Must-watch 10 Washington high school girls wrestlers heading into 2024 postseason
With the 2024 Mat Classic tournament in the Tacoma Dome a couple weeks away, SBLive WA is taking a closer look at the must-see wrestlers heading into this week's start of the postseason.
After polling coaches and media outlets around the state, here are the headlining 10 girls wrestlers to watch, regardless of classification (ranked in order):
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SBLIVE'S 10 GIRLS WRESTLERS TO WATCH
Photo by Vince Miller
1. LIBBY ROBERTS, University, jr. (105)
There’s little that Roberts hasn’t accomplished in her three years at University. She has two state titles, she was a Woman of Ironman champ, a USA Wrestling All-American, a two-time placer among the boys at Tri-State and is undefeated against Washington state girls. She is on track to becoming the state’s fifth four-time girls state champion.
Quotable: “She is fearless, a fierce competitor, a team leader and has great character.” — University coach Ryan Montang
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2. ASHLEY NARANJO, Moses Lake, sr. (110)
Moses Lake hasn’t had an undefeated three-time state champ since Jamie Wise (1978-80). Enter Naranjo. She has yet to lose as a Moses Lake wrestler and it’s clear to see why: she’s relentless, her technique is clean and she effortlessly flows between moves.
Quotable: “It’s fun watching something that you know is a moment in history a lot of people will look back on.” — Moses Lake coach David Peralez
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3. FAITH TARRANT, Prairie, jr. (235)
It’s hard to miss Tarrant’s bright smile after her hand is raised in victory. The two-time state champion is more than just her 82-3 record (22-0 this year); she’s a kind heart that lifts those around her. While she still admits to getting nervous, she’s been nothing short of dominant during her time at Prairie.
Quotable: “She’s a light to the women’s wrestling community and we, as a coaching staff, are inspired by her dedication to growing women’s wrestling.” — Prairie coach Cailey Mendez
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4. KARIANNE BALDWIN, Glacier Peak, sr. (125)
After winning a 125-pound state title her sophomore season, Baldwin was utterly dominant as a junior. She went 50-0 to repeat in that weight class. She’s on her way to becoming Glacier Peak’s first three-time state champion.
Quotable: “She’s got the natural talent and she’s got the dedication and the work ethic." - Glacier Peak coach Jordan Gere told the Everett Herald in 2022.
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5. RUBY CLARK, Toppenish, sr. (140)
With a state championship under her belt, Clark rolled into this season on a mission. She won titles at Pacific Coast, Gut Check and the Tournament of Champions in Reno. She’s ranked No. 22 in the country at 140 pounds - and tops in Washington state.
Quotable: “One of Ruby’s best assets is her ‘Cobra Kai’. I can’t go too much into detail with that move, but if you know, you know.” — Toppenish coach Pepe Segovia
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6. CLARISSA WANGEN, Curtis, sr. (155)
One half of the talented Vikings’ twins, Wangen is a two-time state champion (145 and 155 pounds) and well on her way to a third. She is 28-0 with first-place finishes at Pacific Coast, Santa Slam and Gut Check.
Quotable: “They (Clarissa and Sierra) are both willing to wrestle up a weight when possible to help the team line up without blinking an eye. The short answer is they just want to wrestle.” — Curtis coach Moki Yoshikawa
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7. SIERRA WANGEN, Curtis, sr. (130)
Like her twin sister, Wangen is undefeated this season (33-0) with first-place finishes at Pacific Coast, Santa Slam and Gut Check. She won her first state title last year at 130 pounds, after finishing third at 120 pounds in 2022.
Quotable: “They (Clarissa and Sierra) wrestle very clean, all business and a very unassuming physical and mental toughness.” — Curtis coach Moki Yoshikawa
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8. ZETA LEE, Lincoln of Tacoma, sr. (115)
She's on the path to becoming a three-time WIAA champion (last two years at Mount Tahoma before transferring to Abes), but her impact on the squad will be long lasting. She’s always eager to help her teammates get better and establish a culture of success.
Quotable: “When you talk to her and the way she carries herself, you would never know she is a two-time state champion. She is grounded because of her foundation of family.” — Lincoln coach Billy Niuamoa
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9. MAKAYLA TORRES, Toppenish, jr. (155)
After a state runner-up finish her freshman year (235 pounds) and a title last year (190), Torres continues to improve. She dominated at the Kelso Girls Invite, cementing her place among the best in the state at 155 pounds.
Quotable: “She will put the hammer on you every second of the match.” — Toppenish coach Pepe Segovia
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10. FLOR PARKER-BORRERO, Graham-Kapowsin, soph. (140)
In addition to her 140-pound state title as a ninth grader, Parker-Borrero was named an All-American for finishing second at 15U Junior Nationals in Las Vegas in the spring. She picked up the sport just two years ago.
Quotable: “Flor is a prodigy. … She still has so much to learn; the sky’s the limit.” — Graham-Kapowsin coach Joe Kelson
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Honorable mentions: Niah Cassidy, Union; Mia Cienaga, Everett; Madisyn Erickson, Yelm; Marjorie McDaniel, Orting; Isabella Phillips, Squalicum; Emma Villa, Royal.
