A Fan's Guide to the Tennessee D1 2A State Tournament
Welcome to the Fan’s Guide for the TSSAA D1 2A 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: Can Cleveland take home another title?
Dobyns Bennett qualified all 14 … a huge number that gives them an advantage. On paper this looks like a four team race, but don’t be surprised if some of the 3’s and 4’s from Section 2 upset the apple cart. Cleveland, DB, Wilson Central, and Summit all enter with 6 or 7 section champs and 10 or more qualifiers. That is huge and cannot be overstated. Section Champs win their opening round matches at a very high percentage (greater than 95%) and by having so many champs puts each of these teams in a great position from the start. Based on what we saw at duals though … you’d have to think that Cleveland is the favorite once again.
Storyline #2: 24 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 and that number goes down slightly as we move from Seniors to Freshmen. We have 24 freshmen looking to claim a state title …
Six freshmen won a region title and are poised to claim a title this weekend:
Jose Cordero - Cleveland (106)
Reed Loeffel - Brentwood (106)
Mason Jakob - Dobyns Bennett (113)
Nate Graham - Station Camp (113)
Chase Smalling - Science Hill (120)
Titus Norman - Dobyns Bennett (126)
Been here … done that
7 wrestlers that have claimed a state title previously return looking for another title this season. Each has only claimed one title previously … so we will only see 2xers in D1 2A this season. Cleveland’s Logan Fowler and Bentley Ellison both won titles in previous years, but did not in 2022 - they will look to climb back on top in 2023. Bradley Central’s Bryson Terrell is the only one of the group that has been on the podium three times previously and Chase Walker and Max Norman both won titles as sophomores last year … they will look to continue their run to become 4xers.
Six of the 9 are Seniors.
Chase Walker - Cleveland (10) - 1st at 106 in 2022
Bryson Terrell - Bradley Central (12) - 1st at 113 in 2022; 2nd at 106 in 2021
Bentley Ellison - Cleveland (12) - 3rd at 120 in 2022; 2nd at 113 in 2021; 1st at 106 in 2020
Jarvis Little - Summit (11) - 1st at 120 in 2022
Logan Fowler - Cleveland (11) - 3rd at 126 in 2022; 1st at 106 in 2021
Max Norman - Dobyns Bennett (10) - 1st at 145 in 2022
Aidan Brenot - Clarksville (12) - 1st at 160 in 2022; 2nd at 152 in 2021
Still Hunting …
41 wrestlers made the podium a year ago and will be looking to claim their first state title in 2023. For 23 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.
Russell Ford - Independence (12) - 2nd at 113 in 2022; 3rd at 106 in 2021
Brayden Bouma - Oakland (12) - 6th at 120 in 2020
Nicholas Mercante - Wilson Central (12) - 4th at 120 in 2022; 5th at 113 in 2021; 4th at 106 in 2020
Ethan Lipsey - Bradley Central (12) - 2nd at 138 in 2022; 3rd at 113 in 2021
Grant Myers - Blackman (12) - 4th at 132 in 2022; 6th at 106 in 2020
Luke Belcher - Bradley Central (12) - 3rd at 145 in 2022; 2nd at 138 in 2021
Mason Sells - Blackman (12) - 3rd at 138 in 2022; 5th at 126 in 2021; 4th at 126 in 2020
Brock Wittman - Franklin (12) - 5th at 145 in 2022
Seth Robles - Clarksville (12) - 6th at 132 in 2022
Finley Jameson - Summit (12) - 2nd at 145 in 2022; 6th at 152 in 2021
Riley Fort - Wilson Central (12) - 4th at 145 in 2022; 4th at 132 in 2021; 6th at 132 in 2020
Wyatt Gibbs - Brentwood (12) - 2nd at 170 in 2022
James Robinson - Jefferson County (12) - 5th at 182 in 2022
Hayden Sinner - Nolensville (12) - 6th at 182 in 2021
Devon Medina - Science Hill (12) - 2nd at 195 in 2022
Luke Justice - Summit (12) - 5th at 182 in 2022; 6th at 170 in 2021
Miles Workman - Blackman (12) - 6th at 220 in 2022
Thomas Stadel - Maryville (12) - 3rd at 195 In 2021; 6th at 195 in 2020
Zach Sinner - Nolensville (12) - 4th at 170 in 2021
Noah Todd - Wilson Central (12) - 2nd at 220 in 2022; 2nd at 220 in 2021
