A Fan's Guide to the Tennessee Girls State Tournament
Welcome to the Fan’s Guide for the TSSAA Girls State Tournament
So what is a Fan’s Guide?
The Fan’s Guide is a look at the tournament as a whole and each individual weight class … from a fan’s perspective. But it is not a prediction of who will win or who will make the podium. In fact, a Fan’s Guide is a little different. It is a look at a few individual pieces from each bracket … they include:
Favorite: the wrestler that enters the tournament as a region champ and has the best shot to claim the top step.
Contenders: a wrestler that finished 1st or 2nd at regionals amd has a decent chance to make the podium … not all region runners-up are listed as contenders.
Darkhorse: a wrestler that finished 3rd at one of the regional tournaments, but could make a run for the top step.
Bracketbuster: a wrestler that finished 4th at one of the regions, but could make a run for the podium.
Isn’t that kind of a prediction?
Yes and no. I do identify the favorite, but beyond that I have no idea of who will march through the bracket and claim a title (don’t get me wrong - I’ve watched a lot of wrestling this season so I have an idea of what will happen). I could give you an educated guess about a possible finals match and who will make the podium, but in the world of high school wrestling that is dangerous territory. Few wrestlers (if any) are unbeatable … but we do have past results and past accomplishments on which to make a guess or two. In reality, I am as much of a fan as any of you and like to talk wrestling. I hope each athlete goes out and performs to her ability and we, as fans, get an opportunity to watch some great wrestling.
Remember the sole purpose of the website, twitter, instagram, fan’s guides, pictures, etc. is to promote the sport in the Southeast. Have a great time this weekend, enjoy the wrestling, and best of luck to everyone competing.
NOTE: ALL INFORMATION BELOW IS ASSUMING THAT THE INFORMATION INPUTTED INTO TRACKWRESTLING EITHER BY THE EVENT DIRECTOR OR THE COACHES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON IS CORRECT.
Team Race
Storyline #1: Will Cleveland take the traditional title?
Cleveland downed Rossview for the State Duals title a few weeks back and the Raiders look poised to make a run for a traditional title as well. Six region champions puts them in great position to control their own destiny. Each should be favored in at least their first two matches and don’t be surprised if Cleveland builds a lead early. Rossview has more qualifiers (11 vs. 10), but will need their region champs and runners-up as well as their #3’s to score points. The edge is in Cleveland’s favor, but they still must get points from all 10 in order to feel confident about claiming the title. Clarksville and Riverdale have 3 region champs as well, but will need some help (or get their 3’s and 4’s onto the podium) if they are going to claim the top spot. This is really a five team race for first (and more than likely a two-team race between Rossview and Cleveland) - but Cleveland, Rossview, Clarksville, Riverdale, and Gibbs all have the numbers to be in the hunt … but numbers only work if they win and score points. Bring 10 wrestlers to the state tournament and everyone goes 0-2 - well you have no points. So turning those numbers into wins is key.
Storyline #2: 28 Freshmen look to make their mark
Fairly typical breakdown of qualifiers by grade level. As expected, we have more Seniors than any others competing for a state title … usually there are more Juniors than Sophomores, but you can see from the table above that is flipped this season. Leaving 28 freshmen that will look to make an impact on this year’s state tournament.
Nine of the freshmen won their region last weekend and should be considered contenders to claim a title this weekend. They include:
Rhyne Johnson, Greeneville (100)
Senna Grassman, Cleveland 114)
Olivia Johnson, Summit (120)
Mariana Bowen, Rossview (120)
Audrey Levendusky, Montgomery Central (126)
Sawyer Ward, Science Hill (138)
Trinity Roberts, Heritage (145)
Irelynn Laurin, Rossview (165)
Danika Mealer, Forrest (185)
Been here … done that
10 wrestlers that have claimed a state title previously return looking for another title this season. Jenna Baines of Greeneville is the only one of the 10 that didn’t win it in 2022. Maggie Graham is looking for her 4th state title. Ella Murphey and Ella lina Gonzalez are hunting for their 3rd state title.
Just 4 of the 10 are Seniors.
