1A-11 Preview: Lemon Bay looks for district title No. 9 in-a-row
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Last season: Lemon Bay won it’s eighth IBT district title in a row, outdistancing Boca Ciega 241-174.5.
How did Kabra do?: Lemon Bay came back to the pack after a huge graduation of wrestlers, but they were still tops in the district, Boca Ciega did prove our runner-up choice to be incorrect.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jack Oliver (Lemon Bay), Broc Dahlin (Bayshore), Lexander Coleman (Lakewood), Jayden Shannon (Bayshore), John Kelly (Boca Ciega), Kaleb Mathis (Lakewood)
The favorite: Lemon Bay. The Manta Rays graduated some talent, but will restock with youth and a few transfers.
Team to watch: Bayshore. They’re young, but they have some experience and are working to take that next step.
District duals: Wednesday, December 18 at Lemon Bay
District IBT: Wednesday, February 19 at Bayshore
Lemon Bay Manta Rays (#16/#20)
Coach: Jeff Ragan (2nd at school/20+ overall)
Assistant coaches: Jason Davids, Mike Schyck, Brock Lavallee, David Kelly, Robert Mooney
Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1-1A12; 2020:1-1A12; 2019:1-1A12; 2018:1-1A12; 2017:1-1A12; 2016:3-1A12; 2015:6-1A12; 2014:4-1A12; 2013:1; 2012:1
Last state champion: Lance Schyck 2022 (182)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Miguel Diaz, 44-12, SQ, R3, DC; Logan Kelly, 41-12, SQ, R3, D2; Connor Murphy, 33-11, SQ, R4, DC; Gavin Vasbinder, 38-15, RQ, D2; Keegan Martin, 33-25, RQ, D4; Wiley Paver, 32-22, RQ, DC; Aiden Caviston, 28-18.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jack Oliver, Sr., 59-7, 2nd, RC, DC; Logan Dean, Jr., 38-11, RQ, D2; Justus Hatch, Jr., 15-20, RQ, D2; Hunter Barretsmith, Sr., 24-14, RQ, D2; James Bauer, Jr., 27-19, RQ, D2; Atticus Randall, So., 27-25, RQ, D4.
New wrestler: Jaymin Saunoris, Sr., 34-12, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Sarasota Riverview); Evan Saunoris, So. (Transfer from Sarasota Riverview); Bo Mensing, Sr.; Brock Stanton, Sr. (Transfer from Venice).
What they are saying: “We may have lost three solid seniors but we are bringing back 11 returning starters who all put in the time this off season. Now it is time for them to prove themselves.”
Outlook: State finalist Oliver is back to lead a team that returns most of its starting lineup and has added some pieces too.
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
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District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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Bayshore Bruins (#9/NR)
Coach: Anthony Slack (6th season)
Assistant Coach: Bobby Dahlin, David Stubbs, Jeff Phillips
Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:3; 2022:5; 2021:4-1A10; 2020:5-1A10; 2019:11; 2018:11; 2017:11; 2016:9; 2015:8; 2014:5; 2013:9; 2012:11
Last state champion: Bert Hartmann, 1990 (152), Trevor Johnson, 1990 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tyron Huffman, 47-10, 4th, R2, DC; Marcos Solis-Sanchez, 44-12, SQ, R2, DC; Sawyer Baker, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Broc Dahlin, So., 51-5, 2nd, R2, DC; Jayden Shannon, Sr., 31-14, RQ-BR, D2; Yanuel Pantoja, Jr., 19-21, RQ, D3; Jeremiah Coleman, So., RQ, D3; Raymond Rivera-Colon, Sr., 24-26, RQ, D4; Noah McCarthy, So., RQ, D4; Thomas Garrett, So., 6-28, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “This is the youngest team we have had in my tenure at Bayshore, but it is also our most experienced. Our core kids have been working hard all year and I'm excited to see them compete this year.”
On our approach: “We’re not putting too much pressure on the kids, just coming to practice every day, rolling around and having fun and just making sure we’re nice and healthy for March and make something happen.”
On expectations: “We obviously have Brock at the top. He’s going to be jumping a bunch of weight classes this year but he’s getting big and strong. Then we have about eight other tenth graders that have a couple years under their belt and are ready to start breaking through. And our heavyweight Jaden, who’s leading the team as our senior.”
Outlook: Dahlin is back after reaching the state final as a freshman. He’s grown but will be competing for a state title again this seas. The rest of the team will try to get a group to join him after three wrestlers reached Kissimmee last year.
Boca Ciega Pirates
Coach: Tobey Alvarez (17th as HC/27th at school)
Assistant coaches: Pete Laclair, Kurt Montanye, Sadrick Daniel, Cheko Carte
23-24 dual record: 17-8
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:5; 2022:5-2A10; 2021:7-2A10; 2020:8-2A10; 2019:7-2A9; 2018:7-2A9; 2017:7-2A9; 2016:6-2A9; 2015:5-2A9; 2014:5-2A9; 2013:6; 2012:6
Last state champion: Kadiel Mendoza, 1994 (112)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Leo Tiannoi, 36-9, SQ, R4, DC; Keyon Carbart, 28-12, RQ, D4; Devin Bonner, 18-13, RQ, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: John Kelly, Sr., 23-5, SQ, R2, DC; Kemuri Safford, Sr., 28-10, RQ, D3; Arthur Cloud, Jr., 33-8, RQ, D2; Christian Collins-Murray, Jr., 16-8, RQ, D3; Jakhari Jones, Jr., 31-9, RQ, DC; Brandon Lopez, Sr., 18-18, RQ, D3; Keo Woods, Sr.; Kemarian Albert, Sr.
