Girls Wrestling Preseason Ranks, 2025

Preseason Girls Preview

I’m just a dad and a fan, prove me wrong! Just trying to get some chatter going. Post here with wrong weights and/or changed schools. Deepest weights: 100, 115, 120, 140

100
Senior Makennah Craft (Jackson) goes for her 4th title and is the odds-on favorite to join Chloe Dearwester and Savannah Isaac on that pedestal. As good as she is, she has been pushed during the regular season. However when the lights are brightest, in the state finals, she is dynamic and dominant. Libertie Nigh (Urbana) was 3rd last year and an all-american in Fargo. She had a close bout last season with Craft. Ella Thomas (Poland) and Cam Gresham (Lakota East) also placed, with Gresham grabbing an AA in North Dakota, too. Despite her finish last season, the Lakota East sophomore could leapfrog the other front-runners with her workrate. A dark horse is Vita Savage, ranked at 95 lbs nationally, however she has not placed yet in three trips to state.

105
A leaner weight class, which may see some of the bigger 100s migrate here as the season approaches (or even as it progresses). The top girl at 105 is Mt. Vernon sophomore Ashlynn Brokaw. 3rd last season, she scored a powerful semifinal mat return takedown on the legendary Chloe Dearwester (who closed the deal rather quickly, after that). Placers Macie Adams (Eaton) and Leah Marine (Washington Courthouse) are next best here. One competitor who did not place last year, but had twice, previously, is Hilliard (Minerva). Hilliard is strong and physical and could be in the mix here. A dark horse to watch isn’t really a dark horse, at all: Justine Perez (Dublin Coffman). Perez was 3rd as a sophomore and injured last post-season, resulting in out-of-character regional results. She seems to have transferred from Dublin Scioto to boys powerhouse Coffman, so we will see if that helps or hurts her results.

110
Charley Jones (New Richmond) has placed twice, 7th and 3rd, both times at 110, which makes me think she’ll end up here again. Lean and physical, Jones is capable of jumping to the top of the podium and is a real talent. Reinhart builds on the long girls tradition at Rossford, with Paige Cowan (East Liverpool) also clocking in near the top. Watch for junior Caiden Baird from powerhouse Harrison, as she was in the mix last year with several big wins. Easton Miller, a sophomore from New Philadelphia should also raise some eyes. The two finalists from March (Guntrum and Carder) were both large for the weight and have competed higher this past off-season, so I slid them out of 110.

115
The next two weights are loaded, and I have no real info about where anyone will land, so guesses were part of the process. The expectation is that there will be some sort of talent split, but there’s no easy route to a title at either weight. If returning champ Talea Guntrum (Steubenville) is here, she is the favorite. Tall, very technical and athletic, Guntrum will go for her second title. State Champion Morgan Leonhart (Gibsonburg) always has a puncher’s chance, as she stuck Cami Leng in last season’s final, down by a boatload. Leng (Marysville), Candace Spry (Tri-Valley) and Bella Mbappe’ (Walsh Jesuit) are incredibly talented, but it’s unlikely that they all end up here. Leng was absent from Fargo, while Mbappe’ lost in the money match at 118. Spry is explosive and wrestles well through most positions. Leah Willen (Harrison) is a monster in top position.

120
120 is much of the same, with the same faces (and a few more). Mackenzie Carder (Orange) was 4th in Fargo at 118, defeating Pan-Am champion/Super Frosh Carolyn Geckler (Perry) in the consolation semifinals. In April, Carder was 7th in the U17 World Team Trials, while Geckler won the U15 trials. Guntrum, Spry, Mbappe’, Leng and Leonhart could also land here (although I can’t imagine everyone moves). Gartin (Chippewa) was a finalist two years ago at 110 is in the mix, as well. A hidden talent is Heckman (Westerville North) who had huge wins last year but did not clear a tough regional.

125
State Champions Kayla Moroschan (Chippewa) and Lacie Knick (Northmont) may battle it out at 125, and this is a bout many would love to see. Two time finalist Ana Madi bounced between 120 and 125 last year so she is ranked here. Auston Brown (United) was 3rd here and has big wins and a couple head-scratching losses. Strauser from Kettering Alter is one to watch, as are freshmen Bria Gilmore (Sparta Highland) and Skylar McCuen (Olentangy), as well as state qualifiers Alanna Smith (Orange) and Lauren Mobley (Marysville).

