SPEARFISH, S.D. (Odrix Sports) — The Spearfish Spartans girls wrestling team delivered a strong performance at the Region 4 tournament, finishing as team runner-up and qualifying seven wrestlers for the South Dakota State Girls Wrestling Tournament, scheduled for Feb. 26–28 in Sioux Falls.
Leading the way for Spearfish were four regional champions who powered the Spartans’ push to the podium. Morgan Little captured the 105-pound title, while Candice Matsuda (130 pounds) and Mathilde Matsuda (135 pounds) each secured championships in their respective weight classes. Marlee Heltzel added another gold for Spearfish with a dominant run to the 190-pound title.
The Spartans also saw strong runner-up performances from Makita Raysor at 145 pounds and Sydney Badwound at 170 pounds, both earning second-place finishes to punch their tickets to state. Haven Baker rounded out the qualifiers with a fourth-place finish at 115 pounds.
In addition to the state qualifiers, several Spartans contributed valuable team points with podium finishes. Kimberlyn Heisler (140 pounds), Vanorah Carlson (155 pounds), and Megyn Musselman (235 pounds) each placed sixth, while Ryder Stephens (100 pounds), Madison Todd (110 pounds), Kimber Baker (120 pounds), and Jayden Werlinger (125 pounds) also competed and placed for Spearfish.
The runner-up finish highlights the program’s continued growth and depth, positioning the Spartans as a strong presence heading into the state tournament. With multiple regional champions and a balanced lineup of qualifiers, Spearfish will look to carry its momentum into Sioux Falls and contend for individual and team honors on the state stage.
The South Dakota State Girls Wrestling Tournament begins Feb. 26 at The Monument in Sioux Falls and runs through Feb. 28.