ARGYLE, Texas — In fashion, argyle is a pattern known for its diamonds.
In Texas, Argyle is a town known for its diamond.
"We have a good baseball program," acknowledges Argyle head baseball coach Ricky Griffin. "There's an expectation to win."
Eight miles south of Denton, Argyle is home to approximately 4,000 people — and the top-ranked baseball team in the state.
On Tuesday, the Eagles grabbed their duffel bags and boarded the bus as they were flanked by friends and family cheering for them.
"Very excited," says Alecia Van Poppel, mother of Argyle junior Tate Van Poppel and wife of former Texas Rangers pitcher Todd Van Poppel. "All the fans come and support the teams. Everyone, really."
Once again, the boys are headed to Austin -- one of the final four teams vying for the Class 4A state title.
"I get to make sure they get there safely on the bus and wave them home as they come around third," Griffin jokes.
The team is comprised of diamonds, many of them seniors.
"Underclassmen want to win it for the seniors because we know it's their last ride," Argyle junior third baseman and Texas A&M commit Cade Merka said.
Argyle shortstop Brenden Dixon is one of those seniors.
"Winning one is hard enough," the Texas commit said.
Last year, Argyle went undefeated (37-0) en route to winning the state title and being crowned national champions.
"We had to challenge them early to have a hunger to get back," Griffin said.
This year, the Eagles are out to prove it wasn't a fluke.
Up next: Argyle faces La Vernia in the 4A state semifinals on Wednesday, June 5 (4 p.m.) from UFCU Disch–Falk Field in Austin.
"Two times in a row would be awesome," Dixon said. "If we could do it that would be icing on the cake."
Welcome to Argyle, Texas -- where success on the diamond has become a pattern.