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2022/2023 Utah Girl's Top 10 Incoming Freshman

By wrestleutah.com, 09/01/22, 2:00PM MDT

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Each year we will compile a list of some of the top incoming freshman, wrestlers to watch for that will make an impact on the high school level right away.  This is only the third year we have put together this list for the girls.

Last year's list had a number of state champions and state placers. Many on this year's list have national team experience and will not only make an impact in Utah, but they will nationally as well.

#1 Payton Gines

School: Syracuse

Projected Weight Class: 100

Payton is relentless and crafty. She is the last to give up a position and isn't afraid to throw in some high elevation moves if it feels right. She is small, but a force to be reckoned with. She will make a big impact in the line up for Syracuse.

#2 Julia Kay

School: Canyon View

Projected Weight Class: 110

Julia is a fun wrestler to watch. She stands a head and a half taller than almost all of her opponents and knows how to use that leverage. She is quick on her feet and dangerous on top with her tilts. Canyon View's line up is going to cause some waves this year. Julia Kay will be a name you know after her freshman season with her fun personality, love of pajama pants, and her dominant performances on the mat. 

#3 Clarion Fager

School: Corner Canyon

Projected Weight Class: 155

Clarion is a driving force on the mat. She is strong, consistent and finds ways to win. She placed 2nd USA Girls Folkstyle Nationals 2022, 2022 USA 14U Western Regionals Girls Champ, Intermountain Warrior Challenge Girls Middle School Champ, 2022 Girls 14U Freestyle Champ, just to name a few. Despite being a freshman, Clarion will be a leader on Corner Canyon's team with her lead by example style. She will join her sister and a number of other state placers on Corner Canyon's line up to round out their solid program.

#4 Makenzi McCoy

School: Mountain View

Projected Weight Class: 110

Makenzi is no stranger to putting in the work which is why she is on this list. She has worked her way to the top half of this list through challenging herself at every turn. She went up almost two weight classes at Super State to get great matches and still found herself on the podium at 3rd place. She again challenged herself in the off season by traveling to both Folkstyle and Freestyle Nationals where she had impressive showings and a 3rd place All American status. 

#5 Keagan Grange

School: Ridgeline

Projected Weight Class: 105

Keagan Grange may be one of the sweetest, most kind hearted kid around, but get her on the mat and she will show you a whole different side.  Keagan gets better every time she wrestles, her in match adjustments are what makes her elite. Ridgeline will have a strong addition to their program with Keagan.

#6 Taya Crookston

School: Ridgeline

Projected Weight Class: 120

Taya has it all strength, speed, work ethic, drive, determination, and a great attitude. She may still think she is new in the field of wrestling, but she sure doesn't wrestle like it. Taya is close to a coach's dream in the practice room and at events, she will work non stop and elevate those around her. 

#7 Nia Hagler

School: Snow Canyon

Projected Weight Class: 120

Nia Hagler is one to watch out for. The power on this girl is unreal, she has a great blast double she practices on her 4 older brothers. Nia started out with MMA and BJJ and transitioned into wrestling to take state in both Folkstyle and Freestyle. Nia is used to success and plans to continue that through out her high school career.

#8 Ashlyn Ballantyne

School: Westlake

Projected Weight Class: 100

Ashlyn is a strong addition to an already stacked Westlake team. She will make a big impact in their light weights in the best ways possible. Ashlyn is coming into the high school season with a 7-0 undefeated spring season. She has the skills to keep that streak going. 

#9 Jayci Tolman

School: Mountain Crest

Projected Weight Class: 100

Jayci Tolman is a go getter with a love for the sport of wrestling. She lives for those matches she can scrap her way to a win. Jayci is explosive and flexible, she makes up for her lack of experience with her never stop style. Jayci continues to come at people and overwhelms them with her pace, she does not slow down.

#10 Macee Ercanbrack

School: Juab

Projected Weight Class: 155/170

Macee is from a wrestling family through and through, she is excited for the opportunity to join that lineage. She is off to a great start with placing second at Super State. Her off season to preparation will make the difference for her Freshman year at Juab. Macee is ready for high school wrestling season, but also has her eyes set on Fargo Nationals in the summer!