G1A-6 Preview: Kissimmee Osceola looking for first girls district title

BY BRANT PARSONS

Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.

Last season: Orlando Freedom scored 245 points to win one of the deepest girls districts in the state.

How did Kabra do?: We picked the former district member Freedom to win and they did.

Last year’s district tournament results

Last year’s region tournament results

Wrestlers to watch: Delialah Betances (Liberty), Emma Hoppe (Viera), Genesis Fuentes (Kissimmee Osceola), Aniyah Whayne (Kissimmee Osceola), Kyla Rodriguez (Kissimmee Osceola), Paola Ramirez (Kissimmee Osceola), Catalina Kenney (Viera), Isabel Alvarez (Viera), Ericka Hernandez (Kissimmee Osceola), Claudia Barillas (Rockledge), Kylie Mangum (Space Coast)

The favorite: Kissimmee Osceola. The Kowboys start the season with five Top 10 wrestlers.

Team to watch: Harmony. The Longhorns will have a full line-up and they have some big hitters too.

District IBT: Saturday, February 15 at Viera, 10:30

Kissimmee Osceola Kowboys (#5/#10)

Coach: Justin Lesniewski

Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:3-1A7

Last state champion: Kealonie Vega, 2023 (100)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Stacy Pule, 21-11, RQ-BR, D2.

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Paola Ramirez, Jr., 36-6, 5th, R2, DC; Ericka Hernandez, Sr., 30-11, 7th, R4, D3; Lily Tucker, Sr., 22-16, SQ, R3, D2; Aniyah Whayne, Jr., 38-14, SQ, RC, DC; Kyla Rodriguez, Sr., 10-1, RQ, DC; Danika Tifa, So., 9-12, RQ, D5; Aryona Johnston, Sr., 12-13, RQ, D4; Destiny Bonilla, Sr., 17-20, RQ, D4.

New wrestlers: Alea Morales, Sr., 25-13, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer from Celebration); Genesis Fuentes, Sr., 15-4 (Transfer from Kissimmee Gateway)

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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Rankings: Class 3A | Class 2A | Class 1A | Girls | Team

Harmony Longhorns (NR/#18)

Coach: Chris McNichols (First year)

Assistant coach: Coach Peraza

Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:4; 2022:10-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Emari Brown, 32-4, 3rd, R2, DC.

Notable returning wrestlers: Kiley Vinson, Jr., 30-22, SQ, R4, D2; Shelby Fillyaw, Jr., 32-14, RQ, D2; Sofia Ramos, So., 20-20, RQ, D4; Zuhaily Caffery, Jr., 25-21, RQ, D4; Aubrey McNichols, Jr., 22-19, RQ, D4; Callie Diehl, So., 19-16, RQ, D5; Hailey De Meglio, So., 20-19, D5; Emalee Douglas, Sr., 22-17, D6; Lugayn Leal Mendoza, Sr., 6-17, RQ, D4; Allie Bauknight; Bella Wall.

New wrestler: Kat Holt, Fr.

What they are saying: “Our third season should be fun to watch, most girls have worked hard to past two off seasons. We will also have more depth with around 20 girls in the room.”

On the team getting better: “The drilling changes, the practice changes, the technique improvements - we get to work on more advanced stuff. I’m excited to see that tempo move up a little bit and see where they can go.”

On this team’s culture: “The whole goal has been to build them into more of a family, more of a team. Basically I’m hoping they feel bad when they’ve let each other down and they’re calling each other and harassing each other when they’re not showing up for practices.”

Outlook: The Longhorns have been building this team for a moment like this when they’re ready to go to the next level. There is experience back and a dedication in that group to improve in the sport and that should be noticeable this season.

Viera Hawks (#9/#13)

Coach: Jason Custer

Recent district results: 2024:1-1A13; 2023:7-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tyara Pinela, 14-12, RQ, D3; Jahnaya Roman, 15-17, D5; Hailey Cullingford, 17-9, RQ-BR, D3.

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Emma Hoppe, Sr., 38-2, 2nd, RC, DC; Catalina Kenney, Jr., 26-5, 6th, R3, DC; Isabel Alvarez, Sr., 29-6, RQ, D2; Zahar Zouaki, So., 22-19, RQ, D3; Kodibeth Bates, Jr., 5-11, RQ, D4;

Space Coast Vipers (NR/#16)

Coach: Tony McCormick (19th at school/20th overall)

Assistant coaches: Corey Jones, Thomas Driscoll, Reggie Bradley, Matt Dawley, Skylar White, Diana Farrell

Recent district results: 2024:3-1A13; 2023:3-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Hayden Strong, 4-12, D6.

