CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – North Dakota State wrestling placed four wrestlers into the Southern Scuffle semifinals on the opening day on Saturday at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 125 Ezekiel Witt, 149 Max Petersen, 174 Max Magayna and 184 Aidan Brenot all went undefeated to earning a spot in the semis Sunday morning.
 
In the team competition, the Bison sit in second overall out of 28 teams with 79 points. NDSU trails Penn State (82.5) by just 3.5 points headed into the final day.
 
NDSU has 10 total wrestlers remaining in the event, with six Bison in consolation bracket matches to begin Sunday. 141 Devon Harrison, 157 Gavin Drexler, 165 Boeden Greenley, 184 Andrew McMonagle, 197 Devin Wasley and 285 Drew Blackburn-Forst are all one win from reaching the placing rounds in the consolation bracket.
 
Brenot led the Bison with three bonus-point victories on Saturday, beginning with a major decision over NC State’s Rylan Breen, before a tech fall against Bellarmine’s Tristin Green and another major decision over Greyson Meak of Penn. In the quarterfinals, Brenot had the only takedown in a win over Dylan Newsome of Virginia to reach the semis.
 
Witt, Petersen and Magayna also started off with multiple bonus-point victories. Witt started off with a tech fall over Morgan State’s Julian Dawson, before a pin of The Citadel’s Gylon Sims. Witt then recorded a 4-0 win over Chattanooga’s Ty Tice to reach the quarterfinals. The redshirt freshman reached the semis with a win over Navy’s Andrew Binni, but Witt needed sudden victory. In the extra period, Witt recorded a takedown and nearly got the slap of the mat before time expired, recording an 8-1 win.
 
Magayna also recorded a pin against Colt Campbell of Appalachian State in the quarterfinals. The redshirt freshman started the day with a 13-0 major decision over Chattanooga’s Brody Murray. In the quarterfinal, Magayna picked up another shutout with a 3-0 win over Davidson’s Tyson Sherlock. Magayna did not allow a point from his opposition, outscoring them 19-0 on Saturday.
 
Petersen started his day with a major decision over Kelly Dunnigan of Penn, before securing a tech fall over Little Rock’s Kyle Lew. Petersen fell behind in the quarterfinal, but stormed back and defeated The Citadel’s Carson DesRosier 14-8 to reach the semis.
 
Harrison and Drexler also reached quarterfinal matches for the Bison on Saturday. Harrison started off with a tech fall over Presbyterian’s Ryan Luna and then advanced after #8 Aaron Nagao of Penn State medically forfeited out. Harrison recorded the opening takedown in the quarters, but fell to #19 Haiden Drury of Utah Valley 7-3.
 
Drexler allowed just one point before the quarterfinal, recording a shutout decision over Virginia’s Nate Richards before a 10-1 major decision over Chattanooga’s Alex Hutchcraft. Drexler then won a 2-0 decision over Brown’s Ethan Mojena.
 
Greenley, McMonagle, Wasley and Blackburn-Forst all dropped their second match of the day but survived and advanced to Sunday with a pair of wins on the back side of the bracket. All four wrestlers responded to defeat with a bonus-point decision, as Greenley and McMonagle had major decisions and Wasley and Blackburn-Forst recorded tech falls. Wasley and Blackburn-Forst also had major decisions in their opening matches.
 
133 Tristan Daugherty and 141 Michael Olson each recorded two wins before being eliminated, while 285 Shilo Jones had one victory with a pin in his opening match.
 
125 Ostin Blanchard, 141 Peyton Moore, and 197 Adam Cherne led eight wrestlers who competed at the Soldier Salute in Coralville, Iowa on Saturday. The trio each picked up a victory.
 
The Bison will be back in action on Sunday, as the Southern Scuffle gets back underway at 9 a.m. CT. The Soldier Salute is set to get underway at 11 a.m. with Bison wrestlers in action, moving to the Silver bracket.
 
