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Pennsylvania dominated the team standings at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals 16U girls division, but the weekend’s standout individual was Pennsylvania’s Riley Karwowski, who closed the tournament with a decisive title match and earned the meet’s top individual honor. Several unexpected champions and a wave of eighth-grade winners also reshaped the outlook for youth girls wrestling as the summer and high school seasons approach.
Karwowski closes with a statement
Riley Karwowski capped a dominant run at 110 pounds, collecting the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award after a one-sided final against Texas’ Audrey Cunningham. Karwowski finished the match by pin in 1:28, using a cradle to seal the outcome after a sweep of strong earlier wins — including a lopsided quarterfinal over Peggy Susan Dean of Colorado.
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The performance matters beyond the trophy: Karwowski’s victory over highly regarded opponents will likely shift rankings and puts her among the names college coaches and regional programs will be watching this summer.
Big upset at 120 pounds
Oklahoma’s McKenna Wilson, entered well down the ranking list, produced the weekend’s most surprising title run at 120 pounds. Wilson upset Pennsylvania’s Olivia Kearns with a quick fall to reach the final, then rallied from a 6-0 deficit to beat New Jersey’s Elle Changaris 8-6 — a late three-point swing that turned the match upside down.
The win underlines the depth at this age level: rankings were only a loose guide in Fargo, and momentum swings defined several championship bouts.
Across the mats, Kansas supplied the most state champions (three), while Pennsylvania’s overall depth — consistent placers across weights — delivered the team crown.
Top 10 teams
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | 172 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 113 |
| 3 | Kansas | 110 |
| 4 | Illinois | 105 |
| 5 | California | 104 |
| 6 | New York | 79 |
| 7 | Arizona | 64 |
| 8 | Florida | 61 |
| 9 | Washington | 61 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 57 |
Middle-school wave
One of the most striking storylines out of Fargo: a clutch of eighth-graders won five 16U titles. These are not beginners—many already have national-level experience and international accolades.
- Bella Manno (Arizona) cruised to the 105-pound crown with a 10-0 technical fall in the final, confirming her status after a strong Super 32 showing last fall.
- Kansas’ Kaylee Thompson, the 190-pound winner, recorded a first-period pin in the final and has been a consistent presence at top U.S. folkstyle events.
- Massachusetts’ Brooklyn Murray upset Colorado’s Sophia Valdez in a 95-pound final that flipped late — Valdez led big early, but Murray rallied for a 7-6 decision.
These young champions will change the calculus for next season’s high-school rankings and college recruiting conversations earlier than usual.
Other notable finals
Several expected winners held serve: California’s Taya Maumausolo Matagi took the 235-pound title, deploying a technical fall in the semis and a 9-4 win in the final. New York’s Ava Guilmette overpowered Camilla Hathaway at 155 pounds, 11-2, prompting a re-examination of the national pecking order at that weight.
In the upper weights, Lyla Hensen (Michigan) claimed the 207 crown with a 4-2 decision, while Oklahoma’s Rachel Garcia added a 130-pound title for her state, edging Anastasia Rodnikova 4-1.
Quick results snapshot
- 110: Riley Karwowski (PA) defeated Audrey Cunningham (TX), F 1:28
- 120: McKenna Wilson (OK) — 8-6 over Elle Changaris (NJ)
- 105: Bella Manno (AZ) — T.F. Ella Neibert (IN), 10-0 (2:26)
- 155: Ava Guilmette (NY) — 11-2 over Camilla Hathaway (PA)
- 190: Kaylee Thompson (KS) — F. Ashley Hoffman (PA), 1:42
For coaches and scouts, these names and match outcomes are immediate data points: who to watch for regional camps and which athletes may jump in national rankings this summer.
Why it matters now
The Junior Nationals took place at a pivotal moment: summer tournaments and the high-school season are approaching, and Fargo results often accelerate ranking changes and recruiting interest. The emergence of talented middle-school athletes also shortens scouting timelines — programs must begin evaluating prospects earlier.
Expect the ripple effects in state and national ranking lists, and keep an eye on the athletes who converted seeding into dominant performances; they often carry that momentum forward.
Full brackets and detailed match results are available through USA Wrestling and event hosts for anyone tracking prospects, rankings adjustments, or preparing for upcoming regional competitions.
