Boys 6A State Preview

106

This is a balanced bracket with several wrestlers capable of taking home a title. When I look through this weight, I see toss-ups everywhere, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we get a surprise champion here.

The Top Half

Hector Ortiz (Eastwood) is the top seed and the favorite. Ortiz finished as the runner-up here last year, and he’s the real deal. He owns wins over most of the top competitors in this bracket, but nothing will come easy. He opens with Andrew Rodriguez (Westside), a scrappy freshman who will test him right out of the gate. After that, Ortiz is likely looking at the winner of Sebastian Clark (Lake Travis) and Roman Lopez (Allen). Clark has put together a strong sophomore season, while Lopez has been battle-tested through the Allen schedule. Lopez clearly has the upside to make a run—he knocked off Nick Payne (College Park) at the regional tournament.

Zaiden Hernandez (Reagan) is a name a lot of people are talking about in Central Texas. His path is no picnic, though, as he’ll likely have to get through two Houston-area standouts: Payne and Felix Morales (Clear Lake). Payne was one match away from the podium here last season, and despite a loss last week, he remains a legitimate title threat. Morales is making the most of his first trip to the state tournament, and his regional performance showed he’s extremely difficult to beat when he’s wrestling his match.

The Bottom Half

There are a few things we know on the bottom side. Andy Vila (Paetow) and Sebastian Garcia (Bridgeland) have both had excellent seasons and are more than capable of landing on the podium. Chase Nickel (Southlake) and Declan Mohler (Vandegrift) are freshmen who have taken some losses, but both have improved steadily as the season has gone on.

The wildcard here is Bilal Habib (Plano East). He survived a brutal Region II tournament, and that alone tells you he has the ability to win this whole thing. The big question: can he wrestle at that level again two weeks in a row? There’s a clear path to the finals for several wrestlers on this bottom half.

Projected Podium

1. Hector Ortiz (Eastwood)
2. Andy Vila (Paetow)
3. Nick Payne (College Park)
4. Sebastian Clark (Lake Travis)
5. Felix Morales (Clear Lake)
6. Bilal Habib (Plano East)

The Blood Round

• Sebastian Clark (Lake Travis) over Zaiden Hernandez (Reagan)
• Felix Morales (Clear Lake) over Roman Lopez (Allen)

113

We’ve got a heavyweight battle at the top of this bracket, with a couple of dangerous spoilers lurking throughout.

The Top Half

Leading the way is two-time state champion Dylan Ota (Southlake). He’s the heavy favorite for a reason—his physical style and proficiency in upper-body ties make him extremely difficult to deal with. Ota is the betting favorite, but there’s another wrestler on the top side who thrives in the upper body: Shawn Coffel (Cibolo Steele). Coffel can throw, he’s wrestled everywhere, and he’s absolutely capable of challenging Ota if he gets the opportunity.

Before that can happen, Coffel will likely need to get past the winner of Kenneth Nichols (Klein) and Fernando Morales (Clear Lake). Nichols picked up wins over both Morales and Coffel earlier this season at the CFISD Tournament, which makes this quad especially unpredictable. There’s no clear favorite coming out of that group.

The Bottom Half

Kingston Stephens (Dallas Jesuit) has been absolutely dominant all season and is looking to improve on his third-place finish here last year. He draws Kyntell Ellis (Martin) in what should be a must-watch second-round matchup. James Coleman (Cinco Ranch) has put together an outstanding senior campaign and has both the skill set and the draw to find his way onto the podium.

Projected Podium

1. Dylan Ota (Southlake)
2. Kingston Stephens (Dallas Jesuit)
3. Kenneth Nichols (Klein)
4. Shawn Coffel (Cibolo Steele)
5. Kyntell Ellis (Martin)
6. James Coleman (Cinco Ranch)

The Blood Round

• Kyntell Ellis (Martin) over Fernando Morales (Clear Lake)
• Shawn Coffel (Cibolo Steele) over Runhaar (Vandegrift)

120

A freshman phenom versus a veteran state champion. This is the kind of matchup that’s worth the price of admission.

The Top Half

The returning state champion is back. Jackson Shipley (Dripping Springs) won a title at 113 last season and followed it up with an outstanding senior campaign. He has just one blemish on his record this year—a loss to Allen freshman Oliver Pulliam (Allen).

When people call someone a “dog,” they’re talking about the way Pulliam wrestles. He’s relentless, stays in your face, and never stops attacking. In their previous meeting, Pulliam scored in several key positions simply by continuing to wrestle through scrambles and transitions. If we get the rematch in the semifinals, Shipley will absolutely have revenge on his mind.

