2024 National Girls High School Preseason Rankings: Missouri’s Top Girls Wrestlers to Watch

The 2024 National Girls High School Preseason Rankings have been released, and Missouri’s top female wrestlers are proving they belong among the nation’s best. The rankings, compiled by USA Wrestling, FloWrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, spotlight elite athletes in grades 8-12 from across the country. Missouri’s representation in these rankings underscores the state’s growing prominence in girls’ wrestling.

These rankings, heavily influenced by performances at the 2024 USMC Junior and 16U Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, and other summer competitions, set the stage for the upcoming season. Missouri boasts numerous wrestlers across multiple weight classes, demonstrating depth and strength in the state’s talent pool.

Key Missouri Wrestlers to Watch:

• Ava Ward, a senior from Centralia High School, leads Missouri’s contingent, ranked 6th at 125 pounds. Ward is coming off an impressive season and has her sights set on even greater success this year.
• At 100 pounds, Zoey Haney from Troy Buchanan High School is ranked 8th, while Lilly Breeden from Liberty High School sits at 14th. Both are top competitors and will be forces to reckon with this season. Additionally, Killian Evans from Blue Springs South High School comes in at 17th.
• Sandy Breeden, also from Liberty High School, is ranked 15th in the 105-pound weight class, marking another strong presence for the school.
• At 115 pounds, Angelina Vargas of Park Hill High School is ranked 9th, while Jessa Joiner of Lebanon High School holds the 16th spot. Both wrestlers have demonstrated consistent growth and competitiveness on the mat.
• Kailey Benson from Francis Howell Central High School joins Ava Ward in the 125-pound rankings, coming in at 10th, making the 125-pound division one to watch for Missouri wrestling fans.
• At 155 pounds, Jayci Shelton of Centralia High School is ranked 8th, continuing her rise through the rankings. She is joined by Maggie Ortmann from Washington High School, ranked 11th. Further down the list, Calyese Dupree from Nixa High School (23rd) and Breanne Gibbs from Moberly High School (25th) round out a strong Missouri showing in this weight class.
• Louise Juitt from Belton High School ranks 4th at 140 pounds, showcasing her impressive skills and determination as one of the top wrestlers in her class.
• At 145 pounds, Amitria McNack from Clinton High School comes in at 24th, representing yet another Missouri athlete primed for a strong season.
• In the 170-pound division, Alana Thelin from Pleasant Hill High School is ranked 14th, while Carli Vargas from Kearney High School holds the 21st spot, giving Missouri solid representation in the upper weight classes.
• Finally, at 235 pounds, Alexis Stinson from Liberty High School is ranked 14th, while Jayden Moehle from Grain Valley High School (18th) and Aaliyah Grammer from Lafayette Wildwood High School (21st) continue Missouri’s tradition of excellence in the heavier weight divisions.