Ranked Texas Wrestling

Girls 6A State Preview

100

One wrestler chasing a return to the top of the podium, with a group of young contenders looking to take her out.

The Top Half

Jubilee Rendon (Franklin) has put together an outstanding high school résumé, finishing first, second, and third at the state tournament over the course of her career. Now in her senior season, she’s aiming to reclaim the top spot on the podium.

She’ll have to navigate a Houston-area battle in her quad, with Celeste Gonzalez (Paetow) and Elisa Cano (Klein Oak)squaring off early. These two have met multiple times already this season, making that first-round matchup especially intriguing.

The other quad features another Houston showdown between Kaelani Palmer (Foster) and Valentina Vitaliano de Mello (The Woodlands). The wildcard on this side is Rhida Martinez (PSJA), who captured a Region IV title in a bracket loaded with talent. It’ll be interesting to see if she can carry that momentum all the way to the Berry Center.

The Bottom Half

Everyone wants to see Katelynn Dockery (Bryan) versus Natalie Roberson (Katy) in the semifinals, and for good reason. It’s a true clash of styles—Dockery can end matches in a heartbeat, while Roberson is fundamental, relentless, and never quits. If it happens, it’ll be must-watch wrestling.

Standing in the way are two impressive freshmen: Vada McCubbin (Steele) and Xariah Sandoval (Frenship), who meet in the first round with the winner likely drawing Dockery. Also on this side is Trinitee Hobbs (Coppell), who has the ability to put together a deep run and disrupt the expected bracket.

Projected Podium

  1. Jubilee Rendon (Franklin)
  2. Natalie Roberson (Katy)
  3. Katelynn Dockery (Bryan)
  4. Rhida Martinez (PSJA)
  5. Xariah Sandoval (Frenship)
  6. Celeste Gonzalez (Paetow)

The Blood Round

105

One of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the state is chasing her second state title.

The Top Half

Emily Beltran (Katy) burst onto the elite scene in Texas last season and hasn’t slowed down since. She’s won nearly 100 consecutive matches and owns dominant victories over the top challengers in this bracket. What stands out most is that her wrestling continues to improve—she’s technically sharp, composed, and extremely difficult to deal with.

She’ll be tested on her side by Audrey Moore (Keller) and Kiana Riggenbach (Roosevelt), both of whom are capable of making a run toward the podium. Isabella Allen (Grand Oaks) is also on this side. The talented freshman is well positioned to push for a medal, even if her path likely runs through Beltran in the quarterfinals.

The Bottom Half

One of the most anticipated matchups of the entire tournament could come in the semifinals. Brynlee Mooney (The Woodlands) entered high school with high-level skills and has continued to learn how to win big matches as the season has gone on. A potential showdown with Alessandra Toscano (Eastwood) would be must-watch wrestling.

Toscano was in Mooney’s shoes last season—the standout freshman making a name for herself on the state stage. Seeing these two collide would be a true passing-of-the-torch moment. Also lurking on this side are Minha Castillo (Clear Falls) and Cordelia Martinez (Madison), both dangerous competitors who are more than capable of earning a medal.

Projected Podium

  1. Emily Beltran (Katy)
  2. Brynlee Mooney (The Woodlands)
  3. Alessandra Toscano (Eastwood)
  4. Audrey Moore (Keller)
  5. Minha Castillo (Clear Falls)
  6. Isabella Allen (Grand Oaks)

The Blood Round

110

One of the best wrestlers in the country sits atop this weight, with plenty of opportunity for others behind her.

The Top Half

Hailey Delgado (Eastwood) is only a sophomore, but she’s already one of the best wrestlers in Texas—and in the nation. She’s widely respected by her peers, and plenty of state qualifiers are eager just to see her compete. While this side of the bracket thins out quickly behind her, Delgado is elite regardless of the opponent and consistently brings her best every time she steps on the mat.

Also on the top side are Gianna Zavala (Langham Creek) and Emma Jimenez (Waller), two strong Houston-area wrestlers who will meet in the first round. Cameron Hodge (Steele) is another name to watch. She’s a wrestler we’ve been high on all season, and while she draws Delgado right away, she’s capable of stringing together wins on the backside of the bracket.

The Bottom Half

This may be one of the most intriguing halves of any bracket in the tournament. Alia Baker (Klein Cain) and Grace Horton (George Ranch) have both put together excellent seasons and bring valuable state tournament experience. Horton was just one match away from placing last year and looks poised to take another step forward.

