132 pounds Boys: P-4-P No. 2 Jax Forrest of Pennsylvania vs. Seth Mendoza of Illinois

Jax Forrest of Pennsylvania, a 2022 U17 World silver medalist and a top performer at Senior events in the U.S., is set to face Seth Mendoza of Illinois in what promises to be another exciting battle in their competitive rivalry. Forrest recently secured a spot on the 2024 Senior National Team after a strong finish at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, adding to his list of achievements. Mendoza is no stranger to elite competition, having previously squared off against Bo Bassett in 2021 at Who’s Number One, and consistently proving himself nationally. Both wrestlers are making their return to this event, with Forrest having earned victories over Nate Jesuroga in 2022 and Jordyn Raney in 2023, while Mendoza comes off a hard-fought battle with Bassett in 2021. The two have faced off several times before, with Forrest dominating their last meeting in the finals of the 2024 Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, winning 10-0. Earlier in the year, Mendoza turned the tables with a decisive 12-1 victory over Forrest in the U20 Freestyle quarterfinals at the U.S. Open. This upcoming match marks their fourth encounter in less than a year, and both wrestlers will be looking to tip the scales in their favor once again. Mendoza is committed to wrestle for Missouri in 2025, while Forrest, still uncommitted, remains one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Both athletes have been consistently ranked near the top of their weight classes throughout their high school careers, and their next showdown will deliver another electrifying battle between two of wrestling’s young stars.

105 pounds Girls: P-4-P No. 2 Morgan Turner of Illinois vs. P-4-P No. 24 Julia Horger of Pennsylvania

Whenever Morgan Turner wrestles, she puts on a clinic from the feet and shows tremendous skills in all positions. A U17 World champion in 2023 and a U17 World bronze medalist this past summer, Turner has dominated her U.S. opponents and beaten many international stars. Turner’s U17 weight class was at 101 pounds, but in Illinois last year, she wrestled at 106 pounds against boys and 110 pounds against girls. Turner should be very strong at 105 pounds. Horger is a rapidly improving talent, displayed for all to see as the 16U Nationals champion in Fargo at 105 pounds. Since winning the Pennsylvania state meet at 106 pounds, Horger was also excellent at the 16U National Duals with nine victories. Her run through the field in Fargo included three ranked victories. The Girls Preseason National Rankings did not include any September events, and Horger should make a big move up after pinning Pound-4-Pound No. 9 and past U17 World medalist Jaclyn Bouzakis at the Ultimate Club Duals a few weeks ago. Both are juniors, but Turner has a deeper resume, including a third-place against boys in the Illinois state meet and a victory in Who’s Number One back in 2022. While everybody knows what to expect from Turner, it could be Horger that we learn more about after Sunday’s match. If Horger can figure out how to stop Turner’s offense and open up her own, we could have an excellent match. Turner will try to end the match quickly, and that would also be entertaining. Turner has already developed a strong following based upon her past successes.

113 pounds Boys: Domenic Munaretto of Illinois vs. Ignacio Villasenor of Oklahoma

The second matchup of the night is primed to be one of the top matches to watch. At 113 pounds, Domenic Munaretto of Illinois takes on Ignacio Villasenor of Oklahoma. Munaretto is coming off of another gold medal finish in freestyle at the 2024 U17 World Championships. He was also a member of the U17 Greco-Roman World Team, and has a U17 Pan American Championships gold in both styles. The two-time World Champion brings an impressive resume to the mat, and his skill should not be overlooked. Villasenor is also well-versed internationally, and is no stranger to success and has earned a U17 World bronze medal in 2023 and a 2021 U17 Pan American Champion title in both styles. The pair have met several times before, with Munaretto leading with one win in Greco-Roman and one in folkstyle. Villasenor has the edge in freestyle, with a 7-6 victory in 2021. Villasenor was a 2023 Colorado state champion, having secured a top finish at 113 pounds, and will compete in Oklahoma this coming season.

Six great Who’s Number One matches to get psyched for on Sunday in Johnstown, Pa.

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...