130
The top four at 130 are very close: finalists Lillian Hendricks (Greeneview) and Evanie Shank (Napoleon) will be challenged by 3rd place finisher Abigail Mozden (Alliance) and 3x placer Lyndon Gibbs (Washington Courthouse). With those four razor-close, I’m going to pick Hendricks as the #1. Another intriguing talent is Cori Young (Olentangy), who moved between 115 and 130 over the last three years. Perry’s Emma Shepard beat Young at state last March. Watch for Kai Gaetjens, who was 8th. At some point Mogadore will run out of Gaetjens sisters that can wrestle, but that time hasn’t come yet!

135
Senior Kira Cole has had a roller coaster of a high school career. As a freshman, she transferred back from Dayton Carroll to her home school, Miami East, and was ruled ineligible for the postseason. She was a Fargo all-american that summer, and followed that up with a state title at 115 as a sophomore. A serious injury two summers ago led to question marks about her career, but she was a finalist again, this time at 135, before losing to 2x champ Jayden McKinney (who has matriculated to Rio Grande University). This winter, Cole is the favorite to grab her second title. Next best is probably Hallie Winslow (Marion Elgin), who has made a huge jump this off-season. Depinet (Seneca East), Antonio (North Royalton) and Addi Lyon (Marysville) are all returning placewinners. Keep your eye on state qualifier Chloe Tompkins (Orange) and former placer Kelsey King (Lakota West). Tompkins, an Olentangy Berlin transfer, made the bloodround in Fargo. An additional hammer exists in now-healthy Gwen Matt (Greeneview). A tough weight, but no one that stands head-and-shoulders above the pack


140
Loaded! Two 140 lb state champs (the 2023 and 2024 versions) reside here in Rejan Alhashash (Avon Lake) and Eve Matt (Greeneview). Alhashash won a high scoring shootout with the excellent Kylee Tibbs (Gahanna) in last season’s finale. Two years ago, Matt earned a fall for her title, but missed the entirety of last season with an injury. Fans will want to get their snacks during another weight class. Tibbs, a sophomore, is right there with both of the top two. Nina Kim (Columbus Academy), Abby Green (Waverly) and Cara Leng (Marysville) all also placed last season and return. Be aware of SQ Rylee Dearwester (Harrison). While she carries a heavy name, she has made her own path with great regional results and two wins out west at Fargo. She’s a contender.

145
The question mark is whether former state runner-up Savannah Holderby (Westfall) plans to compete at her usual weight of 155 or down at 145 this season. 2nd at the Schott in 2023 (while at Reynoldsburg HS), Holderby was rumored to be dropping to 145 last year before a season-ending injury. She is the strong favorite here and likely a good favorite at 155. Both slick and powerful, a healthy Holderby is a giant problem for everyone else. 3x placer Caroline Klawon (Eaton) is next, with Owen (Black River), Danzy (Hayes) and Knapp (Pickerington North) all returning placers. Two to watch: Adilyn Mozden (Alliance) and Veronica Decaluwe (Harrison), an Ironman finalist.

155
With 2x state champ Kylee Tait (Warren) now working the mats at Campbellsville, 155 is filled with young rising stars and is anyone’s weight to claim. The short and powerful Tori Wilson (Tuscarawas Valley) was 3rd in this weight (along with her podium cowgirl boots). Mackenzie Shellenberger is part of a strong Mogadore squad and came within seconds of making the finals in a Cinderella story. Cailyn Demagall (Columbia), Madison Jeffers (Tri-County North) and Natalie Carlisle (Lebanon) all were 6th-7th-8th finishers in 2024. Demagall, especially, is capable of upsetting the field. Former 3rd place finisher Isabella Adams (Chippewa) went 1-2 before Wilson eliminated her. She is a real talent, too.

170
Elizabeth Madison (Loveland) is a 2x state champ going into her junior year, with her eyes on the prize of being the first 4x OHSAA girls champion. Incredibly sound in all positions, she also has a “sprint” gear when she really needs it. Madison also finished a very strong 3rd in Fargo, cementing her national ranking. Behind her is Lydia Heinrich (Orange), who was 3rd last season. Heinrich is physical and a tremendous pinner. Heinrich won 4 or 5 matches in Fargo but did not AA. Regan Hites (Ben Logan) was 5th and Lori Grimes (Marysville) finished 8th. Grimes has been active all summer and is a strong competitor. A name to watch is Kate Simmons (Findlay); she was injured most of last season and did not qualify upon her return. Still, a 2x state placer, she is absolutely in the mix.