Talented Cy Ridge freshman Ryu Calderon (Cy Ridge) is also on this side of the bracket. While getting past one of the top contenders will be a tall task, Calderon is capable of stringing together a couple of wins and making some noise.

The Bottom Half

The bottom half feels like a collision course between Drew Brinkmeier (Keller) and Adrian Fierros (Cinco Ranch) for a spot in the finals. Fierros is solid in every position and has been consistent for a long time, which gives him the edge to advance. Don’t overlook James Murray (Lake Travis), though—he owns several quality wins and has the ability to surprise people in this bracket.

Projected Podium

1. Jackson Shipley (Dripping Springs)
2. Adrian Fierros (Cinco Ranch)
3. Oliver Pulliam (Allen)
4. Drew Brinkmeier (Keller)
5. James Murray (Lake Travis)
6. Tapia (Franklin)

The Blood Round

• James Murray (Lake Travis) over Ryu Calderon (Cy Ridge)
• Tapia (Franklin) over Zuniga (Pebble Hills)

126

Can anyone challenge Allen’s Izayiah Chavez?

The Top Half

The returning state champion is back. Izayiah Chavez (Allen) is here, and his body of work over his high school career makes him a strong favorite to repeat. Chavez will be tested on his side of the bracket by returning state placer Josue Pizana (Katy) and the always-tough Dominic Salazar (Keller Central). Leslie Hall (Fulshear) should also be able to put a couple of wins together and factor into the placement rounds.

The Bottom Half

Two of the most impressive wrestlers from the Houston area are on the bottom side. Brandon Pattillo (College Park)and Collin Tingley (Cy Woods) have taken very different paths to this point. Pattillo has spent much of the season traveling the country and battling national-level competition. Tingley, meanwhile, has followed a more local schedule but remains one of the most technical and difficult wrestlers to deal with in the state.

If those two meet in the semifinals, it will be a true clash of styles and résumés. I also like freshman Eddier Baez to do some damage from this half of the bracket.

Projected Podium

1. Izayiah Chavez (Allen)
2. Brandon Pattillo (College Park)
3. Collin Tingley (Cy Woods)
4. Josue Pizana (Katy)
5. Eddier Baez (Klein Oak)
6. Leslie Hall (Fulshear)

The Blood Round

• Eddier Baez (Klein Oak) over Hunter Chipman (Eaton)
• Leslie Hall (Fulshear) over Dominic Salazar (Keller Central)

132

Ridiculously loaded weight. A true clash of veterans and emerging young talent.

The Top Half

Two of my favorites at this weight are likely to collide early in the quarterfinals. Charlie Trujillo (Vandegrift) has consistently impressed me over the years. He’s highly technical and can outslick just about anyone in this bracket. Standing across from him is freshman phenom Mason Milsaps (College Park), who has fully lived up to the hype all season. It’s unfortunate we’re seeing this matchup so early, but that’s just how deep this bracket is.

Milsaps dropped a match last week, and how he responds to that setback could determine how far he goes here.

Also on the top side is former state champion Cayden Campbell (Allen). Campbell has missed significant time this season, but the talent is undeniable. He’ll be tested immediately by Chance Berry (Cy Fair), who has been solid all year and absolutely belongs in the conversation with the top contenders at this weight.

The Bottom Half

If you told me that any combination of Cael Brubaker (McKinney Boyd), Braiden Bartlett (Lake Travis), or Santiago Garcia (Katy) would make the finals or land on the podium from this side of the bracket, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. Brubaker is a grinder who has already placed twice at the state tournament, and he’s riding high after his regional title win over Milsaps last week. Garcia, meanwhile, has a knack for winning when it matters most. Any matchup among this group will be must-watch wrestling.

Projected Podium

1. Charlie Trujillo (Vandegrift)
2. Cael Brubaker (McKinney Boyd)
3. Mason Milsaps (College Park)
4. Braiden Bartlett (Lake Travis)
5. Santiago Garcia (Katy)
6. Cayden Campbell (Allen)

The Blood Round

• Braiden Bartlett (Lake Travis) over Haskell (Southlake)
• Mason Milsaps (College Park) over Chance Berry (Cy Fair)

138

A strong favorite at the top, with a deep and dangerous talent pool chasing him.

The Top Half

Cayden Rios (Allen) is the returning state champion at this weight, and it feels like he has clearly separated himself from the field. From this side of the bracket, he looks like the heavy favorite to cruise into the finals.

There’s an intriguing Houston-area matchup early, with Ali Salem (Taylor) and Vinny Allen (Grand Oaks) meeting in the first round. The winner of that bout puts themselves in excellent position to contend for a medal, making this one of the more important early matches in the bracket.

