Breaking Down Wrestling’s Championship Field: Weight Classes 125 To 145

In the second part of a three-part wrestling state championship preview series, I’ll be breaking down more weight classes: 125, 130, 135, 140, and 145. We’ll be listing the whole field, analyzing the contenders, and making predictions of who will be victorious. If you missed the first part, here is a link to it!

125 Pound Class

The Field: Klaira Flatt (Toledo), Kaili Kirkhart (Oakridge), Rocio Perez (North Medford), Ayana Medina (Hillsboro), Kallee Kester (St. Helens), Gracianna Strickland (Hillsboro), Julietta Leal (La Pine), Mckay Clark (Henley), Maisie Bandal-Ramirez (The Dalles/Dufur), Sophia Redwine (Newberg), Miah Egner (Crescent Valley), Danya Petrosyan (Tualatin)

Analysis: Two years ago, Sophia Redwine was wrestling for the Newberg boys to help them to a state title. In 2022, she is back in the girl’s division to cap off her high school career with a state title. Hillsboro’s Ayana Medina will be in contention with Redwine for the state title, providing what should be a great pairing and match. In the Top 4 round-up, look for Klaira Flatt, Julietta Leal, and possibly Kaili Kirkhart in the mix for third place.

Favorite: Sophia Redwine – 60% Chance

130 Pound Class

The Field: Alice Rickett (Hillsboro), Kennedy Blanton (Forest Grove), Gracee Grenfell (Liberty), Kristal Zamora (Thurston), Juliette Wolf (Illinois Valley), Isabella Jaime (North Medford), MacKenzie Shearon (Redmond), Reine Bissember (La Pine), Hannah Hernandez (Ontario), Arianna Brown (Tillamook), Kadence James (Taft), Marilyn Mentado (McKay)

Analysis: We could see a freshman take home the state title, which is what Redmond’s MacKenzie Shearon provides at the table in Culver. With her only loss coming to 135-pound Kira Kerr, Shearon will be locking horns with Alice Rickett from Hillsboro, a rematch of a 6-5 decision from earlier in the season at the Lady Dragon Invitational. Kennedy Blanton is primed for third place and a date with Kristal Zamora, Arianna Brown, or Reine Bissember. This will be a great class to watch in Culver!

Favorite: MacKenzie Shearon – 55% Chance

135 Pound Class

The Field: Faliscity Murphy Snider (Tillamook), Esmeralda Tapia-Bravo (Willamina/Falls City), Marlene Ramirez (McKay), Kira Kerr (La Pine), Dana Glasser (Estacada), Hayley Hewlett (Molalla), Hayden Muller (Siuslaw), Morgan Edwards (Grants Pass), Jennalyn Kruger (Creswell), Makaila Takahashi (Forest Grove), Arawyn Francis (Mountainside), Jezerel Ortiz (St. Helens)

Analysis: Makaila Takahashi or Kira Kerr? That is the state championship question for the 135 class. These two met at the Hood River Girls Classic and went the distance, with Takahashi winning on an 8-3 decision. The rematch will be a treat for those in attendance, as they are the two best in their class without a doubt. For third place look to Dana Glasser, she stands alone for this position in a top-heavy weight class.

Favorite: Makaila Takahaski – 55% Chance

140 Pound Class

The Field: Madelyn Russell (Banks), Ellie Carrier (Westview), Calliope Callaway-Hoilman (Roosevelt), Brielle Brick (Creswell), Megan Peterson (Hidden Valley), Isabella Prinslow (North Medford), Ava Collins (Vale), Jessie Mclver (Bend), Jessica Williams (Vale), Bella Amaro (Oregon City), Yaneli Hermosillo-Carrasco (Taft), Zuie Garcia (Newport)

Analysis: Bella Amaro leads the way in the 140 Class, having no issues so far in an undefeated season that hasn’t had a match last longer than 97 seconds this year. Who she will face is the real mystery, as it is an open field to who will join Amaro in the finals. From the resume comparison, I like Madelyn Russell, Brielle Brick, or Ava Collins to not only join Amaro, but to round out the Top 4 contenders.

Favorite: Bella Amaro – 80% Chance

145 Pound Class

The Field: Icela Sanchez Rodriguez (North Salem), Emily Grassham (Woodburn), Laura Merino (Newport), Riley Allison (La Pine), Sarah Plummer (Baker/Powder Valley), Brittanie Ely (Irrigon), Averie Stockwell (Thurston), Bailey Grecco (Crater), Olivia Froehlich (North Eugene), Jasmine Hopkins (Forest Grove), Emma Johnson (Centennial), Zainab Ibrahim (Reynolds)

Analysis: This class has no clear favorite, nor is there straightforward path to the title. This one is WIDE open with Jasmine Hopkins, Averie Stockwell, and Emma Johnson having arguments for why they could take the title. A slight edge goes to Hopkins and Stockwell, who have both beaten state qualifiers in competition with both close and dominant performance. Johnson is an outside shot that could sneak up to a state title if she can bring it all together at state.

Favorite: None