Standing in the way are Vanessa Sixtos (Grand Prairie) and Ryan Rose Salazar (Keller Central), two tough wrestlers out of Region I who will be looking to disrupt a potential Baker–Horton semifinal.

Projected Podium

  1. Hailey Delgado (Eastwood)
  2. Grace Horton (George Ranch)
  3. Alia Baker (Klein Cain)
  4. Vanessa Sixtos (Grand Prairie)
  5. Gianna Zavala (Langham Creek)
  6. Valeria Medrano (Edinburg)

The Blood Round

115

There’s a clear favorite at this weight, but there are plenty of challengers waiting to strike.

The Top Half

Nevada Daniels (Cinco Ranch) enters this bracket undefeated and looking to cap an outstanding career with that elusive state title. She’s barely been tested all season, but the road won’t be quiet. Gracie Bays (Round Rock) had to grind through some big wins at the Region IV tournament just to qualify, while Evelyn Balderas (San Benito) has put together an excellent season in the Rio Grande Valley and will be looking to make the most of her first state tournament appearance.

The biggest threat on this side may be Megan Dowd (Allen). Dowd has looked tough all year and has clearly benefited from the momentum and depth surrounding the Allen girls program. She’s physical, confident, and very capable of disrupting the bracket.

The Bottom Half

The bottom half is loaded with experience. Shobhana Spielmann (Reagan), Stephanie Lopez (Mayde Creek), and Naime Abdallah (Franklin) are all returning state placers—and they still may not be the favorite to reach the finals.

That distinction belongs to Aviana Caceres (Langham Creek). Caceres has only lost to state champions this season, along with Lopez, a loss she has already avenged multiple times. Every matchup on this side feels like it could swing the bracket, and nothing will come easy.

Projected Podium

  1. Naime Abdallah (Franklin)
  2. Megan Dowd (Allen)
  3. Nevada Daniels (Cinco Ranch)
  4. Aviana Caceres (Langham Creek)
  5. Stephanie Lopez (Mayde Creek)
  6. Evelyn Balderas (San Benito)

The Blood Round

120

A loaded bracket with four or five legitimate title contenders capable of winning it all.

The Top Half

There are several wrestlers on the top side who could realistically come out of this half. Mila Juarez (San Marcos) made an incredible run to the finals here last season and has the experience to do it again. Tiana Crawford (Rockwall Heath)has been one of the breakout stars in Texas this year. She took her first loss of the season last week, but she’s more than capable of rebounding and winning a state title.

Then there’s Aylin Pagan (Paetow), who has a knack for quick pins and can end matches in a hurry. To medal here, she’ll need to win some grind-it-out matches against elite competition. Don’t overlook Nayeli Ortiz (Eastwood) either. She placed fourth at this weight last season and remains one of the toughest outs in the bracket.

The Bottom Half

Grace Romans (Allen), the 2024 state champion, is back and appears to be rounding into form as her high school career winds down. She draws a tricky potential second-round matchup with Emily Melhem (Taylor). Melhem has elevated her performance at the state tournament two years in a row and brings a funky, unorthodox style that’s difficult to prepare for if you haven’t seen it before.

Also on this side is Iliana Villagrana (Eaton), who has put together a strong season and has the ability to make a deep run if things break her way.

Projected Podium

  1. Grace Romans (Allen)
  2. Tiana Crawford (Rockwall Heath)
  3. Mila Juarez (San Marcos)
  4. Nayeli Ortiz (Eastwood)
  5. Iliana Villagrana (Eaton)
  6. Emily Melhem (Taylor)

The Blood Round

125

A returning state champion looks to hold off a deep group of challengers.

The Top Half

Lucy Clarno (Dripping Springs) returns as the defending state champion and brings an undefeated record into the weekend. She’s continued to improve throughout the season, but nothing will come easy in this bracket. Returning state placer Jaelyn Skelley (Prosper) is a potential quarterfinal opponent and brings heavy forward pressure along with dangerous upper-body throws.

Kayla Dunn (Cy Park) is also on this side and has the skill set to reach the semifinals opposite Clarno and Skelley. She’ll be looking to earn a spot on the podium and represent Cy Park well on the state stage.

