Centennial’s Dominance and Tylene Tran’s Redemption at Southern Nevada Girls Wrestling Regional Meet

The Southern Nevada girls wrestling regional meet on Saturday provided Centennial High School with a chance to defend its team championship and take a significant step toward winning a second consecutive state title. For senior Tylene Tran, it was also an opportunity for redemption after last year’s loss in the Southern Region and state 110-pound finals to Virgin Valley’s Raylynn Woods.

Tran managed to turn that disappointment into triumph by defeating Woods in the Southern Nevada regional qualifier at Clark High, securing the individual title at 110 pounds. The match was intense, with both wrestlers pushing each other to their limits. Tran credited her calm and composed mindset as the key to her victory.

“It was a super intense match. We were super close,” Tran said. “But I was able to stay calm and stay composed, and I think that’s what ultimately got me to that title for regionals.”

Centennial’s performance was nothing short of impressive, earning 203.5 points to claim its second straight team region crown. SLAM! Nevada came in second with 177.5 points, while Coronado finished third with 167 points.

“It’s great,” said Centennial coach Kevin Caruso. “It’s really hard to do it once, but to do it twice is awesome. It’s amazing.”

Qualifying for the State Tournament

The top six finishers in each weight class will qualify for the state tournament, scheduled for February 13 and 14 at the Winnemucca Events Center. This event will be held alongside the 5A, 3A, and 2A boys state tournaments. This will be the fourth year of the girls wrestling state invitational, which includes all classifications. Next school year, girls wrestling will become a full-sanctioned NIAA sport.

Centennial’s Strong Team Performance

Tran was one of four Centennial wrestlers to win individual titles, joining Kaydyn Brooks (100 pounds), Madison Worden (140), and Liliana Barrientos (170). Worden had previously won the state title at 135 pounds last year.

“Last year, I couldn’t get it done, so it’s really nice to get it done this year,” Tran said. “I’ve lost in the state final the last three years. It’s just been a crazy toll on my confidence and everything. I just realized I have to focus on my mindset and believe in myself.”

Tran, Brooks, and Barrientos are now two-time region champions aiming for their first state titles. Centennial will look to win a second straight state crown after graduating two state champions from last year’s team.

“We have a great group of girls that has continued that same work ethic that we started to have at the end of last year,” Caruso said. “They’ve continued that into this year and they’ve taught it to all these new girls. It’s great to see them all come together.”

SLAM! Nevada’s Success

SLAM! Nevada also had a strong showing, with four wrestlers winning individual titles: Kaliya Klise (105), Noelani Lutz (120), Mika Yoffee (135), and Nichole Simmons (145). Lutz and Yoffee are each now three-time individual region champions and will seek their third state titles in Winnemucca.

A Match to Remember

Tran and Woods proved to be the highlight of the day, with their match going down to the final seconds of the third round. Both athletes displayed incredible skill and determination, making their bout one of the most exciting of the day.

“They’re both phenomenal competitors,” Caruso said. “Every time those two get together, the match is close late. They are both awesome competitors and it’s fun to watch those two.”

Centennial edged out SLAM! Nevada by 33.5 points for the state title last year. Northern powers Reed, Spanish Springs, and McQueen will also be competing for the championship.

“I’m just so proud of them,” Caruso said. “Their accomplishment, all the hard work that they’ve put in this year. Just a fantastic start to the postseason.”

Other Notable Performances

Green Valley’s Kaija Ashcroft won her second straight region title at 190 pounds and is seeking her first state title. Her performance highlighted the depth of talent across the region.

Championship Match Results

Here are the results from the championship matches:

• 100 pounds: Kaydyn Brooks (Centennial) def. Hazel Garcia (Desert Oasis)
• 105: Kaliya Klise (SLAM! Nevada) def. Melanie Ortiz (Green Valley)
• 110: Tylene Tran (Centennial) def. Raylynn Woods (Virgin Valley)
• 115: Taylor Rogers (Sierra Vista) def. Amy Hrcka (Sierra Vista)
• 120: Noelani Lutz (SLAM! Nevada) def. Alina Bardoni (Centennial)
• 125: Stella Dymon (Bonanza) def. Baileigh Williams (Centennial)
• 130: Lilly May (Foothill) def. Chanity Faletoi (Liberty)
• 135: Mika Yoffee (SLAM! Nevada) def. Taleigha Ross (Foothill)
• 140: Madison Worden (Centennial) def. Noelani Almogela (Desert Oasis)
• 145: Nichole Simmons (SLAM! Nevada) def. Kezra McKenzie (Spring Valley)
• 155: Ella Paszek (Coronado) def. Adyson Henley (Shadow Ridge)
• 170: Liliana Barrientos (Centennial) def. Andrinea Fale (Arbor View)
• 190: Kaija Ashcroft (Green Valley) def. Jazlynn Maynard (Coronado)
• 235: Erin Johnson (Palo Verde) def. Teeirangi Monga (Foothill)