Southern Scuffle Championship Bracket Wrestlers
125 | Ezekiel Witt | 4-0
W over Julian Dawson (Morgan State); TF 20-5
W over Gylon Sims (The Citadel); Fall 6:44
W over Ty Tice (Chattanooga); Dec 4-0
W over Andrew Binni (Navy); SV 8-1
Greg Diakomihalis (Cornell)
 
149 | Max Petersen | 3-0
W over Kelly Dunnigan (Penn); MD 12-1
W over Kyle Lew (Little Rock); TF 17-1
W over Carson DesRosier (The Citadel); Dec 14-8
Connor Pierce (Penn State)
 
174 | Max Magayna | 3-0
W over Brody Murray (Chattanooga); MD 13-0
W over Colt Campbell (Appalachian State); Fall 1:15
W over Tyson Sherlock (Davidson); Dec 3-0
Caden Bellis (Penn)
 
184 | Aidan Brenot | 4-0
W over Rylan Breen (NC State); MD 18-6
W over Tristin Greene (Bellarmine); TF 20-4
W over Greyson Meak (Penn); MD 15-2
W over Dylan Newsome (Virginia); Dec 4-2
#25 Caleb Campos (American)
 
Southern Scuffle Consolation Bracket Wrestlers
141 | Devon Harrison | 2-1
W over Ryan Luna (Presbyterian); TF 16-1
W over #8 Aaron Nagao (Penn State); MFF
L to #19 Haiden Drury (Utah Valley); Dec 7-3
Kyren Butler (Virginia)
 
157 | Gavin Drexler | 3-1
W over Nate Rickards (Virginia); Dec 7-0
W over Alex Hutchcraft (Chattanooga); MD 10-1
W over Ethan Mojena (Brown); Dec 2-0
L to Jonathan Ley (Navy); Dec 5-2
Tanner Peake (Davidson)
 
165 | Boeden Greenley | 3-1
W over Tavian Camper (Chattanooga); Dec 11-6
L to Dylan Elmore (Navy); Dec 8-2
W over Jack Conley (Michigan State); MD 17-4
W over Mason Steffanelli (Virginia); Dec 9-5
Nick Sanko (Virginia)
 
184 | Andrew McMonagle | 3-1
W over Brant Cracraft (Campbell); SV 10-7
L to #22 Jaden Bullock (Virginia Tech); SV 4-1
W over Jakob Gilfoil (Army); MD 14-5
W over Ryan Boucher (Michigan State); Dec 4-2
Caleb Uhlenhopp (Utah Valley)
 
197 | Devin Wasley | 3-1
W over Martin Cosgrove (Penn); MD 9-1
L to Payton Thomas (Navy); Dec 4-2
W over Teage Calvin (American); TF 17-1
W over #29 Wolfgang Frable (Army); Dec 5-0
#31 Kael Wisler (Michigan State)
 
285 | Drew Blackburn-Forst | 3-1
W over Oscar Williams (Maryland); MD 14-2
L to #18 Brady Colbert (Army); MD 12-1
W over John Pardo (Penn); TF 15-0
W over #30 Alex Semenenko (Brown); MFF
Lucas Stoddard (Army)
 
Southern Scuffle Eliminated Wrestlers
133 | Tristan Daugherty | 2-2
L to Max Leete (American); Dec 8-2
W over Fernando Dominguez (Presbyterian); TF 16-1
W over Kyle Montaperto (Virginia); Dec 4-3
L to Geronimo Rivera (Utah Valley); SV 8-2
 
141 | Michal Olson | 2-2
L to #22 Tom Crook (Virginia Tech); MD 8-0
W over Joe Fongaro (Appalachian State); SV 4-1
W over Will Anderson (Chattanooga); Dec 4-2
L to Gable Porter (Virginia); MD 8-0
 
165 | Porter Craig | 0-2
L to Dakota Morris (Army); Dec 10-4
L to Tavian Camper (Chattanooga); Dec 7-5
 
285 | Shilo Jones | 1-2
W over John Pardo (Penn); Fall 2:35
L to #24 Connor Barket (Duke); SV 9-6
L to Oscar Williams (Maryland); Dec 4-3
 
