2A-16 Preview: Mater Academy looking to build off historic season
BY BRANT PARSONS — Mater Academy hadn’t won an individual wrestling state title in its history and then on the final night of the season back in March, Lions wrestlers made history twice.
Gary Mendez was the first state title winner when he earned the top spot on the podium at 113-pounds and then a few weight classes later, Lucas Barrios won the second at 132. Mendez has graduated but Barrios is back to try and lead a side that could return the most points in the district.
"I think the 2A-4 region is stacked.," Mater Academy coach Eric Lamazares said. “ We can't get too ahead of ourselves or get too low. You respect your opponents but you go in there looking to win every match. And you have to understand when you check into that table, you need to believe that you're the best guy on that mat. And that's how we're going to take this year. That's how we believe.”
Miami Beach joins the fun this season, moving down from 3A-15. The Hi-Tides could return 70% of their postseason roster.
"We're super excited and optimistic about the season and there's kids that that I'm looking at in our lineup that that we're not even mentioning yet but that's fine,” Miami Beach coach Fred Robby said. “I like for us to kind of go under the radar and nobody know about some of our kids that we have."
Miami Northwestern is back in Class 2A after two seasons in 1A. All seven of the Bulls postseason wrestlers were underclass last season. They’ll likely face a battle with Belen Jesuit and Felix Varela to get into the top three here.
The Wolverines could return the most wrestlers in the district from a year and Varela continues to improve entering their fourth season under Hall-of-Fame coach Eric Hughes.
Coral Park graduated their two biggest scorers from a year ago but could have six starters back.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Somerset reached the state duals finals and won the school’s fourth straight district title.
How did Kabra do?: We nailed the first two spots with Somerset and Mater Academy going 1-2 but Felix Varela surprised us, finishing third after we picked the Vipers to finish sixth.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Lucas Barrios, So. (Mater Academy); Brandon Simmons, Sr. (Mater Academy); Imran Dzhabrailov, Jr. (Miami Beach); Juan Mars, Sr. (Mater Academy); Gabriel Pena, Jr. (Mater Academy); Matteo Gonzalez, So. (Mater Academy); Berri Ari Stvil, 8th (Mater Academy); Berry Nasir Stvil, So. (Mater Academy); Adonis Martinez, Jr. (Mater Academy); Immanuel Reid, Sr. (Felix Varela); Sandley Dorvilus, Sr. (North Miami).
The favorite: Mater Academy. The stage is set for the Lions to win their second district title since 2017.
Team to watch: Miami Beach. The Hi-Tides moved to Class 2A and will look for their youngsters to step up.
District IBT: Thursday, February 18 at Belen Jesuit
Mater Academy Lions
Coaches: Eduardo Lamazares and Eric Lamazares (24th at school/16th at school)
Assistant coaches: Gregory Mendez, Gary Mendez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 10-2
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:4; 2024:1; 2023:2; 2022:3; 2021:6; 2020:3; 2019:4-3A14; 2018:2-3A14; 2017:1-3A14; 2016:3-3A14; 2015:10; 2014:1; 2013:3; 2012:5
Last state champion: Gary Mendez, 2026 (113); Lucas Barrios, 2026 (132)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gary Mendez, 33-8, SC, RC, DC; Andres Viera, 32-11, S7, R3, DC; Guiyen Noel, SQ, R4, DC; Daniel Medina, 32-13, RQ-BR, D3; Michael Maisonet, 14-7, RQ, D2; Adrian Jimenez; Rudy Valdes; Brody Leal, Fr., 18-13, RQ-BR, D4 (Transfer to South Plantation).
Notable returning wrestlers: Lucas Barrios, So., 27-2, SC, RC, DC; Berry Nasir Stvil, So., 29-12, SQ, R3, DC; Berri Ari Stvil, 8th, 20-11, SQ, R4, D2; Matteo Gonzalez, So., 17-2, RQ-BR, D2.
New wrestlers: Brandon Simmons, Sr., 32-4, S5, RC, DC (Transfer from Miami Carol City); Anthony Agriesti, Sr. (Transfer from South Broward); Juan Mars, Sr., 39-5, SQ, R2, DC (Transfer from Miami Central); Gabriel Pena, Jr., 37-10, SQ, R4, DC (Transfer from Hialeah Gardens); Adonis Martinez, Jr., 34-15, RQ-BR, DC (Transfer from Clewiston); Stephan Guerrero, So., 16-10, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Ferguson)
What they’re saying: "I think if everyone stays healthy and everyone does what they're supposed to do at the state tournament I see us finishing top five, top four in the state."
