The Spearfish girls wrestling team delivered a dominant performance Saturday, capturing the team championship at the Governor Girls Invite and highlighting a strong day for wrestlers from across the Black Hills region, including Lead-Deadwood, Hot Springs, Harding County, and Custer.
Spearfish Results
Spearfish’s depth proved decisive, with podium finishes across multiple weight classes. Top results included:
- Ryder Stephens — 2nd at 100 lbs
- Morgan Little — 3rd at 105 lbs
- Madison Todd — 4th at 110 lbs
- Haven Baker — 2nd at 115 lbs
- Jayden Werlinger — 4th at 125 lbs
- Candice Matsuda — 2nd at 130 lbs
- Mathilde Matsuda — 2nd at 135 lbs
- Vanorah Carlson — 4th at 170 lbs
- Sydney Badwound — 2nd at 170 lbs
- Marlee Heltzel — CHAMPION at 190 lbs
- Megyn Musselman — 4th at 235 lbs
Also competing for the Spartans were Kimber Baker and Kimberlyn Heisler.
One of the marquee finals of the day came at 100 pounds, where Spearfish’s Ryder Stephens advanced to the championship match before falling to Pierre’s Shaylee Speck by fall in 1:10.
Lead-Deadwood Results
Lead-Deadwood earned several strong showings, highlighted by:
- Aubree Morrison, who pinned her way to a win over Pierre’s Fallan Whitaker in the 100B division.
- Nevada McMahon, who reached the 3rd-place match at 120 pounds before falling to Pierre’s Gemma Stangeland.
- Cece Percy, who earned a fall over Pierre’s Layne Heasley at 125 pounds.
- Eddy Adkins, who reached the 140-pound finals, finishing runner-up to Pierre standout Kezrey Benning.
Hot Springs Results
Hot Springs wrestlers made their presence felt as well:
- Cassidy McClure scored a dominant tech fall victory in the 100B bracket.
- Kadlin Humbracht opened her 125-pound run with a lightning-fast fall in just 15 seconds.
- Sarah Rickenbach reached the semifinals at 145 pounds, earning a fall over Pierre’s Taylor Land.
- Katelynn Callahan and Emilia Cupsa both competed at 170 and 190 pounds, with Cupsa earning a sudden-victory win in the consolation round.
Harding County Results
Harding County’s Jessie Turbiville competed at 110 pounds, advancing into the consolation rounds before falling to Pierre’s Chevelle Brakke. Turbiville continues to show growth in a competitive weight class.
Custer Results
Custer’s athletes also turned in solid performances:
- River Bailey reached the quarterfinals at 120 pounds before being pinned by Pierre’s Gemma Stangeland.
- Charlee Johns earned mat time at 130 pounds, advancing into the consolation rounds.
A Deep Field And Strong Regional Showing
The Governor Girls Invite once again showcased the rising depth of girls wrestling in western South Dakota. Spearfish’s team title was fueled by consistency across all weights, while Lead-Deadwood, Hot Springs, Harding County, and Custer each produced standout individual performances.
With the postseason approaching, area programs appear poised for strong finishes as wrestlers continue to sharpen their form heading into February.
