3A-16 Preview: South Dade looks to continue same success in new coaching era
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: South Dade won state title #26 and #27 as the Buccaneers took home both the dual and IBT crowns.
How did Kabra do?: We picked South Dade to win it all and they did, we said to watch for Miami Southridge as a team that could contend for the second spot in the district, but we did not pick them to finish second as they did.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jovanni Tovar (Miami Southridge), Guillermo Jaramillo (South Dade), Jovani Solis (South Dade), Armand Williams (South Dade), Jonathan Moreno (South Dade), Drake Bonney (Miami Palmetto), Christian Soto (Miami Southridge), Alexander Laguardia (Miami Southridge), Lazaro Soto (SW Miami), Kaleb Williams (South Dade), Stefano Garcia (Miami Southridge), Didier Novoa (SW Miami), Tyree Graham (South Dade), Antonio Morales (SW Miami), Connor Bonney (Miami Palmetto), Bryan Morales (South Dade), Anthony Romero (SW Miami), Alfredo Cheang (Miami Southridge), Gary Jackson (Miami Palmetto), Nelson Hued (SW Miami), Andres Rojas (Miami Southridge), Jamie Freeney (South Dade), Ericson Coney (Miami Southridge), Daniel Sanchez (Miami Southridge), Bryan Garcia (SW Miami), Alejandro Ravelo (SW Miami), Janmichael Broche (Braddock), Gregory Jackson (Miami Palmetto).
The favorite: South Dade. Same as it ever was, the Bucs will be looking, and favored, to win state titles #28 and #29 under first-time coach Reyna.
Team to watch: Miami Southridge. The Spartans might be the second-best team in the state this season.
District duals: Thursday, January 8 at Southridge
District IBT: Wednesday, February 18 at Coral Reef
South Dade Buccaneers (#1 IBT, #1 Duals)
Coach: Humberto Reyna (1st season as HC, 25th season)
Assistant coaches: Bretli Reyna, Markel Shropshire, Ozzy Lugo
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:1; 2016:1; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:1; 2012:1
Last state champions: Guillermo Jaramillo, 2025 (126); Jovani Solis, 2025 (138); Elvis Solis, 2025 (144); Armand Williams, 2025 (150); Tyree Graham, 2025 (157), Willie White, 2025 (165).
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Elvis Solis, 49-0, SC, RC, DC; Willie White, 57-0, SC, RC, DC; Daguy Massillon, 44-13, 2nd, R2, D2; Nathaniel Williams, 47-13, 8th, R3, D2; Prince Perry, 13-11, D5; Matthew Abreu, 15-8
Notable returning wrestlers: Jovani Solis, So., 49-1, SC, RC, DC; Tyree Graham, Sr., 51-4, SC, RC, DC; Armand Williams, Jr., 49-7, SC, RC, DC; Guillermo Jaramillo, Sr., 43-4, SC, R2, DC; Kaleb Williams, Sr., 39-12, 2nd, R2, D3; Jonathan Moreno, Jr., 30-7, 2nd, R2, D3; Jamie Freeney, Sr., 33-14, RQ-BR, D4; Jose Callava, So., 29-8, RQ, D3; Brandon Valdes, So., 17-10, RQ, D3; Bryan Morales, Sr., 22-4,; Cameron Haines, So., 24-8; Pablo Sifuentes, Jr., 7-9.
New wrestlers: Sebastian Morera, Sr., 25-11(Transfer from Columbus)
What they are saying: “We have great young student-athletes taking accountability and ready to work hard to be successful.”
On what he’s excited for: “Just my young kids that are up and coming. I have my little freshman that came in, I have about four or five of them, they'll be in and out of the lineup. They won't be my actual starters, but I'll get them in there as much as I can just to get their feet wet because that's pretty much going to be the replacement when these guys leave, but I'm excited to see that.”
On Jovani Solis: “I guess he's like the next great kid for us. We've had a few of those. He's the next great kid for our program, Gladiator, just in general, he's the next great kid that we have. He's a student of the game. He doesn't shy away from competition, he likes to wrestle, and he studies his opponents. Once you get to know him, he's very funny. When you get to talk to him, he's a jokester. He's a good kid to be around and when it's time to work, he'll work.”
