Vote for the SBLive Florida Wrestler of the Week (12/6/2023)
The 2023-24 Florida high school wrestling season is underway and with it comes the SBLive Florida Wrestler of the Week poll. We were so excited about the start of this season we couldn't wait, so we put together our first poll on some of the preseason tournaments sprinkled across the month of November.
ScorebookLive.com will run the poll each Wednesday. There will be one mixed poll for both boys and girls. Voting will conclude on Sunday, December 10th at 11:59 p.m. and the winner will be announced in next week’s new poll.
Congratulations to last week's winner: Grace Leota of Hernando.
Here are this week's nominations:
Mia Ortiz-Martinez, George Jenkins, 105, 45 Kilo
The sophomore won the Ben Richards Tournament and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler after defeating two top-ranked opponents. She also won a bronze medal for the Puerto Rican National Team at the Pan American Games on Nov. 25. She rallied from an 8-0 deficit in the bronze-round match and pinned her opponent with 30 seconds remaining.
Mia Ortiz-Martinez (far right) joins other wrestlers on the medal stand during the 45 kilo ceremony at the Pan American Games. She was a bronze medalist.
Submitted by Anthony Cerullo
Sebastian Gonzalez, Southwest Miami, 106
The freshman won the 106-pound bracket at the H-Town Throwdown with two tech falls, one major decision, one decision and a pin in the final.
Gabriel Tellez, Southwest Miami, 126
The senior won the 126-pound division at the H-Town Throwdown with four pins and a 3-2 decision in the final.
Dillon Smith, Southwest Miami, 132
The junior won the 132-pound bracket at the H-Town Throwdown with five consecutive pins.
Willie White, Southwest Miami, 165
The junior won the 165-pound bracket at the H-Town Throwdown with three straight pins, a major decision and 9-5 decision in the finals.
Jace Brownlow, Lake Gibson, 175
He posted a 6-0 record at the Chase Duals with all tech-fall victories or pins.
Gianni Maldanado, Lake Gibson, 157
The senior defending Class 2A 152-pound state champion posted a 6-0 mark at the Chase Duals, with all tech-fall victories or pins.
Jaiden Fields, Lake Region, 150
The second-year junior team captain opened the season at the Mulberry Duals posting a 6-0 record with three pins which included wins against Celebration, Kathleen, Sebring and Haines City wrestlers along with two forfeits.
Joe Tucker, Lincoln, 120
Posted a 7-0 record winning the 120-pound bracket with six pins and one tech fall at the Cam Brown Classic.
Jordan Baker, Lincoln, 215
Won the 215-pound bracket the Cam Brown Classic with a 6-0 record and all victories were by pin.
David Mercado, North Bay Haven. 190
Won the 190-pound bracket at the Cam Brown Classic with a 6-0 record which included six pins.
Troy Carroll, Florida, 144
Won the 144-pound bracket at the Cam Brown Classic with a 6-0 record, which included five pins and one tech fall.
Send nominations from the past week’s tournaments and duals to BillKempSports@gmail.com by Monday at noon. Please include the player’s first and last name, school, weight class and their accomplishments for the week.
Additionally, if you have any interesting news about your program or tournaments, please send it to BillKempSports@gmail.com for the SBLIive.com weekly notebook.
