HS WRESTLERS TO WATCH

[KFDM COOP]

WRESTLERS TO WATCH

Boys

John Gioffre Sr.  Cinco Ranch 

The heavyweight became a major hero for Cinco Ranch in Austin. He battled to a 5-4 overtime victory over Western Hills' Matt Teague to earn fifth place and help give the Cougars win the state championship . His victory was the fourth consecutive championship-round win for Cinco Ranch wrestlers in a stunning rally. He won homecoming king recently and will return to the mat after football season. 

James Hazzard Sr.  Westside 

A third-place finisher in Austin last season, Hazzard posted a 50-6 record to lead the perennial power Wolves at 171 pounds. He's quick and ready to take the reins as a senior for Westside coach Ron Baker. Hazzard may push the Wolves back in the running for a regional title. 

Will Morris Sr.  Cinco Ranch 

A bronze medalist in Austin at 171 pounds, Morris posted a 30-4 record last season. His only losses at the regional and state levels came to Highland Park unbeaten state champion Kyle Anderson and a 6-4 decision to Austin Bowie's Jordan Wehr. 

John Pacheco So.  Westside 

A state champion at Fort Bend Baptist at 125 pounds and Most Outstanding Wrestler at the TAPPS state tournament, Pacheco will provide an immediate boost to the Wolves' lighter wrestlers. He may bump up to 135 pounds for team strength, but he will win matches. 

Erik Spjut Jr.  The Woodlands 

This dynamo wears down the best opponents. He is the one in Houston, which explains why he won the 119-pound state championship as a sophomore in February, posting a 52-2 record. Expect Spjut to bump to 125 pounds and be just as dynamic. Some are calling him an automatic to win again; others look forward to a possible clash with Colleyville Heritage two-time state champion Jeremy Sandoval, a junior defending at 130 pounds. 

Donovan Vanderbilt Sr.  Cy-Fair 

This Bobcat beat nearly everyone last year, except Spjut in a two-man race at 119 pounds. Vanderbilt placed a solid fourth at state and should improve on that after a busy offseason. Staying at 119 pounds, the senior is ready to reach the top three. 

 

 

Girls

Whitney Disotelle  Sr.  Waller 

Disotelle overcame Katy senior rival Alex Bradshaw for the Region III title and finished second in state at 138 pounds. She's aggressive and driven on the mat. Disotelle holds the Bulldogs' school record with 78 pins out of 91 career victories. 

Alana Jimenez Jr.  Katy 

Jimenez qualified for state as a freshman and sophomore, finishing third last February. She led the Katy girls to another Region III championship. She's the Tigers' power hitter at 165 pounds and capable of quick pins. 

Amanda Kelso Sr.  Waller 

The 128-pound wrestler has 98 career wins and will reach 100 this weekend at an Austin tournament. She placed third at state last season and easily could be one of the several area state champions in February with her technical skills and mat quickness. 

Courtney Lindley Jr.  Cinco Ranch 

Lindley finished second at state at 110 pounds, posting a 28-8 mark. She is after the gold this winter and may move to 119 pounds because the state finalists from Houston are likely not on the mat any longer. Lindley is quick, motivated and technically difficult to defend. 

Angie Murray Sr.  Cy-Fair 

An unbeaten returning state champion is fairly rare, but Murray (32-0) ranks as one of the elite in Texas for her 119-pound title run providing she returns to the mat. She remains undecided. She dominated virtually every opponent last season, recording a single-season pin record. She pinned all four state opponents in February in Austin; no one lasted more than 1:15 against Murray. 

Julie Smith Jr.  Cy-Fair 

Wrestling at 102 pounds last year, Smith and a handful of area girls became warriors out of necessity at this weight. She topped them all at state with a fourth-place finish, just ahead of district rival Jessica Nguyen of Cypress Ridge. Smith is projected at 119 pounds this season, and she and Nguyen are preseason favorites to reach the medal stand in Austin. 

 

[Zedd]

Thanks Coop,

West Brook's season starts Tuesday. They attend a Tri meet in Friendswood. I'll have details and results Tuesday evening.

[KFDM COOP]

8) Thanks Zedd!!!