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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Platteview, Chadron, Westside, Fremont, Norfolk, Fairbury, Lexington