High school wrestling preview: The top 20 wrestlers to watch in Southwest Idaho
Treasure Valley wrestlers brought home a host of trophies from last year’s state tournament, winning three team titles while 23 individuals were crowned state champions.
The region remains loaded with talent this season as the state championship meet returns to Nampa’s Ford Idaho Center. We surveyed the returning talent and asked coaches throughout Southwest Idaho for the title favorites and potential breakout stars.
Below were the top answers, sorted alphabetically.
TOP WRESTLERS TO WATCH
Marcus Aleman, Fruitland (126 pounds)
The three-time district champ broke through with his first state title last season, finishing 41-4 at 120 pounds while pinning three of his four opponents at state. He moves up a weight class and remains dangerous in scramble situations. “He’s explosive and aggressive, and fun to watch,” Homedale coach Luke Crockett said.
Ian Avalos, Mountain View (144)
A pair of college-bound wrestlers edged the junior in the state finals the past two years. Now the two-time All-American enters the year as the favorite to capture that elusive championship. “Ian is another great kid with a great work ethic,” Meridian coach Brad Muri said. “He wrestles really hard and has a love for the sport that shows up when he competes.”
Ava Bui, Centennial (100/105 girls)
The two-time district champ nearly brought home her first state title last season, falling in the finals in sudden-death overtime. She also took second at Rollie Lane by a single point. Now the junior with a tough-as-nails reputation returns looking to turn those second-place finishes into championships. “She’s an unbelievable wrestler, fun to watch,” Mountain View coach Jacob McGinnis said.
Vincent Contreras, Nampa (126/132)
After finishing second as a freshman and sophomore, he broke through and won arguably the toughest bracket at last year’s 6A state tournament. His speed, athleticism and toughness make him a heavy favorite to repeat as Nampa drops to 5A. “He is a tenacious competitor who is always well-prepared,” Middleton coach Casey Eager said.
Holten Crane, Bishop Kelly (120)
All the junior does is climb the podium at the state tournament, winning the 98 title as a freshman and following up with the 106 crown last winter. After taking fourth at Fargo nationals in Greco, he’ll look to keep pace while jumping up two weight classes as part of a loaded lineup for the Knights.
Taylor Drake, Kuna (110 girls)
The junior closed last season on fire, finishing 40-5 and with a pin for the 107-pound state title. Now as the Treasure Valley’s only returning girls state champion, all eyes turn to her for an encore performance. So far, so good as she pinned four of the five opponents she faced to win the season-opening Ardis Nash Memorial.
Ella Elordi, Eagle (170/190 girls)
She entered last year’s Reno Tournament of Champions unseeded before winning the whole thing. A state title escaped her grasp last season as she finished second. But the senior enters the season as the heavy favorite for her first state crown. “Ella always stays in a really good position,” Vallivue coach Nash Johnson said. “She is very technically sound.”
Jaxson Freeman, Caldwell (126)
His resume blows past a single page: Two district titles, three state podium finishes, folkstyle All-American honors and a commitment to Western Colorado (NCAA Division II). All that’s left is his first state championship. “Jaxson is incredibly talented on the mat,” Johnson said. “Despite coming in prepared to win a state championship as a freshman, he has steadily improved from year to year. I expect his senior season to be no different.”
Dylan Frothinger, Eagle (126/132)
A seasoned wrestler in multiple styles, the senior has placed at state three times, including a runner-up finish in 2024. He’ll chase that elusive state title in his final season on the high school mat. “Frothinger has the wrestling pedigree and a slew of his own accomplishments to intimidate any opponent,” Owyhee coach Derek Andreason said. “He can score from any position and is never out of the fight.”
Ryan Hirchert, Nampa (113)
The three-time state champ committed to Reinhardt University, an NAIA program in Georgia, and took second at preseason nationals in Iowa in the offseason. He’ll chase a historic fourth state title this winter. “Proven time and time again, Hirchert is meticulous in his approach and believes he is the best on the mat, regardless of opponent,” Andreason said.
Cole Jensen, Rocky Mountain (113)
No freshman had ever won a state title for the Grizzlies. That was until Jensen (31-12) rallied from a 6-1 deficit for a 7-6 upset in last year’s state final. That performance means he won’t fly under the radar anymore, even as he moves up two weight classes.
