Team Title Contenders | thencmat.com

Title Contenders

Let's talk about Team State Championship contenders. Before I go any further, let me start out by saying that when I wrote this article a year ago, Pisgah made me look absolutely foolish for leaving them off. So, I wonder who is going to make me look foolish this year?

As we go through the article, I will be bouncing back and forth between dual and tournament title hopes. If you are looking for the rankings, you can find them right here on thencmat.com.

Hough

The favorite. One of the best teams in the state a year ago, and they will be right there at the top again. Despite losing state champions, Jackson Rowling and Kyser Kostoff, they have a ton of firepower up and down the lineup. Hough has a great combination of tournament and dual strength. In a tournament setting they are going to get a ton of points from Felicano, Lefler, Grack, Kostoff and Rahaim. They have a ton of state qualifying level talent that will be in every spot of the lineup.

NW Guilford

Led by superstar Connor Reece and senior stud Jack Gibson, NW Guilford has a viable state placer at every single weight. The emergence of Waylon Pinnix, Carter Furman and Tristen Lawerence can be the catalyst for a state title. Just like the aforementioned Hough, NW Guilford is strong dual and tournament team.

Pinecrest

Led by Mitchell Rowland, Matthew Akins and Ethan Finn, this Pinecrest team is one that could be the spoiler to a NW Guilford and Hough West semifinal or unseat one of them at the state tournament. The true marker of their success will be how Harrison and Obst have developed over the course of the past year.

Laney

Never. I repeat, never count out Laney. They made Rhett and I look absolutely silly two years in a row at the state tournament when they won and we counted them out. This year they have the firepower to make the dual finals again and be in the mix for a traditional title. Big point scores like Sam McQueen, Mac Kopelman, Darrell Mcintyre and Eli Thomas will put them in position to win a tournament team title and have them in most duals. The question mark is how the rest of their lineup will perform.

Millbrook

This team is dangerous. They have the makings of a great dual team. They will have state qualifier level talent at almost every weight with some potential state placers mixed in and their super stud, Campbell Tufts. The part that makes them dangerous as a dual team is that they seemingly will not have any holes in their line-up. A kid to watch off this squad is Will Murray. He hit one of the nicest Hi-Cs in all of Fargo this summer. In my mind, as Murray goes, this squad goes.

8A Women's

Hoke

The two-time defending dual state champions will be at it again and looking for their first traditional title. This year they once again come in as the favorite with six wrestlers ranked in the top 3 of their weight classes. Jada Lebron, Kierra Rush, Jianna Gomez, Harley Hardin, Jada Locklear and Noelia Hipolito are huge point scorers for them that will be in the mix for state titles.

Laney

The women's program at Laney has been producing and was at the top of the heap when it came to vying for the team state title. This year will be no different. They have LaNesha Gause, Sydney Simmons and Leslie Barden at the top of the lineup that will score a bunch of points. Their team title hopes will lie with the rest of the squad as they will need more points to catch Hoke.

Millbrook

Lisa-Jean Foley will be the leader of this crew. Their women's team is built similarly to their men's squad, meaning that they have a bunch of ladies who will be in the mix to qualify. If they can punch a bunch of girls through to the tournament then they have a shot.

Panther Creek

They have a bunch of talent returning with Eva Serrano, Jiselle Riley and others. The question for this crew isn't the talent or the numbers; it is the transition. The school still hadn't resolved the coaching changes as of Super 32, so time will tell how that situation evolves.

Davie

The two-time defending state champions are loaded. Not only do they have state champion, Carson Worrick, they have three other state finalists in their lineup with Tiaj Thao, Aiden Szewczyk, and Elliot Gould. The party doesn't stop their though, they have Andrew Davis, Maddox Creason, Jack Bost and Jamarious Pelote. They have an amazing combination of high-end firepower and depth that is going to make them tough to beat in duals or the state tournament.

Lumberton

7A is probably my favorite team race and Lumberton is a reason why. Even though Davie is stacked and the favorite, Lumberton is nipping at their heels. The have quite a few big point scorers with Aaron Ellison, Xander Moody, Kene Black, Damicquen Powell and two-time state champ, Trevelian Hall, that are going to give them a shot at the traditional title. Then they have a mix of others who are going to be tough as nails in their lineup keeping them squarely in the mix for a dual title.

