NSWCA Girls Rankings
What an amazing opportunity for the HS girls of
Nebraska! Who will be crowned the first ever NSAA girls wrestling state champion? Which team will
walk away with the championship trophy in February? Thank you to all those who made this season a
reality, so exciting! Second, thank you to all the coaches that took the time to send me back their
season preview of their teams. Right around half of the programs with girls wrestling this year
responded. The amount of girl wrestlers is expected to double again from last year. That is amazing
growth. It also leads to many unknowns. From first year ever teams to many newcomers to the sport,
there is sure to be some awesome stories and unexpected fireworks this year. So, the preseason
outlook will rely heavily on last year’s results and offseason wrestling opportunities.
1. West Point-Beemer (3 rd 2021 NSWCA State)
WPB was only 7.5 points away from repeating as team champions last season without one of
their expected state placers participating. I imagine that will serve as motivation this year to return to
the top of the podium. They return a trio of previous state champions; Brisa Figueroa (109-’21), Claire
Paasch (190-’21), and Saige Miserez (145-’20). Add in 2x state placer, Diana Cervantes (120), and WPB
has a lot of top end points. They will need to get significant contributions from experienced junior,
Brooklin Kuester, and some promising newcomers in their line-up if they wish to make it back to the top
of the team race again.
2. South Sioux City (1 st 2021 NSWCA State)
SSC will look to defend their crown with 5 returning state medalists; Yohaly Quinones, Melissa
Del La Torre, Selena Zamora, Jacquelyn Zamora, and Alma Valencia (’20). Returning state placers,
Gonzalez and Limon are a glaring absence in the line-up this year as of now. SSC has one of the biggest
if not the biggest team in the state this year, so they will need to find some additional girls to step up
throughout the season if they wish to repeat as team champions in Omaha. Watching their team
chemistry a year ago, I have no doubt they can get it done.
3. Schuyler (2 nd 2021 NSWCA State)
It looks like Schuyler could be without the services of 2x NSWCA state placer, Guzman (154) and
state placer Morales (240) this year. That is a big blow to their title chase this season. But, the
cupboards are far from bare in Schuyler. They still are returning 5 state medalists; Hasley Salgado (103),
Maddy Pineda (117), Carly Wemhoff (132), Alekxa Olvera (132), and Gina Alba (190). They will be able
to field a full line-up. If they can find some supporting points from the other girls, Schuyler will be in the
team hunt down the stretch in Omaha this year.
4. Amherst (4 th 2021 NSWCA State)
Last year Amherst had 5 wrestlers on the team and all 5 medaled. 4 of them return this year,
led by 2x state champion, Reagan Galloway (132). The others are fellow state champion, Taleah Thomas
(117), and state medalists, Micaela Bivainis and Taylor Roach. Amherst stands to benefit from transfer
Korah Ellis of Lexington who is also a returning state medalist. If newcomer Emma Vavra can reach the
medal stand in February, Amherst may shock the state winning the first ever girls state championship
with only 6 wrestlers.
5. Pierce (7 th 2021 NSWCA State)
The top 4 are well established but 5 through 10 will be a battle down the stretch as new teams
try and get established. However, Pierce should have an edge returning two state placers in Callie
Arnold (117) and Makinzie Parsons (190). Throw in the experience of Maggie Painter and they should
lead a good group of Bluejays to a high team finish in Omaha.
6. Wahoo (8 th 2021 NSWCA State)
Wahoo will be led by returning state champion Kaylee Ricketts (170) and 5 th place medalist
Markael Zeleny (132). Robinson is back and showed improvement throughout the year. Throw in some
experienced freshmen and Wahoo may finish higher this year than last.
7. Weeping Water (6 th 2021 NSWCA State)
WW is led by returning finalist (109), Raelyn Wilson and 2x state medalist (103), Riley Hohn.
They will need a few of their other experienced girls to take the next step and find a way to the state
meet this year in order to finish in the top 10.
8. Battle Creek (11 th 2021 NSWCA State)
Battle Creek is led by 2x state medalist (103), Afftynn Stusse. She had an exciting match in the
finals last year but come up short against Flavia Nagatani. With Kearney not electing to field a girl
wrestling team this year, Afftynn will look to lock up her first state championship this year. If the rest of
her team can take a big leap, including her practice partner, incoming freshmen Ella Reeves, Battle Creek
with secure a top ten finish in February.
9. Aurora (did not compete last year)
Out of all the newcomer teams, Aurora is positioned the best to make some serious noise this
season. Transfer sophomore Tiffany Senff won a state title last year at Axtell. She will look to lead an
inexperienced squad this year and show them how it is done. Aurora football player, Tia Tiegra will look
to use her athleticism and challenge for the gold in a very wide open 235 weight class this season.
10. Nebraska City (12 th 2021 NSWCA State)
NC has a returning state medalist in Pacie Lee (132) and experienced wrestlers in Lexi Southard
and Azaria Ruby who looks to be down a weight class this year. They also have a big group of freshmen
with some JH experience coming in. If they can learn and help at the end of the year, look for Neb. City
to finish in the top 10.
Contenders:
Platteview, Chadron, Westside, Fremont, Norfolk, Fairbury, Lexington