Published: Thursday, December 10, 2009
PREP WRESTLING: Girls to watch
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Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald
Lakewood's Keely Caldwell (top) is one of this season's athletes to watch in girls wrestling.
Note: All state rankings found on WashingtonWrestlingReport.com
JoMae Alewine, Sr | Lake Stevens
2008-09 recap: The three-time state placer had her best finish yet, taking second in the 103-pound division.
Preseason ranking: No. 2 at 103 pounds, behind Bremerton junior Lauren Richardson.
Outlook for 2009-10: With three top-four state finishes already under her belt, Alewine has one more chance to win it all. “I think she's picked it up. She feels there's a sense that this is it — this is her last shot,” said Lake Stevens coach Brent Barnes, who praised Alewine's work ethic and maturity. Alewine placed fourth at state in 2007 and 2008 before taking second last season.
Keely Caldwell, Sr | Lakewood
2008-09 recap: Caldwell advanced to the state tournament for the third straight season and achieved her first top-eight finish, placing fifth at 130 pounds.
Preseason ranking: No. 2 at 130 pounds, behind LaCenter senior Jessica Sokolowski.
Outlook for 2009-10: Seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the state championships, Caldwell is “looking real good,” Lakewood coach Tom O'Hara said. “She's really taken a leadership role on our team.” Caldwell is quick, flexible and fast, said O'Hara, who uses Caldwell in the Cougars' varsity boys lineup.
Casey Mather, So | Stanwood
2008-09 recap: As a freshman, Mather qualified for the state tournament at 119 pounds.
Preseason ranking: Not ranked in top five.
Outlook for 2009-10: Mather might eventually drop to 112 pounds but will compete at 119 pounds in Stanwood's varsity boys lineup, at least early in the season, Stanwood coach Ray Mather said. Last season Casey Mather battled boys several times in league dual meets and held her own. “She's a tough kid,” said Ray Mather. “She doesn't back down from anything like that.”
Justine Palabrica, So | Everett
2008-09 recap: Palabrica's first season with the Seagulls was memorable. She advanced to the state championships at 103 pounds.
Preseason ranking: Not ranked in top five.
Outlook for 2009-10: Palabrica, who went undefeated in an eighth-grade season that included many matches against boys, has the potential to eventually contend for a national title, Everett coach Brien Elliott said. Competing in a national tournament this past summer “really elevated her game,” said Elliott. “She's really doing well, especially for a sophomore.”
JoMae Alewine, Sr | Lake Stevens
2008-09 recap: The three-time state placer had her best finish yet, taking second in the 103-pound division.
Preseason ranking: No. 2 at 103 pounds, behind Bremerton junior Lauren Richardson.
Outlook for 2009-10: With three top-four state finishes already under her belt, Alewine has one more chance to win it all. “I think she's picked it up. She feels there's a sense that this is it — this is her last shot,” said Lake Stevens coach Brent Barnes, who praised Alewine's work ethic and maturity. Alewine placed fourth at state in 2007 and 2008 before taking second last season.
Keely Caldwell, Sr | Lakewood
2008-09 recap: Caldwell advanced to the state tournament for the third straight season and achieved her first top-eight finish, placing fifth at 130 pounds.
Preseason ranking: No. 2 at 130 pounds, behind LaCenter senior Jessica Sokolowski.
Outlook for 2009-10: Seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the state championships, Caldwell is “looking real good,” Lakewood coach Tom O'Hara said. “She's really taken a leadership role on our team.” Caldwell is quick, flexible and fast, said O'Hara, who uses Caldwell in the Cougars' varsity boys lineup.
Casey Mather, So | Stanwood
2008-09 recap: As a freshman, Mather qualified for the state tournament at 119 pounds.
Preseason ranking: Not ranked in top five.
Outlook for 2009-10: Mather might eventually drop to 112 pounds but will compete at 119 pounds in Stanwood's varsity boys lineup, at least early in the season, Stanwood coach Ray Mather said. Last season Casey Mather battled boys several times in league dual meets and held her own. “She's a tough kid,” said Ray Mather. “She doesn't back down from anything like that.”
Justine Palabrica, So | Everett
2008-09 recap: Palabrica's first season with the Seagulls was memorable. She advanced to the state championships at 103 pounds.
Preseason ranking: Not ranked in top five.
Outlook for 2009-10: Palabrica, who went undefeated in an eighth-grade season that included many matches against boys, has the potential to eventually contend for a national title, Everett coach Brien Elliott said. Competing in a national tournament this past summer “really elevated her game,” said Elliott. “She's really doing well, especially for a sophomore.”
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