The Bottom Half

Riley Drennan (McKinney) emerged from a brutal Region II bracket as the champion and has been impressive all season. She’ll be tested by two Houston-area standouts, Alina Hopkins (Katy) and Sophia Tamayo (Clear Lake). Those two have been battling all year in Houston and are more than ready to prove they belong on the state podium.

Also on this side is Cora Hayes (Southlake Carroll), a returning state placer who will be looking to take the next step and reach the finals this time around.

Projected Podium

  1. Riley Drennan (McKinney)
  2. Lucy Clarno (Dripping Springs)
  3. Cora Hayes (Southlake Carroll)
  4. Jaelyn Skelley (Prosper)
  5. Alina Hopkins (Katy)
  6. Kayla Dunn (Cy Park)

The Blood Round

130

A loaded weight packed with heavy hitters from top to bottom.

The Top Half

Haley Pitts (Katy) and Echo Cranor (Keller Central) have both stood on the state podium before and are coming off excellent senior seasons. Each enters this bracket believing she can leave as the state champion. Also on this side is Avery Fitzgerald (Rockwall), whose bruising, physical style wears opponents down and creates problems for anyone she faces. Any one of these three could realistically come out of the top half and reach the finals.

The Bottom Half

Is this the most stacked half of any bracket in the tournament?

Defending state champion Camille Rainey (Martin) is back and looks every bit as sharp as she did during her title run last year. Gabriella Martinez (Klein Collins) and Elliotte Strange (The Woodlands) both finished third in 2024 and have the poise and skill to win this weight outright.

Then there’s Lianna Benitez (Churchill), who has done nothing but win all season and continues to look better each time out. To make things even more brutal, Strange vs. Martinez looms as a potential blood-round matchup just to get back on the podium. That tells you everything you need to know about this bracket.

Projected Podium

  1. Lianna Benitez (Churchill)
  2. Haley Pitts (Katy)
  3. Avery Fitzgerald (Rockwall)
  4. Camille Rainey (Martin)
  5. Echo Cranor (Keller Central)
  6. Gabriella Martinez (Klein Collins)

The Blood Round

135

Will this be the most credentialed matchup in Texas wrestling history? Everyone knows about Von Gonten vs. Sebert, but this bracket is loaded with elite talent from top to bottom.

The Top Half

Landri Von Gonten (College Park) is a two-time state champion, a national champion, and one of the very best wrestlers in the country. Her technique, patience, and positional awareness have continued to improve under the guidance of the College Park staff, and she’s become one of the most technically sound wrestlers in Texas.

The bottom quad on this side is wide open, with several wrestlers capable of reaching the semifinals. Josephine Clarke (Klein Oak) has put together a strong season and emerged from a tough Region II bracket. Don’t be surprised if she’s the one to earn a shot at Von Gonten. Isabella Malcolm (Coppell) and McKenzie Johnson (Judson) are also extremely tough and fully capable of making a run.

The Bottom Half

Two-time state champion Kailin Sebert (Allen) anchors the bottom half. While she’s dropped matches to Von Gonten this season, Sebert remains one of the best wrestlers in the nation and will absolutely believe she’s the one to beat on Saturday night at the Berry Center. If Sebert gets her top game working, there may not be anyone in the country who can keep up with her.

Also on this side are returning placers Daniela Hernandez (Eastwood) and Tayla Skelley (Prosper), both of whom are hunting another state medal. And do not overlook Emilia Martinez (Summer Creek). She proved at the Region III tournament that she’s one of the best in Houston, with the ability to wrestle through positions and pin anyone in this bracket. She’s a nightmare matchup for every opponent.

Projected Podium

  1. Landri Von Gonten (College Park)
  2. Kailin Sebert (Allen)
  3. Daniela Hernandez (Eastwood)
  4. Tayla Skelley (Prosper)
  5. Isabella Malcolm (Coppell)
  6. Josephine Clarke (Klein Oak)

The Blood Round

140

A balanced weight with a clear favorite—but navigating this field won’t be easy.

The Top Half

Marli Denmark (Northwest Nelson) enters as the favorite at this weight. She’s been a high-level competitor for years and has firmly established herself as the one to beat here. Her biggest test on this side could come in the semifinals against Adalyn Robinson (Allen). Robinson has been very tough all season and is part of an aggressive, confident Allen girls lineup.