Outlook: Reyna takes over the head coaching duties after the retirement of legendary Hall of Fame coach Vic Balmeceda. He has built up a young staff around him and the Bucs shouldn’t miss a beat this season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 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
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Miami Southridge Spartans (#2, #5)
Coach: Albert Pardo (3rd at school, 28th overall)
Assistant coach: Manny Nordelo
24-25 dual record: 13-4
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:4-2A16; 2021:1-2A16; 2020:1-2A16; 2019:2; 2018:2; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:2; 2014:2; 2013:3; 2012:7
Last state champions: Jovanni Tovar, 2025 (120); Ryan Miret, 2025 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Damel Martinez, 34-13, 4th, RC, D2; Eliel Santos, 30-7, 5th, R3, DC; Leonard Gilley, 44-17, SQ, R3, D3; Anthony Romero, Sr., 15-7 (Transfer to SW Miami); Ryan Miret, Sr., 28-0, SC, RC, DC (Graduating, going to Ole Miss for football)
Notable returning wrestlers: Jovanni Tovar, So., 47-0, SC, RC, DC; Christian Soto, Jr., 36-11, 2nd, R2, D2; Stefano Garcia, So., 27-10, 2nd, R4, D2; Alexander Laguardia, Sr., 35-14, 4th, R3, D2; Andres Rojas, So., 47-10, 5th, R2, D2; Daniel Sanchez, Sr., 36-23, SQ, R4, D4; Alfredo Cheang, Jr., 42-12, 7th, R2, DC; Fernando Sanz, So., 22-18, RQ-BR, D3.
New wrestlers: Ericson Coney, So., 43-13, 6th, R3, D2 (Transfer from Everglades)
What they are saying: “I think we're ready. But to pick us to win a state tournament right now, we may be the favorites or right up there, but I don't think they're just going to send us the trophy because everybody thinks that way.”
On Jovanni Tovar: “The best way I can explain it to you is of everyone that I've ever coached and almost everyone that I've ever watched, he seems to be that kid that knows what's coming before it is there and what to do before his opponent realizes it. It seems like he always has the right answer to whatever is needed. He seems to hit that move that you're not expecting and defend in a way you didn't expect and take advantage. To me, he's the most natural wrestler I've ever coached.”
Outlook: Southridge looks like one of the teams that will compete for not just an elusive 3A-16 district title, but as one of the top teams in the state. The Spartans did lose some key points with Miret graduating early to head to Ole Miss for football, but Pardo still believes they have 5-6 potential state finalists in the room.
Southwest Miami Eagles (#4, #2)
Coach: Mick Arteaga (10th as head coach/15th at school)
Assistant coaches: Denys Ribot, Lorenzo Walker, Joe Watson
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 8-2
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:2; 2019:1-3A15; 2018:1-3A15; 2017:1-3A15; 2016:1-3A15; 2015:1-3A15; 2014:1-3A15; 2013:2-3A15; 2012:2-3A15
Last state champion: Lazaro Soto, 2025 (106); Myron Mendez, 2025 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Myron Mendez, 52-3, SC, RC, DC; Dillon Smith, 34-8, 2nd, R2, D2; Evangelo Mercado, 49-11, 3rd, R3, D2; Oscar Llaguno, 19-13, RQ, D3; Steven Blanco, 25-11, RQ, D4; Gabriel Noguel, 25-14, RQ-BR, D4; Brendan Rodriguez, 13-5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Lazaro Soto, Jr., 44-5, SC, RC, DC; Didier Novoa, Sr., 40-12, 4th, R3, D3; Antonio Morales, Jr., 38-13, 5th, R2, DC; Lucas Milian, Jr., 27-9, D5; Antonio Cordoves, Sr., 34-13, D5; Jonathan Diaz, So., 23-19, D6; Alejandro Ravelo, Sr., 13-7; Sebastian Gonzalez, Jr.; Bryan Garcia, So., 28-20; Nelson Hued, Jr., 21-12; Iam Garcia, Sr.; Guillermo Fleitas, Sr., 20-8.
New wrestler: Anthony Romero, Sr., 15-7 (Transfer from Miami Southridge)
Outlook: The Eagles struggled with injuries throughout the lineup last season and will be looking to improve from last season. Three top 3 wrestlers have graduated, including state champion Mendez, but Soto leads a deep and dedicated group.
Miami Palmetto Panthers (#7, #13)
Coach: Anthony Fadelle (9th as head coach/29th season)
Assistant coach: Michael Graham
24-25 dual record: 15-4
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:3; 2023:3; 2022:4; 2021:4; 2020:4; 2019:3; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:3; 2015:3; 2014:3; 2013:2; 2012:2
Last state champion: Connor Bonney, 2025 (175)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Adonis Ferro, 14-5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Connor Bonney, Sr., 34-0, SC, RC, DC; Drake Bonney, Sr., 40-7, 3rd, R2, D2; Gary Jackson, So., 40-14, 6th, R4, D2; Alexander Urbina, So., 11-10, RQ, D3; Marco Vides-Olivencia, So., 30-16, RQ, D4; Matthew Padgett, Sr., 14-7, RQ, D4; Gregory Jackson, Jr., 27-13, D5.
What they are saying: “We are very seasoned and committed. They are dedicated and striving to reach the top of the podium at every tournament, but especially that tournament in March.”