Soldier Salute Gold Bracket Results
125 | Ostin Blanchard | 1-2
W over Cameron Stinson (North Carolina); Dec 11-9
L to Mack Mauger (Missouri); MD 8-0
L to Joey Cruz (Iowa); Dec 4-2
 
125 | Kody Tanimoto | 0-2
L to Hank Benter (Missouri); Dec 7-0
L to Carson Dupill (South Dakota State); MD 13-4
 
141 | Lawson Eller | 0-2
L to Dyson Dunham (VMI); MD 10-1
L to Jace Roller (Missouri); MD 13-0
 
141 | Peyton Moore | 1-2
L to Nick O`Neill (North Carolina); Fall 3:29
W over Sam Sutton (Tarleton State); Fall 2:04
L to David Saenz (Wyoming); Dec 9-3
 
149 | Zytavius Williams | 0-2
L to Scott Robertson (Nebraska); Dec 6-3
L to Kael Voinovich (Iowa); MD 20-7
 
165 | Dante Hutchings | 0-2
L to CJ Torres (Iowa); Dec 8-4
L to Kyler Knaack (Northern Iowa); Dec 4-2
 
174 | Luke Hoag | 0-2
L to Leister Bowling (Iowa); Dec 4-2
L to Melton Powe (Iowa State); MD 11-2
 
197 | Adam Cherne | 1-2
L to Anthony Harris (Oklahoma); MD 12-3
W over Grant Anderson (Bellarmine); MD 11-3
L to Gunner Henry (Wyoming); Dec 2-1

The second event of 2026 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center brought a crowd and a vibe not seen or heard since the last time Hawaii men’s volleyball took center stage.

The second-ranked Rainbow Warriors opened the season in front of a raucous crowd of 5,685 that still sounded like it was celebrating the new year as they watched Hawaii sweep New Jersey Institute of Technology 25-11, 25-16, 25-14 on Friday night.

Nine months after beating Long Beach State for the Big West championship, which is the last time the arena drew a crowd this big for a UH sporting event, Hawaii returned to its home floor with five of its seven starters back from a run to the national semifinals.

Sophomore Kristian Titriyski, who missed the final eight matches of his freshman season with an ankle injury, led Hawaii with 12 kills.

All five starting pins and middles hit .455 or better for the match as UH hit .517 as a team and had 13 1/2 blocks.

“We didn’t get to practice in here until today. You could tell the guys had a lot of extra energy,” Hawaii coach Charlie Wade said. “This is something that we will never take for granted. So appreciative when (the fans) are taking the time and spending the money to come out and here and support us and we are doing everything we can to put on a good show and win matches.”

Sophomore Adrien Roure, who was an AVCA first-team All-American as a freshman, hit .538 with eight kills in two swings.

Louis Sakanoko, one of two third-year starters, had four kills in eight swings and sophomore middle transfer Trevell Jordan also had four kills with six blocks.

Justin Todd, who has played both in the middle and on the outside, switched back to middle during practice this week and put down all three of his kill attempts before resting in the third set.

Junior setter Tread Rosenthal, the floor captain, tied a career high with eight blocks and had 26 assists, three digs and two kills, including the match-ender after 95 minutes.

“It was impressive,” Wade said. “Two hitting errors in two sets and four errors total will get it done. Overall pretty efficient dominant performance and stoked to see the guys play that well.”

Rosenthal had two aces during Hawaii’s 5-0 run to start the match, setting the tone for what would be a quick night.

Hawaii hit .556 in the opening set with only one error and had three aces, with one from Titriyski that was initially ruled out but called in after a challenge that last about 15 seconds.

Hawaii continued its offensive efficiency in the second set, again hitting over .500 to control the set.

A triple block by Titriyski, Sakanoko and Todd ended the set and was the 10th for Hawaii, while the Highlanders had yet to record a block and were hitting .059.

UH made changes to the lineup in the third set, bringing in sophomores Ofeck Hazan in the middle and Finn Kearney on the outside.