Vivian Mariscal - John Overton (11) - 1st at 100 in 2022
Jenna Baines - Greeneville (11) - 2nd at 107 in 2022; 1st at 112 on 2021
Melanie Val - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (11) - 1st at 114 in 2022
Ella lina Gonzalez - Clarksville (12) - 1st at 107 in 2022; 1st at 103 in 2021; 3rd at 103 in 2020
Verena Pate - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (12) - 1st at 126 in 2022; 2nd at 112 in 2020
Brooklyn Long - Independence (12) - 1st at 138 in 2022; 3rd at 140 in 2021
Maggie Graham - Bartlett (12) - 1st at 145 in 2022; 1st at 150 in 2021; 1st at 160 in 2020
Piper Fowler - Cleveland (10) - 1st at 152 in 2022
Ella Murphey - Hardin Valley Academy (11) - 1st at 185 in 2022; 1st at 190 in 2021
Sha`niayha Wysinger - Clarksville (11) - 1st at 235 in 2022
Still Hunting …
36 wrestlers made the podium a year ago and will be looking to claim their first state title in 2023. For 24 of them it will be their final shot at the top step … each are Seniors looking to go out on top in their final high school tournament.
Rylee Lent - Independence (12) - 2nd at 100 in 2022; 3rd at 103 in 2021
Laken Potter - Tullahoma (12) - 6th at 107 in 2022
Mila Risner - Oakland (12) - 2nd at 114 in 2022
Kiley McNerney - Riverdale (12) - 3rd at 100 in 2022
Allie Shelton - Greeneville (12) - 5th at 114 in 2022
Wachipi Hamelryck - Sullivan East (12) - 5th at 120 in 2022
Morgan Sacharczyk - Riverdale (12) - 3rd at 125 in 2020
Kristen Allsup - Dickson Co. (12) - 3rd at 126 in 2022
Angelina Slingluff - Seymour (12) - 4th at 126 in 2022
Ty Bryant - Clarksville Academy (12) - 2nd at 132 in 2022; 6th at 140 in 2021
Haley Redmond - Gibbs (12) - 3rd at 132 in 2022; 2nd at 132 in 2021; 6th at 119 in 2020
Lilli Cobb - Clarksville (12) - 5th at 132 in 2022
Kenlei Johnson - Union Co. (12) - 5th at 132 in 2020
Lilly Hosford - Knoxville Catholic (12) was 4th in 128 in 2022
Analise Jetter - Rossview (12) was 4th at 145 in 2022
Rylee Bennett - Summit (12) was 5th in 2022
Genesis Gilmore - Montgomery Central (12) - 2nd at 152 in 2022; 3rd at 150 in 2021; 2nd at 140 in 2020
Mercedes Standard - Collierville (12) - 4th at 152 in 2022
Jaelyn Patten - Stone Memorial (12) - 4th at 132 in 2020
Janiya Clemmons - Cane Ridge (12) - 6th at 152 in 2022
Kiera Blevins - Bearden (12) - 4th at 150 in 2021, 5th at 140 in 2020
Brianna Cook - Union Co. (12) - 6th at 170 at 2021
Trinity Lynn - Gibbs (12) - 2nd at 185 in 2022; 5th at 160 in 2020
Katelyn Mcmillan - Rossview (12) - 5th at 185 in 2022
Alivia Ryan - Dobyns Bennett (10) - 6th at 100 in 2022
Shyanne Michalski - Northwest (11) - 5th at 100 in 2022
Payton Agnell - Tullahoma (11) - 4th at 100 in 2022
Elinor Underwood - Seymour (10) - 4th at 107 in 2022
Gracie Tuberville - Montgomery Central (11) - 5th at 107 in 2022
Amanda Thomason - Cheatham Co. Central (11) - 4th at 112 in 2021
Gabriella Rincon - Bradley Central (11) - 2nd at 126 in 2022; 4th at 119 in 2021
Jes`onia Barefield - West Creek (10) - 6th at 120 in 2022
Ansley Reed - Science Hill (11) - 3rd at 120 in 2022
Alyssa Adamo - Rossview (11) - 5th at 152 in 2022; 3rd at 160 in 2021
Aliya Whaley - Maryville (10) - 6th at 165 in 2022
Diamond Young - Cleveland (11) - 2nd at 235 in 2022
100 lbs.
Favorite: Rylee Lent - Independence (12)
Contenders:
Rhyne Johnson - Greeneville (9)
Alyssa Archer - Franklin Co. (11)
Shyanne Michalski - Northwest (11)
Vivian Mariscal - John Overton (11)
Darkhorse: Laken Potter - Tullahoma (12)
Bracketbuster: Anna Melton - Cleveland (10)
What to know …
A returning Champ in the bracket in Vivian Mariscal - John Overton (11) - 1st at 100 in 2022
4 returning placers as well including 3 that were at this weight a year ago
Rylee Lent - Independence (12) - 2nd at 100 in 2022; 3rd at 103 in 2021
Shyanne Michalski - Northwest (11) - 5th at 100 in 2022
Laken Potter - Tullahoma (12) - 6th at 107 in 2022
Alivia Ryan - Dobyns Bennett (10) - 6th at 100 in 2022
Vivian Mariscal is the returning champ, but she lost to Lent in the Section Finals .. making Lent the favorite (or at least one of the favorites).