Also on this side is Piya Raghavan (Seven Lakes), a fundamentally sound wrestler who refuses to stop wrestling until the final whistle. She’s the kind of competitor who can push matches late and force mistakes, and she should put on a strong showing here.

The Bottom Half

Sophia Payrovi (Cy Falls) has been wrestling everywhere over the past year, and that experience is paying off. She’s looked excellent and has positioned herself well for a podium run. A potential second-round matchup with Madison Fitzgerald (Rockwall) looms large. Fitzgerald wrestles hard, stays in position, and makes every exchange a battle.

This quarter is especially intriguing—Fitzgerald won their earlier meeting this season, but Payrovi has improved significantly since then. Adding another layer of difficulty is Jayada Ramos (Franklin), a returning state placer who will be a tough out for anyone trying to reach the finals.

Projected Podium

  1. Marli Denmark (Northwest Nelson)
  2. Madison Fitzgerald (Rockwall)
  3. Adalyn Robinson (Allen)
  4. Sophia Payrovi (Cy Falls)
  5. Jayada Ramos (Franklin)
  6. Piya Raghavan (Seven Lakes)

The Blood Round

145

Is this the deepest weight in the tournament? There may be 10–12 legitimate medal contenders here.

The Top Half

Christina Decker (Clear Lake) has quietly become one of the most consistent wrestlers in the Houston area. She has just one loss on the season, and that came against Joanna Henry (Vandegrift)—who sits on the opposite side of the bracket. Decker’s steadiness and composure make her a serious threat to reach the finals.

This half is stacked with challengers. Ayden Quinones (Pebble Hills) has racked up an impressive list of quality wins, but she’ll be tested immediately by Alex Quinto (Cinco Ranch). Quinto is explosive and can end a match instantly with her throws. Also in this quad are returning state placer Zoe Sonnier (Bryan) and Anayah Manning (Madison), both of whom have piled up strong wins this season and are capable of making deep runs.

The Bottom Half

Zamariya Williams (Rockwall Heath) may be the favorite in this bracket and has looked outstanding since dropping to this weight. Joanna Henry (Vandegrift) is also down here and is known for wrestling tight, controlled matches. That can make things tricky against elite opponents—but she’s also proven she can win those close battles. She’s absolutely capable of winning this entire bracket.

This side is loaded with depth as well. Naziah Moore (Flower Mound), Maria Caires (Cy Ranch), and Romina Temengil (Lake Highlands) are all high-level competitors who can challenge the favorites. And don’t overlook Ishitha Mallidi (Coppell)—she’s scrappy, relentless, and was right on the doorstep of the podium here last season.

Projected Podium

  1. Zamariya Williams (Rockwall Heath)
  2. Christina Decker (Clear Lake)
  3. Ayden Quinones (Pebble Hills)
  4. Joanna Henry (Vandegrift)
  5. Ishitha Mallidi (Coppell)
  6. Naziah Moore (Flower Mound)

The Blood Round

155

Can anyone derail Guydon vs. Layne, Round Three, for the state title?

The Top Half

Leona Layne (Rockwall) has put together an outstanding season, picking up wins both in Texas and on the national stage. She’s been dominant throughout the year, with her only setbacks coming in two highly competitive losses to rival Claire Guydon (The Woodlands). This matchup feels destined for the finals once again, but it won’t come without resistance.

London Rolen (Flower Mound) continues to make steady progress and will be looking to break through on the state stage, while Julia Quaresma (Johnson) is capable of disrupting the bracket if she finds her rhythm. Neither will be eager to play the role of spoiler—but both absolutely could.

The Bottom Half

Claire Guydon (The Woodlands) narrowly missed the podium last season, and her wrestling since then has reflected a renewed urgency to finish the job. She’s beaten Layne twice this year, but everyone involved knows that rivalry match is always razor-thin and never predictable.

Also on this side is Leila Hurd (Cy Springs), who came on strong late in the season. She’s taken a few losses, but she’s proven she can win gritty, high-pressure matches when it matters most.

Projected Podium

  1. Claire Guydon (The Woodlands)
  2. Leona Layne (Rockwall)
  3. London Rolen (Flower Mound)
  4. Leila Hurd (Cy Springs)
  5. Julia Quaresma (Johnson)
  6. Jenelle Ramirez (Weslaco)

The Blood Round

170

A crazy-deep weight loaded with past placers, but plenty of new faces are ready to take their place.

