ORDER GAME PHOTOS

The 4A divisions returns 9 individual State Champions with 53 state placers overall. A total of 20 wrestlers are in position to earn a possible third or fourth state medal. Once again, this year’s 4A contingent is well balanced from the lightest to the heaviest weight groups and features several wrestlers with impressive state, national and international credentials. As of this writing, the team race is between returning champions Minico and Bishop Kelly (BK) with several other teams battling for a top 5 spot.

A total of 9 wrestlers return in pursuit of one of more individual state titles. The leaders among this talented group are Blackfoot’s Mack Mauger (126s) and Kolter Burton of Century (138s), each vying for rare fourth title. Hands down one of the best prep wrestlers to every to come out of the Gem State, Mauger enters these championships with a record 5 Fargo National titles and multiple other titles and All-American honors at the national level competitions. A commit to commit at the University of Missouri, Mauger will be very difficult to beat in his fourth pursuit to the top of the podium. With an equally impressive list of accolades, Burton is also a Fargo National Champion with multiple All-American honors to his credit. Committed to compete for Oklahoma State, Burton brings an impressive 58-1 record to these championships with his lone loss being to 5A standout Carson Exferd earlier in the year at Rolle Lane.

The next three wrestlers are each in pursuit of a third state title and have a combined 7 finals appearances. They include senior Garrett Vail of Minico (220s) and BK’s Jake Castagneto (132s) and Matthew Martino (152s). Earning All-American honors at the Folkstyle Nationals, Castagneto is a 3x finalist and headed to North Dakota State next fall. Fellow teammate, Martino, has earned multiple All-American honors in addition to winning Gold in both styles at the Pan Am Games. Additionally, he is on track to match his older brother, Christopher with a possible third and fourth title. Only a junior, Martino is committed to join his brother at Princeton next year.

Other returning state champions include Minico’s Preston Sonner-Cranney (195s) and BK’s Manuel Valdez (138s), Jadon Skellenger (160s), and Seiya Thompson at 170s. What’s more, Skellenger is committed to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and has a multitude of national and international accolades to his credit, which includes a Gold medal at the 2023 U20 Pan American Championships (Greco) and U15 World Championships.

Other notable wrestlers to watch are all in position to earn a possible fourth state medal. They include Carter Balmforth of Shelly (132s), Dominic Alcantara (138s – Caldwell), Minico’s Spencer Pease (182s), and Gavin Williamson of Jerome at 195s. Additionally, thirteen wrestlers are in position to earn a third state medal. Among this solid group is returning state finalists’ Saxton Scott of Idaho Falls (120s) and Paxton Twiss (160s – Minico) in addition to Fargo All-Americans Carlos Valdez (145s) and Treygen Morin (132s – Ridgevue), an NCAA Division II commit to West Liberty University in West Virginia. Also, keep an eye on returning finalists’ Mikael Teague (Minico), Jaxson Freeman (120s - Caldwell), DJ Neider (145s – Idaho Falls), Xander Zollinger of Skyline (170s), and Micha Serr (182s – Preston), as well as Folkstyle All-American Sean Hall of Canyon Ridge (132s).

The team race in the 4A has been the talk among the Idaho wrestling circles for a majority of this season. The “BIG” question?? Will Minico repeat this year with their sheer numbers or will BK score big with their seven top-level returning state medalists (includes 5 returning State Champions) in addition to 8 other qualifiers? There are so many scenarios and factors that come into play that we can spend eternity talking about it. So, here we go…let’s sum it up with what we do know. Minico enters these championships with a total of 20 qualifiers, which includes 9 returning state medalists, 6 with past state experience, and 5 more competing in their first state tournament. This strong contingent is led by returning State Champions Preston Sonner-Cranney (195s) and two-timer Garrett Vail at 220s in addition to finalists Mikael Teague (98s) and Paxton Twiss (160s).

