SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Central Ozark Conference (COC) Girls Wrestling Tournament took place last week with wrestlers from Carthage, Joplin, Webb City, and Neosho making strong showings across multiple weight classes. Held over the weekend, the event highlighted emerging talent and veteran performers, as local grapplers secured podium finishes, including a championship title and several runner-up spots.
Carthage led the local charge with a standout performance from Kaylee James, who claimed the 140-pound title in dominant fashion. James, boasting a 42-1 record, pinned Lebanon's Natalee Joiner in just 1:07 to secure first place.
The Tigers also celebrated a runner-up finish from Irish Lee at 145 pounds. Lee (39-5) put up a valiant effort but fell to Nixa's Kamryn Bourbon via pin at 5:43 in the finals. Other Carthage highlights included Hadley White earning third at 105 pounds with a 10-3 decision over Republic's Reese Tate, and Emely Hernandez Guzman taking fifth at 130 pounds via medical forfeit over Lebanon's Kaylee Herd. Zeilah Cifuentes grabbed seventh at 120 pounds with a medical forfeit win against Glendale's Lyla Smith, while Aubrey Jewett secured seventh at 135 pounds by pinning Willard's Gracie Ray in 2:41. Ari Morga Zaldivar added a seventh at 115 pounds, tech-falling Glendale's Mariannah Cole 18-1 in 3:29. Mischa Drackert finished sixth at 110 pounds after a loss to Webb City's Izabella Macari, Laney Daniel took eighth at 100 pounds following a pin by Neosho's Samantha Williams, and Yaneli Hernandez Juarez placed eighth at 235 pounds after a quick pin loss to Waynesville's Emma Smith.
Webb City wrestlers delivered consistent results, with several athletes medaling in higher placements. Maddie Barchak earned second at 155 pounds, falling to Nixa's Natalie Edmisson via pin in 1:44 despite her impressive 28-4 record. Mackenzie Booth also snagged a runner-up spot at 235 pounds, pinned by Lebanon's Sophiea Quinn in 3:49 after a 27-7 campaign. Sierra Devore claimed third at 140 pounds with a close 9-5 decision over Waynesville's Jordyn Seely-Manuel.
Additional Cardinal podium finishes included Tatum Christensen in fourth at 135 pounds after a pin loss to Republic's Gabby Shanks in 2:55, Neveah Friely fourth at 115 pounds via pin by Ozark's Katie Hartgraves in 3:40, and Kinley Sinclair fifth at 145 pounds with a medical forfeit over Willard's Kam King. Layla Espinoza took sixth at 170 pounds after a quick pin by Kickapoo's Kaniylah Bluford, Izabella Macari earned fifth at 110 pounds by pinning Carthage's Mischa Drackert in 2:54, Lexie Smith grabbed seventh at 105 pounds with a 15-0 tech fall over Glendale's Keely Freitas in 1:24, and Jaiden Wilkerson placed eighth at 190 pounds following a pin by Kickapoo's Sam Jennerjohn in 2:21.
Neosho's contingent showed promise with several top-six finishes, led by Lynzee Duckett's fourth-place effort at 120 pounds, where she was pinned by Ozark's Callie Wilson in 2:20 despite a solid 15-7 record. Aryah Moore also secured fourth at 170 pounds, dropping a tight 5-0 decision to Republic's Aara Shade. Reagan Willhoit finished fourth at 190 pounds with a narrow 3-1 loss to Central (Springfield)'s Amyia Tamayo.
Other Wildcat standouts included Lexie Mccracken in fourth at 110 pounds after a 9-2 decision loss to Joplin's Olivia Manes, Kylie Tomlinson fifth at 135 pounds via pin over Parkview's Jadrian Townsend in 2:26, and sophomore Geneva Wheelock sixth at 155 pounds following a pin by Glendale's Bella Moser in 2:34. Samantha Williams earned seventh at 100 pounds by pinning Carthage's Laney Daniel in 1:31.
Joplin's Eagles contributed key performances, with Maliah Winnett taking fifth at 105 pounds after a swift 0:53 pin over Parkview's Natalie Mata. Olivia Manes grabbed third at 110 pounds with a 9-2 decision over Neosho's Lexie Mccracken. Ilannah Burtrum placed fourth at 235 pounds, pinned by Willard's Desaray Wise in 1:10 despite her 16-7 mark. Anie Spiering finished sixth at 115 pounds after a pin loss to Nixa's Taegan Robb in 1:23.