Betlon-Honea Path (SC)

Head Coach: Chris Strickland (entering 13th season at BHP; 8 at Crescent)

Staff: Dylan Gary, Tony Luna, Nathan Turner, Derek Harris

BHP took home the 3A title a year ago and return several hammers in 21-22. But they will need all 14 weights to step up and make a mark if they are going to retain the 3A title in 2022. West-Oak, Gilbert, Powdersville, and others look ready to challenge BHP for the title. The Bears lost several key wrestlers to graduation - Easton Brannen, Tyler Center, and Hayden Lawter - as well as 2x State Finalist Will Hendricks who moved to Myrtle Beach. That means that those returning will need to lead the way and that some new faces will need to step up and make their mark.

The cupboard is far from bare at BHP - the Bears return State Champs Cooper Strickland and Jojo Morris as well as 2x State Qualifier Eli Strickland, and Region Champs Patrick Stone and Joseph Lawton. I would expect those 5 will keep BHP in the mix for another 3A title in 2022. But it will be up to Seniors Ethan Babb, Will Tollison, and Logan Lollis as well as Juniors Cason Young and Grant Lawter to help push BHP over the top. Keep an eye on Sophomore Nolan Maness and incoming freshman Jayden Morris to make some noise in 2022. The Bears have all of the pieces to keep that 3A title at home - but they must rise to the occasion and hold off a strong pack of contenders.

“Coming off a state championship year I have reminded our guys over and over you can’t live off of last week’s groceries. This team is to make thier own mark, their own legacy. The standard and expectations haven’t changed. There are several very tough teams in AAA, if we are to compete, we must come to work everyday to get better. We have had a good summer, looking forward to the start of preseason here next week. Our schedule is a challenging one that I hope will prepare us for the postseason as a team and as individuals. My hope is that we peak just at the right time.”

— Coach Strickland

High Point Academy (SC)

Head Coach: George McDaniel (entering 16th season)

Staff: Hector Contreras, Jonny Martinez

High Point finished 4th in the 1A/2A Traditional State Tournament in 2021. They lose two hammers in Chad Rowlette and Zan Van Vleet, but return State Champ Lukas Crosby and State Placer Jay Brower. Jeremiah Jackson just missed on a trip to the state tournament last year and figures to punch his ticket in 2022. Keep an eye on Dakota Covington, Hannah Laws, and Nick Ramirez - each has post-season experience and will look to make an impact in 21-22.

High Point has a nice mix of upperclassmen and new faces and each will play a role in the success this season. Coach McDaniel will look to Kalil Scoggins, Sebastian Trammel, Garret Opperlee, and Brandan Ross to make an impact in 21-22 as well as two freshman in Luke Johannes and Said Gasimov. Does this team have the horses to push Crescent, Liberty, and Bamberg-Ehrhardt for a spot in the top 3?

“We go into this season looking for leaders to step up. We lost two important seniors last year. We have an excellent group of young kids coming up, but we need leaders to step up and show them the importance of always showing up. ”

— Coach McDaniel

Ft Mill (SC)

Head Coach: Chris Brock (entering 33rd season)

Staff: Adam Marullo, Ed Doran, Robby Miskelly, Mitchell Alston

Ft Mill finished 13th in the 5A team race a year ago and return 3 of their 4 State Qualifiers from 2021. State Placers Noah Kitchton and Josh Sturgeon both lost tough semifinal matches a year ago and both are back ready to make a run at the top step in 2022. State Qualifier Aiden Eubanks also returns and will look to make a run at a spot on the podium as well.

But for Ft Mill to push into the top 10 at the traditional tournament and make a run through the dual state tournament - they will need others to step up and make a name for themselves in 2022. This is a fairly experienced squad with many Juniors expected to contribute. Keep an eye on Zach Smith, TJ Miller, Harrison Noll, Henry Debbout, and the rest of the top of the lineup … all Juniors and each will be important to the success of this year’s squad. Keep an eye on freshman Jacob Nalley - looking to make an impact in 2022. Another name to watch is Isabella Hoffman - nationally ranked for the girls and had a good summer of wrestling.

“We are junior heavy this season and will be depending on some guys who have not had a lot of varsity experience. We are missing the typical high level of talent that we usually have among some of our guys. However; considering the experience levels with many of them, I think we could have a fairly competitive dual team. ”

— Coach Brock