On incorporating the new wrestlers: "We were able to bring in Gary Mendez, the coach with us from last year. He's coming in. He's helping us out. And the young guys that are coming back and they do a good job of leading the guys. The older guys that we got coming in they came to us in the summer. So we had a decent amount of time to kind of get them integrated into the system and getting them to learn what we like to do and things like that. It's been a really good fit. The guys that we brought in have done a good job of meshing with our coaches and the style that we have. It's exciting, Hopefully, everything stays good and stays healthy and we're ready to rock and roll."
On Lucas: "Great young man and a great talent. Eighth grade year was kind of a disappointment but he himself had higher standards for himself that year. It didn't happen and I think last year he was able to kind of wrestle a little bit more free just worried about the wrestling and not the outside noise and it showed. He had a heck of a season, won a state title, and I think he looks even better this year. I'm excited for him if he can keep his mindset the way it is and he's a worker, so he's going to put the work in and he's going to stay hungry."
Outlook: Mendez and Barrios made school history last season by winning the school’s first-ever wrestling state titles.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 Season District Previews
Click on link to see preview
Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Independent: Ind
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
For Kabra+ members (Join here)
Miami Beach Hi-Tides
Coach: Fred Robby (17th season)
Assistant coaches: Anthony Nunez, Hector Jemenez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5-3A15; 2025:3-3A15; 2024:2-3A15; 2023:3-3A15; 2022:1-3A15; 2021:4-3A15; 2020:2-3A15; 2019:3-3A14; 2018:4-3A14; 2017:3-3A14; 2016:1-3A14; 2015:2-3A14; 2014:3-3A14; 2013:7-3A15; 2012:7-3A15
Last state champion: Steve Carry, 1994 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Adlan Dzhabrailov, 38-8, RQ-BR, D2; Leonardo Rodriguez, 32-13, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: ; Imran Dzhabrailov, Jr., 34-8, S4, R2, D2; Lajuan Ingraham, Sr., 31-6, RQ, DC; Sandro Baca, So., 24-16, RQ, D2; Javauris Ross, So., 12-11, RQ, D4; Ezekiel Ingraham, So.; Juan Pablo Longa, So.
What they’re saying: "There's some potential, these guys have been through the fire and that 3A region four. The toughest region by far in the state. Just getting out of that region is big because it is like wrestling in a state tournament. I think the fact that we're now in Class 2A and we don't have some of those teams that are actually some of the top teams in the state. Of course we still have to go through what's probably considered the toughest region in 2A now."
On the new region: "I think we'll have some kids squeezed through. The most kids we've ever got to state here at Beach is five kids back in 1996 and we call them the fab five. I have had four kids make it to state in one year so I've always tried to match that and beat that and I haven't got there yet. I've had the opportunity is on in one season to get six kids through and only three made it. So now we got stuff to work on and we got goals we are supposed to meet. We're always working harder and we haven't been out there a lot on the scene, but best believe behind the scenes, we're working."
On Lajuan: "He's definitely the harder hardest worker in our room and he's always trying to outdo everybody, whether we're testing ourselves in the mile run, whether we're running hills, whether we're flipping tires outside, whether we're doing sprints, whether we're in the weight room, whether we're wrestling live or drilling, he's always trying to be the best. He's always trying to do more. He's always trying to outdo everybody in the room. He's very competitive and he just likes to win."
Outlook: Miami Beach moves down from the hardest region in the state to probably the second-hardest but the Hi-Tides are excited for the new challenge.
Belen Jesuit Wolverines
Coach: Francis Aguilar (6th season/9th overall)
Assistant coaches: Luis Gonzalez, Jhonny Morales
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 15-10
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:8; 2024:2; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:4; 2020:5; 2019:7; 2018:5; 2017:7; 2016:9; 2015:7; 2014:6; 2013:5; 2012:3
Last state champion: Esteban Gomez-Rivera, 2012 (126)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Rafael Scott, 43-15, RQ-BR, D2; Cesar Aguado, 35-14, RQ, D3; Rolando Benitez, 21-18, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Caleb Boigris, 8th, 21-12, RQ-BR, D3; Daniel Vargas, 8th, 25-15, RQ, D4; Gustavo Padron, So., 14-8, D5; Samuel Mazman, So., 38-13, D5; Owen Johnson, So., 17-14; Tito Suero Taylor, So., 18-10; Gianni Marcy, Jr.; Arjan Navarro, Jr.; Logan Usallan, Jr.; Luca Toledo, Jr., 13-16; Angelo Mora Echeverry, So., 10-8; Esteban Suarez, So., 6-3.
What they’re saying: “We are expected to be deep at multiple weight classes and have good competition throughout our roster.”
Outlook: With no seniors in the room for the coming season, this team is especially young but also deep and should compete with top teams in the district.
