Dominance on Display: Recapping the 2024 16U Girls Freestyle Fargo Finals (Full Video)
- J Q
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
The FargoDome once again became the proving ground for the nation’s most promising young female wrestlers at the 2024 16U Girls Freestyle Fargo Finals. With state pride, national rankings, and future collegiate aspirations on the line, these athletes left everything on the mat in one of the most exciting nights of wrestling we’ve seen in recent years.
From electrifying comebacks to dominant technical falls, the action was non-stop. Powerhouse states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and California fought for the top of the podium, but only the best could claim Fargo titles.
Key Matches & Unforgettable Moments
Lily Enos (Illinois) Controls the Pace, Wins 94-lb Title
A returning All-American, Lily Enos showed her growth and determination by stifling Wisconsin’s Bren Angle en route to an 8-3 victory. After giving up an early takedown, Enos dominated the match with textbook down-block go-behinds, methodically shutting down her opponent’s offense. Her strategic hand control and calculated attacks proved too much to overcome.
🏆 Final Score: Enos (IL) 8 - Angle (WI) 3
Justice Gutierrez (CO) Edges Out a Thriller at 94 lbs
In a match that was as much a chess match as it was a fight, Justice Gutierrez of Arvada, Colorado pulled off a defensive clinic to claim the 94-lb title. Against a relentless Ria, Gutierrez kept her at bay with impeccable front headlock defense and strategic shot clock management to secure a 1-0 victory in one of the night’s most intense bouts.
🏆 Final Score: Gutierrez (CO) 1 - Ria 0
Charlie Wilde (NJ) Showcases Technical Brilliance at 112 lbs
New Jersey’s Charlie Wilde wasted no time proving her dominance, executing picture-perfect drag go-behinds and an airtight gut wrench to claim her Fargo title. Facing top-ranked Patrice, Wilde’s high motor and ability to chain wrestle made the difference, locking in a commanding 8-0 decision and securing a major win for Team New Jersey in the team race.
🏆 Final Score: Wilde (NJ) 8 - Patrice (CT) 0
Violet Lure (PA) Completes a Comeback for the Ages at 142 lbs
Down 5-1 at the break, Pennsylvania’s Violet Lure flipped the script in the second period with a six-point unanswered run, including a clutch outside trip for four points. She closed the match with an 11-5 statement win, giving Team Pennsylvania yet another champion in their dominant team title pursuit.
🏆 Final Score: Lure (PA) 11 - Garbis (IL) 5
Cali Manuel (MI) Overwhelms Opponent for 14-3 Tech Fall at 148 lbs
Michigan’s Cali Manuel wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring big early and never looking back. Her elite hand fighting and ability to circle on the edge frustrated her opponent, and a series of clean takedowns secured a 14-3 tech fall.
🏆 Final Score: Manuel (MI) 14 - Poo (WA) 3
Janiah Johnson (TN) Rides Relentless Single-Leg Attacks to Victory at 155 lbs
Team Tennessee’s Janiah Johnson was unranked coming into the tournament, but she certainly made a name for herself in Fargo. After falling behind early, she stormed back with multiple single-leg finishes and a devastating four-point feet-to-back takedown to cement her national title-winning performance.
🏆 Final Score: Johnson (TN) 10 - Shelton (MO) 4
Millie Asen (OK) Survives High-Scoring War at 170 lbs
The most action-packed match of the night came at 170 lbs, where Oklahoma’s Millie Asen and Pennsylvania’s Matilda Ruby exchanged massive four-point throws in a back-and-forth brawl. In the end, Asen held on for an 11-9 win in a match filled with highlight-reel moments.
🏆 Final Score: Asen (OK) 11 - Ruby (PA) 9
Brooke Huffman (WI) Pins Her Way to a Fargo Title at 190 lbs
With pure power and precision, Wisconsin’s Brooke Huffman capped off her Fargo run with a dominant pin. Her double-leg takedowns were unstoppable, and after securing a tight bar-arm turn, she sealed the victory with a first-period fall.
🏆 Final Score: Huffman (WI) - Pin Victory
Branda Banks (PA) Ends the Night with a Bang at 200 lbs
The final match of the night belonged to Pennsylvania’s Branda Banks, who closed out the 16U finals with a crushing pin. After locking in double underhooks, she threw her opponent straight to her back for a first-period fall, officially stamping Pennsylvania’s dominance as the 16U Team Champions.
🏆 Final Score: Banks (PA) - Pin Victory
Team Race: Pennsylvania Reigns Supreme
With multiple individual champions and deep placings, Team Pennsylvania dominated the 16U Girls Freestyle Team Race, securing yet another Fargo team title. New Jersey edged out California for second place, rounding out the top three states in this year's tournament.
Final Team Standings:
🥇 Pennsylvania – Team Champions🥈 New Jersey – Second Place🥉 California – Third Place
Conclusion: A Showcase of the Future of Women’s Wrestling
The 2024 16U Girls Freestyle Fargo Finals delivered unparalleled excitement, showcasing future NCAA and Olympic stars. From underdog stories to dominant performances, Fargo once again proved to be the premier battleground for the next generation of elite female wrestlers.
🔥 Who will be next year’s breakout star? One thing’s for sure—Fargo never disappoints.
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