Hawaii showed little drop-off and had a chance to hit over .500 in all three sets until it needed four swings to end match point.

“They were playing smart, staying high, not letting the ball go down to their level, and even when it was a bad set, they kept it in play and just kept playing,” Rosenthal said of his teammates. “I think our guys showed that they could play smart and pretty efficient.”

The Rainbow Warriors played without sophomore opposite Kainoa Wade and freshman middle Roman Payne, who are both injured.

Andre Aleixo had 10 kills to lead the Highlanders, who finished the match without a block.

The two teams will play again at 5 p.m. tonight.

SAN ANTONIO, Tx. – HCU women’s basketball team battled with a late comeback, but UIW held to secure a 56–52 Southland Conference win Saturday afternoon at the McDermott Center.

UIW (6-6, 4-1 SLC) opened the game with an early advantage, but the Huskies answered with points from Jordan Jackson and Grace Booth to keep the score tight early. A three-pointer from Sidney Carr midway through the first quarter brought HCU within one, and the Huskies closed the quarter trailing just 14–12.

The Huskies (4-8, 2-3 SLC) opened the second quarter with Jo Oly scoring twice, while Kamryn McLaurin added a pair of free throws following a drive to the basket. A three-pointer from Tove Caesar late in the half cut the deficit to one possession, but UIW responded to take a 29–25 lead into the break.

The Cardinals gained separation in the third quarter, opening with a pair of baskets and a three-pointer to build momentum. McLaurin scored on a layup early in the period and later added a free throw, but UIW stretched its lead to 43–33 entering the fourth quarter.

HCU responded with its strongest stretch of the game in the final quarter. Dasia Hyams scored on a fast-break layup to open the quarter, and McLaurin followed with consecutive baskets and a free throw to trim the margin. Jackson added a layup in transition and converted two free throws with under two minutes remaining, pulling the Huskies within one point.

With 50 seconds left, Hyams scored inside and converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 51–51. UIW answered with a three-pointer on the next possession, then closed the game at the free-throw line to maintain the lead in the final seconds.

McLaurin led the Huskies with 11 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Jackson finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Caesar added seven points. Hyams and Oly each scored six off the bench, and Booth pulled down four rebounds. Houston Christian totaled 32 rebounds and scored 30 points in the paint.

Huskies continues Southland Conference play on Thursday traveling to Beaumont to face Lamar at 6:30 p.m.

MVP

Defending her crown as the top player, this year’s All-Johnson County Most Valuable Player goes to Grandview outside hitter London Helm.

“When I hear MVP, I don’t think about stats or awards. To me, it means I did my job as a leader and a teammate,” said Helm. “It means the people around me felt supported, trusted me on the court and knew I was going to show up and work every day. That matters more to me than anything individually.”

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In her final season with the Lady Zebras, Helm began her senior campaign by winning the MVP award at the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star game in July.

Eyeing a state championship with Grandview after the winningest season in program history and its first trip to the state tournament, Helm led the Lady Zebras to a 33-11 overall record, an undefeated District 18-3A run and a second consecutive appearance to the final four.

“What I’ll remember most about my senior year is getting to play alongside my sister [Paris] and share those moments and accomplishments with her,” Helm said. “I’ll also remember how much I grew as a leader. Not every season is perfect, and there were times when our team faced challenges and division, but those moments taught me how important selflessness, accountability, and trust are. Our coaches continued to push us and hold us to a standard, and that experience shaped me just as much as the wins did.”

Boasting 424 kills, 103 aces, 360 digs and 87 blocks, she earned the district MVP honor, while being named to the UIL 3A Div. I All-Tournament team, the TGCA 3A All-State team and the Texas Sports Writers Association’s third team.

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Helm is now the program record holder in kills with 1,463 and in blocks with 317.

In deciding on where to further her playing career, what mattered most to Helm was her feelings while on campus. Whether the future involved volleyball or not, she believed Oklahoma Baptist University was the best place and signed with them in early December.