Felix Varela Vipers
Coach: Eric Hughes (4th year at school/47.5th overall)
Assistant coach: Nicolas Martinez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 25-5
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:5; 2024:4; 2015:8-3A16; 2014:7-3A16; 2013:5-3A16; 2012:4-3A16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Rubier Oliva, 44-7, SQ, R3, D2; Terrell Jones, 29-9, RQ, D2; Joshua Lescano, 30-11, RQ, D4; Chris Chambers, 16-14, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Keen Davis, Sr., 33-12, RQ-BR, D4; Christopher Vasquez, So., 15-8, RQ, D2; Luis Osario, Jr., 14-13, RQ, D3; Mark Sweeney, Jr., 15-7, RQ, D4; Luis Osorio, Jr.; Laedan Siang, So.; Victor Cerna, Jr.; Samuel Pavon, So.; Joel Corredor, So.; Ricky Day, Sr.; Sebastian Arenas, Sr.; Keari McMurty, So.; Keanu Alvarado.
New wrestlers: Dominick Hernandez, Fr.; Gino Siang, Fr.; Carter Buckner, Fr.; Daniel Fombellida, Fr.; Rodolfo Turino, Fr.; Immanuel Reid, Sr., 37-7, RQ, DC (Transfer from Piper); Gabriel Reid, So., 7-8, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Piper)
What they’re saying: “Each year the wrestling team has made progress and we are looking forward to competing in the upcoming year.”
On the growth: "We're steady growing. Last year we had dual meets of 30. We only lost five and we should have won another two. I took over two of school on the lower levels and we started programs there. It is kind of exciting, but for me, the job still is not done. I believe the kids that we have now are going to work and are going to put forth 100% effort. We're going to be very competitive."
On interest: "I had 29 to show up to a preseason meeting and I have about 15 on the football field. I have 15 returning and I have 10 on the way in with at least two years experience under their belt. I have some kids I think who gonna probably surprise some people but you have to see them on the mat first. You can see a kid who can be tough, but you have to apply it on the mat. I have some kids that take the role."
Outlook: It’s year four for Hughes and the Vipers and this year’s group looks ready to capitalize on the big numbers in the room.
Miami Northwestern Bulls
Coach: Tramaine Franklin (First year)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5-1A16; 2025:3-1A16; 2024:7; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:3-1A16; 2020:4-1A16; 2019:5; 2018:6; 2017:2; 2016:6; 2015:11; 2014:7; 2013:7; 2012:7
Last state champion: Joseph Ruffin, 1975 (119)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Keondre Berry, Sr., RQ, D2; Isaiah McKenzie, So., RQ, D2; Duron Blash, Sr., 4-9, RQ, D3; Cordell Millet, So., 3-9, RQ, D3; Reginald Jones, Sr., 9-6, RQ, D4; Orrie Fenn, So., 5-9, RQ, D4; Aaron Duffie, So., 2-12, RQ, D4.
North Miami Pioneers
Coach: John Severe (21st season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:3; 2024:3; 2023:3; 2022:2; 2021:3-3A15; 2020:4-3A15; 2019:1-3A14; 2018:1-3A14; 2017:2-3A14; 2016:2-3A14; 2015:1-3A14; 2014:1-3A14; 2013:2-3A14; 2012:7-3A14
Last state champion: Daniel Leon, 2014 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Charly Sainteus, 32-5, S4, R2, D3; Athlens Henri, 22-14, RQ-BR, D3; Ferlens Frederic, 17-13, RQ, D3; Adrian Palafox, 29-16, RQ, D3; Dabenx Sejour, 14-18, RQ, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sandley Dorvilus, Sr., 9-4, RQ-BR, D3; Jeffte Georges, Jr., 20-10, RQ, D4.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Miami Coral Park Rams
Coach: Angel Vazquez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7-3A15; 2025:7-3A15; 2024:7-3A15; 2023:5-3A15; 2022:9-3A16; 2021:6-3A15; 2020:5-3A15; 2019:3-3A15; 2018:3-3A15; 2017:4-3A15; 2016:5-3A15; 2015:7-3A15; 2014:6-3A15; 2013:5-3A15; 2012:5-3A15
Last state champion: Brian Mashburn, 2000 (152)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Leandro Padua, 15-13, RQ, D2; Lucas Nunez, 6-7, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ronald Prieto, Jr., D6.
South Miami Cobras
Coach: Unknown at time of publication
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:9; 2025:10; 2024:9-1A16; 2023:8-1A16; 2022:8; 2019:8-3A15; 2018:5-3A15; 2017:8-3A15; 2016:8-3A15; 2015:5-3A15; 2014:4-3A15; 2013:4-3A15; 2012:6-3A15
Last state champion: Javier Estopinan, 2004 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
Outlook: The Cobras haven’t finished a wrestling season above eighth place since 2018 and heading into the year, we were not able to determine the head coach or status of program.
Hialeah Thoroughbreds
Coach: Unknown
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: None
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None.