The Bottom Half

The bottom half features three returning state placers. Luca Rios (College Park) was a finalist last season and has the slickness and composure to make another run. He edged Nathan Burchfiel (Heath) in an overtime battle last week and may need to do it again here.

Standing in the way is Andrew Tarango (Eastwood), a gritty competitor who will believe he has what it takes to challenge Cayden Rios if he reaches the finals. This half of the bracket is stacked with experience and should produce some high-level matches.

Projected Podium

1. Cayden Rios (Allen)
2. Luca Rios (College Park)
3. Nathan Burchfiel (Heath)
4. Andrew Tarango (Eastwood)
5. Nico Venturi (Martin)
6. Vinny Allen (Grand Oaks)

The Blood Round

• Andrew Tarango (Eastwood) over Ali Salem (Taylor)
• Vinny Allen (Grand Oaks) over Dylan Clay (Seven Lakes)

144

I’m going to make predictions here, but this truly feels like a random draw. There are so many elite wrestlers packed into this bracket.

The Top Half

The returning state champion sits up top in Logan Milsaps (College Park). Milsaps is as tough and fundamental as they come, and his style already looks like that of a college wrestler. He’s physical, efficient, and built for the next level, which should translate well when he makes that jump next year.

There’s plenty of opportunity for others to emerge from this side, though. Tyson Gibson (Southlake) and Bryce Hampton (Vandegrift) are both extremely tough outs. Sebastian Santibanez (Bridgeland) has put together an excellent senior season, and the big question is whether he has the goods to compete with the very best in the state. We’re going to find out immediately.

The Bottom Half

The bottom half is absolutely brutal from start to finish. Returning state runner-up Hunter Gordon (Rockwall) is rock solid and incredibly difficult to move off his positions. Anthony Simpson (Lamar) is another former state runner-up and operates on a different level when he’s locked in. Jair Jackson-Bey (Allen) has already placed three times at this tournament and knows exactly how to navigate this environment.

And then there’s Pablo Aguilar (Temple)—who is just as good as any of those guys and also landed on this side of the bracket. Unless someone takes an early upset, one of these elite wrestlers is not coming home with a medal. That’s how loaded this weight is.

Projected Podium

1. Logan Milsaps (College Park)
2. Hunter Gordon (Rockwall)
3. Anthony Simpson (Lamar)
4. Pablo Aguilar (Temple)
5. Tyson Gibson (Southlake)
6. Sebastian Santibanez (Bridgeland)

The Blood Round

• Pablo Aguilar (Temple) over Jair Jackson-Bey (Allen)
• Sebastian Santibanez (Bridgeland) over Gavaza (Cinco Ranch)

Here’s a polished, standardized version—same cadence as the other weights, consistent Name (School) formatting, and cleaned-up flow.

Here’s a polished, standardized version—same tone, consistent Name (School) formatting, and tightened flow.

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150

A top-heavy bracket with a returning state champion looking to repeat.

The Top Half

Keagan Sieracki (Southlake Carroll) brought home a state title last season with an epic run at the Berry Center. He’ll be looking to duplicate that performance and cap off an incredible high school career.

He could get tested early by the winner of an all-Houston matchup between Kye Owen (Caney Creek) and Justin Bryant (Atascocita). Both are capable of surprising people and shaking up this side of the bracket.

A likely quarterfinal showdown between Timmy Fitzgerald (Rockwall) and Micah McCaskill (Churchill) also looms. That one feels like a toss-up on paper, although McCaskill brings an intimidating 51–0 record into the weekend.

The Bottom Half

This side is more open.

Shiloh Jackson-Bey (Allen) owns several high-level wins this season and has shown he can compete with anyone. Landon Collins (Martin) knows what it takes to stand on the state podium and could be on a semifinal collision course with Jackson-Bey.

Before that happens, Collins would likely need to get past California transplant Rueben Castro (Bridgeland), who has put together one of the most impressive seasons in Houston wrestling this year. Castro is absolutely capable of disrupting the bracket.

Projected Podium

1. Keagan Sieracki (Southlake Carroll)
2. Landon Collins (Martin)
3. Micah McCaskill (Churchill)
4. Shiloh Jackson-Bey (Allen)
5. Timmy Fitzgerald (Rockwall)
6. Rueben Castro (Bridgeland)

The Blood Round

• Rueben Castro (Bridgeland) over Golden (Grand Prairie)
• Timmy Fitzgerald (Rockwall) over Kye Owen (Caney Creek)

157

Is it finally Wilson’s time? A deep bracket will make him earn it.