“I wanted to be somewhere I could grow as a player and as a person, with a coach who understands I still have a lot to learn and is willing to invest in me,” furthered Helm. “What I’m most excited about is the challenge. Signing doesn’t mean anything is given. It’s just the beginning. I’m ready to be pushed, compete as a freshman and work for every opportunity on the court as an outside [hitter].”

While playing volleyball, Helm will pursue a degree in engineering.

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Offensive Players of the Year

Sharing the award of All-Johnson County Offensive Player of the Year are a pair of 6-foot-1 left-handed hitters who were hard to contain. The Co-OPOY award goes to Joshua’s Natalia Belisle and Cleburne’s Grace Thorne.

Leading the Lady Owl charge to one of the program’s best seasons, Belisle was voted the best player in District 8-5A among some of the County’s best teams in Centennial, Burleson and Cleburne.

Just behind Helm in season kills with 416, Belisle finished with a 31.9% hitting percentage and averaged nearly four kills per set.

Joshua’s senior middle blocker and right side hitter has yet to commit, but has received multiple offers.

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On a youthful roster, the Cleburne Lady Jackets relied on the experience and talents of their seniors, including Thorne.

The right side and opposite hitter led the team with 254 kills, helping Cleburne reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

“I am thankful for the personal growth and opportunity to lead that being a part of Cleburne volleyball has given me,” said Thorne. “Looking back, it’s encouraging to see how even the struggles and challenging seasons have shaped me. Being presented with this award is very meaningful to me because confidence has not come easily. I am proud of my teammates and the direction this program is heading.”

On Nov. 13, Thorne signed her national letter of intent with Northwest Missouri University and is just thankful for the opportunity to play at the college level.

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“Northwest really just fits all the things I am looking for, from its size and academic strengths to the volleyball program’s history and solid coaching staff. I am most looking forward to building relationships with my new teammates and making an impact.”

Defensive Player of the Year

Returning to the superlative list for 2025 is a middle blocker who’s been a constant throughout her time as a Ladycat and capped off her varsity career with another extraordinary season. The All-Johnson County Defensive Player of the Year is Godley’s Bella Van Wart.

The District 12-4A MVP and TGCA All-State selection finished with 81 blocks on the year and 211 digs, the most by any middle blocker in the area.

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Van Wart will take her talents not too far from home, as she signed with Dallas Baptist University in mid-December.

Setter of the Year

Although many of the finalists are deserving of this award, the All-Johnson County Setter of the Year was a landslide victory for Grandview’s Gracie Lawson.

The district Setter of the Year and TGCA 3A All-State selection left everything on the court in the final season of her career, totaling 1,189 assists. For reference, the second-highest assist count came from Joshua’s Braedyn Holland with 808.

Setting up Grandview’s hardest hitters, such as Helm, Rylie Butler and Emma Bartosh, Lawson also set the program record with 3,110 career assists.

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She will be attending Arkansas to focus on academics.

Server of the Year

Among a very young Lady Indian roster is the sole senior who earned the title of All-Johnson County Server of the Year — Alvarado’s Madison Kingsley.

The Lady Indian libero picked up 71 aces during the season.

Utility Player of the Year

Helping the Lady Elks to an 11-3 district record in her final season, the All-Johnson County Utility Player of the Year goes to Burleson’s Daelyn Cross.

Earning the same honor in District 8-5A, Cross was near the top in almost every category for the Lady Elks with 143 kills, 18 aces, 18 blocks and 102 digs.

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The senior outside hitter is headed to Olathe, Kansas next fall after signing with Mid-America Nazarene University back in November.

Newcomer of the Year

Although her time with the Lady Chargers was short, the senior middle blocker made the most of her time. The All-Johnson County Newcomer of the Year is Keene’s Deonna Tell.

Adding size and power to the Keene lineup, Tell made her presence known in her only season with the program and assisted the team in clinching a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2021.

In district games, Tell had 126 kills, 26 blocks and 74 digs. She was recognized by District 18-3A for the same honor.