Ryan Lewis, Middleton (175)
He cruised through the 5A 175-pound state bracket last year, recording three pins and a tech fall for his first state title. The senior’s blistering pace and ability to score from anywhere on the mat propelled him to a 47-2 record and a third-place finish at Rollie Lane. “Ryan is one of the toughest wrestlers in the whole state,” Johnson said. “He dominated really good wrestlers last year with really solid technique.”
Jake Mescher, Bishop Kelly (150)
Already a two-time state finalist, the reigning 5A 138-pound state champion starts as a heavy favorite to make it a third straight time despite jumping up two weight classes. He’s also made a name for himself at the national level, taking fifth in the preseason nationals in Iowa. “The kid is a stud,” Caldwell coach Adam Freeman. “This will be a breakout year for him.”
Blake Nevils, Meridian (138)
After moving from Arkansas, he quickly established himself as one of Idaho’s best pound-for-pound wrestlers. He finished his freshman year as a Rollie Lane and a state champ, going 47-3 with a 37-0 record vs. Idaho competition. He added a runner-up finish in Greco at Fargo nationals last summer. “It was fascinating to watch Blake wrestle last season as a freshman and be so dominant,” Capital assistant coach Taylor Gowdy said. “He looked nearly untouchable against just about anyone that he faced.”
Talea Nichols, Rocky Mountain (110 girls)
A two-time district champ, the 2024 state and Rollie Lane champ helped the Grizzlies bring home the team title last year with her fourth-place finish in a stacked bracket. The senior has proven herself at the national level, winning a pair of folkstyle national titles. Now she returns to chase one last state championship.
Eli Noah, Tri-Valley (190)
A reigning district and state champ, the senior (46-5) will continue to put one of the state’s smallest wrestling programs on the map. “Eli can flat out can get it done,” New Plymouth coach Matthew Rice said. “He seems to be able to bring most matches to a place where he is comfortable. He is a dedicated athlete with a deep wrestling heritage in his family.”
Trevor Paynter, Homedale (113)
The tireless and aggressive junior never lets opponents catch a breath. The strategy carried him to a state title as a freshman, a second-place finish as a sophomore and an 80-8 high school record. “Trevor is a very physical wrestler that is looking to avenge a loss in the state finals last year,” McCall-Donnelly coach Rob Pair said. “No doubt that will fuel his fire as he looks to make the top spot on the podium again. Trevor is very good in the top and neutral positions, and is always looking to score points.”
Gage Ponton, Mountain View (215)
After taking fifth in this weight class at the 6A state tournament, the junior made a statement by capturing a Fargo national title in the 16-and-under Greco-Roman division. Folkstyle presents a series of different challenges. But he’s more than proven himself on the national stage, and starts the season as one of the state’s most decorated heavyweights.
Logan Shaver, Meridian (157)
The University of Providence (Mont.) signee returns to defend his 157-pound state title. Called a “complete package” by his coach, he made last year’s championship look easy, finishing the year with a 41-4 record. And he did so while competing on a knee that required offseason surgery. “His resiliency and toughness is undervalued,” Nampa coach Roy Perales said. “... He is everything this sport is about.”
Jakobe Valle, Homedale (106)
The rest of the state quickly took notice of Valle during a freshman season that included a 44-1 record, a state title and a Rollie Lane championship. His speed, explosive athleticism and technical skills make him a threat all over the mat. But he’s especially dangerous when he’s on top. “He had a dominant freshman season,” Perales said. “I like how he competes. He gets after it.”
KEY DATES
- Dec. 19-20: Reno Tournament of Champions, Reno, Nevada
- Jan. 2-3: Rollie Lane Invite, Ford Idaho Center, Nampa
- Jan. 9-10: Jaybird Memorial Tournament, Columbia High
- Jan. 16-17: Tiger-Grizz Invite, Skyline High, Idaho Falls
- Jan. 30-31: Red Halverson Invite, Minico High
- Feb. 17-18: 6A/5A/girls district tournament, ICCU Arena, Downtown Boise
- Feb. 27-28: State tournaments, Ford Idaho Center, Nampa
TEAM CAPSULES
Team-by-team previews for schools in District Three. Schools not listed did not respond to the Idaho Statesman’s preseason survey.
