16U Freestyle Team Preview: Can They Bring Home a National Title?

By Cameron Diep

After a strong 4th place finish in 2024, this Indiana squad returns with high expectations. Many members of last year’s team have since moved up to the Junior division, leaving this new group with a big question: can they rise to the occasion and bring home a 16U National Dual Team Championship for Indiana?

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Roster Breakdown

(88–100 lbs):

At 88 and 94 pounds, Sam Rioux and Henry Antrobus both captured ISWA Freestyle and Greco State titles, showing promise in both styles. At 100 pounds, Cameron Schofield returns to the team after competing here last year. Since then, he earned Greco-Roman All-American honors at Fargo in North Dakota.

106–113 lbs:

Traevon Ducking, the reigning IHSAA State Champion from Brownsburg, brings a wealth of experience. A 15U All-American in Vegas and 6th place finisher at Ironman, Ducking is currently ranked #15 in the nation at 113 lbs by MatScouts.

Jeremy Carver of Cathedral is another high-ceiling prospect. The incoming freshman wrestled in both 15U and 17U divisions at the U.S. Open, placing in three of four styles and reaching the finals in U17 Greco (51kg).

120–132 lbs:

Noel Verduzco (120) capped off his season with just one loss, winning the Al Smith and placing 3rd at IHSAA State. Ryan Hockaday (126) aims to break into Brownsburg’s varsity lineup, while Gavyn Kemp (132) had a standout freshman year at Roncalli, setting the stage for a big summer.

138–144 lbs:

Donald Bowie (138), IHSAA State 6th placer, made a name for himself at the Al Smith Invitational with wins over two returning state medalists. Peyton Hornsby (144), the team’s only other returning member besides Schofield, was the IHSAA state runner-up and also won both ISWA styles. He has his sights set on Fargo All-American honors next month.

150–175 lbs:

Another standout incoming freshman is Lincoln Hinchman, who was ranked #1 in the nation at 136 lbs in MatScouts' Junior High rankings and won the Middle School Super 32 National Championship. Also watch for Cameron Sommers (Franklin Community), Deacon Dresslar (Gibson Southern), Sean Breedlove (Center Grove), and Denny Algood (Bloomington South) — all highly talented and expected to contend at Fargo and next season’s IHSAA State Finals.

(190–285 lbs):

At 215, Ceasar Salas of Crown Point placed 5th at IHSAA State as a freshman — a rare feat at a heavier weight. And at heavyweight, Kameron Hazelett could be Indiana’s ‘Tyrese Haliburton’ in any tight dual. The IHSAA State Champion has drawn comparisons to Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson and is the only underclassman currently ranked nationally by MatScouts.

Blue Team Lineup:

·        88: Jonah Martinez

·        94: Greyson Cain

·        100: Kolten Land

·        106: Kellen Schoeff

·        113: Tate St. Laurent

·        120: Jaxsen Jean

·        126: Brody Koselke

·        132: Evan Cryderman

·        138: Bo Jackson

·        144: Cash Mays

·        150: Owen Porterfield

·        157: Grayson Baumann

·        165: Adrian Haughn

·        175: Bradley Rivera

·        190: Jaxton Litchfield

·        215: Camden Williams

·        285: Austin Oakley

This year's team blends top-tier talent with up-and-coming stars. With several nationally ranked athletes and a mix of experienced returners and hungry newcomers, Indiana could be poised to make a serious run at the 16U National Dual title!