Now, let’s take a closer look at BK. Without a doubt, they field one of the strongest core groups of number ones in the entire state. They include returning State Champions Jake Castagneto (132s), Manuel Valdez (138s), Matthew Martino (152s), Jadon Skellenger (160s), and Seiya Thompson at 170s. Additionally, they have two additional returning state placers in Phil Janquart (285s) and Fargo All-American Carlos Valdez (145s), as well as frosh standouts in Holton Crane (98s) and Jack Mescher (126s). Keep an eye of underclassman Dylan Dottaviano (113s) and Tensei Thompson 145s. Regardless of any pre-tournament speculation, both teams will need to bring their “A” game this weekend in addition to catching a few breaks throughout, but most importantly, each team’s seconds must also rise to the occasion. Expect fireworks!!! Other teams to watch include Caldwell, Bonneville, Blackfoot, Century, Jerome, and Lakeland.

The list of freshmen making their mark this season in the 4A is similar to the 5A division as a handful will challenge for a medal this weekend. They include Mountain Home’s Camden Kuntz and Ayden Tokita of Skyline at 106s in addition to Lakeland’s Carson Leonard (113s) and Jake Mescher of BK (126s.).

All in all, I expect the 4A division to be a great team and individual competition this year. The road to the team title is expected to by a bumpy ride from start to finish, but at the end of the day, it will require an “all-hands on deck” effort by every wrestler entering the circle this weekend. Below is a comprehensive list of teams to watch, state placers, All-Americans, college commits, and wrestlers ranked nationally. Buckle up for the ride!

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH

MINICO (20)

Returning State Medalists (9)

98 – Mikael Teague (Soph.), 2^nd State

113 – Greyson Molina (Jr.), 5^th, 4^th State

120 – Cooper Stimpson (Sr.), 5^th State ‘22

152 – Brody Ottley (Sr.), 4^th. State ‘22

160 – Paxton Twiss (Sr.), 3^rd., 2^nd. State

170 – Kyson Anderson-Osterhout (Sr.), 4^th. State

182 – Spencer Pease (Sr.), 5^th, 3^rd, 3^rd State

195 – Preston Sonner-Cranney (Jr.), 4^th, State Champion

220 – Garrett Vail (Sr.), 2x State Champion

Returning State Qualifiers (6)

126 – Landyn Schmidt (Soph.), 2^nd Dist. (2x)

132 – Zane Serr (Sr.), 4^th Dist. (2x)

138 – Niamiah Naranjo (Soph.), 1^st. Dist. (2x)

138 – Alize Gonzales (Jr.), 2^nd. Dist. (2x)

145 – Izaak Armendarez (Jr.), 3rd. Dist. (2x)

160 – Andrew Ball (Sr.), 2^nd. Dist. (4x)

State Qualifiers (5)

98 – Roman Valero (Fr.), 3^rd. Dist.

106 – Rodrigo Aceves (Soph.), 2^nd. Dist.

145 – Luis Villalobos (Sr.), 4^th Dist.

182 – Chase Vail (Jr.), 4^th. Dist.

220 – Daniel Salinas (Soph.), 3^rd. Dist.

BISHOP KELLY (15)

Returning State Medalists (7)

132 – Jake Castagneto (Sr.), 2x State Champion, 2^nd State

138 – Manuel Valdez (Sr.), 3^rd, State Champion

145 – Carlos Valdez (Jr.), 4^th, 3^rd State

152 – Matthew Martino (Jr.), 2x State Champion

160 – Jadon Skellenger (Sr.), State Champion

170 – Seiya Thompson (Sr.), State Champion

285 – Phil Janquart (Sr.), 6^th State

Returning State Qualifier (3)

113 – Dylan Dottaviano (Soph.), 2^nd Dist. (2x)

145 – Tensei Thompson (Soph.), 3^rd Dist. (2x)

182 – Dreyvan Luna (Sr.), 3^rd Dist. (2x)

State Qualifiers (5)

98 – Holton Crane (Fr.), 1^st. Dist.

126 – Jake Mescher (Fr.), 2^nd Dist.

126 – Conner Kelsch (Sr.), 3^rd Dist.

138 – Jackson Duncan (Sr.), 5th. Dist.

