G1A-16 Preview: South Dade looking to make it four-for-four in the district
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: South Dade showed off its depth, winning the district title by 99 points.
How did Kabra do?: We got this one right. Our team to watch finished in fifth place though.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Abigail Gonzalez (Miami Southridge), Mya Bethel (North Miami), Rachel Silva (Florida Christian), Beyonce Espinosa (South Dade), Willow White (South Dade), Arianna Garcia (South Dade), Kaitelynn Oliver (South Dade), Eysis Estes-Brinson (Miami Palmetto), Isis Severe (North Miami), Lesane Hied (North Miami), Viktoriya Devochkina (North Miami), Valentina Mora (Miami Beach), Tessa Diaz (Doral Academy), Paola Perez (Doral Academy), Zoe Delgado (Florida Christian), Geraldine Honore (South Dade), Alexa Paz (SLAM Academy), Shenshaila Baron (North Miami), Rebekkah Kinkade (South Dade)
The favorite: South Dade. Three district titles in three years for the Bucs who keep growing in numbers.
Team to watch: North Miami. Come for the returners, stay and watch Mya Bethel end her high school career undefeated with four state titles.
District IBT: Unknown at press time
South Dade Buccaneers (#3/#2)
Coach: Chico Duran
Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Anisah Paz, 25-12, 7th, R2, D2; TJ Broadnex, 17-7, SQ, R3, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Geraldine Honore, Sr., 27-10, 7th, R3, D2; Kaitelynn Oliver, Sr., 34-3, 5th, R3, DC; Beyonce Espinosa, Sr., 27-8, RQ, D3; Rebekkah Kinkade, Sr., 30-12, SQ, R4, D2; Arianna Garcia, Jr., 22-13, SQ, R4, D4; Melissa Joseph, Sr., 7-8, RQ, DC; Amaris Echezerrata, Jr., 21-13, RQ, D3; Kimberly Picado, So., 9-14, RQ, D2; Lydia Gonzalez, So., 19-16, RQ, D4; Arawin Recio, Sr., 13-12, D6.
New wrestler: Willow White, Jr., 40-4, 8th, R4, DC (Transfer from SLAM Academy); Shamari Smith (Transfer from Apopka)
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
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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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North Miami Pioneers (#6/#11)
Coach: John Severe
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:2
Last state champion: Mya Bethel, 2024 (155)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Mya Bethel, Sr., 38-0, SC, RC, DC; Isis Severe, Sr., 36-8, 6th, RC, D2; Lesane Hied, Jr., 32-9, 5th, R2, D4; Christelle Joseph, Sr., 28-9, RQ, D4; Shenshaila Baron, Sr., 24-10, RQ, DC; Karen Martinez, So., 3-18, D6; Rachel Rabel, Jr., 7-14, RQ, D3.
New wrestler: Viktoriya Devochkina, Jr., 5th, R3, DC (Transfer from South Broward)
Outlook: Bethel is looking to finish her high school career undefeated with a fourth-straight title.
Florida Christian Patriots (#14/NR)
Coach: Nick Alvarez
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:9; 2022:9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Chloe Parets, 28-9, SQ, R4, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Rachel Silva, Sr., 27-4, 2nd, R2, DC; Zoe Delgado, 8th, 31-10, 8th, R2, DC; Emma Alvarez, 7th, 1-15, RQ, D6; Angie Garcia, So., 5-14, D5.
Doral Academy Firebirds
Coach: Willy de Armas (7th season)
Assistant coach: Alexis de Armas, Sebastian Calmet
Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:7; 2022:10
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Tessa Diaz, Sr., 15-7, SQ, R2, DC; Paola Perez, 8th, 22-4, 7th, RC, DC; Naomi Arias, Sr., 12-6, RQ-BR, D2; Rebecca Marin, So., 17-8, RQ, DC.
New wrestler: Isabella Tellez, Jr., 24-12, RQ, D5 (Transfer from SW Miami), Eowyn Reeves, So., 11-7, RQ-BR, D4 (Transfer from Ferguson)
Mater Academy Lions
Coach: Eduardo Lamazares
Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Emily Jaspe, 30-2, 2nd, RC, DC; Eriesia Coney, 20-10, RQ-BR, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Camilla Delgado, Sr., 19-6, RQ, D3; Samantha Ferrer, Sr., 15-11, D6.