On believing: “One goal is to battle in the District Duals with the powerhouse teams we have there. Also, now that we have our first state champ, the other wrestlers know that they can achieve it.”
Outlook: Connor Bonney won the school’s first state title since 2002 last season.
Homestead Broncos
Coach: Frank Melo (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Fernando Melo, Joshua Swan, James Williams
24-25 dual record: 14-7
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:5-2A16; 2023:6-2A16; 2022:7-2A16; 2021:5-2A16; 2020:4-2A16; 2019:5; 2018:6; 2017:6; 2016:6; 2015:2-2A16; 2014:2-2A16; 2013:1-2A16; 2012:1-2A16
Last state champion: Earl Hall, 2008 (103)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dionel Ramos, 22-7, RQ, D3; Fabio PerezLeguizamo, 43-9, RQ-BR, D2; Maikel German, 32-8, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Corey Lester, Sr., 28-8, RQ, D2; Misael Guerrero, Jr., 36-13, RQ, D4; Nicholas Tapia, So., 15-14, RQ, D4; Kemauri Middleton, Jr., 26-14, D6; Elias Ramirez, Sr., 20-21; Darien Hernandez, Sr., 9-10.
New wrestler: Isaiah Dos Santos, Sr.
What they are saying: “This is me and my coaching staff’s third year with the program and second year under my lead as the head coach. Again this year we are still in pursuit for our first state qualifier and state placer since myself and my team qualified and placed in 2015. Fabio Perez, Dionel Ramos, and Corey Lester came close last year in the toughest region in the state but fell short. This year I believe we have five guys who can make a run and earn their ticket into the state tournament.”
On learning from many: “Building a program here down here in South Florida is not the easiest. You're gonna have your doubts if you can ever compete with those teams, but it's a matter of keep going and believe in the process and keep learning. I promote to my kids that every wrestler has different things to offer. You go around and you get those extra training with those other coaches, those other clubs, and you step in those wrestling rooms and you learn from them. And then when the season starts, we are who you wrestle for. That's all I care about. I'm not one of the coaches who's going to prevent those kids from going out to get extra work from another coach. We can all learn from each other. And that's what I try to continue to do.”
On Corey Lester: Cory Lester is homegrown. We taught him everything. He'll step foot in another wrestling gym every now and then to get extra work, but other than that, he's homegrown and he's strong and physical.”
Outlook: Rebuilding a program in 3A-16 is not easy, but that’s the challenge that Homestead grad Melo has happily taken on.
Miami Coral Reef Barracudas
Coach: Miguel Dominguez (14th at school/26th total)
Assistant coaches: Kevin Whelan, Amanda Gates
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 17-7
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:7; 2021:6; 2020:5; 2019:4; 2018:4; 2017:5; 2016:5; 2015:4; 2014:4; 2013:4; 2012:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gregory Gonzalez, 37-12, SQ, R4, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Alejandro Armas, Jr., 32-16, RQ, D3; Jacob Garcia, Jr., 17-14, RQ, D4; Elijah Almonte, Sr., 14-10, D5; Emmanuel Paguaga, Sr., 7-7, D6; Elijah Garcia, Sr.
What they are saying: “We have a few guys that have been with me since ninth grade that are going into 12th and 11th. They’re homegrown kids. Probably never being on a mat coming into Coral Reef High as ninth graders and now they putting a lot of time off season stuff, club wrestling, camps, and have been thrown into the fire since ninth grade because we have a young team. They've been taking varsity matches in the hardest district in the state. So, I think we're pretty seasoned now, especially in the middle weights. It's kind of our core group.”
On goals: “Our team goals are to place top 10 in our tough conference tournament as well as in region 3A-4. In addition, we would like to qualify as many kids to the state tourney on the boys and girls teams and get them on the podium at Kissimmee.”
On the kids at Coral Reef: “I think the fact that we're a straight magnet high school and I don't really lose kids is a testament to not just our program but in general. The kids take a lot of pride in going to our school. Academically, we excel greatly and it's about the whole high school experience at our school. I know our kids take a lot of pride in every aspect of the school, including the wrestling team. By the time they're juniors and seniors, they have a lot of pride in the program and they do try to pass that on to the younger kids. When we're starting practice now at the beginning of the year, they're trying to help me out coaching the new kids and teaching technique.”
Outlook: Gonzalez’ graduation leave a big whole in the lineup but there are wrestlers in the room ready to take the leadership position and keep this program improving.
Miami Braddock Bulldogs
Coach: Sergio Hernandez (5th season)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 10-7
Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:7; 2023:6; 2022:5; 2021:7; 2020:6; 2019:6-3A15; 2018:6-3A15; 2017:7-3A15; 2016:4-3A15; 2015:2-3A15; 2014:2-3A15; 2013:3-3A15; 2012:3-3A15
Last state champion: Alex Victor, 2016 (113)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dylan Lopez, 17-5, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Janmichael Broche, Sr., 30-14, SQ, R4, D3; Donte Gaiter, Sr., 12-11, RQ, D5.
