6A), Krum (10-4A), Southlake Carroll (4-6A), Centennial (8-5A), Wakeland (12-5A)