Peyton Cooper - Maryville (12) - 3rd at 195 in 2022
Patrick Styblo - Centennial (12) - 5th at 220 in 2022
Garret Crowder - Dobyns Bennett (11) - 3rd at 220 in 2022
Hayven Jenkins - Oakland (11) - 5th at 195 in 2022
Lucas Szymborski - Cleveland (10) - 3rd at 160 in 2022
Spencer Kon - Independence (11) - 4th at 138 in 2022
Michael Colligan - Maryville (12) - 6th at 160 in 2022
Jacob Barlow - Coffee County (11) - 3rd at 152 in 2022
Tre McTorry - Nolensville (11) - 4th at 152 in 2022; 2nd at 113 in 2020
Cy Fowler - Cleveland (10) - 5th at 152 in 2022
Clark Vaughn - Brentwood (11) - 5th at 138 in 2022
Chase Mayes - Nolensville (10) - 6th at 145 In 2022
Landon Desselle - Summit (11) - 3rd at 132 in 2022; 6th at 132 in 2021
Judson Jarrett - Brentwood (11) - 3rd at 120 in 2022; 3rd at 120 in 2021
Zac Bosken - Cleveland (10) - 3rd at 113 in 2022
Aslan Nadeau - Blackman (11) - 5th at 113 in 2022
Trenton Houston - Cookeville (No Grade) - 5th at 106 in 2021
Colby Baltz - Houston (11) - 3rd at 106 in 2022; 4th at 106 in 2021
Stiles Miller - Science Hill (11) - 4th at 106 in 2022
Chase Creque - Siegel (10) - 6th at 106 in 2022
Hunter Heflin - Arlington (11) - 2nd at 120 in 2022
106 lbs.
Favorite: Jose Cordero - Cleveland (9)
Contenders:
Sebron Colson - Blackman (11)
Reed Loeffel - Brentwood (9)
Bryce Pulitzer - Dobyns Bennett (11)
Chase Fisher - Wilson Central (12)
Darkhorse: Miguel Rincon - Bradley Central (10)
Bracketbuster: Aidan Lindsay - Warren Co. (9)
What to know …
Just one returning placer in the bracket … Sebron Colson - Blackman (11) - 5th at 106 in 2022
Cordero beat Colson in Section 2 and has wins over Rincon, Masi, and others.
Loeffel, Pultizer, and Fisher are the other section champs …
Loeffel beat Masi in the Section Finals (and also has a win over Fisher and Pultizer) - has losses to Rincon
113 lbs.
Favorite: Mason Jakob - Dobyns Bennett (9)
Contenders:
Chase Walker - Cleveland (10)
Colby Baltz - Houston (11)
Nate Graham - Station Camp (9)
Chase Creque - Siegel (10)
Darkhorse: Kyler Groves - Bradley Central (11)
Bracketbuster: Deshawn Miller - Oakland (10)
What to know …
Chase Walker of Cleveland returns after claiming the 106 lb title in 2022 … 3 other state placers in the mix include:
Colby Baltz - Houston (11) - 3rd at 106 in 2022; 4th at 106 in 2021
Stiles Miller - Science Hill (11) - 4th at 106 in 2022
Chase Creque - Siegel (10) - 6th at 106 in 2022
Hard to go against a returning champ as the favorite, but Mason Jakob has been unbelievable this season. I believe his only losses came out of state at the Beast of the East to Virginia’s Cadell Lee and then was injured against Logan Brzozowski of Seton Hall Prep.
Jakob and Walker haven’t met and the two are on opposite sides of the bracket. Baltz shares the bottom side with Jakob (as does Creque). Miller is up top with Walker … but expect a final between Jakob and Walker.
120 lbs.
Favorite: Bryson Terrell - Bradley Central (12)
Contenders:
Russell Ford - Independence (12)
Chase Smalling - Science Hill (9)
Trenton Houston - Cookeville ()
Zac Bosken - Cleveland (10) - 3rd at 113 in 2022
Trenton Houston - Cookeville (No Grade) - 5th at 106 in 2021
Darkhorse: Aslan Nadeau - Blackman (11) - 5th at 113 in 2022
Bracketbuster: Brayden Bouma - Oakland (12) - 6th at 120 in 2020
What to know …
One returning champ in the bracket … Bryson Terrell - Bradley Central (12) - State Champ at 113 in 2022
One other returning state placer that is in the mix:
Russell Ford - Independence (12) - 2nd at 113 in 2022; 3rd at 106 in 2021
Zac Bosken - Cleveland (10) - 3rd at 113 in 2022
Aslan Nadeau - Blackman (11) - 5th at 113 in 2022
Trenton Houston - Cookeville (No Grade) - 5th at 106 in 2021
Brayden Bouma - Oakland (12) - 6th at 120 in 2020
Tons of placers in this bracket plus an outstanding freshman in Charles Smalling. Tough pull for Smalling in round 1 with returning medalist Bouma in the opening round.
