Who are Akron-Canton's top girls high school wrestlers for 2023-24? Here are 10 to watch
Year 2 of OHSAA high school girls wrestling will open with a bang, as the first Women of Ironmen Tournament launches this weekend at Walsh Jesuit.
Numerous returning All-Ohioans and one returning state champion hail from the Akron-Canton area. Here's a look at the top 10 girls wrestlers to watch from the region:
Madelyn Begert, Northwest
Only a sophomore, Begert is already a two-sport All-Ohioan, having placed fourth at the Division II state cross country meet. Begert has grown physically since placing fifth at state wrestling at 100 pounds last year as a freshman.
Kai Gaetjens, Mogadore
The youngest of the Gaetjens sisters proved she belonged by taking sixth at 120 pounds. Her aggressive style will make her dangerous again this year.
Mia Gaetjens, Mogadore
The Gaetjens sisters claimed two All-Ohio finishes when big sister Mia placed fifth at 145 pounds. She will be among the favorites for a state title in upper middleweights.
Bridget Hilliard, Minerva
Hilliard won't lack for motivation this winter, as she finished one win shy of All-Ohio honors last March at 105 pounds. The Lions have one the deepest rooms in Northeast Ohio, which should only lead to improvement.
Isabella Mbappe, Walsh Jesuit
The young lady has "freshman phenom" written all over her. Mbappe joins Walsh's storied program after going 4-2 at the 16U Freestyle Nationals this summer.
Jaydyn McKinney, Manchester
Despite starting the season late due to injury, McKinney dominated the ring, going 20-0 on her way to the state title at 135 pounds. She has a nasty cradle and won all four of her matches at state by pin or technical fall.
Abigail Mozden, Alliance
Mozden was the linchpin of Alliance's Northeast regional championship team. She also made history with big brother Aiden when she placed eighth at 130 pounds to become the first brother-sister pair to earn All-Ohio honors on the same day.
Jayda Patrick, Alliance
Patrick showed grit in Columbus by rebounding from a first-round loss to place eighth at 155 pounds. She will be key to the Aviators' attempt to repeat as regional champion.
Karuna Rai, Akron North
Rai has been the backbone of North's girls wrestling program for years. She will look to close out her career with a trip to the state tournament.
Sarah Sphon, Minerva
Another young Lion looking for a return to the state meet, Sphone is poised to improve upon a 26-19 record from last season.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Keep an eye on these top local girls high school wrestlers this winter