BISHOP KELLY
Class: 5A
Coach: Manny Ybarra, eighth season
Boys last year: 2nd at district, 1st at state
Girls last year: 10th at district, 40th at state
Boys to watch: Jake Mescher, jr., 150; Tensei Thompson, sr., 157; Holten Crane, jr., 120; Samson Castillo, so., 165
BOISE
Class: 6A
Coach: Brad Perry, first season
Boys last year: 14th at district, 22nd at state
Girls last year: 15th at district, 57th at state
Girls to watch: Adeilyn Reeve, sr., 170; Emerald Lohnes, sr., 155
BORAH
Class: 6A
Coach: Brian L. Bayley, second season
Boys last year: 13th at district, 18th at state
Girls last year: 12th at district, 53rd at state
Boys to watch: Shane Bayley, jr., 120; Nolan Hackney, sr., 132; Gavin Hudson, sr., 165
Girls to watch: Lucy Lopez, sr., 105; Iris Hernandez, sr., 145
CALDWELL
Class: 6A
Coach: Adam Freeman, third season
Boys last year: 2nd at district, 5th at state
Girls last year: 5th at district, 19th at state
Boys to watch: Jaxson Freeman, sr., 126; Jesus Alvarez, jr., 165; Liam Rodebush, so., 215; Josh Rojas, so., 170
Girls to watch: Maritza Medina, so., 150
CAPITAL
Class: 6A
Coach: Trent Rushton, third season
Boys last year: 12th at district, 21st at state
Girls last year: 27th at district
Boys to watch: Lochlan McCormack, sr., 138; Zander Grow, sr., 144/150; Raymond Davila, sr., 215; Aiden Breshears, sr., 144/150; Wesley Layne, so., 285
CENTENNIAL
Class: 6A
Coach: Jason Blue, eighth season
Boys last year: 10th at district, 18th at state
Girls last year: 18th at district, 32nd at state
Boys to watch: Burke Blue, so., 106; Sean Cuvala, fr., 98
Girls to watch: Ava Bui, jr., 100/105
COLUMBIA
Class: 5A
Coach: Payton Lanningham, second season
Boys last year: 5th at district, 25th at state
Girls last year: 13th at district, 65th at state
Boys to watch: Luke Johnson, sr., 144
EAGLE
Class: 6A
Coach: Michael Stone, 18th season
Boys last year: 4th at district, 8th at state
Girls last year: 2nd at district, 2nd at state
Boys to watch: Dylan Frothinger, sr., 126/132; Anthony Butler, sr., 190
Girls to watch: Tommy Stone, sr., 110/115; Gemma LeBeau, so., 140/145; Ella Elordi, sr., 170/190
EMMETT
Class: 5A
Coach: Matt Kurata, first season
Boys last year: 4th at district, 15th at state
Girls last year: 6th at district, 28th at state
Boys to watch: Jesse Rae, jr., 120; Cooper Lehosit, sr., 132
FRUITLAND
Class: 4A
Coach: Isaac MacKenzie, 23rd season
Boys last year: 1st at district, 1st at state
Girls last year: 22nd at district, 43rd at state
Boys to watch: Marcus Aleman, sr., 126; Kysen MacKenzie, jr., 165; Dawson Clevenger, sr., 132; Mason Butler, sr., 113; Logan Vaughn, so., 150
GARDEN VALLEY
Class: 3A
Coach: Donavun Davis, second season
Boys last year: 9th at district, 39th at state
Girls last year: 26th at district
Boys to watch: Cheveyo Gier-Tucker, jr., 285
Girls to watch: Whitney Heaton, fr., 160
HOMEDALE
Class: 4A
Coach: Luke Crockett, second season
Boys last year: 3rd at district, 7th at state
Girls last year: 25th at district, 68th at state
Boys to watch: Trevor Paynter, jr., 113; Jakobe Valle, so., 106; Braelyn Arredondo, so., 132; Porter Swan, so., 126
Girls to watch: Matti Bidiman, so., 125
MARSING
Class: 3A
Coach: Jake Ryska, second season
Boys last year: 6th at district, 22nd at state
Boys to watch: Taylor Izzard, so., 120; Damian Leon, so., 132
MCCALL-DONNELLY
Class: 4A
Coach: Rob Pair, second season
Boys last year: 5th at district, 17th at state
Girls last year: 19th at district, 55th at state
