Franklin, TN | February 2026
The Blackman Lady Blaze showed resilience and determination on day one of the TSSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament. Six Lady Blaze athletes qualified for the state tournament this season, marking the largest group the program has ever sent in its six-year history. As the day progressed, the team settled in, found their rhythm, and began to pick up momentum on the state’s biggest stage. By the end of day one, five Lady Blaze wrestlers advanced to compete on day two, continuing their pursuit of podium finishes. The highlight of the day came at 185 pounds, where Jonna Patterson, a senior at Blackman High School, secured a spot in the state finals — the first finals qualifier in program history.
Jonna dominated her path to the finals with three straight falls: a quick pin in 0:40 over Breanna Rutledge (Sullivan East) in Champ. Round 1, a 4:49 fall over Kalei Durham (Clarksville) in the quarterfinals, and a 2:32 fall over Soniyah Taylor (David Crockett) in the semifinals. She’ll battle for the state title tomorrow night — a massive milestone for the program and a testament to her skill and toughness.Here’s how the rest of the Lady Blaze performed on day one in this double-elimination format:
- Girls 100: Joy Younan (28-11) dropped her opening match by decision (8-2) to Stephanie Hampton (Hunters Lane) but bounced back strong with a 10-0 major decision over Shyla Mayer-Conley (Seymour). She’s still alive in the consolation bracket and will wrestle tomorrow for a chance to reach the blood round and medal.
- Girls 120: Payton Holzhei (28-14) fell in the first round by major decision (13-1) to Angel Robles (Clarksville) but responded with a gritty 7-3 decision win over Elizabeth Lane (Jefferson Co.). Payton remains in the consolation side and has another shot tomorrow to advance toward the podium.
- Girls 126: Marian Saleb (26-10) faced tough opponents early, falling by pin (3:20) to Val Ortiz (Clarksville) and then by tech fall (17-1 in 3:42) to Delaney Smith (Maryville). Marian has had to wear a facemask all tournament due to injury and that’s never easy. She dropped both matches and is eliminated from contention, but her qualification alone is a proud achievement for the team.
- Girls 138: Ali Bryant (15-4) was pinned in the opener by Mariana Bowen (West Creek) in 3:02 but roared back with a fall of her own (2:31 over Nevaeh Jones of Hixson). She has been injured this season. Ali is still in the consolations and ready to fight for a medal opportunity tomorrow.
- Girls 152: Kinzley Johnson (27-14) was pinned early by Maria Parra (Bartlett) in 3:16 but answered with a lightning-fast 0:28 fall over Maysa Opoka (Livingston Academy). Kinzley stays alive in the consolation bracket and will compete tomorrow for a shot at the blood round.
We congratulate every single one of these incredible Lady Blaze wrestlers — those still battling for podium spots and those whose tournaments have ended. Qualifying for state is a huge accomplishment, and battling through adversity shows the heart of this program. The five still competing (Joy, Payton, Ali, Kinzley, and Jonna) head into day two with momentum and great opportunity — let’s go get it!
Coach Jones Reflects on the Day
Head Coach Andi Jones shared her pride in the team: “I’m incredibly proud of these girls and what they’ve achieved this season. Sending our largest group ever to state is a historic milestone for our program, and seeing their resilience today — especially Jonna making the finals — fills me with so much excitement for the future. They’ve worked tirelessly, supported each other, and represented Blackman with class. Win or learn, they’re champions in my book. Let’s keep building tomorrow!”
The Lady Blaze are just getting started. Day two action continues tomorrow — cheer them on as they chase history!
Go Blaze!