What they are saying: “We are improved from last season. We have more experience, we are more motivated and ready to compete.”
Outlook: The Bulldogs return 10 wrestlers from last year’s offseason lineup.
Coral Gables Cavaliers
Coach: Thomas Hardy (9th season)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 12-8
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:6; 2023:7; 2022:8; 2021:5; 2020:8; 2019:4-3A15; 2018:7-3A15; 2017:3-3A15; 2016:3-3A15; 2015:4-3A15; 2014:5-3A15; 2013:6-3A15; 2012:8-3A15
Last state champion: Marino Eatman, 2004 (HWT)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Zlad Kamal, RQ, D4; Erniet Perez, 10-10, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Diego Luis; Rayden Guan; Lebron Johnson; Richard Thomas
What they are saying: “We are much more experienced than we were last year.”
Outlook: Despite a strong senior class last season, there is still experience in this room.
Ferguson Falcons
Coach: Luis Cabal
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:6; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:8; 2020:7; 2019:7-3A15; 2018:4-3A15; 2017:5-3A15; 2016:7-3A15; 2015:6; 2014:5; 2013:6; 2012:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jorge Pacheco, 28-9, RQ, D3; Jake Fernandez, 4-4; Joshua Viera, Jr., 22-11, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Mater Academy); Andres Viera, Sr., 17-11, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Mater Academy).
Notable returning wrestlers: Isaias Camacho, Sr., 17-12, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Falcons come into the season with the lowest amount of returning wrestlers in the district from last year’s postseason.
3A-16 Season Schedules
Homestead
Boys
Dec. 2: at North Miami
Dec. 5-6: H-Town Throwdown at Hialeah Gardens
Dec. 10: at American (w/ Miami Central, South Miami)
Dec. 13: Joe/Mac Duals at North Miami
Dec. 17: vs. Coral Reef
Dec. 19-20: Beast of the Beach at Fort Walton Beach
Jan. 10: Ray Worsham IBT at North Fort Myers
Jan. 14: vs. SLAM Miami (Senior Night)
Jan. 16-17: Somerset Scuffle at Somerset
Jan. 23: at Miami Palmetto
Jan. 24: South Beach Duals at Miami Beach
Jan. 26: vs. Miami High
Jan. 27: at Felix Varela (w/ Miami Central)
Feb. 6-7: GMAC at TBD
Girls
Dec. 5-6: H-Town Throwdown at Hialeah Gardens
Dec. 10: Queen of the Mat at Coral Park
Dec. 12: It's In My DNA at North Miami
Dec. 16: at Miami Central (w/Miami Norland)
Jan. 17: Bulldog Brawl at South Broward
Jan. 24: Queen of the Castle at North Fort Myers
Jan. 26: vs. Miami High
Jan. 31: GMAC at TBD
Miami Palmetto
Dec. 5-6: Danny Byron at Kissimmee Osceola
Dec. 13: Joe/Mac Duals at North Miami
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 15: vs. Miami Beach, Sunset
Jan. 21: at Hialeah Gardens
Jan. 23: vs. Homestead
Jan. 27: at Columbus
Jan. 30-31: Tri-County at Olympic Heights
Feb. 6-7: GMAC at South Dade
Girls
Dec. 6: H-Town Throwdown at Hialeah Gardens
Dec. 10: Queens of the Mat at Coral Park
Dec. 12: It's In My DNA at North Miami
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 20: Lady Cuda Clash at Coral Reef
Jan. 31: GMAC at TBD
South Dade
Dec. 5-6: Danny Byron at Kissimmee Osceola
Dec. 12-13: Johnny Rouse at Hagerty
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 9-10: Cradle Cancer at Jensen Beach
Jan. 29: vs. Mater Lakes (Senior Day)
Jan. 30-31: Colby Singletary Memorial at Estero Sports Complex
Feb. 6-7: GMAC
Miami Southridge
Boys
Dec. 5-6: H-Town Throwdown at Hialeah Gardens
Dec. 12-13: Gene Gorman Duals at Charlotte
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 9-10: Cradle Cancer at Jensen Beach
Jan. 16-17: Escape the Rock at Council Rock PA
Jan. 30-31: Tri-County at Olympic Heights
Feb. 6-7: GMAC at South Dade
Feb. 14: at Mater Lakes
Girls
Dec. 5-6: H-Town Throwdown at Hialeah Gardens
Dec. 12: It's In My DNA at North Miami
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 2: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 9-10: at Coral Park
Jan. 20: Lady Cuda Clash at Coral Reef
Jan. 30-31: Tri-County at Olympic Heights