The Top Half

The top side is packed with contenders. Aisha Williams Bautista (Flower Mound) has put together an outstanding season and will be looking to carry that momentum all the way to the finals in her first trip to the state tournament. She’s been composed, physical, and difficult to score on all year.

Erinn Sewell (Copperas Cove) brings finals experience to this bracket and knows exactly what it takes to wrestle deep into Saturday. She’ll likely be tested early by rising star Madeline Moore (Cinco Ranch) in round two. Moore has the skill set to pull off a major surprise if things break her way. Also lurking on this side is Angelina Patterson (Cy Ranch), a returning state placer who knows how to win big matches when the lights are brightest.

The Bottom Half

Isabella Moreno (Eastwood) has looked strong throughout the season, but she opens with a tough draw against another returning placer, Ana Davis (Harker Heights). That first-round matchup could swing the entire bottom half of the bracket. The winner likely draws Mya Perez Martinez (Grand Oaks), who has been extremely tough and consistent all season.

In the bottom quad, Gabrielle Moore (Cy Creek) has established herself as a steady force in the Houston area. The question now is whether this is the moment she breaks through on the biggest stage.

Projected Podium

  1. Aisha Williams Bautista (Flower Mound)
  2. Isabella Moreno (Eastwood)
  3. Ana Davis (Harker Heights)
  4. Gabrielle Moore (Cy Creek)
  5. Madeline Moore (Cinco Ranch)
  6. Mya Perez Martinez (Grand Oaks)

The Blood Round

190

A loaded bracket with real championship upside—and plenty of upset potential baked in.

The Top Half

When I first opened this bracket, my reaction was an immediate “oh wow.” Asaiya Golphin (Steele) sits at the top as the favorite, but the road to the finals is anything but clean. Right away, there’s a brutal first-round matchup between returning state runner-up Annalisa Afrifa (Hebron) and Jaida Kuntz (Foster)—and the winner feeds directly into Golphin.

That matchup matters even more because Kuntz handed Golphin her only loss of the season. A regional setback dropped Kuntz into this draw, creating one of the most unbalanced quadrants in the tournament. Also on this side are Addy Smith (Princeton) and Sydney Layton (Clear Falls), both of whom are capable of navigating chaos and finding their way into the semifinals.

The Bottom Half

Tristyn Alo-Suliafu (Jordan) has been knocking on the door of a breakthrough since she entered high school, and she finally kicked it down at the regional tournament with a title and a pair of statement wins. If she carries that momentum forward, she’s dangerous. A potential second-round matchup with Ariana Rangel (Klein Oak) won’t be easy.

Lurking large on this side is Wema Laktari (Flower Mound). She missed the postseason last year, but she’s been nothing short of dominant this season. Physically imposing, confident, and battle-tested, Laktari looks every bit like a title threat.

Projected Podium

  1. Asaiya Golphin (Steele)
  2. Wema Laktari (Flower Mound)
  3. Annalisa Afrifa (Hebron)
  4. Addy Smith (Princeton)
  5. Tristyn Alo-Suliafu (Jordan)
  6. Sydney Layton (Clear Falls)

The Blood Round

235

A returning state champion looks to make it two.

The Top Half

Maliana Heimuli (Trinity) is back as the defending state champion and has been nearly untouchable all season. She’s been dominant from start to finish, but there are still a few challengers on this side who could test her.

Izis Kouokam (Foster) brings a résumé full of big wins over the course of her career and will be looking to capitalize on her opportunity on the state stage. Alexandra Pace (Klein Cain) has also put together a solid season and has the consistency to make a run if things break her way.

The Bottom Half

Several wrestlers on the bottom side have a legitimate path to the finals. Saniah Ebron (Harker Heights) leads the way after finishing fifth here last season. She’s been strong all year, but she’ll face a dangerous potential second-round matchup against J’niyah Brown (Cy Springs), who has quietly had an excellent season.

Also on this side is Zakhia Burke (Rock Hill), who came close to medaling last year and will be motivated to finish her career on the podium this time around.

Projected Podium

  1. Maliana Heimuli (Trinity)
  2. Saniah Ebron (Harker Heights)
  3. Zakhia Burke (Rock Hill)
  4. J’niyah Brown (Cy Springs)
  5. Izis Kouokam (Foster)
  6. Trinity Soares (Allen)

The Blood Round

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