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Liberos of the Year

Maintaining control of the back row, this pair of liberos was essential in the program’s success in 2025. The All-Johnson County Co-Liberos of the Year are Joshua’s Madilyn Lacey and Grandview’s Paisley Hayes.

Lacey nearly doubled the second-most digs on the Lady Owls (663) and was second in aces (41) in her junior year.

As the district Defensive Player of the Year, Lacey led all teams in digs and was top 10 in the area in that statistical category.

With the third most digs in the county at 462 and over 900 receptions, Hayes saw a significant increase in her production for the Lady Zebras from 2024 as the only libero listed on the roster.

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“To play for a program like Grandview has been such an honor. My coaches and team have pushed me to not only be the best player I could be, but the best teammate too,” said Hayes. “I am so beyond grateful to have spent my high school career playing for such a successful team. The contributions I’ve been able to make are simply just a thank you to the life lessons and memories this group of girls has blessed me with.”

Hayes rounds out the three Grandview selections for superlative awards.

“London, Gracie and I came into this team as only freshmen hoping to make a mark on the program. To be able to say that we not only did that, but made history for Grandview volleyball is something I truly don’t take for granted,” Hayes said. “Not only are they my teammates, but my best friends and I wouldn’t want to share accolades with any other two people. Playing alongside them has been the best part of being on this team, and I’m grateful for the four seasons I have been able to call them my teammates. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m glad to say that we have set the new standard for this program.”

Coach of the Year

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In her first season at the helm, the Lady Eagles saw a dramatic change in their mindset and the results showed. The All-Johnson County Coach of the Year is Rio Vista’s Rebecca Anderson.

Bringing a “big-school mindset” to the 2A program, Anderson pivoted the Lady Eagles to be a much stronger version of themselves and garnered a 27-13 record and a second-place finish in District 13-2A.

It was the most wins in a season for Rio Vista since 2017.

The Lady Eagles made it all the way to the regional semifinals for the first time in five years.

Team of the Year

Droughts don’t get much longer than for the Lady Owls and a district championship. Despite winning season after winning season, topping the standings has evaded Joshua until 2025.

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Behind Belisle, Lacey and a deep roster, Joshua claimed the District 8-5A title with a perfect 14-0 record; a first in 44 years.

With a 32-10 overall record, the All-Johnson County Team of the Year is the Joshua Lady Owls.

First team: Cleburne’s Arrisa Turner; Alvarado’s Kaetyn Hazard; Grandview’s Rylie Butler and Emma Bartosh; Godley’s Kase Grimsley, Bryce Reed, Alissa Sullivan and Lila Heiner; Joshua’s Braedyn Holland and Kensey Doss; Keene’s Aliana Lewis; Rio Vista’s Courtney Cooley, Kalli West and Shiloh Johnson; Burleson’s Camryn Bruder, Anna Davis, Brooklyn Lynes and Gemma Sweeney; Centennial’s Lauren Seeton, Channing Ward and Ty’Jahnique Minter.

Second team: Cleburne’s Jozlyn Tarango; Godley’s Abbi Lee; Joshua’s Ruby Vincent, Kinlee Alexander and Kaylee Elrod; Keene’s Brynleigh McFarlin; Rio Vista’s Gator Dayhuff and Emma Niemtschk; Burleson’s Morgan McAlpin and Guinevere VanderTol; Centennial’s Sophia Kirkpatrick and Katelyn Seeton.

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Honorable mention: Cleburne’s Haley Price, Adeline Leifeste and Maddie Morrison; Grandview’s Sarah McDaniel and Kenna Collins; Godley’s Peyton Bower and Calleigh Brewer; Joshua’s Ava Abbott, Katherine Colbert, Heidi Walker and Reagan Gage; Rio Vista’s Kyndal Cooley and Tamra Hersom; Burleson’s Vivianne Rose and Angela Ombati; Centennial’s Gracyn McKay and Kamryn Key.

Selections were made by Armando Lutz based on the submissions of coaches, along with stats and accolades.