Biggest Upsets from Districts
12 Moises Palacios (Cinco Ranch) over #8 Dylan Clay (Seven Lakes)
Palacios has been a consistent presence in the Cinco Ranch lineup for several years, but hasn’t garnered as much attention as some of his more decorated teammates. However, he made a statement in the Katy district semifinals, scoring a pin over returning state qualifier Dylan Clay. Palacios was also ahead in the final but narrowly missed out on a second straight upset, losing 13-10 to Josue Pizana (Katy).
#10 Tuck Wray (George Ranch) over #3 Tristan Forsman (Clear Lake)
Forsman, a returning state qualifier, has been ranked #1 at times this year and is considered one of the best wrestlers in Houston. However, Wray came through when it mattered, scoring one of his biggest wins to capture the district title.
#12 Aurelio Ibarra (Brazoswood) over #7 Ryan Pulley (Foster) and #6 Stephen Kirby (George Ranch)
Ibarra has had a steady season, though he’s taken a fair share of losses. Two of those regular-season losses were to Pulley and Kirby. But at the district tournament, Ibarra was on his game, taking out both in succession to earn the district title in dramatic fashion.
#3 Isaiah Goff (Mayde Creek) over #1 JP Smith (Cinco Ranch)
Smith had been undefeated against Houston competition all year. Goff, who has been improving steadily, was pinned by Smith back in December. However, in the district finals at Katy, Goff upset the #1-ranked Smith with a huge win, avenging his earlier loss and claiming the district title.
#6 Eva Horton (George Ranch) over #1 Minha Castillo (Clear Falls)
Horton has shown perhaps the most progress of any wrestler in the Houston area this year, moving from JV to competing with the top contenders in less than a year. Castillo, who reached the #1 spot at 100lbs, entered the postseason at 107lbs. Despite Castillo’s strong season, Horton pulled off a huge upset in the district final to claim the title.
#4 Ella Schmidt (Cy Ranch) over #3 Alexie Hurtado (Cy Park)
Although this may not seem like a major upset numerically, Hurtado has been on fire in recent weeks, while Schmidt was new to this weight class. Schmidt not only won, but dominated with a tech fall over Hurtado, securing the district title in impressive fashion.
#9 Kayla Dunn (Cy Park) over #4 Elliottte Strange (Cy Fair)
Dunn, who we’ve been high on since preseason, had an excellent season but faced a tough challenge in Strange, the gold standard at this weight. Dunn stepped up, scoring two takedowns and earning a pin to defeat the returning state placer, ultimately claiming the district title.