Miami Coral Park Rams
Coach: Angel Vazquez
Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:6
Last state champion: Sofia Delgado, 2024 (140)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sofia Delgado, 37-0, SC, RC, DC; Ashley Merein, 21-10, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Maya Diaz, So., 5-8, RQ, D4; Carmen Dragustiovis, Sr., 15-8, D5.
Ferguson Falcons
Coach: Luis Cabal (5th season)
Assistant coaches: Rob Grayson, Dreyson Role
Recent district results: 2024:12; 2023:4; 2022:13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Eowyn Reeves, So., 11-7, RQ-BR, D4 (Transfer to Doral)
Notable returning wrestlers: Emily Pomar, Sr., RQ-BR, D3; Sasha Escobar, Jr., 5-6, D5; Angelia Gutierrez, So., 1-13, D6.
What they’re saying: “Emily has the momentum. She has the will, she’s fighting for it, she’s drilling for it, and we’ve been focusing with her on her shots. We want her to execute one goto shot and have that be her move. If she implements what we are coaching and she keeps working hard she will punch her ticket.
Outlook: Pomar has been to the blood round two straight seasons and has been working hard to get past that round in her senior year.
Key West Conchs
Coach: Chaz Jimenez (16th season)
Assistant coaches: Saint Pierre Anilus, Angelo Guieb
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Natalie Arguello, 16-9, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sheyla Figueira, Jr., 19-10, SQ, R3, D2; Emily Nolasco, So., 4-14, RQ, D3; Sunisa Kuhn, Sr., 7-10, RQ, D4.
New wrestler: Maria Holushko, Fr.
What they are saying: “Sheyla is primed to place this year after making to states the last two seasons.”
On freshman Maria: “Maria is a natural talent who recently placed 3rd in UWW grappling world championships.”
Outlook: The Conchs are lead by Figueira, who will look to get on the podium this year.
Coral Gables Cavaliers
Coach: Thomas Hardy (8th season)
Recent district results: 2024:10; 2023:13; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Fabiola Briceno, 9-14, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestler: Kamora Willis, Sr., 24-6, SQ, R2, DC.
On Kamora Willis: “She’s gotten so much better every year after starting as a freshman. I am hoping for her to have a big year. She works really hard and practices before and after school and is in involved in multiple organizations to make herself a better human being.”
Outlook: Willis is back and after getting a taste of the state tournament, she’s ready to compete for a spot on the podium this year.
Southwest Miami Eagles
Coach: David Viveros (3rd season)
Recent district results: 2024:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kenya Walker, 12-14, RQ, D4; Laila Rosa, 9-18, RQ, D5; Noemi Hermida, 14-8, RQ-BR, D3; Hannah Viveros, 9-10, D5; Isabella Tellez, Jr., 24-12, RQ, D5 (Transfer to Doral Academy)
Notable returning wrestlers: Yirian Manzaneira, Sr., 6-21, RQ, D5; Hailey Hernandez, Sr., 17-12, RQ, D3; Lia Colome, Jr., 5-10, RQ, D2; Scarlett Sans, Jr.; Camila Halaby-Bravo, So.; Leanna Curry, So.
New wrestlers: Nai Sanchez, Jr.; Melanie Loynaz, Fr.
What they are saying: “It’s the beginning of our third year and we started off with two girls and ended the first season with four, started the second season with six and ended with 14 - and as of right now, we have 27 girls working in the room trying to get better. I expect a full lineup this year.”
On the influence of boys success: “The boys wrestling team sets the tone as far as the attitude. The girls see the decades of success that the boys team has had with multiple champions on the board, state placers, college flags and they want to be added to that. They want to have their names up there.”
On Hailey Hernandez: “Hailey is an example of my toughest, meanest wrestler. She got on the mat last year with only three weeks of practice. She was just aggressive. She was aggressive with her snap downs, front headlocks, and go behinds and that was her bread-and-butter and it just came from an aggressive attitude. I try to get the girls to also get into that and try to convince them that they’re still sweet and kind if they do that.”