Boys to watch: John Spilotros, sr., 175/190; Gavon Keegan, sr., 132; Cam Coburn, sr., 157; Charlie Palmer, sr., 150
MEADOWS VALLEY
Class: 3A
Coach: Jared McIlvain, first season
Boys to watch: Elyjah Eckhart, fr., 120; Buck Howard, fr., 144
Girls to watch: Marriah Wait, jr., 120; Natalie Ruth, jr., 125
MELBA
Class: 3A
Coach: Ryan Rhoades, third season
Boys last year: 5th at district, 34th at state
Boys to watch: Razi Manzer, sr., 144; Justin Forsgren, so., 126; Colt Dean, so., 157; Hunter Metcalf, so., 190
Girls to watch: Alison Dillbeck, sr., 135
MERIDIAN
Class: 6A
Coach: Brad Muri, 15th season
Boys last year: 1st at district, 2nd at state
Girls last year: 6th at district, 6th at state
Boys to watch: Blake Nevils, so., 138; Logan Shaver, sr., 157; Ryan Amoureux, sr., 132; Tobias Guillen, jr., 113; Bodee Williams, so., 98
MIDDLETON
Class: 5A
Coach: Casey Eager, sixth season
Boys last year: 1st at district, 6th at state
Girls last year: 4th at district, 9th at state
Boys to watch: Ryan Lewis, sr., 175; Toby Abbott, jr., 126; Luke Eager, sr., 150
Girls to watch: Jady Cook, sr., 170; Colbi Eckhart, sr., 125
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Class: 6A
Coach: Jacob McGinnis, fourth season
Boys last year: 7th at district, 10th at state
Girls last year: 19th at district, 68th at state
Boys to watch: Ian Avalos, jr., 144; Gage Ponton, jr., 215; Kai Koa Racca, sr., 150; Jaron Moore, sr., 190
Girls to watch: Maddie Modawell, sr., 100
NAMPA
Class: 5A
Coach: Roy Perales, seventh season
Boys last year: 3rd at district (6A), 4th at state (6A)
Girls last year: 14th at district, 57th at state
Boys to watch: Ryan Hirchert, sr., 113; Ilan Shank, sr., 120; Vincent Contreras, sr., 126/132; Jayden Dodge, sr., 138/144
Girls to watch: Lola Colo, so., 106
NEW PLYMOUTH
Class: 3A
Coach: Matthew Rice, first season
Boys last year: 1st at district, 5th at state
Girls last year: 8th at district, 36th at state
Boys to watch: Nolan Darrough, jr., 215; Wah Nay Say, jr., 132; Charlie Esplin, sr., 144
Girls to watch: Maliyah Garcia, jr., 115; Adrianna Hartzell, jr., 115
OWYHEE
Class: 6A
Coach: Derek Andreason, first season
Boys last year: 11th at district, 20th at state
Girls last year: 17th at district, 67th at state
Boys to watch: Ryker Andreason, jr., 120; Gunner Sanchez, so., 126; Daniel Meier, sr., 132
PARMA
Class: 3A
Coach: Randy Riley, fourth season
Boys last year: 2nd at district, 30th at state
Girls last year: 23rd at district, 61st at state
Boys to watch: AJ Pierce, so., 150; Richard Krohn, so., 106
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Class: 6A
Coach: Jordan Jimenez, first season
Boys last year: 7th at district, 6th at state
Girls last year: 1st at district, 1st at state
Boys to watch: Cole Jensen, so., 113; Ty Irish, jr., 157; Kollin Bailey, sr., 285
Girls to watch: Talea Nichols, sr., 110; Whitney Cawthra, so., 120;
TIMBERLINE
Class: 6A
Coach: Andrew DeLoney, 15th season
Boys last year: 6th at district, 14th at state
Girls last year: 15th at district, 34th at state
Boys to watch: Wyatt Pearson, sr., 126/132; Benji Martinez, sr., 157; Trenton DeLoney, jr., 165; Cooper Wing, so., 132/138
Girls to watch: Kyra Cobb, sr., 106
VALLIVUE
Class: 5A
Coach: Nash Johnson, fourth season
Boys last year: 3rd at district, 20th at state
Girls last year: 9th at district, 47th at state
Boys to watch: Luke Wilford, sr., 285; Seth Agenbroad, jr., 165; Elakki Romero, sr., 190/215
Girls to watch: Aubree Anderson, jr., 155
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 1:49 PM.