Vance Blake of Wilson Central is one to watch - he was 2nd to Houston in their section
The favorite is Appalachian State signee Bryson Terrell - who’s only loss this season came early to Carson Dupill of Greeneville. Terrell has wins over Georgia State Champions Braydon Mitchell and Ty Murray as well as Alabama’s Demarcus Powe.
126 lbs.
Favorite: Jarvis Little - Summit (11)
Contenders:
Bentley Ellison - Cleveland (12)
Nicholas Mercante - Wilson Central (12)
Titus Norman - Dobyns Bennett (9)
Hunter Heflin - Arlington (11)
Darkhorse: Ashton Dy - Hendersonville (12)
Bracketbuster: Ben Mayberry - Rossview (12)
What to know …
Summit’s Jarvis Little returns after claiming in the 120 lb title a year ago
Three returning placers in the mix:
Hunter Heflin - Arlington (11) - 2nd at 120 in 2022
Bentley Ellison - Cleveland (12) - 3rd at 120 in 2022; 2nd at 113 in 2021; 1st at 106 in 2020
Nicholas Mercante - Wilson Central (12) - 4th at 120 in 2022; 5th at 113 in 2021; 4th at 106 in 2020
Returning Champ Jarvis Little is the favorite … he was second at the Knockout to nationally-ranked Jake Crapps of Cass, placed at the Beast of the East, and lost by a decision to nationally-ranked Jordyn Raney of Union County (KY) in the Drennan Finals. He is battle tested and is favored to claim another title in 2023.
The field chasing Little is stout with Ellison and Mercante who have been on the podium 3 consecutive years (Ellison on the top step in his freshman campaign). Watch for freshman Titus Norman … he may not win it, but he could show how close he is to the top.
132 lbs.
Favorite: Ethan Lipsey - Bradley Central (12)
Contenders:
Damen Pullen - Collierville (11)
Gavin Armstrong - Dobyns Bennett (12)
Jacob Miller - Rossview (12)
Michael Posey - Summit (10)
Darkhorse: Judson Jarrett - Brentwood (11)
Bracketbuster: Kaden Rice - Cleveland (10)
What to know …
No returning champs at 132
Two former state placers that should be in the mix for a run at the top step include:
Ethan Lipsey - Bradley Central (12) - 2nd at 138 in 2022; 3rd at 113 in 2021
Judson Jarrett - Brentwood (11) - 3rd at 120 in 2022; 3rd at 120 in 2021
Lipsey has looked phenomenal this season and looks to get over the hump and claim his first state title. Jarrett is the easiest pick as a darkhorse - but he shares the quarter with Lipsey.
Miller and Pullen are the section champs on the bottom side
138 lbs.
Favorite: Landon Desselle - Summit (11)
Contenders:
Connor Warnock - Wilson Central (12)
Jaxsen Nieuwsma - Oakland (10)
Caylek Vann - Jefferson County (11)
Arash Yazdani - Brentwood (11)
Darkhorse: Grant Myers - Blackman (12)
Bracketbuster: Riddeck Romano - Independence (10)
What to know …
No returning state champions at 138
Two former state placers that should be in the mix for the top step include:
Landon Desselle - Summit (11) - 3rd at 132 in 2022; 6th at 132 in 2021
Grant Myers - Blackman (12) - 4th at 132 in 2022; 6th at 106 in 2020
Myers vs. Yazdani is the best first round match in the entire classification … both have the ability to make a run for the top step
Desselle has wrestled on another level this year and is favored … keep an eye on Warnock on the bottom side (I believe each of his losses this season have come up at 145).
145 lbs.
Favorite: Luke Belcher - Bradley Central (12)
Contenders:
Cannon Mullins - Dobyns Bennett (12)
Brayden Leach - Summit (10)
Wendell Myers - Wilson Central (12)
Mason Sells - Blackman (12)
Brock Wittman - Franklin (12)
Darkhorse: Riley Lee - Maryville (10)
Bracketbuster: Kaden Knox - Rhea Co. (10)
What to know …
No returning champs at the weight
Four former state placers that should be in the mix for the top step include:
Luke Belcher - Bradley Central (12) - 3rd at 145 in 2022; 2nd at 138 in 2021
Mason Sells - Blackman (12) - 3rd at 138 in 2022; 5th at 126 in 2021; 4th at 126 in 2020
Brock Wittman - Franklin (12) - 5th at 145 in 2022
Seth Robles - Clarksville (12) - 6th at 132 in 2022
Outstanding weight with several seniors that are looking to get over the hump and claim a state title. The group is led by 2x placer (1x runner-up) Luke Belcher.
