Yelm seeks to repeat as state champs
TACOMA — The defending champion and top-ranked Yelm Tornados hope to blow away second-ranked Federal Way, third-ranked Union and everyone else to repeat as state champions in the girls division at Mat Classic XXX at the Tacoma Dome this weekend.
“Yelm is the team to beat, but Union might surprise because anything can happen at the state tournament,” Othello coach JJ Martinez said.
Yelm outscored Federal Way 97-92 to earn the district title and 140-134 to claim the Region 2 championship. The Eagles from Federal Way hope to turn the tables on the Yelm Tornados and fly away with top honors at Tacoma. Both teams have entries at 115, 120 and 130 and those head-to-head battles will likely help decide the ultimate victor.
Other regional team honors went to Stanwood, Union and Othello.
Stanwood outscored Burlington-Edison to win the Region 1 title, Union scored 149.5 points to win the Region 3 championship over runner-up Aberdeen at 129. The Othello Huskies won the Region 4 title with 114 points while Warden finished second (96) and Sunnyside third (93).
The team title will be determined by quality and not quantity. Federal Way sends seven entries while Yelm, Union and Othello all have six. The squad with the most semifinal and final round winners will most likely stand on top of the podium.
The Yelm Tornados send a Noah’s Ark team of two-by-two-by-two. Champions Phoenix Dubose (115) and Carly Smith are joined by runners-up Chelsey Rochester (140) and Ashley Kile (190) and third-place award winners Brooklyn Cutler (120) and Shelana Brown Stephens (145).
Federal Way’s seven qualifiers include regional champions London Huston (120) and Mariah Stewart (235) and second-place finisher Anjilia Sumandig (115).MThe Eagles also qualified two third and two fourth-place finishers. Federal Way and Yelm both have entries at 115, 120 and 130. Yelm won those head-to-head match ups at 115 and 130 at districts and regionals, but if Federal Way can reverse that at state, the Eagles will probably fly away with top honors.
The brackets appear to favor Yelm. At 115, Federal Way’s Henderson is on the same half as top-ranked Viktorya Torres of Granger while Yelm’s Dubose is in the other half bracket. At 120, Houston of Federal Way is on the same half as top-ranked Payton Stroud of White River while Yelm’s Brooklyn Cutler is in the opposite half bracket.
The second-ranked Union squad sends three regional champions and two runners-up. Champions Riley Aamold (130), Krista Warren (140) and Annabelle Helm (145) join runners-up Kayla Brosius (115) and Neuaeh Cassidy (145). Cassidy and Helm are at the same weight as three-time state champ Flor Parker-Borrero (145). Helm is on the opposite half bracket and would not meet Parker-Borrero until the championship.
The Othello Huskies hope to repeat the surprise attack they scored January 27 when they won the team title at the Lady Knights Invite, outscoring Yelm 157-155 with Federal Way third at 154.
Champions Elizabeth Giles (140) and Victoria Mendoza and second-place finisher Emily Mendez (105} lead the six qualifiers from Othello. Fourth-place award winners Jackie Peguero (115), Leslie Rodriguez (135), and Kaitlyn Goodman (170) round out the Huskies’ entries.
The Warden Cougars send runner-up Karely Garcia (235), third-place award winners Monica Canales (125), Andrea Hernandez (145), DaNeil Jolley (190) and fourth-place finishers Aaliyah Escamilla (100) and Amanda Contreras (235).
Other teams like Stanwood, Burlington-Edison, Thomas Jefferson and Granger have a potential finalist but not enough depth to threaten for a team title. However, if these squads and a few other teams take some points away from Yelm, Federal Way and Union and the points divide up in such a way that 75-80 points would win a team title, Othello might be in contention. If either Yelm or Federal Way dominate their match-ups and either team scores in the 90-point range, they will probably be standing on the top of the podium.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