170 – Parker Allumbaugh (Jr.), 3^rd Dist.

CALDWELL (14)

Returning State Medalists (6)

106 – Camus Book (Soph.), 3^rd State

120 – Jaxson Freeman (Soph.), 2^nd State

126 – Draven Johns (Jr.), 3^rd State ‘22

138 – Dominic Alcantara (Sr.), 6^th, 5^th, 5^th State

145 – Gracin Go (Sr.), 2^nd State

152 – Jayce Wolf (Jr.), 5^th State ‘22

Returning State Qualifiers (2)

132 – Kelvin Martin-Gomez (Sr.), 3^rd Dist. (2x)

138 – Marquez Arredondo (Sr.), 2^nd Dist. (3x)

State Qualifiers (6)

106 – Gauge Gonzalez (Fr.), 2^nd Dist.

113 – Rodrigue Enock (Fr.), 4^th. Dist.

113 – Aiden Valerio (Fr.), 1^st. Dist.

160 – Jesus Alvarez (Fr.), 3^rd Dist.

170 – David Vargas (Fr.), 4^th. Dist.

195 – Juan Juarez (Jr.), 2^nd Dist.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Bonneville (14), Blackfoot (12), Century (16), Jerome (12), Lakeland (15).

3X STATE CHAMPIONS (2)

Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, 12)

Kolter Burton (Century, 12)

2X STATE CHAMPIONS (3)

Matthew Martino (Bishop Kelly, 11)

Jake Castagneto (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Garrett Vail (Minico, 12)

1X STATE CHAMPION (4)

Manuel Valdez (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Seiya Thompson (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Preston Sonner-Cranney (Minico, 11)

3X STATE PLACERS (7)

Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, 12), 1^st, 1^st, 1^st

Kolter Burton (Century, 12), 1^st, 1^st, 1^st

Jake Castagneto (Bishop Kelly, 12), 1^st, 2^nd, 1^st

Carter Balmforth (Shelley, 12), 2^nd, 6^th, 3^rd

Spencer Pease (Minico, 12), 5^th, 3^rd, 3^rd

Gavin Williamson (Jerome, 12), 4^th, 4^th, 2^nd

Dominic Alcantara (Caldwell, 12), 6^th, 5^th, 5^th

2X STATE PLACERS (13)

Matthew Martino (Bishop Kelly, 11), 1^st, 1^st

Garrett Vail (Minico, 12), 1^st, 1^st

Manuel Valdez (Bishop Kelly, 12), 3^rd, 1^st

Preston Sonner-Cranney (Minico, 11), 4^th, 1^st

Saxton Scott (Idaho Falls, 11), 3^rd, 2^nd

Paxton Twiss (Minico, 12), 3^rd, 2^nd

Carlos Valdez (Bishop Kelly, 11), 4^th, 3^rd

Kylan Guerra (Blackfoot, 12), 4^th, 3^rd

Clark Petersen (Shelley, 11), 3^rd, 4^th

Treygen Morin (Ridgevue, 12), 4^th, 4^th

Greyson Molina (Minico, 11), 5^th, 4^th

Tavin Rigby (Preston, 12), 6^th, 6^th

Caleb Somers (Canyon Ridge, 12), 6^th, 6^th

1X STATE PLACERS (32)