The Top Half

Dominic Wilson (Rockwall) owns some of the strongest national credentials of any wrestler in Texas. The only thing missing from his résumé is that elusive UIL state title. Wilson is savvy, composed, and wrestles with a winner’s instinct. He should be able to navigate his quarter, but the other quarter on this side may be the most compelling in the entire tournament.

Alexander Barros (Hebron) is the headliner there. A third-place finisher at state last season, Barros has been tough all year. He draws the dangerous Alken Maxutov (Round Rock) in the first round. Maxutov has a funky, explosive style and isn’t afraid to throw from anywhere. Barros can mix it up too—he famously tossed Bo Bassett to his back earlier this year. That round-one match is must-watch.

Tristan Forsman (Clear Lake) avenged a district loss and captured a regional title in Katy last week. He opens against Waldo Jimenez (Caney Creek), who has a relentless motor and won’t fade late. That one feels like a sneaky good matchup that could set the tone for the quarter.

The Bottom Half

Luke Burgar (Southlake) finished fifth at state last season and has put together another strong year. Also down here is Jayden Cardona (Klein Oak), who has broken out this season and kept matches tight against Wilson twice. If things break right, this half could produce fireworks in the semifinals.

Projected Podium

1. Dominic Wilson (Rockwall)
2. Luke Burgar (Southlake)
3. Alexander Barros (Hebron)
4. Jayden Cardona (Klein Oak)
5. Tristan Forsman (Clear Lake)
6. Alken Maxutov (Round Rock)

The Blood Round

• Alken Maxutov (Round Rock) over Smith (Johnson)
• Tristan Forsman (Clear Lake) over Garcia (Brazoswood)

165

A wide-open weight where a lot of guys have the chance to make a name for themselves.

The Top Half

Keith Remington (Clear Creek) is undefeated on the season and really hasn’t been pushed much all year. He’s been in control in just about every match he’s wrestled. A potential second-round matchup with Jaichristian Washington (Rockwall) could be a real test, and I expect that one to be a battle if it materializes.

Keep an eye on Luke Podowski (The Woodlands). His wild, unorthodox style can create chaos, and he’s exactly the type of wrestler who can string together a run and find his way onto the podium.

The Bottom Half

Steel Meyers (Allen) has yet to compete at the UIL State Tournament, but the junior is one of the best wrestlers in the state and will immediately be in the title conversation. His biggest obstacle figures to be Shawn Harden (Round Rock), who dropped to this weight late in the season and is a tough out for anyone he faces.

This side of the bracket feels just as unpredictable as the top, and there’s real opportunity for someone to break through.

Projected Podium

1. Keith Remington (Clear Creek)
2. Steel Meyers (Allen)
3. Shawn Harden (Round Rock)
4. Jaichristian Washington (Rockwall)
5. Luke Podowski (The Woodlands)
6. Conner (Nelson)

The Blood Round

• Conner (Nelson) over Aranda (Cy Falls)
• Jaichristian Washington (Rockwall) over Kelts (Churchill)

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175

A clash of titans at the top. Pack your popcorn.

The Top Half

Returning state champion Carter Nekvapil (Allen) is the clear favorite to come out of the top half and earn another trip to the finals. He’s been dominant all season, and his biggest challenges are likely waiting on the other side of the bracket.

One of the most anticipated quarterfinal matchups in this weight is a potential showdown between William Reiser (Fulshear) and Nico Maurici (Westlake). With a state medal on the line, expect nonstop action and points on the board. This one has fireworks written all over it.

The Bottom Half

Jared Remington (Clear Creek) has been one of the best wrestlers in the Houston area throughout his career and is looking to cap it with a state title. He’s been outstanding all season and enters this bracket with serious momentum.

He’s likely to face a tough semifinal test in Lashon Tolbert (Martin), who has the physicality and pace to push anyone. Declan Kelts (Churchill) sits in Tolbert’s quarter and is a returning state placer himself, making that path anything but easy.

Projected Podium

1. Jared Remington (Clear Creek)
2. Carter Nekvapil (Allen)
3. Nico Maurici (Westlake)
4. Lashon Tolbert (Martin)
5. Declan Kelts (Churchill)
6. William Reiser (Fulshear)

The Blood Round

• Declan Kelts (Churchill) over Frost (Bowie)
• William Reiser (Fulshear) over Solis (Eastwood)

190

The most anticipated bracket in the tournament. Absolutely loaded with hammers.

The Top Half

There was always going to be a seeding issue in this bracket—and it showed up. Three returning state placers won regional titles at this weight, but everyone in Texas knows Cody Savage (Heath) is a problem. He didn’t compete at the state tournament last season, which leaves him without separation criteria, but talent-wise, he’s right there with anyone in the field.