New wrestlers: Milo Klaustermeier, Sr., 29-11, RQ-BR, D4 (Transfer from Seminole); Caleb Laclair, Sr. (Transfer from Seminole); Nate Lauser, Sr. (Transfer from Largo); Cooley Murdoch, Fr.
What they are saying: “We are ready to battle for the top spot in the district and ready to hit the mat and grind. We have some really hard-working young men ready to prove themselves.”
Outlook: This could be the year for the Pirates. They are loaded with talented seniors and the district is winnable for this group.
Sarasota Military Eagles
Coach: Mason Marchbank
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:4; 2022:4; 2021:3-1A10; 2020:1-1A10; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:2; 2016:1; 2015:3; 2014:4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Madiyan Abumunshar, 30-11, SQ, R2, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Gavin Ramon, Sr., 25-10, RQ-BR, D3; Alex Murphy, So., 10-14, RQ, D3; Matthew Varley, So., 3-22, RQ, D4; Dylan Ferguson, Jr., 12-21, RQ, D2; Michael Crea, Sr., 16-23, RQ, D3.
Lakewood Spartans
Coach: James Ervin (Sixth season)
Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:7; 2022:4-1A9; 2021:7-1A10; 2020:3-1A10; 2019:7; 2018:7; 2017:10; 2016:10; 2015:11; 2014:12; 2013:7-1A10; 2012:5-1A10
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Avery Tucker, 15-4, RQ-BR, D2; Vincent Palladini, RQ-BR, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kaleb Mathis, Sr., 19-6, SQ, R4, D2; Lexander Coleman, Sr., 8th, R4, D2; Damari Green, Sr., RQ, DC.
What they are saying: “The program continues to grow each year with more and more pure athletes. Lakewood is known as one the top football schools in Pinellas County. I have been able to tap into the athletic talent pool the football team produces.”
More on this team: “The combination of coaching and pure athletes I think, helps to put us on an even playing field with our competition. The goal this year is team wins in tournaments and a team trip to state competition.”
Outlook: The strength of this team are in the three returning seniors (Coleman, Green, Mathis) with their experience and knowledge of the sport. They’ve been part of raising the awareness of the sport at the school and have created excitement.
Gibbs Gladiators
Coach: Andre Walton
Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:6; 2022:7-1A9; 2021:5-1A10; 2020:6-1A10; 2019:8; 2018:5; 2017:7; 2016:4; 2015:4; 2014:6; 2013:7-2A10; 2012:7-2A10
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kevaun Jones; Savieon Garrison, 20-13, RQ, D3; Alexander McDuffie, 20-14, RQ, D3; Angelo Arroyave, 6-18, RQ, D4; Amarion Lewis, 20-12, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Elijah Jordan, Jr., 6-12, RQ, D4; Nezji Jones, Jr., RQ, D4; Gabriel Anaya, Sr., 16-15, RQ, D4; Jamir Hudson, Sr., RQ, D4.
Booker Tornadoes
Coach: Shane Hamm (8th at school/15th overall)
Assistant coaches: Nick Termine, Tai Nguyen
Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:2; 2022:8; 2021:8-1A10; 2020:8-1A10; 2019:6; 2018:8; 2017:8; 2016:13; 2015:5; 2014:3; 2013:5; 2012:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Samir Redden, 36-9, 4th, RC, DC; Jordan Parks, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestler: Trey Schwartz, Sr., 31-9, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer from Lakewood Ranch)
What they are saying: “I believe we will fill every weight class for the first time in 15+ years; that’s huge for us.”
Outlook: The program is building itself back up and should have a full lineup of wrestlers this season.
Bradenton Christian Panthers
Coach: Steve Rivera
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:8; 2022:9; 2021:2-1A10; 2020:4-1A10; 2019:3; 2018:6; 2017:9; 2016:7; 2015:9; 2014:9;
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jace Craft, 23-13, RQ-BR, DC; Micky Bonnyasiriwat, RQ, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Carter Wright, Sr., 25-10, RQ, D2; Joshua Ditzel, 8th, RQ, D4; Cai Marin, Sr., RQ, D3; Caden Ott, Sr., RQ, D3.
Cardinal Mooney Panthers
Coach: Will Schenerlein (1st at school/11th total)
Assistant coaches: Felix Osuna-Coto, Eric Tomayo, Gabbi Tutera
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None
What they are saying: “We are a first-year program with little individual experience. Our upper weights are good athletes but without much wrestling experience.”
On starting a program from scratch: “We’re going to start wrestling out of the gate and then build from there. I want these kids to get in and get a feel for it and fall in love with it like I did.”
On the scheduling for this season: “We have a great schedule. It’s a local schedule. I didn’t schedule any overnights, we didn’t go looking for any tough opponents. We’re going to a lot of JV tournaments and JV round-ups and we’ll go to some local one-day tournaments and we’ll probably learn our lessons quick.”
Outlook: Cardinal Mooney is starting a boys and girls program under National Wrestling Hall of Fame member Schenerlein. He coached Top 25 teams, multiple state champions and future D1 wrestlers at Parkersburg High School in West Virginia and is returning to coaching. The team had interest of almost 30 wrestlers heading into the season.