190
As a freshman, Laney Oliver (Findlay) finished as state runner-up to Savannah Isaac. Then, again, second to Isaac as a sophomore. Junior year? You guessed it. With 4x champ Isaac at NAIA frontrunner Life University, Oliver is in firm control of the top ranking spot. She has big moves and can be conservative when needed. A talent. Riley Alborn, a sophomore from Carrollton, is physical and fights hands very well. Muntaser (Lakewood) and Jirousek (Keystone) have had similar results. One interesting competitor is Sydney Hall (Lakota East). She has big moves but loses steam quickly, if her coaches and her can find a way to right that ship, she is a legitimate contender to be the other finalist.

235
Deionna Borders (Berea-Midpark) had a very good season, starting slow at Ironman, but then finishing 3rd against a strong state field. Between March and July, something changed, as Borders finished 2nd in the country in Fargo. Only a junior, she starts the season at the top of the charts with a bullseye on her singlet. Right behind her is 4th place finisher Desi Lee, who wrestles a challenging year round schedule for Marysville. Then I see Audrina Pack (Hamilton Township) as #3; she had erratic results, at times, but caught fire at regionals and state. Cowen (West Union) and McCracken (United) have tremendous height advantages and can wrestle. Le’Naysia Dickson (Brush) is also in the discussion. Two more state qualifiers are tough and could make waves here: Miller (Indian Lake) and Huaracha-Arellanos (Orange).
 
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100
Craft is a favorite, of course, but there will be a few in the mix to give her some hassle. Unfortunately, Gresham has grown quite a bit, and Craft and Nigh have not, so I don't see that match-up happening again before 19yr old Craft moves on to college. Could very well be a final of Craft vs. Nigh if Nigh stays here. Nigh had 2 overtime losses to runner up Graves last season as a freshman vs senior, very impressive matches. Savage could take huge leaps this season as she prepares for a college commitment. We shall see.
105
I believe Brokaw will compete closer to 110 as she went close to this weight at the National Duals this summer. Macie Adams also went there around 110. Both could be front runners at 110. Hilliard could go either way as she has not competed since state. Perez is a fierce competitor and seems to be either 105-110, can't wait to see her healthy again.
110
I believe Cowan will go up to 115. Baird could be a dangerous opponent at this weight for any wrestler. I see Jones staying at 110 this season.
115
Guntrum could stay here or move to 120, she is lengthy. I thought Leonhardt graduated. Either way I still favor Guntrum for 115. Spry is strong but I see her going 120 this season and could make some noise there. Mbappe is very strong but seems heavy for 115, I see her going 120 this season, she would lose a lot of muscle going 115 imo.
120
Carder should be topping the podium here. At fargo there was a lot playing into things before the Carder/Geckler match. I would like to see that one ran back. I wonder if Leng goes 120 or 125. I would like to see a Leng v Carder final here. Leng is more physically aggressive however Carder is smarter wrestling through positions which will come into play.
125
Moroschan is a favorite here as is state champ Knick. This would make a very explosive finals match with Knick pulling off the win. I see Madi as a strong 3/4 match.
130
Gibbs vs. Geckler final if one of them do not wrestle Hendricks first, then it will be Hendricks taking on the talents of one of those girls in the finals. Shepard is insanely strong for a newer wrestler, so exciting to watch. Geckler is always able to pull out a win from any position and recently pinned state champ Guntrum over the summer. I see her being able to top the podium here. Never know what will happen!
135
I hope to see a healthy Kira Cole in the Championships. Winslow is a strong competitor, but I do not see her handling the aggressive style of Cole. Depinet and King will challenge Winslow for that finals spot. Depinet is able to wrestle through so many situations and come out on top.
140
Rejan, Tibbs, Matt. Could be anyone's title.
145
Holderby, Mozden, and Dearwester battling it out. Heart and experience will win this one.
155
Wilson hands down
170
Madison will not have much competition here in the buckeye state on her way to the title.
190
Oliver v Alborn in the finals. This will be am exciting bout.
235
Borders is a favorite at this weight. A very patient wrestler who will weather the storm to a title.
 
130
Gibbs vs. Geckler final if one of them do not wrestle Hendricks first, then it will be Hendricks taking on the talents of one of those girls in the finals. Shepard is insanely strong for a newer wrestler, so exciting to watch. Geckler is always able to pull out a win from any position and recently pinned state champ Guntrum over the summer. I see her being able to top the podium here. Never know what will happen!
Do you track Geckler all the way up at 130? If so, it would be loaded.
 
I'm sure there will be a lot of movement in weights this season. The messages have already started where they ask what weight the girls are going. It is crazy
 
The movement makes it fun. One thing I was talking about with a friend was that the bigger teams have less freedom of movement (obviously), as kids get set in the weight for the team. There can still be movement, just much easier with a smaller group.

Personally, I hope to see some of these head-to-heads, even if they're regular season. Still September...but it feels like the season is in the air!
 
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