3A-9 Preview: OBC powers to put district title streaks alive in must-see battle
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Last season: Harmony just had too many weapons to win a tight district for the Longhorns’ eighth-straight title.
How did Kabra do?: This was an easy pick last year with Harmony being so loaded, but we also picked the runner-up Orlando Freedom.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jesten Conty (Orlando Freedom), Tristan Horn (Harmony), Nathan Lyttle (Harmony), Ehab Shalaby (Kissimmee Osceola), Logan Silva (Colonial), Deacon DeLong (Kissimmee Osceola), Isfandier Sharipov (Kissimmee Osceola), Nathaniel Cabrera (Kissimmee Osceola)
The favorite: Harmony. Oh boy this is going to be good. We know more about the Longhorns, so maybe there’s a knowledge bias here.
Team to watch: Kissimmee Osceola. All the Kowboys do is win, but they’ll have to really earn it in this tight race.
District duals: Thursday, January 9 at Lake Nona, 12:30 p.m.
District IBT: Saturday, February 22 at Harmony
Harmony Longhorns (#12/#17)
Coach: Vic Lorenzano (8th at school, 43rd total)
Assistant coaches: Tristan Cuatchon, Billy Linane, Tom Cleveland
23-24 dual record: 13-1
Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1-2A5; 2020:1-2A5; 2019:1-2A6; 2018:1-2A6; 2017:1-2A6; 2016:2-2A6; 2015:1-2A6; 2014:1-2A6; 2013:2-2A5; 2012:3-2A5
Last state champion: Shawn McCallister, 2024 (157)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Shawn McCallister, 47-1, SC, RC, DC; Carson Estrada, 38-9, 4th, R2, D2; John Fernandez, 38-7, SQ, RC, DC; Gabriel Nascimento, 32-11, SQ, R3, D2; Jeremiah Gomez, 39-8, RQ-BR, DC; Carlos Rodriguez, 27-5, SQ, R3, DC; Case Roberts, 33-13, RQ, DC; Michael Shanabrook, 20-7.
Notable returning wrestlers: Nathan Lyttle, Jr., 41-3, 3rd, RC, DC; Seth Scutero, Sr., 35-14, RQ-BR, DC; Tristan Horn, Jr., 32-11, RQ, DC; Cristian Rodriguez, Sr., 34-17, RQ-BR, D3; Max Butler, Jr., 28-7, RQ, DC; Landon Davis, Sr., 23-6; Aiden Maldonado, Sr., 19-21, RQ, D4; Nevan Irving; Brody Williams; Jaiison Cabrera.
New wrestlers: Kameron Privette; Elijah Akers; Julio Bernaez; Jaden Pena; Scott Korkowski; Fernando Berroteran; Ashton Diaz
What they are saying: “We’ve been lucky the last four years, we've just had great groups of kids and parents coming through. I mean, every year we graduate these guys and you’re distraught because they’re such great kids. Every group seems bigger than the last one and then last year’s group was just together so long. But you have to do i and now we get to move on to the next guys.”
On Nathan Lyttle: “His ceiling is unlimited. He’s had a great offseason training and he knows the path that he’s got to take. I told him to not think that he’s the man because when you do, you’ll get bit. So I tell him that everybody is coming after you and you have to be ready to go and he’s pretty well dialed in.”
On what keeps him coaching: “The kids are just great. If you’re not happy and enjoying what you’re doing, obviously you’re going to go but I just love the hell out of these kids. They work hard. They respond well. I don’t know if fun is the right work but it is definitely rewarding to spend time with them and watch them grow and get better.”
Outlook: Harmony has won eight straight district titles entering this season but a combination of a talented senior class graduating and a reclassification will make this year’s quest challenging. Don’t count out the Longhorns though, they have a deep bench of wrestlers ready to step into new roles.
