A quick peek at the returning points in Mississippi
Hey everyone … locked hands season is in full swing, but I’m beginning to work on the numbers from last season, how much each team returns, who should be on the watch list, etc. and as a result I thought I’d share a post with you each day (or every other day) of some of the top teams (as measured in returning state points). We are long way from the 2023-2024 season so this will likely change over time, but this is what we have at the moment.
NOTE: This makes a big assumption … that all of the grades in trackwrestling are accurate.
Here are the top 5 teams in Mississippi in returning state points:
Vancleave (1st in 2023 with 259.0 points - Possible Returning Points: 228)
As the state has begun to develop a few schools have stood out from the pack, one of those is the Vancleave Bulldogs. Dual runners up in 2023, the bulldogs finished as Mississippi’s top individual team led by 6 champions, 5 of which returning in 2024. Those being the brothers of Quinton and Braden Carrol (who won titles as 8th graders last season), Cole Daugherty, Maison Klest, and Jordon Sherrod. With all but 2 of their 14 state wrestlers returning it looks likley Vancleave will be deep into another title hunt.
Ocean Springs (2nd in 2023 with 243.0 points - Possible Returning Points: 220)
Last season Vancleave were runners up in dual meets, in a barn burner they were downed by Ocean Springs. This Ocean Springs team is loaded top to bottom, returning 5 champions and a bounty of other placers (all but 2 who graduated), the question is asked what would need to be done to catch Vancleave. If you can get similar production from your hitters like state champions Shanks, Taylor, Hall, Beeman and Schlosberg than all that would be necessary for another deep run is for guys like Thomas and Maciel to jump a few spots on the podium and/or good production from whoever replaces graduating seniors Driver and Thomas.
Saint Martin (3rd in 2023 with 208.0 points - Possible Returning Points: 172)
Saint Martin finished comfortably in 3rd last season, led by a pair of state titles from Suddeth and the graduating heavyweight champion Lane Hewett. With 3 kids in their line up younger than 9th grade, the team obviously has the youth to continue to fill the line up. The big question will be can someone replace their lost state title at heavyweight, and where will those higher placements come from if they look to move up the standings when we look back after this season.
Saint Patrick’s (5th in 2023 with 104 points - Possible Returning Points: 104)
Last seasons’ 5th placer, Saint Patrick will open the year with the 4th most points returning. Continuing the trend in the Magnolia state this team was super young last year, middle schoolers like Lococo and Amburgy, while returning all of their points including captain and state champion Thomas Seglio returning for his senior campaign Saint Patrick’s is definitely a team to watch coming into the year. The only question is numbers, the team was only able to send 10 to the state meet, for them to make a push for the top 3 it looks likley they will need to complete the lineup and have all 14 qualify and podium.
Picayune (4th in 2023 with 112 points - Possible Returning Points: 90)
Rounding out the top 5 returning is Picayune who brough 10 wrestlers to the tournament, all of which making the podium. Only losing 2, and with lots of young guys in their line up Picayune looks ready to be a competitive program in the state of Mississippi once again. If their freshman from last year, guys like Champlin, Herbert and Christensen can take the next step Picayune will be in good position to do the same and maybe work closer to the Top 3.