Keep an eye on Alivia Ryan as well … she is a returning medalist at this weight.
The bottom quarter of this bracket is the one to watch with Mariscal, Potter, Cross, and Michalski
107 lbs.
Favorite: Jenna Baines - Greeneville (11)
Contenders:
Kiley McNerney - Riverdale (12)
Makya Parker - Cleveland (11)
Mila Risner - Oakland (12)
Eleasa Renken - West Creek (10)
Darkhorse: Payton Agnell - Tullahoma (11)
Bracketbuster: Bailey Whitley - Dobyns Bennett (11)
What to know …
A returning champ is in the bracket (but not a champ at this weight) - Jenna Baines - Greeneville (11) - 2nd at 107 in 2022; 1st at 112 on 2021
5 returning placers at the weight including 2 that were at this weight a year ago
Mila Risner - Oakland (12) - 2nd at 114 in 2022
Kiley McNerney - Riverdale (12) - 3rd at 100 in 2022
Payton Agnell - Tullahoma (11) - 4th at 100 in 2022
Elinor Underwood - Seymour (10) - 4th at 107 in 2022
Gracie Tuberville - Montgomery Central (11) - 5th at 107 in 2022
Another outstanding weight for the girls. Agnell vs. Risner in the opening round with the winner likely getting Baines in the quarters.
114 lbs.
Favorite: Ella lina Gonzalez - Clarksville (12)
Contenders:
Senna Grassman - Cleveland (9)
Allie Shelton - Greeneville (12)
Jamilynn Burton - Oakland (12)
Melanie Val - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (11)
Darkhorse: Taylor Parkhurst - Summit (11)
Bracketbuster: Amanda Thomason - Cheatham Co. Central (11)
What to know …
Two wrestlers that have climb onto the top step of the podium previously are in the bracket:
Melanie Val - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (11) - 1st at 114 in 2022
Ella lina Gonzalez - Clarksville (12) - 1st at 107 in 2022; 1st at 103 in 2021; 3rd at 103 In 2020
Two other returning state placers are also in the mix:
Allie Shelton - Greeneville (12) - 5th at 114 in 2022
Amanda Thomason - Cheatham Co. Central (11) - 4th at 112 in 2021
Gonzalez is hunting a 3rd title and looks like the favorite
Keep an eye on freshman Senna Grassman who beat defending State Champion Melanie Val in the Section 2 Finals last weekend
120 lbs.
Favorite: Gabriella Rincon - Bradley Central (11)
Contenders:
Olivia Johnson - Summit (9)
Mariana Bowen - Rossview (9)
Alex Costello - Science Hill (11)
Morgan Sacharczyk - Riverdale (12)
Darkhorse: Wachipi Hamelryck - Sullivan East (12)
Bracketbuster: Lily Ann Blair - Clarksville (9)
What to know …
No returning champs at the weight … someone will claim a state title for the first time
Tons of returning placers in the mix:
Gabriella Rincon - Bradley Central (11) - 2nd at 126 in 2022; 4th at 119 in 2021
Wachipi Hamelryck - Sullivan East (12) - 5th at 120 in 2022
Jes`onia Barefield - West Creek (10) - 6th at 120 in 2022
Morgan Sacharczyk - Riverdale (12) - 3rd at 125 in 2020
We go with Rincon as the favorite, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a freshman climb to the top step. Another solid weight that saw Olivia Johnson beat Sacharczyk in the Section 3 Finals and Mariana Bowen win the section 4 tournament.
Returning medalists Sacharczyk and Barefield get each other off the scale.
126 lbs.
