5A Boys: State Preview & Predictions

Based on the latest Class 5A team rankings, there could be some historic team achievements at the UIL State Championships this weekend in Cypress.

If our rankings hold up — if not, blame Ray Shoaf, not me — one of the top three teams will be hoisting a state championship trophy for the first time in school history in boys wrestling.

Melissa had been among the favorites all year with its depth and talent in the younger grades. Then, with roster issues hitting Canyon Randall, Oliver Pierce’s Cardinals went from ‘a favorite’ to ‘the favorite’ in the title hunt.

The Cardinals will have 10 qualifiers at the state meet. Second-ranked Mission Sharyland will provide a threat in terms of numbers with 11. Third-ranked Azle only has five, but they have some ‘dudes’ that will be wrestling late with a chance for big points.

Dallas Highland Park, in the same district and regional at Melissa, will have 8 competing. The Scots are ranked 4th and at No. 5 is Cedar Park with 6 wrestlers. Last year, the Wolves were the runners-up behind Canyon Randall.

Randall has won eight state titles, the most in small-school ranks since a second class was added in the 2012-13 season. Dumas and Frisco Centennial are the only other schools with multiple team titles in either 4A/5A as the state’s smallest division. 

106

Favorite

Santiago Miranda, jr., Mission Sharyland — He enters at the top of the bracket, aided by a win against Esteban Vela from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial last weekend. Miranda is 32-6.

Contenders

Esteban Vela, sr., Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial — He dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings after the loss to Miranda. Vela was fourth in this weight class last year, the only returning medalist in the 106 bracket.

Kingston Barker, sr., North Mesquite — The senior is the only undefeated wrestlers the bracket with a 19-0 mark and has won district and regionals the past two weekends. 

Sleeper

Enrique Dioses, jr., Lubbock — He enters state ranked No. 7 after a fourth-place finish in regionals. He won a district title and is 42-10 overall. He picked up win No. 100 last weekend.