Iowa’s best high school wrestlers: Meet the state’s top juniors

While the senior class gets many of the headlines around the state, those comprising the current junior group are not far behind. 

That includes reigning two-time state champion Jace Hedeman of Union LaPorte City along with several others that have already won gold inside Wells Fargo Arena.

Here is a look at the top junior wrestlers in Iowa: 

Jace Hedeman, Union LaPorte City, 126

One of the top wrestlers in the state, Hedeman has claimed back-to-back state championships in 2A, sporting a 94-0 record during that time.

Carter Pearson, Southeast Polk, 120

One of the key point scorers for the Rams as they look to continue atop 3A, Pearson was third last year and went 82-7 over his first two seasons.

Jayden Rinken, Nashua-Plainfield, 120

Following a third place performance as a ninth-grader, Rinken climbed to the top in 1A, placing first with a mark of 47-2. He was 100-4 coming into the season.

Lucas Oldenkamp, Lake Mills, 106

With a record of 48-3 last winter, Oldenkamp claimed a third place finish in 1A.

Timothy Koester, Bettendorf 126

After winning it all his ninth-grade season, Koester settled for third last year in 3A. He entered his junior season with a record of 74-6.

Maximus Riggins, Southeast Polk, 126

Following a medal-winning performance for Bondurant-Farrar, Riggins transferred to Southeast Polk and was third for the Rams last year.

Bas Diaz, Waverly-Shell Rock, 150

Diaz is a two-time state medalist, ending both of his tourney runs with wins. He was third as a freshman and won it all last year, going 86-6 during that time.

Jacob Helgeson, Johnston, 165

With a perfect record of 43-0 last year, Helgeson claimed it all in 3A, adding to his third place finish as a freshman when he went 40-4.

Kyler Knaack, Don Bosco, 157

A piece of the gauntlet of standouts for the Dons, Knaack is a returning state champion who went 40-2 last year. He has committed to the University of Northern Iowa.

Dylan Munson, Cedar Rapids Prairie, 106

Munson, a medalist in 3A a season ago, has added titles at the Cliff Keen and Jack Mendenhall to his resume this season.

Ryker Graff, Waverly-Shell Rock, 126

Graff earned fourth at state a season ago for the Go-Hawks and is expected to be another title contender this year. He was a runner-up at the Ed Winger Invitational after finishing third there a season ago.

Koy Davidson, Fort Dodge, 138

After reaching the finals as a freshman, Davidson placed fourth in 3A last season. He was unbeaten until a recent loss in the Ed Winger finals, winning titles at the Jack Mendenhall, Don Miller, Council Bluffs Classic and Donnybrook.

Holden Hansen, Southeast Polk, 215

Hansen has pushed through one of the toughest and deepest rooms in the state with the Rams. He was a district champion last year on his way to placing fifth at state.

Cooper Martinson, Southeast Polk, 285

Another heavyweight contender out of the Ram room, Martinson earned high accolades over the summer competing and has won three event crowns this year.

Brayden Bohnsack, Union LaPorte City, 113

Bohnsack went from eighth to first last year in 2A, winning gold. He is also a two-time Eckenrod Invitational champion.

Aiden Smith, Atlantic, 126

Smith earned a silver at the Brian Keck Memorial in the fall and has carried that success to the prep scene, winning several meet titles.

Kaiden Dietzenbach, Notre Dame West Burlington, 132

Looking to build off a third place finish at state is Dietzenbach, as he recently won the Farr Jebens and was the Midwest Beach Wrestling National winner in August.

Corbin Reisz, Logan-Magnolia, 144

After securing bronze at state last year in 1A, Reisz earned a gold at the Iowa/USA State Greco Championships and has won four invite titles over the winter.

Duncan Harn, Bettendorf, 144

Harn looks to build off his sixth place finish at state as the Bulldogs look to secure a top trophy later this season.

Bo Koedam, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 157

Multiple invite titles have gone home with Koedam this year after he was fourth at state last winter.

Austin Scranton, Anamosa, 175

Scranton garnered a spot on the podium at state last year and has run through the field this season, capturing five tournament crowns. 

(Photo by Matthew Putney)

--Dana Becker I @SBLiveIA