Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage.

Team: Argyle
2017 Record: 25-3-1
Conference Finish: 1st
Conference: 9-4A
THSA Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Ricky Griffin
Playoff Run: Regional Quarterfinals
Returning Starters: 8

TOP PLAYERS

 
SEASON PREVIEW

The Argyle Eagles return a loaded lineup from a team that won 25 games last season. Coach Griffin has a junior-heavy group of position players that have seen significant varsity action the past two years, with multiple All-District winners. 2019 SS Brendan Dixon, a Texas recruit, is currently ranked No. 19 in Texas, No. 122 Overall. Dixon can play all three infield positions, hits in the middle of the order, and can start and finish the pivot quickly in the middle of the field. 2019 OF/RHP Dillon Carter, a TCU recruit (ranked No. 60 in TX), is an elite defender in the outfield and will most likely be counted on to close out games on the mound. The King twins, IF Preston and C Austin, are back this year and will add strength to to the lineup. 2019 OF Hayden Clearman is an athletic, left-handed hitter that earned All-District honors last season. Junior utility man Chad Ricker spent time behind the plate last year and has a ton of varsity games under his belt. 

With a ton of juniors that already have varsity experience, Argyle will have a seasoned, athletic lineup that should be able to score runs. Keep an eye on 2020 SS Cade Merka (ranked No. 25 in the Texas 2020 Class). Merka is an athletic infielder with a high ceiling. Sophomore C Bo Hogeboom and Alex Gonzales may see time in the lineup as well. Hogeboom, a switch hitting catcher, recently committed to Houston, and is ranked No. 26 in Texas. 

The pitching staff will be led by right-handers Hudgens and Bolin. 2018 RHP/1B Bryson Hudgens (Angelo State recruit) stands 6-foot-4 with a fastball that sits in the mid-80's. A two-way player, Hudgens earned All-State honors last year while batting .452. 2019 RHP Sean Bolin, a Baylor recruit, was All-District last year after posting a 1.19 ERA. Look for Southern Arkansas recruit, 2018 RHP Parker Abrego, to add some depth to the staff. If Argyle can get to the end of the game with a lead, look for Coach Griffin to call in Dillon Carter to close out games. 

Worth noting, Argyle has numerous players that spend the fall on the gridiron playing football. There is a toughness about this team that has them poised to have a strong 2018 season.

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