Notable returning wrestlers: Kylie Mangum, So., 26-8, SQ, R2, DC; Breonna Mangum, Sr., 20-5, RQ-BR, DC; Sarina Mangum, Fr., 17-5, RQ-BR, D3; Allysa Wasmund, Sr., 11-16, RQ, D2; Marielene Barnes, 8th, 8-19, RQ, D5; Aralin Pierson, 8th, 16-16, RQ, D4; Haylie Thurman, Jr., 11-16, D5; Angie Allen, So.

Haines City Hornets (NR/#23)

Coach: Todd Stevenson (3rd season)

Recent district results: 2024:6-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: Kearri Jones, Sr., 8-8, RQ, D3; Kamani Hughes, So., 10-10, RQ, D3; Vio Delgado, So., 1-13, RQ, D4; Victora Valcarcel, So., 5-10, RQ, D4.

What they are saying: “These girls work very hard to learn how to wrestle.”

Outlook: This is still a relatively new program with a group of hard-working girls.

Timber Creek Wolves

Coach: Perry Balasis

Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:5; 2022:2

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Chloe Shull, 35-5, 4th, RC, DC; Hayden Proulx, 29-9, SQ, R3, DC; Martina Nielsen, 17-10, RQ, D3; Taylor Thomas, 27-7, RQ-BR, DC.

Notable returning wrestlers: Jessenia Feliciano-Garriga, Jr., 15-8, RQ, D3; Mila Rosado, Sr., 14-11, D6.

What they are saying: “We should have a decent number between 15 and 20 girls. We’ve got some freshman that have been showing some potential and that’s a good thing. If we get them in the room, we’re going to keep them, we just have to continue working on getting them to come in.”

Outlook: The Wolves said goodbye to four solid wrestlers including a state placer. They have girls ready to compete and will be given lots of opportunities throughout the season to gain experience and get better.

Poinciana Eagles

Coach: Brianne Wilberger

Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:11; 2022:4-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kaylie Collado, 26-5, 6th, RC, DC; Catherie Auguste, 11-11, D5.

Notable returning wrestlers: Destiny Schelmety, So., 13-13, RQ, D4; Yarisell Laporte, Sr., 7-1.

Outlook: Two returns will join up with a lineup full of brand-new wrestlers for the Eagles.

Kissimmee Gateway Panthers

Coach: Travis Hill

Assistant coaches: Christopher Stryker-Jackson

Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:3; 2022:1-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Suheily Alifonso, 8-7, RQ, D3; Precious Rijos, 8-5, RQ, D3; Precious Cannon, 12-9, RQ, D4; Lily Yambor, 9-5, RQ-BR, D2; Naomi Simmons, 16-6, D6; Elody Rodriguez, Sr. (Transfer); Genesis Fuentes, Sr., 15-4 (Transfer to Kissimmee Osceola).

Notable returning wrestlers: Daniella Rodriguez, So., 15-6, RQ, D2.

What they are saying: “I have a few new freshmen girls that I am excited to see and how they develop as the season moves on, I know they wrestled in middle school, but I have not had the chance to see them wrestle in competition yet.”

Davenport Broncos

Coach: Jamar Brown (3rd season)

Assistant coaches: David Dobin, Chris Tsakonas

Recent district results: 2024:13-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: Avianna Perezcotto, So., 14-12, RQ, D3; Kaylin Brooks, Jr., 18-10, RQ, D3; Desiree Antenor, Jr., 13-9.

What they are saying: “We are a young team this year and have room for growth.”

Outlook: The Broncos start the season with a base of three returning wrestlers from a year ago.

St. Cloud Bulldogs

Coach: Eric Scrivens (7th at school, 10th overall)

Assistant coaches: Brennon Chambers, Tony Delarosa, Eric Green

Recent district results: 2024:14; 2023:13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: Alexandra Karandreas, Jr., 7-10, D6.

Liberty Chargers

Coach: Tyrone McKee

Recent district results: 2024:9

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Delialah Betances, Jr., 22-2, 2nd, RC,DC; Denalie Dauphin, Sr., 10-7, RQ-BR, D5; Ahmia Betances, Sr., 5-5, RQ, D4.