The bottom quarters are the matches to watch … both should be outstanding.
152 lbs.
Favorite: Logan Fowler - Cleveland (11)
Contenders:
Finley Jameson - Summit (12)
Riley Fort - Wilson Central (12)
Nate McKee - Heritage (12)
Gunner Taylor - Bradley Central (12)
Chase Mayes - Nolensville (10)
Darkhorse: Clark Vaughn - Brentwood (11)
Bracketbuster: Landon McCroskey - Shelbyville Central (12)
What to know …
Logan Fowler of Cleveland won a state title two years ago at 106 - he has taken 3rd since and will try to win a 2nd title this weekend at 152.
Four other former state placers that should be in the mix for the top step include:
Finley Jameson - Summit (12) - 2nd at 145 in 2022; 6th at 152 in 2021
Riley Fort - Wilson Central (12) - 4th at 145 in 2022; 4th at 132 in 2021; 6th at 132 in 2020
Clark Vaughn - Brentwood (11) - 5th at 138 in 2022
Chase Mayes - Nolensville (10) - 6th at 145 In 2022
Tough to pick a favorite here in what might best the deepest weight in 2A. Fowler is the only wrestler in the field hunting a second state title after winning two years ago. He has 3x state placer Riley Fort on the same side of the bracket (in what could be a great semifinal).
Last year’s state runner-up Finley Jameson sits up top and in the best position of anyone … yes he could get a good Gunner Taylor in the quarters (although Taylor has a good Cunningham off the scale) - who beat him at the Johnny Drennan, but with Fowler, Fort, Vaughn (easiest darkhorse to pick despite where he is in the bracket), Mayes, etc. all on the bottom - that path is much more difficult.
Pick up some darts … and some popcorn. This weight will be one to watch.
160 lbs.
Favorite: Max Norman - Dobyns Bennett (10)
Contenders:
Cy Fowler - Cleveland (10)
Tre McTorry - Nolensville (11)
Jack Stein - Clarksville (10)
David Cantrell - Walker Valley (12)
Darkhorse: Gabriel Larkin - Blackman (10)
Bracketbuster: Jacob Barlow - Coffee County (11)
What to know …
Max Norman returns after winning a state title last year as a freshman at 145 lbs.
He is joined by returning state placers:
Jacob Barlow - Coffee County (11) - 3rd at 152 in 2022
Tre McTorry - Nolensville (11) - 4th at 152 in 2022; 2nd at 113 in 2020
Cy Fowler - Cleveland (10) - 5th at 152 in 2022
Norman is a heavy favorite at 160. He has three losses this season - two at Beast of the East to Liam Scrivanich and Dagen Condomitti of Pennsylvania and then in the Knockout quarters to Florida State Champion Kendrick Hodge (who he came back to beat for 3rd).
McTorry had a great run at Holy Angels in North Carolina and shares the bottom side with returning state placer Cy Fowler. McTorry pulls returning placer Barlow off the scale - the best 1st round matchup in 2A (Barlow was pinned by Fowler in the Section semis and then medically forfeited to 4th).
170 lbs.
Favorite: Wyatt Gibbs - Brentwood (12)
Contenders:
Lucas Szymborski - Cleveland (10)
Samuel Griggs - Wilson Central (11)
Michael Colligan - Maryville (12)
Spencer Kon - Independence (11)
Darkhorse: Henry Tate - Houston (12)
Bracketbuster: James Revell - Blackman (11)
What to know …
No returning champs at 170
Four state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
Wyatt Gibbs - Brentwood (12) - 2nd at 170 in 2022
Lucas Szymborski - Cleveland (10) - 3rd at 160 in 2022
Spencer Kon - Independence (11) - 4th at 138 in 2022
Michael Colligan - Maryville (12) - 6th at 160 in 2022
No clear favorite at 170 … Gibbs gets the nod because he is a returning placer and by beating Kon last weekend puts himself on the top side (and opposite what should be a gauntlet on the bottom). You could make a case for Szymborski as the favorite … and he may eventually claim the title, but his path is more difficult with a potential quarter with Kon and a semifinal with Colligan (neither he has wrestled this season as far as I can tell).