Pasquale Maurici (Westlake) took third in this bracket last year and is an elite competitor with his sights set on a state title. His path was always going to run through Savage at some point—it just looks like that collision will come in the semifinals. Savage is every bit as good as advertised and will get his first chance to prove it on the UIL state stage.

No one on this side of the bracket is thrilled to see Saul Gutierrez (Langham Creek) in their path. Gutierrez finished fifth at the state tournament last season and is a dangerous matchup for anyone. He’s explosive, physical, and capable of tossing you in a heartbeat.

The Bottom Half

Sean Perez (Humble) followed up his third-place state finish with an outstanding junior season. He’s answered every challenge thrown at him and has consistently looked elite. Wyatt Davis (MacArthur) is also on this side and may be flying under the radar compared to some of the bigger names, but he’s absolutely capable of making a run. I’m very interested to see how he performs here.

Ethan Sanchez (College Park) has put together a strong high school career and will be looking to cap it off with a state medal.

Projected Podium

1. Sean Perez (Humble)
2. Cody Savage (Heath)
3. Pasquale Maurici (Westlake)
4. Wyatt Davis (MacArthur)
5. Ethan Sanchez (College Park)
6. Saul Gutierrez (Langham Creek)

The Blood Round

• Ethan Sanchez (College Park) over Hart (The Woodlands)
• Saul Gutierrez (Langham Creek) over Negro (Katy)

215

One of the best big men in the nation sits atop this weight. The question is: who can mount a real challenge?

The Top Half

Aiden Cooley (Allen) is one of the top heavyweights in the country, regardless of class. He’s put together an incredible season both in Texas and on the national stage and is looking to cap off a glittering high school career with a second state title. He’s probably the biggest favorite in the entire boys 6A tournament.

That said, there’s still room for someone to break through on this side of the bracket. Alexander Escobar (Humble) has had a strong season, and the draw has shaped up well for him to make a run. JP Smith (Cinco Ranch) is a returning state placer who landed on this side after a regional finals loss, and his experience alone makes him dangerous.

The Bottom Half

The big question here is just how good Zayde Facchetti (Kingwood) really is. He hasn’t lost to anyone in 6A all season, and his confidence shows every time he steps on the mat. This half of the bracket feels like a battle between Facchetti and Aidan Mayne (Little Elm) for the right to face Cooley in the finals.

Projected Podium

1. Aiden Cooley (Allen)
2. Zayde Facchetti (Kingwood)
3. Aidan Mayne (Little Elm)
4. JP Smith (Cinco Ranch)
5. Fuller (Lake Highlands)
6. Alexander Escobar (Humble)

The Blood Round

• JP Smith (Cinco Ranch) over Hamlin (Reagan)
• Fuller (Lake Highlands) over Nersesyan (Rock Hill)

285

Regional results shook up the bracket and created early chaos in the heavyweight division.

The Top Half

The always-electric Ke’Shawn Jones (Clear Creek) sits at the top as the only returning state placer on this side. He won’t have an easy path, though. Hensley (Lake Travis) and Price (Allen) both land in his quarter and are capable of surprising anyone if things get weird early.

Liam Campbell (Flower Mound) emerged from a loaded Region I bracket, and that alone tells you he can compete with anyone in the field. This side doesn’t have the depth of the bottom half, but it has plenty of volatility.

The Bottom Half

This is where things get wild.

Two of the top heavyweights in the state—Grant Bahnsen (Clear Lake) and Jacob Ramirez (Grand Prairie)—took their first losses of the season in recent weeks and now meet in the first round. It’s a rematch of last year’s third-place match at the state tournament, and drawing it this early is brutal for both.

The winner of that match feeds directly into Jackson Stoner (Rockwall), a three-time Region II champion who is still searching for his first state medal. Also lurking here is Marquis Reis (Lamar), who handed Ramirez a loss at the district tournament. Reis opens with Oscar Hernandez (Atascocita) before a potential matchup with either Isaiah Rivera (Caney Creek) or Rohan Muppalla (Vandegrift).

There are a ton of possible outcomes on this side, and none of them would be shocking.

Projected Podium

1. Grant Bahnsen (Clear Lake)
2. Ke’Shawn Jones (Clear Creek)
3. Jacob Ramirez (Grand Prairie)
4. Marquis Reis (Lamar)
5. Jackson Stoner (Rockwall)
6. Liam Campbell (Flower Mound)

The Blood Round

• Jackson Stoner (Rockwall) over Isaiah Rivera (Caney Creek)
• Jacob Ramirez (Grand Prairie) over Hensley (Lake Travis)