Cardinal Gibbons

The defending dual state champs aren't just going to sit back and let Davie and Lumberton have all the fun. They almost quietly have a very solid lineup with Luke Richards, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Thompson, Jeremiah Glass and Wyatt Johnson leading the way. Their lineup may look slightly different than last year with only having superstars, Richards and Thompson back but they are going to have 14 solid starters.

7A Women's

Jack Britt

With Isabella Hernandez leading the way, the Jack Britt crew is so far out front that I don't see anyone catching them.

Union Pines

The Union Pines lineup is one of the biggest storylines headed into the year. They are going to leave state placer/state champ level talent on their bench this year. The freshmen they have coming in at the lower weights alone is insane, Danny McDermott, Arlo Durlan, Braylen Butts, and Randall Shaver, just to name a few. Simply, there won't be enough space for all that talent, especially with returning state champion, Liam Myles still in the lower weights. However their lineup shakes out, they will have state champ/placer contenders at the first three weights. Add that to having Evan Thompson, Tripp Sullivan, and Dom Blue at the top as the number one ranked wrestler at their weights to start the year then you have a state title favorite in the dual and state tournament. That doesn't even incorporate Thomas Salinas, Jacob Del la Torre or Joe Shook who will score points at the state tournament this year. I know, stacked.

St. Stephens

The St. Stephens squad was sneaky good last year, and this year will be no different. Avery Rhymer, Micah Geoghagen and former state runner-up, Zane Taylor are going to be substantial points at the tournament but to catch Union Pines in this format they are going to need more points out of the rest of their squad. In a dual, St. Stephens is always in the mix because their squad is hard-nosed from top to bottom. There is zero reason to think that this year will be different from that.

Piedmont

This team is very intriguing when it comes to the team race. They have a good combination of high-end firepower and solid lineup. Jaxon Thomas, Lucas Belk, Caleb Edwards and Elijah Oakley are their big point scorers. The question is how the rest of their lineup is going to develop. Coach Belk has a track record for having guys jump into the picture that we weren't expecting, I am just watching to see who it might be.

White Oak

The development of this program has been awesome. This year they are one of the challengers to the formidable Union Pines. With super studs, James Campos, Hayden Smith and Abrey Verhow leading the way and state placer types, Justin Campos Jacob Campos, and Robert Alexander, right behind them, White Oak is primed for a deep dual run and a standout performance at the state tournament.

Eastern Guilford

As long as Coach Atwood is the coach, Eastern Guilford is a title contender. Whether it is the duals or state tournament, we could see them emerge as a title challenger. This team has a great mix of standouts and role players that will contribute. Look for Diouf, Cook to be vying for state titles.

6A Women's

Union Pines

That is, it. That is the list. The race is on to see which team will be the first to win a Men's and Women's team title in the same year. My money is on Union Pines. The girls' team has LilyAnn Blair, Makenzie Shaver, Abigal Pursley, Lelia Flechsenhaar and more that could win titles this year.

Seaforth

They have won the state tournament two years in a row. This year the squad still has a ton of talent. Including state champs, Gabe Rogers and Jordan Miller. They have two-time state placer, Harrison Compton as well. If they win a team title this year, it will look different. The past two years they have had superstars and numbers. This year, they are going to rely heavily on their studs.

Enka

One of the teams that I am most interested to lay eyes on this year. The way they competed a year ago told me that they could be in the mix for a title this year. I believe that Homan and Farmer are big point scorers and they may have a new face that performs well too. Ultimately, they are going to more of a dual title threat.

Montgomery Central

This isn't a team that if you just asked the random fan that would come up but they are squarely in the mix. If you look through the rankings, they have a ton of kids up and down their lineup that are going to score points. Including state champion, Imon Freeman. Don't surprised if they are the state champs come state tournament time.

West Rowan

They have been so good for so long and that doesn't change next year. They have state qualifier type guys up and down their lineup that are going to insert them right into the dual title picture. Andrew Taylor has become the veteran point scorer on this squad that is going to lead them this year.

5A Women's

Parkwood

Speaking of a loaded team?! This crew has it all. They have a lineup full of state title contenders. Riley Johnson, Madelyn Korvink, Peyton Painter Veronika Wilson, and state champ Rylynn Keziah are just a few of the girls that could win state titles in February. Honestly, it is going to look like a dual meet out there.

West Rowan

The only team that could possibly challenge Parkwood is West Rowan. They are loaded down low with Perry, Brown and Collins. The state finals matches in the coliseum could really just be dual between Parkwood and West Rowan.

