Lockport, state runners-up last season, will get pushed by Oak Forest and co-op teams from Andrew and Lincoln-Way.
Top 5 Teams
1. Lockport
The Porters were state runners-up when team trophies were awarded last season for the first time in Illinois High School Association history. They should contend again, led by junior Claudia Heeney (135 pounds), a returning state champion. Senior Averi Colella (105) and sophomore Rebekah Ramirez (235) are also returning state qualifiers. Juniors Lucy Madrigal (125) and Sophie Kelner (190) look to take the next step after qualifying for sectionals as sophomores, while senior Liz Rock (130) is improving.
2. Andrew co-op
The District 230 team, which also includes girls from Sandburg and Stagg, has been one of the biggest trailblazers in the state, with a large roster each of the last few years, and new coach Liz Short should have another talented group. Senior Emma Akpan (190) finished fourth last season. Senior Alyssa Keane (140), who finished third as a sophomore, will be hungry after missing the podium last season. Senior Sophia Figueroa (115) is also a returning state qualifier.
3. Oak Forest
The Bengals return a pair of state qualifiers in seniors Iyobosa Odiase (140) and Isabel Peralta (190) and will get a huge boost with the return of junior Alex Sebek (110). Sebek was a state runner-up as a freshman but missed last year’s postseason with an injury. Seniors Adri Bille and Marjorie Rodriguez and freshman Brooklyn Strelow are ones to watch for new coach Jamie Hubbard.
4. Lincoln-Way co-op
The Lincoln-Way schools join together for a new district team, coached by Josh Napier. Junior Zoe Dempsey (105), who competed for Team USA in the Junior World Championships in judo, became Lincoln-Way West’s first state placer last season, finishing fifth. Senior Emily Peyton (100) is a two-time state qualifier. Keep an eye on sophomores Ella Giertuga (140) and Riley DePolo (190) as well as freshmen Aubrey Barnes (110) and Dani Schedin (125).
5. Homewood-Flossmoor
The Vikings have won three individual state championships in the three-year history of the tournament. Senior Nina Hamm (120) is a two-time state qualifier who finished sixth as a sophomore but was knocked out in sectionals last season. Juniors London Gandy (120) and Makayla Marr (125) are returning state qualifiers. Senior Rachel Griggs and sophomores Amirat Lawal and Amara Nwoye add depth to the lineup.
25 Wrestlers to Watch
- Emma Akpan, Andrew co-op, senior, 190.
- Averi Colella, Lockport, senior, 105.
- Zoe Dempsey, Lincoln-Way co-op, junior, 105.
- Gina Drum, Reavis, senior, 135.
- Ava Enright, Marist, sophomore, 115.
- Sophia Figueroa, Andrew co-op, senior, 115.
- Lily Fish, Reavis, junior, 155.
- London Gandy, Homewood-Flossmoor, junior, 120.
- Ella Giertuga, Lincoln-Way co-op, sophomore, 140.
- Nina Hamm, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, 120.
- Claudia Heeney, Lockport, junior, 135.
- Alyssa Keane, Andrew co-op, senior, 140.
- Grace Laird, Joliet Catholic, senior, 120.
- Lucy Madrigal, Lockport, junior, 125.
- Makayla Marr, Homewood-Flossmoor, junior, 125.
- Charvelle McLain, Oak Lawn, senior, 155.
- Iyobosa Odiase, Oak Forest, senior, 140.
- Isabel Peralta, Oak Forest, senior, 190.
- Emily Peyton, Lincoln-Way co-op, senior, 100.
- Rebekah Ramirez, Lockport, sophomore, 235.
- Jaretzy Ramos, Oak Lawn, senior, 105.
- Alex Sebek, Oak Forest, junior, 110.
- Simone Standifer, Tinley Park, senior, 130.
- Jalah Wilson, Thornton, senior, 130.
- Maggie Zuber, Mother McAuley, senior, 140.