Tohopekaliga Tigers

Coach: Mia Berrios

Recent district results: 2024:12; 2023:8; 2022:2-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Alyana Barreto, Jr., 21-18, RQ, D5; Elisa Medina, Jr., 19-16, RQ, D3; Abigail Reid, Jr., 10-20, RQ, D4.

Merritt Island Mustangs

Coach: Logan Savvy (1st season)

Recent district results: 2024:9; 2023:9-1A13; 2022:9-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Lainey Driggett, 28-5, SQ, RC, D2; Abby Patellis, 6-10, RQ, D5.

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Vanessa McCloud, Jr., 14-8, RQ-BR, D2; Mary Carpenter, Jr., 8-13, RQ, D4; Helen Bricker, Jr., 3-12, D5.

What they are saying: “We're really just looking to build and add numbers and try to continue to grow that sport at Merritt Island.”

Outlook: The Mustangs say goodbye to state qualifier Driggett but have some girls to continue building a program around.

Palm Bay Pirates

Coach: Sean Ballard (24th season)

Recent district results: 2024:6-1A13; 2023:6-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tamia Young, 16-9, RQ-BR, D3.

Notable returning wrestlers: Alyvia Gallagher, Jr., 24-6, RQ-BR, DC; Joyce Blanc, Jr., 14-8, RQ, D3; Misha Hamid, Jr.

What they are saying:

Outlook:

Cocoa Beach Minutemen

Coach: Chris Kelly (4th season/17th overall)

Assistant coaches: Lucas Haase, Anthony Acquafredda

Recent district results: 2024:13; 2023:11-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: Elysse Fredenburg, Fr., 22-9, RQ, D2; Annamarie Eder, 8th, 17-13, RQ, D4.

What they’re saying: “The numbers are still a little bit low. It does seem like we're going to get a few more out this year. That's kind of my main push right now, is just to get the numbers up. But both of our returning girls have spent time wrestling this summer and both seem really excited about this year.”

On Elysse: “I think Elise has kind of tried to skate by a little bit on her athleticism, and now she's trying to turn into more of a true wrestler. Wrestling is definitely not her best sport. She's a really great softball player, but now I think this year, she has that desire to develop as a wrestler. I'm super excited about what she's going to turn into this year and and obviously the next three after that.”

On Annamarie: “She was seventh grader last year that was able to win some and won a match at region. She really didn't take much time off this summer. She spent most of summer working out with the boys. She has a younger brother that wrestles and so she was around it all summer. I think she's going to make some big jumps too. She's beaten a couple girls this summer that have consistently always beaten her and she's starting to pull off those wins, I think it'll be big for her confidence.”

Outlook: Fredenburg and Eder lead a small group of girls and the young returning region qualifiers are looking to go much deeper this posteason.

Melbourne Bulldogs

Coach: Aaron Burnley

Recent district results: 2023:9-1A13; 2022:7-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Potential notable returning wrestlers: None

Rockledge Raiders

Coach: Jon Reneau

Recent district results: 2024:14-1A13; 2023:17-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Claudia Barillas, Jr., 23-10, SQ, R4, D3; Paina Romeus, Sr., 7-22, RQ, D4.

Satellite Scorpions

Coach: David McMiller

Recent district results: 2024:16-1A13; 2023:13-1A13; 2022:7-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Kirah McSweeney, Sr., 15-13, RQ, D3; Ashton Yates, Jr., 10-7.

Bayside Bears

Coach: James Sawyer

Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:2-1A13; 2022:5-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jordyn Schmeichel, 13-7, SQ, R4, D2; Ceira O'Malley, 7-17, RQ, D3; Kyleigh Lambert, 7-25, RQ, D4; Jasmin Sawyer, 26-13, RQ, D5; Adriana Ruiz, 9-16, D6.

Notable returning wrestlers: Reina Pacheco, So., 7-14, RQ, D5.

Titusville Terriers

Coach: Ben Mangini

Recent district results: 2024:17-1A13

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: Elle Bryant, Sr., 10-14, D6.

Celebration Storm

Coach: Rudy Simpson

Recent district results: 2024:15; 2023:9; 2022:6-1A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alea Morales, Sr., 25-13, SQ, R4, D3.

Notable returning wrestlers: None