SBLive Iowa Top 25 wrestling team rankings (Post-state)

This week’s Iowa prep wrestling Top 25 team rankings

By Dana Becker

The 2022-23 prep wrestling season in Iowa is now in the books, and we were left with plenty of historical moments. 

Waverly-Shell Rock, Osage and Don Bosco put the finishing touches on traditional state team titles to go along with state dual crowns. 

Here is a look at the Top 25 teams in the SBLive Iowa power rankings with all three classifications compiled into one:

1. Waverly-Shell Rock (Last Week No. 1)

When you win the largest classification in the state of Iowa, you are hard to top. Waverly-Shell Rock did that, and in a year when seven other schools scored over 100 points at state. Ryder Block, Bas Diaz and Danny Diaz all earned state titles, while Jake Walker earned a silver.

2. Southeast Polk (LW No. 2)

Despite not having a wrestler in the finals, the Rams showed they are still a player in Class 3A, racking up 153 points to secure a second place finish. Carter Pearson, Maximus Riggins and Brent Slade were third place finishers.

3. Osage (LW No. 3)

There was no question that the Green Devils were the cream of the crop in 2A, racking up 175.5 points, three champions and running through the field. Blake Fox, Tucker Stangel and Nicholas Fox all claimed individual titles.

4. Bettendorf (LW No. 4)

Many felt it was a three-team race in 3A, and the Bulldogs proved them right, battling throughout the four-day state event to finish third. Jake Knight gave Bettendorf an individual title, winning gold at 113 pounds.

5. Don Bosco (LW No. 7)

The 1A team race ended early, as the Dons did what they do, making history by winning their fifth consecutive traditional crown. Kyler Knaack led a group of medalists, earning gold, with Mack Ortner, Jared Thiry and Kaiden Knaack each placing second.

6. Fort Dodge (LW No. 6)

While it was far from a perfect state meet, the Dodgers still crowned a champion, had two runner-up finishes and placed sixth overall in 3A. Dreshaun Ross, a freshman, captured a state title, with Dru Ayala and Damarion Ross second.

7. Linn-Mar (LW No. 8)

A huge final couple of rounds helped the Lions place fourth overall in 3A. Brayden Parke, Kane Naaktgeboren, Grant Kress and Tate Naaktgeboren all finished second.

8. Iowa City High (LW No. 11)

With three individual champions, all who scored many bonus points, the Little Hawks were able to place fifth overall in 3A. Cale Seaton, Gabe Arnold and Ben Kueter all won gold, with Kueter finishing his career unbeaten as a four-time state champion.

9. West Delaware (LW No. 9)

West Delaware was unable to earn a traditional team title, finishing behind Mount Vernon and in fourth in 2A. One of the feel good stories of state came when Cameron Geuther capped off the meet by winning gold at heavyweight.

10. Waukee Northwest (LW No. 10)

While not quite the same run as last year, the Wolves ended up eighth overall in 3A. Koufax Christensen and Carter Freeman both finished atop their respective podiums.

11. Notre Dame Burlington (LW No. 15)

Despite being on the smaller side in terms of qualifiers and school, Notre Dame, Burlington was still able to rack up the points, placing second in 2A. Isaiah Fenton and CJ Walrath both capped unbeaten seasons with state titles.

12. Ankeny (LW No. 5)

It was a kind of up-and-down state tournament, as the Hawks ended up 10th overall in 3A. Ankeny ended up with six medals in all.

13. Mount Vernon (LW No. 14)

Through the four days, Mount Vernon did just enough to earn a trophy, taking third in 2A. Jase Jaspers reached the finals, placing second.

14. Johnston (LW NR)

The Dragons made a big-time splash at state, placing seventh overall in 3A. Jacob Helgeson completed a perfect season, going 43-0 with a state title at 152 pounds.

15. West Des Moines Valley (LW No. 12)

The Tigers were unable to really rally off the momentum of reaching state duals and placing second at districts in 3A, ending up 19th overall. They claimed three individual state medals.

16. Sergeant Bluff-Luton (LW No. 13)

Sergeant Bluff-Luton would place in the Top-5, scoring 82.5 points overall. Ty Koedam reached the finals and earned a silver medal for his effort.

17. Wilton (LW No. 19)

If it weren’t for Don Bosco being in 1A, Wilton would have walked away with the championship, as they had an incredible week. Mason Shirk grabbed a runner-up finish.

18. Nashua-Plainfield (LW No. 18)

With the most qualifiers in 1A, Nashua-Plainfield was able to score enough points to place third and earn a trophy. Jayden and Garret Rinken won titles, with Garret finishing unbeaten on the year.

19. Alburnett (LW No. 16)

Just a half-point kept Alburnett from earning a 1A team trophy, settling for fourth. Rowdy Neighbor grabbed a second with several teammates placing third.

20. Ankeny Centennial (LW No. 17)

The Jaguars finished 12th overall in 3A, as three earned medals.

21. Lisbon (LW No. 20)

A bit of a disappointing state tournament for the Lions, as they finished sixth overall. Brandon Paez cemented his status, going 53-0 with gold at 120, while Wyatt Smith also finished unbeaten to claim the heavyweight title.

22. Bondurant-Farrar (LW No. 21)

Battling amongst the giants in 3A, the Bluejays walked away with numerous medals and are one of the youngest teams in the state.

23. Ballard (LW NR)

Big-time runs by individuals to the finals helped the Bombers score seventh overall. Gabriel Christensen capped a 49-1 mark by winning gold at 195.

24. Webster City (LW No. 23)

While the finals didn’t go quite as planned for the Lynx, they were able to finish sixth with a handful of medals.

25. Emmetsburg (LW No. 25)

After reaching state duals, the E-Hawks were able to place a wrestler in the finals again and earn several medals, finishing ninth in 1A.