Favorite: Verena Pate - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (12)
Contenders:
Ansley Reed - Science Hill (11)
Audrey Levendusky - Montgomery Central (9)
Chase Vashel - Siegel (11)
Angelina Slingluff - Seymour (12)
Kristen Allsup - Dickson Co. (12)
Darkhorse: Anna Jenks - Rossview (12)
Bracketbuster: Ava Ziegler - Clarksville (9)
What to know …
Defending State Champion Verena Pate - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (12) returns looking to claim another title
Three former state placers that should be in the mix for the top step include:
Kristen Allsup - Dickson Co. (12) - 3rd at 126 in 2022
Ansley Reed - Science Hill (11) - 3rd at 120 in 2022
Angelina Slingluff - Seymour (12) - 4th at 126 in 2022
Pate is the returning champ and won section (region?) 2 last weekend … she should be favored to win it again this weekend
That said … the top side is talented with Allsup and Slingluff, both returning medalists, losing in last weekend’s finals
Reed will look to take care of the bottom side, but will likely need to beat a tough Levendusky to make that happen
132 lbs.
Favorite: Haley Redmond - Gibbs (12)
Contenders:
Ty Bryant - Clarksville Academy (12)
Stella Wilson - St. Andrew`s-Sewanee (10)
Brianna Gayton - Columbia Central (12)
Lilli Cobb - Clarksville (12)
Darkhorse: Gabbie Newton - Jefferson Co. (9)
Bracketbuster: Kenlei Johnson - Union Co. (12)
What to know …
No returning state champions at 132
Four former state placers that should be in the mix for the top step include:
Ty Bryant - Clarksville Academy (12) - 2nd at 132 in 2022; 6th at 140 in 2021
Haley Redmond - Gibbs (12) - 3rd at 132 in 2022; 2nd at 132 in 2021; 6th at 119 in 2020
Lilli Cobb - Clarksville (12) - 5th at 132 in 2022
Kenlei Johnson - Union Co. (12) - 5th at 132 in 2020
Another weight where it is tough to pick a favorite. Bryant and Redmond have been on the podium twice before, but never to the top step (both have finished 2nd before) and both are seniors looking to claim a title in their final trip.
Lilli Cobb and Kenlei Johnson are also both returning placers, but neither won their section last weekend - so the road to a title is tougher.
Wilson and Gayton both won their sections last weekend, but (on paper at least) it looks like Redmond vs. Bryant … and we put Redmond down as the favorite, but in truth you could have Bryant. Both will have their shot to make a case that they are the best this weekend.
138 lbs.
Favorite: Brooklyn Long of Independence (12)
Contenders:
Sawyer Ward - Science Hill (9)
Brooklyn Whiteside - Clarksville (11)
Paraskevi Christopolos - Baylor School (12)
Rylee Bennett - Summit (12)
Analise Jetter - Rossview (12)
Darkhorse: Abigail Vanderheyden - Oakland (11)
Bracketbuster: Lilly Hosford - Knoxville Catholic (12)
What to know …
State Champ Brooklyn Long of Independence (12) returns looking for another title
Three state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Lilly Hosford - Knoxville Catholic (12) was 4th in 128 in 2022
Analise Jetter - Rossview (12) was 4th at 145 in 2022
Rylee Bennett - Summit (12) was 5th in 2022
Long is the returning champ and beat a very good Rylee Bennett last weekend for a section/region title. She is the favorite.
Ward, Whiteside, and Christopolos each won their section/region and should be on everyone’s radar.
Ward could get Jetter in ther quarter; Christopolos could get Bennett (both of the non-section champs are returning placers)
145 lbs.
Favorite: Genesis Gilmore - Montgomery Central (12)
Contenders:
Trinity Roberts - Heritage (9)
Finnley Craig - Summit (10)
Bella Harris - Cleveland (11)
Mercedes Standard - Collierville (12)
Jaelyn Patten - Stone Memorial (12)
Darkhorse: Gianna Nikoloa - Rossview (11)
Bracketbuster: Aaliyah King - Independence (10)
What to know …
Three state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Genesis Gilmore - Montgomery Central (12) - 2nd at 152 in 2022; 3rd at 150 in 2021; 2nd at 140 in 2020
Mercedes Standard - Collierville (12) - 4th at 152 in 2022
Jaelyn Patten - Stone Memorial (12) - 4th at 132 in 2020
Genesis Gilmore has been in the state finals twice as well as in the finals at Fargo … she has yet to claim a title on either stage. That could end this weekend in Franklin as she is the favorite at 145.
Gilmore beat Standard last weekend and has put herself in position to make a run at a title … that said she could get a very good Jaelyn Patten in the quarters
Roberts, Craig, and Harris are your other section/region champs - neither has climbed onto the podium previously so it will be interesting to see how each progresses this weekend.
152 lbs.