Mikael Teague (Minico, 10), 2^nd Place

Camus Book (Caldwell, 10), 3^rd Place

Mason Hiller (Bonneville, 10), 4^th Place

Bodee Green (Hilcrest, 10), 5^th Place

Juan Guevara (Canyon Ridge, 11), 6^th Place

Gabe Pyne (Century, 11), 3^rd Place

Johnny Behm (Shelley, 10), 5^th Place

Jaren Knopp (Lakeland, 11), 6^th Place

Cooper Stimpson (Minico, 12), 5^th Place ‘22

Draven Johns (Caldwell, 11), 3^rd Place ‘22

Jaxson Freeman (Caldwell, 10), 2^nd Place

Tristen Vega (Burley, 10), 4^th Place

Hazen Thompson (Century, 11), 5^th Place

Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 10), 4^th Place

Sam Smith (Blackfoot, 12), 5^th Place

Ryker Vail (Bonneville, 11), 4^th Place ’22

Brayden Cosens (Blackfoot, 10), 5^th Place

Ashlei Hawkins (Sandpoint, 11), 6^th Place

Jayce Wolf (Caldwell, 11), 5^th Place ‘22

Brody Ottley (Minico, 12), 4^th Place ‘22

Shane Sherrill (Sandpoint, 12), 5^th Place

DJ Neider (Idaho Falls, 11), 2^nd Place

Gracin Go (Caldwell, 12), 2^nd Place

Xander Zollinger (Skyline, 12), 2^nd Place

Kyson Anderson-Osterhout (Minico, 12), 4^th Place

Britton Sorenson (Bonneville, 12), 5^th Place

Connor Claborn (Canyon Ridge, 12), 6^th Place

Micah Serr (Preston, 12), 2^nd Place

Jorden Tyler (Sandpoint, 11), 3^rd Place

Wesley Hodges (Mountain Home, 12), 4^th Place

George Valenzuela (Skyline, 11), 6^th Place

Jaxton Humphries (Century, 10), 6^th Place

FRESHMAN TO WATCH

98 – Holten Crane (Bishop Kelly), 1^st. Dist.

98 – Reece Call (Hillcrest), 1^st. Dist.

98 – Jesse Rae (Emmett), 2^nd Dist.

106 – Camden Kuntz (Mountain Home), 1^st. Dist.

106 – Ayden Tokita (Skyline), 1^st. Dist.

106 – Kade Knopp (Lakeland), 1^st. Dist.

106 – Gauge Gonzalez (Caldwell), 2^nd Dist.

113 – Aiden Valerio (Caldwell), 1^st. Dist.

113 – Carson Leonard (Lakeland), 1^st. Dist.

113 – Isaac Cruz (Jerome), 2^nd. Dist.

113 – Noah Reines (Vallivue), 3^rd Dist.

126 – Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly), 2^nd Dist.

160 – Jesus Alvarez (Caldwell), 3^rd Dist.

WORLD LEVEL MEDALIST

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12), U15 Gold (GR)

PAN AMERICAN GAMES MEDALISTS

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12), 1x Gold/2x Silver

Matthew Martino (Bishop Kelly, 11), 2x Gold/OW (15U)

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (FS/GR/FOLKSTYLE)

Saxton Scott (Idaho Falls, 11)

Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, 12)

Kolter Burton (Century, 12)

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12)

ALL-AMERICANS (FS/GR/FOLKSTYLE)

Saxton Scott (Idaho Falls, 11)

Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, 12)

Kolter Burton (Century, 12)

Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 10)

Jake Castagneto (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Treygen Morin (Ridgevue, 12)

Manuel Valdez (Bishop Kelly, 12)

Carlos Valdez (Bishop Kelly, 11)

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12)

4A DIVISON WRESTLERS RECOGNIZED IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS (4)

120 – Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, 12), #10 (WUSA), #16 (FLO), #19 (SBLive)

138 – Kolter Burton (Century, 12), #22 (SBLive), Special Mention (WUSA)

152 – Matthew Martino (Bishop Kelly, 11), #23 (WUSA)

157 – Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly, 12), #15 (FLO), #18 (WUSA) HM (SBLive)

220 – Garrett Vail (Minico), Special Mention (WUSA)

COLLEGE COMMITS (9)

Mack Mauger (Blackfoot), University of Missouri (DI)

Kolter Burton (Century), Oklahoma State University (DI)

Jadon Skellenger (Bishop Kelly), Lehigh University (DI)

Jake Castagneto (Bishop Kelly), North Dakota State (DI)

Matthew Martino (Bishop Kelly), Princeton University (DI)

Draven Johns (Caldwell), University of Missouri (DI)

Treygen Morin (Ridgevue), West Liberty University (DII)

Kylan Guerra (Blackfoot), Eastern Oregon (NAIA)

Jackson Duncan (Bishop Kelly), Midland University (NAIA)