State runner-up Lockport returns bunch of talent, including two-time state champ Claudia Heeney.
Top 5 Teams
1. Lockport
The Porters were state runners-up in 2023-24 and placed fifth last season. They should be near the top again with senior Claudia Heeney (135 pounds), a two-time defending state champion, leading the way. Senior Sophie Kelner (190) and juniors Rebekah Ramirez (235) and Veronica Skibicki (110) are returning state qualifiers, with Skibicki coming one win shy of placing. Freshman Alaina Churnovic (105) could make an immediate impact for new coach Amier Khamis. Watch for senior Mayra Vicencio-Ramos (170) and junior Bella Romando (120).
2. Lincoln-Way co-op
Lincoln-Way’s depth made it a dominant dual team last season as it went 19-0 and won the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s girls dual team state championship. Lincoln-Way tied for 12th at the Illinois High School Association state finals. Senior Zoe Dempsey (115) returns after a third-place finish. Sophomore Sadie Sparks (120) lost in the blood round at state, falling one win short of the podium. Junior Ella Giertuga (140) was also a state qualifier. Junior Riley DePolo (170) is one to watch.
3. Andrew co-op
The District 230 team, which also includes wrestlers from Sandburg and Stagg, won the IHSA state championship last season. A decorated senior class graduated from that team, but the cupboard is certainly not bare. Sophomore Jade Hardee (100) returns after a third-place finish. Junior Tatum De La Vega (105) is a returning state qualifier, while sophomore Piper Booe (130) finished one win short of state, falling in the blood round at sectionals.
4. Oak Forest
Senior Alex Sebek (105) hopes to stay healthy and chase a state title after finishing as a runner-up her freshman year but then missing the last two postseasons with injuries. Freshman Rain Scott (125) had national success at the youth level and has dreams of being a four-time state champion. Senior Iyobosa Odiase (145) is a returning state qualifier. The Bengals will be dangerous if they can continue to develop their depth.
5. Homewood-Flossmoor
The Vikings have had at least one state medalist in three of the four years the IHSA has held a girls wrestling tournament. Senior London Gandy (110) is back after a sixth-place finish last season. Junior Amara Nwoye (135) fell one win short of state, losing in the sectional blood round. Juniors Na’imah LaMon (140) and Madelynn McClements (145) are returning sectional qualifiers looking to take the next step this season.
The 25 Girls Wrestlers to Watch
- Tatum De La Vega, Andrew co-op, junior, 105 pounds.
- Zoe Dempsey, Lincoln-Way co-op, senior, 115.
- Lily Fish, Reavis, senior, 155.
- Sam Fontaine, Marist, senior, 190.
- London Gandy, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, 110.
- Ella Giertuga, Lincoln-Way co-op, junior, 140.
- Jade Hardee, Andrew co-op, sophomore, 100.
- Elena Haugh, Ag Science, sophomore, 190.
- Claudia Heeney, Lockport, senior, 135.
- Carmen Jackson, Ag Science, senior, 110.
- Dakodia Kelly, T.F. South, junior, 110.
- Sophie Kelner, Lockport, senior, 190.
- Izzy Locascio, Marist, senior, 135.
- Jayden Melendez, Tinley Park, junior, 110.
- Felix Morales, Oak Lawn, senior, 105.
- Molly O’Connor, Lemont, senior, 125.
- Iyobosa Odiase, Oak Forest, senior, 145.
- Abby Parker, Marist, junior, 235.
- Rebekah Ramirez, Lockport, junior, 235.
- Mila Rocush, Shepard, junior, 130.
- Rain Scott, Oak Forest, freshman, 125.
- Alex Sebek, Oak Forest, senior, 105.
- Veronica Skibicki, Lockport, junior, 110.
- Sadie Sparks, Lincoln-Way co-op, sophomore, 120.
- Ariel Woodfin, Thornton, senior, 100.