Uwharrie Charter

A perianal power. They have Lorenzo Alston who guarantees they a bunch of points come tournament time. They also have returning state champion, Michael Shropshire and a ton of state qualifiers and placers. It is another year, and Uwharrie is in the mix for a state title, it is to be expected at this point.

Morehead

This team will be led by two-timer, Eli Horton. They also have state runner-up, Tyler Kendrick. Nathan Howard, Brock Blizzard, Hagen Barker, and Jazazy Millner could all be in the mx for titles. Having that many guys in contention is a reason why they are a contender. Is this the year that Morehead returns to the top of the pecking order?

Washington

This is a program on the rise. Two years ago, at the state tournament Rhett and both noticed how this program quickly became one who was looking to score, gritty and using great technique. They have studs with Bryce Perry, Sam Boltes, and Gabe Foreman. However, I like their dual team chances even better.

Pisgah

I refuse to leave them off the list after last year. I didn't mention them and all they did was make the state dual finals. This year they aren't sneaking up on me or anyone. They have superstar, Landon Pope and a ton of other tough kids like Levi Curtis and Christian Gibson. They also have some outstanding freshman entering the mix.

Mount Pleasant

The Gue brothers and Jacob Reigel are the major point scorers for Mount Pleasant. Lukas Allman is also going to be someone that they get a lot of production out of. The question remaining is how the rest of their team fair.

South Rowan

They are probably a year away from truly contending. However, just put in a note to watch this team over the next few years.

RS Central

The 2A dual state champions are going to tough once again. I am not sure if there is a team in the state that wrestles as hard as they do. Hugins, Guzman, and Davis are the top returners, but we have a feeling that more kids from their squad will emerge.

1A-4A Women's

Rosewood

The race is on. Rosewood and Union Pines might not be in the same division, but they are competing against each other to see who can win a both titles in the same year first. State Champion, Khiry Reese is going to lead the charge for this team.

East Henderson

The darkhorse contender, East Henderson is a local pick to contend. The school isn't far from where Rhett and I live. So, we know firsthand who they have and what the potential could be here.

First Flight

I know what y'all are thinking. You're thinking that I am biased here. You're right. I haven't been shy about that since the start of CTT. However, the facts are the facts here. They have state champ Skyla Simpson and a ton of talent around her. Till the wheels fall off!

Mount Airy

The Mount Airy magic was real last year, and the momentum will continue into the 25-26 season. Currently, they have six number one ranked wrestlers. That is a lot of team points. If they want to contend on the dual side of things, they are going to need the other wrestlers in their lineup to show up.

Trinity

Coach Coggins always has these boys in the mix. With Burkholder, Cross, Edge and Trahan, they will be right in the thick to beat anyone. The dual lineup is probably even better than their tournament.

Lincolnton

They have been rising over the past few years. This year they have a great mix of young and veteran talent. I really like Mills and McBride and the way they compete. I think they are a great influence on the program with the elements that they bring.

Wheatmore

This team is more of a tournament threat with Hittepole, Sumners and Moore. The three of them together could be a lot of points.

Polk

I am hesitant to put Polk here despite the numbers. The numbers show that they are a contender. However, they lost their head coach and their top wrestler in the offseason. I know that the lineup that is left can compete and maybe even win 3A and that is what keeps them here.

1A/2A

Rosewood

The return. In the early years of 1A Rosewood was dominating the division, and especially the east. Now they are primed to take over once again. They have a bunch of wrestlers in the rankings including four number one guys. That is a lot of team points in the tournament. Dual wise they might even be better.

Robbinsville

Bet on black. They have the firepower, they have the grit, they have the lineup. Watch out for the black knight. The Hooper brothers, Panama, Ensley and crew are ready to stake claim to the new 1A/2A. Could this be the start of a new dynasty like run for the Ville?

NECP

Holt Quincy and his crew are an emerging program that we have seen produce at the state level. I am interested to see who their next guy is.

South Davidson

They already had momentum coming into the year with returners Garner and Bassett then add in that Coach House is doing a great job with development. Now add in that they add Co-head coach Matt Dunn and his son, three-time state champ, Cael Dunn. This makes them a certifiable title contender.

Avery

I will never make a state title contender list and not put Avery on it. I know they lost Cael and that is a lot of points. They still have Ical Tuil and some talented incoming freshmen. All I am saying is don't count out Avery.