Keep an eye on Henry Tate - another wrestler that makes the bottom side that much more difficult.
182 lbs.
Favorite: Aiden Brenot - Clarksville (12)
Contenders:
James Robinson - Jefferson County (12)
Jensen Schreiber - Summit (11)
Knox Watson - Bradley Central (12)
Dean Carrion - Houston (12)
Darkhorse: Hayden Sinner - Nolensville (12)
Bracketbuster: Caleb Charlton - Karns (12)
What to know …
Aidan Brenot is not only one of the best at 182 in Tennessee D1 2A, but is amongst the best in Tennessee and the SE at the weight. He won a title last year at 160 and will look to add another this weekend.
Three state placers return looking to make the top of the podium:
James Robinson - Jefferson County (12) - 5th at 182 in 2022
Hayden Sinner - Nolensville (12) - 6th at 182 in 2021
Brenot is the favorite after claiming a title a year ago and has looked absolutely outstanding this season with wins over Logan Heckert, Gavin Ricketts (Union County, KY), and others.
10 of the 16 wrestlers are Seniors … and only one can win a title.
195 lbs.
Favorite: Devon Medina - Science Hill (12)
Contenders:
Luke Justice - Summit (12)
Tyson Russel - Cleveland (10)
Frederick Ellis - Kenwood (11)
Thomas Stadel - Maryville (12)
Darkhorse: Hayven Jenkins - Oakland (11)
Bracketbuster: James Green - Franklin (12)
What to know …
No returning champs at 195, but a ton of talent that includes 6 returning placers:
Devon Medina - Science Hill (12) - 2nd at 195 in 2022
Hayven Jenkins - Oakland (11) - 5th at 195 in 2022
Luke Justice - Summit (12) - 5th at 182 in 2022; 6th at 170 in 2021
Miles Workman - Blackman (12) - 6th at 220 in 2022
Thomas Stadel - Maryville (12) - 3rd at 195 In 2021; 6th at 195 in 2020
Zach Sinner - Nolensville (12) - 4th at 170 in 2021
Flip a coin. We will go with returning runner-up Devon Medina as the favorite, but a case could be made for any of the top wrestlers in the bracket.
Deepest weight in 2A with 6 previous state placers, two additional section champs that weren’t placers, and so on.
Sinner vs. Jenkins in a matchup of returning placers in the opening round, but Workman vs. Powell might be the best opening round match in my opinion.
220 lbs.
Favorite: Noah Todd - Wilson Central (12)
Contenders:
Garret Crowder - Dobyns Bennett (11)
Logan McBee - Shelbyville Central (11)
Patrick Styblo - Centennial (12)
Peyton Cooper - Maryville (12)
Darkhorse: Noah Dixon - Brentwood (12)
Bracketbuster: Gabe Moore - Cleveland (9)
What to know …
Another weight with no returning champs, but a ton of returning placers …
Noah Todd - Wilson Central (12) - 2nd at 220 in 2022; 2nd at 220 in 2021
Garret Crowder - Dobyns Bennett (11) - 3rd at 220 in 2022
Peyton Cooper - Maryville (12) - 3rd at 195 in 2022
Patrick Styblo - Centennial (12) - 5th at 220 in 2022
We will go with the two time runner-up, Noah Todd, as the favorite, but that’s not a given. It helps that both Crowder and Styblo are on the bottom side, but Todd could draw Cooper in the quarters … and (I believe) Cooper already has a win over Todd at the state duals.
This weight is another that is going to be outstanding throughout. Do not miss the potential quarter between Todd and Cooper.
285 lbs.
Favorite: Hayden McDonald - Maryville (12)
Contenders:
Elijah Sumler - Mcgavock (10)
Zach Turk - Oakland (12)
Will Parodi - Ravenwood (12)
Keimel Redford - Science Hill (12)
Darkhorse: Brodey Huskey - Morristown West (11)
Bracketbuster: Dawyne Washington - Hillsboro (11)
What to know …
Wide open weight class with no returning champs or returning placers.
The only bracket without a returning medalist. What does that usually mean? Chaos - in terms of picking a favorite. Obviously the section champs are in the best position and enter this weekend with wins over the rest of their section competitors.
We go with Hayden McDonald as the favorite … his only loss this season is to Caleb Wolfe of Pigeon Forge and he has wins over Redford, Garrett Crowder, and others.
Keep an eye on Blayne Myers as well - he isn’t listed above, but is certainly one to watch.