Favorite: Maggie Graham - Bartlett (12)
Contenders:
Kiera Blevins - Bearden (12)
Madison Newbern - Riverdale (11)
Bethany Patton - Stone Memorial (12)
Alyssa Adamo - Rossview (11)
Darkhorse: Janiya Clemmons - Cane Ridge (12)
Bracketbuster: Lily Peters - Montgomery Central (11)
What to know …
Maggie Graham of Bartlett looks to claim her 4th state title … she was 1st at 145 in 2022, 1st at 150 in 2021, 1st at 160 in 2020
Three state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Alyssa Adamo - Rossview (11) - 5th at 152 in 2022, 3rd at 160 in 2021
Janiya Clemmons - Cane Ridge (12) - 6th at 152 in 2022
Kiera Blevins - Bearden (12) - 4th at 150 in 2021, 5th at 140 in 2020
Maggie Graham has an opportunity to claim her 4th state title this weekend - an amazing feat that is rarely accomplshed.
She is joined on the top side by Madison Newbern of Riverdale … the section/region 3 champ. If you don’t know the story of Madison and everything she has overcome this past year - please take a minute and visit the sewrestle facebook page … there you will see a shared post by her dad. It is an inspiring story.
The bottom quarter of the bracket is fire … 3 returning medalists including a first round matchup between Adamo and Clemmons - winner likely gets Blevins
165 lbs.
Favorite: Piper Fowler - Cleveland (10)
Contenders:
Aliya Whaley - Maryville (10)
Irelynn Laurin - Rossview (9)
Carter Grissom - Riverdale (11)
Savannah Davis - Livingston Academy (9)
Darkhorse: Brianna Cook - Union Co. (12)
Bracketbuster: Anjolina Rosario - Northwest (9)
What to know …
Piper Fowler of Cleveland (10) returns as the 152 champ
Two state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Aliya Whaley - Maryville (10) - 6th at 165 at 2022
Brianna Cook - Union Co. (12) - 6th at 170 at 2021
When all is said and done … and this is a bold statement … Piper Fowler might end up being the best female wrestler in Tennessee history. She won a state title last year as a freshman. She made the finals in Fargo in both 16U and Juniors and is one of the top ranked girls at her weight nationally. We do not give out medals before they compete, but Piper Fowler is as close to a “lock” as you get.
Aliya Whaley is a returning placer and won her section a week ago … she will be in the hunt on the bottom side.
185 lbs.
Favorite: Ella Murphey - Hardin Valley Academy (11)
Contenders:
Katelyn Mcmillan - Rossview (12)
Trinity Lynn - Gibbs (12)
Danika Mealer - Forrest (9)
Madelin Zunin - Cleveland (10)
Darkhorse: Audra Buckley - Montgomery Central (10)
Bracketbuster: Shelby Sells - Franklin Co. (10)
What to know …
Ella Murphey returns as the defending champ at the weight. She is a 2x State Champ having won a year ago as well as 190 lbs in 2021.
Two state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Trinity Lynn - Gibbs (12) - 2nd at 185 in 2022; 5th at 160 in 2020
Katelyn Mcmillan - Rossview (12) - 5th at 185 in 2022
2x State Champ Ella Murphey finishes off a “murderers row” of Tennessee girls with Graham, Fowler, and Murphey … three that I would put up against any others across the country. No other state has quite the trio that Tennessee has in these weights.
That said … Murphey is favored to win her 3rd title and put herself in position to make a run at four (but have to get 3 before you can worry about more)
Murphey beat Lynn last weekend and that puts Lynn on the bottom side with McMillan in what should be an excellent quarter.
235 lbs.
Favorite: Diamond Young - Cleveland (11)
Contenders:
Sha`niayha Wysinger - Clarksville (11)
Madison McDowell - Columbia Central (12)
Emma Young - Alcoa ()
Alyssa Anderson - Northview Academy (12)
Darkhorse: Macy Greenlee - West Greene (11)
Bracketbuster: Janell Casado - Clinton High (9)
What to know …
Two previous medalists return at the weight … Sha`niayha Wysinger of Clarksville is the defending 235 lb. State Champion and Diamond Young of Cleveland is the returning state runner-up.
One of the few times we pick a wrestler that lost last year to a wrestler in the same bracket … and the rationale is simple. Young beat Wysinger at state duals this year. We don’t have every result and sometimes we miss things, but from what we can tell - Young has a win over Wysinger this year and that is the difference.
Young and Wysinger headline the weight and we could see the two back in the finals for a rematch, but don’t sleep on the rest of the field. Alyssa Anderson and Emma Young our of region/section 1 are two to keep an eye on.