GAMES
RANKINGS
FW Boswell Pioneers (2025 6A-D2 State Champs)
THE STATUS: VYPE DFW Preseason GBB Rankings; Multiple State Champs prepare to defend titles
Few regions in Texas — or the country, for that matter — match the consistency and competitive depth of girls basketball in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Year after year, it not only produces elite individual talent but programs that redefine supremacy.
Last winter, DFW teams nearly swept the upper tiers of the UIL State Championships — with Boswell (6A-DII), Denton Ryan (5A-DI), and Lincoln (4A-DII) each hoisting titles. All three headline this year’s preseason rankings, armed with veteran cores and championship experience that make repeat runs far from out of reach.
Behind them, Lancaster, North Crowley, and Duncanville stand poised to contend in the always-brutal 6A field, while Plano East looks to build on its Semifinal breakthrough.
In 5A, Argyle and Frisco Memorial return well-balanced rosters capable of making another deep postseason surge, while Braswell — fresh off a 34-3 season — remains firmly in the mix among 6A’s best.
Across classifications, one theme continues to define the region: depth. The balance of powerhouse programs and rising challengers ensures that every district race will carry playoff-level stakes from the outset.
At this point, it isn’t just about winning — it’s about maintaining the standard of excellence that now feels ingrained in the region’s DNA.
...

...
*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Girls Basketball Rankings -- 2025-26 PRESEASON
1. Boswell Pioneers (6A) -- 39-2 (12-0 in District 3-6A) // UIL 6A-D2 State Champions*
2. Denton Ryan Raiders (5A) -- 32-7 (11-1 in 6-5A) // UIL 5A-D1 State Champions*
3. Lancaster Tigers (6A) -- 27-6 (12-2 in 11-6A) // UIL 6A-D2 State Semifinalists
4. Lincoln Tigers (4A) -- 39-2 (14-0 in 11-4A) // UIL 4A-D2 State Champions*
5. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 27-9 (9-3 in 3-6A) // 6A-D1 Region 1 Finalists
6. Plano East Panthers (6A) -- 24-14 (10-6 in 6-6A) // UIL 6A-D1 State Semifinalists
7. Duncanville Pantherettes (6A) -- 29-7 (13-1 in 11-6A) // 6A-D1 Region 2 Finalists
8. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 32-6 (11-1 in 6-5A) // 5A-D2 Region 1 Finalists
9. Frisco Memorial Warriors (5A) -- 33-8 (14-0 in 11-5A) // UIL 5A-D2 State Semifinalists
10. Braswell Bengals (6A) -- 34-3 (13-1 in 5-6A) // 6A-D2 Regional Semifinalists
Others to Watch: Red Oak Hawks (15-5A), Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A), South Grand Prairie Warriors (8-6A), Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A), Mansfield Summit Jaguars (8-5A), Cedar Hill Longhorns (11-6A), Flower Mound Jaguars (5-6A)

Maricha Tisdell (Jr. F) of Alief Hastings GBB
IN SYNC: Tisdell finds her identity through the Lady Bears' evolution
Given the caliber of frontcourt talent that's come through Hastings in recent years -- particularly Melinda Winston (Texas State) and Amyah Weathersby (Blinn College) -- there are undoubtedly some big shoes to fill.
However, head coach Corey Brotherton expressed his confidence in the balance of this year’s squad, as the team alters its play-style to one geared more toward physicality and relentlessness – with forward Maricha Tisdell being among those at the center.
Coming off a 21-12 finish and another trip to the postseason, Hastings has proven they can find numerous ways to sustain success.
As a sophomore, Tisdell was the team’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, ultimately compiling 133 points, 175 rebounds, 46 steals, and 18 blocks for the Lady Bears. That all-around performance now sets the stage for what could be a true breakout campaign.

Her journey, though, hasn’t been without challenges.
“Throughout my career, I’ve experienced several injuries,” Tisdell said. “When that happens, it takes a toll on your mental health — all that time spent sitting out can make you feel helpless.
“During those stretches, you have to find yourself and recognize your worth off the court, too. I think the diversity of this team and coaching staff has really helped me build the confidence to do that.”
That foundation of trust has played a crucial role in shaping how the team operates.
“There’s a lot of communication that goes into figuring out what works,” she said. “We also miscommunicate on the way to getting there. So, it’s about finding that understanding – what each of our strengths are, and what we need to work on– to be on the same page as a whole.”

Still, it’s not all work and grind for the Lady Bears.
“During our first away tournament together, we stayed in a hotel, which was another first for us,” Tisdell said. “It was so fun — from the bus ride, to competing, and staying up late. That’s where we really got to connect, which is what being on a team is all about. That way, we can do the same when we’re on the court.”
With the 2025-26 campaign quickly approaching, the Lady Bears’ identity continues to evolve — and with Tisdell’s mix of resilience and leadership, they appear well-equipped to make it count.


























