Kaneland and Hampshire emerge as state contenders while bringing back talent plus depth.
Top 5 Teams
1. Kaneland
Two-time defending state champion Angelina Goochis (120 pounds), who’s only a junior, leads a group of three returning state qualifiers from last season’s team that took third place. Caitlyn Manier (31-14), a sophomore 155-pounder, is a top contender in the middle weights, while junior Sadie Kinsella (31-10) is one to watch at 190.
2. Hampshire
The Whip-Purs welcome back a deep and versatile lineup from last season’s state runner-up. Junior Amelia Nidelea-Polanin (115) and sophomore Samantha Diehl (190) were state placers. Freshmen Annabelle Mueller (100) and Stella Piazza (110) are coming off winning youth age state championships.
3. East Aurora
The Tomcats return a strong nucleus from a three-time defending conference champion. Sophomore Joselyn Llanos (105) is joined by several standout juniors, including Valentina Barboza (125), Lupita Garcia (140) and Lilliana Ortiz (235). Senior Ayelen Higuera (130) offers veteran savvy for the program.
4. Batavia
The Bulldogs boast several elite high-end performers from last season’s team that won a regional championship. A three-time state qualifier, senior Lily Enos was 45-7 in finishing fifth at 100 last season. Senior Anabelle Guthke went 35-13 at 145.
5. Oswego East
The Wolves showcase one of the state’s top wrestlers in junior Quinn Janssens, who finished 48-5 last season at 140. Sophomore Mia Nevarez is another state contender at 125.
The 25 Girls Wrestlers to Watch
- Valentina Barboza, East Aurora, junior, 125 pounds.
- Ashley Basmajian, Metea Valley, senior, 120.
- Ruby Bonanos-Carbajal, West Aurora, sophomore, 105.
- Samantha Diehl, Hampshire, sophomore, 190.
- Lily Enos, Batavia, senior, 105.
- Allison Garbacz, South Elgin, sophomore, 145.
- Angelina Gochis, Kaneland, junior, 120.
- Ruby Gavina, Dundee-Crown, junior, 130.
- Anabelle Guthke, Batavia, senior, 145.
- Makayla Hill, Oswego, junior, 145.
- Quinn Janssens, Oswego East, junior, 140.
- Sadie Kinsella, Kaneland, junior, 190.
- Joselyn Llanos, East Aurora, sophomore, 105.
- Caitlyn Manier, Kaneland, sophomore, 155.
- Ryann Miller, Burlington Central, junior, 170.
- Madison Minson, Hampshire, junior, 145.
- Janiya Moore, Metea Valley, junior, 125.
- Annabelle Mueller, Hampshire, freshman, 110.
- Mia Nevarez, Oswego East, sophomore, 125.
- Amelia Nidelea-Polanin, Hampshire, junior, 115.
- Stella Piazza, Hampshire, freshman, 110.
- Jasmine Rene, Streamwood, senior, 190.
- Azucena Rodriguez, South Elgin, senior, 125.
- Violet Wheatley, Dundee-Crown, sophomore, 135.
- Lilly White, Bartlett, senior, 125.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