Outlook: The Eagles first season in the FHSAA postseason went well with a third-place finish in the district and a collection of region qualifiers. This year’s team is bigger and more experienced and will look to pick up even more accolades.
Homestead Broncos
Coach: Frank Melo (First year)
Assistant coaches: Fernando Melo, Joshua Swann, James Williams, Frank Torres, Alejandro Nodarse
Recent district results: 2024:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Ariel Alexander, Sr., 8-5, RQ, D2.
What they are saying: “Ariel is pushing to build this girls team and has been a big help in doing that. If she can do it, they can do it as well.”
Outlook: Alexander is back for her senior year and is hoping to leave her mark on the mat and in the room this season.
Miami Beach Hi-Tides
Coach: Fred Robby (16th season)
Assistant coaches: Hector Jimenez, Anthony Nunez
Recent district results: 2024:13; 2023:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Valentina Mora, Jr., 24-13, 8th, R4, D2; Cameron Echeverria, Jr., 15-8, RQ, D2.
What they are saying: “We’re talking to girls every day and I know they are too. They’re trying to get a bigger team.”
On two returners: “Valentina’s gone to state two years in a row. The goal is to grow the team but it’s also to get them on the podium and to be on the top of the podium.”
Outlook: State placer Mora returns to lead a solid returning duo that is working hard on the mat and off it to grow the program’s numbers.
Coral Reef Barracudas
Coach: Miguel Dominguez (12th at school/25th overall)
Recent district results: 2024:15; 2023:10; 2022:13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Samantha Rocha, 15-9, RQ-BR, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Paula Moya, So., 5-12, D5.
What they are saying: “Paula is still pretty green learning but she at least has a year under belt.”
Outlook: Right now there are five girls in the room but Moya is the only one who has wrestled a match ahead of the season.
Braddock Bulldogs
Coach: Sergio Hernandez
Recent district results: 2024:18; 2023:11; 2022:12
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bianca Miranda, Jr., RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
Keys Gate Knights
Coach: Coach: Christopher Perez
Recent district results: 2024:17
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Valeria Bastidas, So., RQ, D5; Daneilla Feliciano, Jr., D6.
Miami Palmetto Panthers
Coach: Anthony Fadelle (8th year, 22nd overall)
Assistant coaches: Michael Graham, Ronald Butler
Recent district results: 2024:14; 2023:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Eysis Estes-Brinson, Jr., 12-4, 4th, R3, D2.
What they are saying: “Eysis is the epitome of what you want your captain to be. If I could take what she has and put it in every one on our team… it would be amazing.”
Outlook: Estes-Brinson has taken on a leadership role in the room and if she can stay healthy, she’s going to be contender for the top spot.
Miami Jackson Generals
Coach:
Recent district results: 2024:9; 2023:14; 2022:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Emari Oquendo, Jr., 14-10, RQ, D3; Immawnie Walden, Sr., RQ, D3; Angie Aguilera, Sr., D5; Yazmin Allen, Jr., D6; Luisa Castillo, Sr., RQ, D3.
Miami Southridge Spartans (#19/NR)
Coach: Albert Pardo (2nd at school, 27th overall)
Assistant coaches: Manny Nordelo, Alien Cervantes
Recent district results: First season
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestler: Abigail Gonzalez, Fr., 16-1, 2nd, RC, DC (Transfer from Mater Lakes)
What they’re saying: “Abigail is a huge believer in herself. She has tons of confidence and she is a special talent. Some college girls wrestilng program is going to get a hell of an athlete down the road.”
Outlook: Gonzalez reached the finals last year and wrestled Gabi Tedesco in an exciting match. She’ll look to finish on top this year as a freshman.
SLAM Academy Titans
Coach: Joseph Plair
Recent district results: 2024:11; 2023:15; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Willow White, Jr., 40-4, 8th, R4, DC (Transfer to South Dade)
Notable returning wrestlers: Alexa Paz, Sr., 36-6, SQ, R4, D3.
Miami High Stingarees
Coach: Enoc Aguado
Assistant coach: Jhonny Morales
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Heather Blandon; Yadira Andrade
New wrestlers: Rosemarie Fuentes; Elida Gutierrez
What they’re saying: “Our girls wrestling program is brand new and ready to make a name for themselves.”