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
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Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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Kissimmee Osceola Kowboys (#15/#3)
Coach: Rick Tribit
Recent district results: 2024:1-3A5; 2023:1-3A5; 2022:1-3A5; 2021:1-3A5; 2020:1-3A5; 2019:1-3A5; 2018:1-3A5; 2017:1-3A5; 2016:1-3A5; 2015:1-3A5; 2014:1-3A5; 2013:1-3A5; 2012:1
Last state champion: Isfandier Sharipov, 2024 (132); Anderson Heap, 2024 (150)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gunner Holland, 47-7, 2nd, RC, DC; Anderson Heap, 58-5, SC, RC, DC; Bryan Gari, 24-9, 7th, R4, D3; Talyn Fisk, 33-14, 7th, R3, DC; Jayson Ortiz, 29-14, SQ, R4, DC; Adaias Ortiz, So., 51-8, 2nd, RC, DC (Transfer to Lake Highland Prep)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Isfandier Sharipov, Sr., 32-6, SC, RC, DC; Elijah Vansickle, Sr., 0-0; Ehab Shalaby, Jr., 39-12, SQ, R3, DC; Deacon DeLong, Sr., 33-17, SQ, R4, DC; Nathaniel Cabrera, Sr., 38-16, SQ, R2, DC; Jaquille Knox, Sr., 23-11, RQ, DC; Maddox Spencer, So., RQ, D4; Diaaeldin Elghonemy, Jr., 15-6, RQ, D3.
New wrestler: Ibrahim Rustam, Sr., 29-7, RQ, DC (Transfer from Orlando Cypress Creek); Jesten Serrano, Jr. (Transfer from Celebration)
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Orlando Freedom Patriots (#24/NR)
Coach: David Bush (13th season)
Assistant coaches: Mikel Bush, Randall Grant, Lynzie Doll, Jayquon McEntyre, Marcus Jean Baptiste
23-24 dual record: 6-2
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:1; 2019:1-3A4; 2018:1-3A4; 2017:1-3A4; 2016:1-3A4; 2015:1-3A4; 2014:1-3A4; 2013:3-3A4; 2012:3-3A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Elijah Alvarez, 31-5, SQ, R2, DC; Zachary Derilus, 20-9, RQ-BR, D2; Tremaine Chester, 19-11, RQ-BR, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jesten Conty, Sr., 35-6, 5th, RC, DC; Xavier Santiago, Jr., 21-17, SQ, R2, D2; Isaac Velazquez, Jr., 22-17, RQ-BR, D3; Christopher Aubain, Jr., 19-16, RQ, D4; Lucas Restrepo, Sr., 7-8, RQ, D3; Nathan Fisher, Sr., 20-15, RQ, D4; Alejandro Nieves, Jr., RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “A core group of individuals motivated to push their teammates to the next level. A great coaching staff that is eager to help each individual excel and meet goals. The addition of Jayquon McEntyre and Marcus Jean Baptiste to the coaching staff adds youth and knowledge to an already deep staff.”
Outlook: This is a solidly athletic team that will be working to get better as the season grows. State placer Conty is back to try and work his way up the podium in his senior year.
Colonial Grenadiers
Coach: Andy Pitts (12th season)
Assistant coaches: Stephen Ohl, DJ Krausz, James Norman, Julian Guzman
23-24 dual record: 18-4
Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:6; 2021:6-3A3; 2020:2-3A3; 2019:6-3A4; 2018:8-3A4; 2017:8-3A4; 2016:8-3A4; 2015:8-3A4; 2014:9-3A4; 2013:7-3A4; 2012:7-3A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dionsyus Browne, 35-12, SQ, R2, D2; Steven Rivera, 23-12, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Logan Silva, Sr., 33-7, RQ-BR, D2; Kaden Smith, Sr., 38-9, SQ, R4, D2; Aiden Pizarro, Jr., 32-7, RQ, D3; Jasiyah Frazier, Jr., 15-12, RQ, D2; Charles Baptiste, Jr., 27-14, D5; Jesus Velasquez, Jr., 28-18, RQ, D4; Liam Flores, Jr.; Lucas Suvak, Jr.
What they are saying: “We are kind of underestimated. We have 7-8 guys in the lineup that are now third or fourth-year wrestlers and a lot of them are juniors still. I think some other teams and coaches are going to be like ‘whoa, what happened?’”
On Kaden Smith: “I think he has a really good chance to have an amazing season. He’s on track to hit over 100 high school wins. He’s also a unique wrestler because he’s in probably the best condition of any wrestler we’ve ever had. He has muscles on his muscles.”
Outlook: Between the boys and girls team last season, the Grenadiers had 19 wrestlers win their first career match. This is a team that is developing and getting more experience. Smith will look to return to Kissimmee with some more of his teammates this year.
