The 7 girls who could win the state's first Most Outstanding Wrestler award in the first state championship

Next month, for the first time, the N.C. High School Athletic Association will have an officially-sanctioned individual girls wrestling championship. It will be a landmark moment for the sport that has consistently grown, starting only * years ago as a "girls invitational" that quickly showed the sport's potential.

Some girls wrestlers across the state have already put together dominant seasons and have cases as the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the state. Only one will take home the coveted Most Outstanding Wrestler award at the end of the championships in February.

Lillian Prendergast, South Brunswick (100 pounds) 42-0 as a senior

As the daughter of coach David Pendergast, who has more than 400 wins himself, Lillian is by no means a newcomer to this new sport. She's got more than 100 career wins and is committed to Mount Olive.

Leah Edwards, East Rowan (114 pounds) 22-0 as a junior

Edwards has faced a tough schedule and has just one minor decision on the year. She was 44-4 last year.

Kamilah Brooks, Pasquotank County (126 pounds) 37-0 as a senior

Brooks is the only wrestler to have defeated Cary's Alfa G. Dominguez (twice) and Dixon's Anabel Rodriguez (twice) and that may be her top two competitors at 126 pounds this year.

Kennedie Snow, Havelock (132 pounds) 29-1 as a junior

Snow hasn't lost to an in-state wrestler and has 22 pins. The Rams could very well be the favorites to win the girls team tournament title.

Brooke Zak, Currituck County (138 pounds) 24-0 as a senior

One of many returning champions from last year's invitational, Zak has come back this year having pinned all but five of her opponents and handed out tech falls to two more.

Keira Rosenmarkle, Seaforth (152 pounds) 30-0 as a sophomore

The HighSchoolOT all-state honorable mention pick in volleyball is getting it done on the mat with an incredible 28 pins in 30 matches thus far this year.

Wyntergale Oxendine, Lumberton (235 pounds) 31-0 as a senior

Forfeits make up eight of her wins. The other 23? All pins.

NCHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational history

• 2023
• 2022
• none in 2021 (pandemic restrictions)
• 2020
• 2019
• Column from 2019 event