Carl Junction girls wrestling features a roster of eight with two returning state placers.
The returning placers are senior Bella Montez and junior Jazmyne Blayne. Montez, who will wrestle in the 130 or 135-pound weight classes, placed sixth at 135 pounds last season. Blayne also earned a sixth-place finish earning her medal at 125 pounds. She will be in the 120-130-pound weight range this season.
Seniors Resel Rehobson (140-145) and Kiley Spencer (135-145) along with sophomore Hannah Overberg (130-145) also return this season.
“Our returning seniors are the leaders in the room,” Carl Junction girls head coach Ela Winder said. “They set the tone by pushing each other both on and off the mat, and they’ve done a great job welcoming and supporting our new team members. Their example and attitude help create a positive, motivated environment for the entire team.”
Overberg looks poised for a breakout season after a strong off-season.
“Hannah Overberg has really impressed me with her off-season improvement,” Winder said. “She took the initiative to attend multiple camps on her own, and it’s clear in the way her confidence in the room has noticeably grown. She’s also been very committed to her nutrition, and as a result, she’ll be competing in a different weight class this season.”
Fellow sophomore Aalyiah Maduro was set to return but will miss the season with an injury.
“Aaliyah Madro sustained a knee injury and will be out this season,” Winder said. “She was a force at 235 for us last year.”
Gabi Reynolds (senior 170-190), Ada Phillips (freshman 155) and Kat Mash (senior 110-115) are newcomers to watch.
Phillips enters her freshman year expecting to make an immediate impact after earning fifth-place in the state at the youth level last season.
“She’s already shown she can compete at a high level, and that experience gives her a level of confidence and mat awareness that many first-year high school athletes don’t have yet,” Winder said.
Carl Junction opens the season on Monday at the Butler Scramble. They host Carthage for an assemble dual on Dec. 2 at 2 pm.
“If our wrestlers keep improving their skills, building confidence, and competing with consistency, that’s a win for our program,” Winder said. “And if that progress leads to post-season success as well, it will be a great reflection of the hard work they’ve put in all year.”