Cypress Creek Bears
Coach: Douglas Hennighan (30th at school, 37th overall)
Assistant coaches: Todd Chiang, Vincent Clark, Shari Hennighan, Becan Skye
23-24 dual record: 16-8
Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:7; 2022:3; 2021:3; 2020:5; 2019:5-3A4; 2018:4-3A4; 2017:5-3A4; 2016:4-3A4; 2015:5-3A4; 2014:3-3A4; 2013:2-3A4; 2012:4-3A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ismael Soto, 19-10, RQ, D4; Dammean Felix, 24-11, RQ, D4; Ibrahim Rustam, Sr., 29-7, RQ, DC (Transfer to Kissimmee Osceola)
Notable returning wrestlers: Jean Ho, Sr., 43-14, RQ-BR, D2; Gui Prado, Sr., 33-17, RQ, D4; Michael Clark, Jr., 26-18, RQ, D3; Angel Legrand, Jr., 33-19, RQ, D3; Ian Gonzalez, Jr., 16-12, RQ, D4; Bryan Camilo, Jr., 28-20, RQ, D3.
What they are saying: “We have hard-working great kids that are a pleasure to coach everyday.”
Outlook: Hennighan completes his third decade at the school with a six region qualifiers returning. Ho was a match away from state and along with fellow senior Prado, will lead a small group of experienced wrestlers to try to go deeper this year.
Boone Braves
Coach: Lorrie Elliott (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Avery Souders, Jayden Bradshaw, Charles Sprenkel
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:5; 2022:7; 2021:5; 2020:2; 2019:3-3A4; 2018:3-3A4; 2017:3-3A4; 2016:3-3A4; 2015:4-3A4; 2014:4-3A4; 2013:6-3A4; 2012:8-3A4
Last state champion: Alton Meeks, 2011 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kumarick Watson, 20-16, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Ajani Flanders, So., 22-22, RQ, D4; Elijah Persaud, Sr., 13-10, RQ, D2; Ford Meyer, Sr., 10-12, RQ, D4; Jonathan Riveros, Sr., 14-9; Christian Williamson, Sr., 17-12; Jack Carlisle, Jr., 9-11.
What they are saying: “Our team is mainly one year in on experience with a good amount of time and effort put in this summer towards their improvement. We are very raw in talent but hungry.”
Outlook: Elliott is back for the second year to lead the Braves and that should mean improvement as the young team has consistency in the coach position.
Lake Nona Lions
Coach: Steve Bell
Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:5; 2021:9; 2020:7; 2019:5-3A5; 2018:5-3A5; 2017:3-3A5; 2016:3-3A5; 2015:2-2A6; 2014:2-2A6; 2013:2-1A5; 2012:2-1A5
Last state champion: Yavier Lopez, 2015 (106)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Michael Palma, 33-8, SQ, R3, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: John Intile, Sr., 19-13, RQ, D3; Yariel Bonet, So., 11-12, RQ, D3.
Outlook: Steve Bell takes over the program with Eric Scrivens moving back to St. Cloud.
Celebration Storm
Coach: Charles Simpson
Recent district results: 2024:6-3A5; 2023:6-3A5; 2022:3-3A5; 2021:2-3A5; 2020:2-3A5; 2019:2-3A5; 2018:3-3A5; 2017:7-3A5; 2016:6-3A5; 2015:6-3A5; 2014:4-3A5; 2013:5-2A5; 2012:2-2A5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sammy Nouaydi, 24-26, RQ, D3; Zachariah DeCesare, 26-11, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jorge Feliz Macias, Sr., 33-11, RQ-BR, DC; Austin Werner, Sr., 30-12, RQ, D2.
Outlook: Simpson is adding the boys coach duties to go along with coaching the Storm girls this season.
Poinciana Eagles
Coach: Jerry Bazilme (4th season)
Recent district results: 2024:8-3A5; 2023:3-3A5; 2022:6-3A5; 2021:5-2A5; 2020:4-2A5; 2019:2-2A6; 2018:8-2A6; 2017:7-2A6; 2016:5-2A6; 2015:2-1A9; 2014:3-1A9; 2013:6-1A7; 2012:6-1A7
Last state champion: Widler Rislin, 2009 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Noah Otero, 26-13, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Alfred Suarez, So., 8-18, RQ, D3.
Oak Ridge Pioneers
Coach: Kenneth Gerry
Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:8; 2021:7; 2020:9; 2019:7-3A4; 2018:6-3A4; 2017:6-3A4; 2016:5-3A4; 2015:10-3A4; 2014:7-3A4; 2013:7-2A5; 2012:8-2A5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Orel Joseph, 18-5, RQ-BR, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Brian Taveras, Sr., D5.