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2A State Championship Preview: Jesuit’s Reign, Somerset’s Surge — and Mater Academy on the Rise
As the 2025 FHSAA Class 2A State Tournament approaches, the spotlight is on Tampa Jesuit, Somerset Academy, and Lake Gibson — but there’s a dark horse emerging: Mater Academy. With returning stars like Gary Mendez and new hype around wrestlers like Michael Maisonet and Lucas Barrios, Mater is quietly building momentum that could shake the bracket.
Tampa Jesuit: Still the Benchmark
Last season's performances—and particularly their commanding 40–21 victory over Lake Gibson in the state duals—reinforce that Tampa Jesuit remains the premier program in 2A. With depth and relentless on-the-mat consistency, they're the early favorite to hold onto the crown.
Somerset Academy: Dynamic Upset Contender
Somerset Academy exploded onto the scene with a staggering 58–16 win over Jensen Beach in the duals. Known for explosive middleweights and aggressive scoring, Somerset is a serious threat if they ride the wave of momentum through states.
Lake Gibson: Veteran Power Returns
A storied wrestling program, Lake Gibson may have been handled by Jesuit in the duals, but their tradition and coached composure mean they'll be lurking—and ready to capitalize if favorites slip.
Spotlight: Mater Academy — Emerging Force
While not the top name in the division just yet, Mater Academy is gaining buzz—and for good reason. Led by senior standout Gary Mendez, Mater is a team trending upward with both proven talent and promising newcomers.
Gary Mendez (106 lbs)
Mendez claimed runner-up at 106 lbs at the 2025 state championships, narrowly falling to Robert Phelan of Lake Gibson (9–8 decision) He also clinched 7th place in the 2024 tournament, showing consistent growth year-over-year The Florida Wrestling Room.
Kabra Wrestling lists him as the #4 seed in Region 2A-4, underscoring him as a serious threat heading into this season.
Other Key Wrestlers: Michael Maisonet & Lucas Barrios
Michael Maisonet, competing at 113 lbs, put together a solid showing at states — winning via major decision (14–6) in his placement bracket in 2A
Lucas Barrios, in the 120 lb slot, delivered a highlight-reel tech fall against Tyler White of Lake Gibson (15–0), signaling he can dominate upper middleweights.
These performances suggest Mater Academy isn't just participating — they're positioning to pull upsets and earn team points across the lineup.
Wrestlers to Watch in 2A
Beyond the team narratives, here are the names fans need to know:
Gary Mendez (Mater Academy, 106) — Runner-up last year; the senior is hungry for gold.
Robert Phelan (Lake Gibson, 106) — Defending state champ at 106; a possible rematch with Mendez is can’t-miss wrestling.
Lucas Barrios (Mater Academy, 120) — Aggressive scorer who could turn heads this year.
Jesuit Standouts (Multiple Weights) — Expect several state placers across the board; Jesuit’s depth makes them dangerous everywhere.
Somerset’s Middleweights — Key to their upset hopes, they thrive in the grind-it-out matches that swing dual momentum.
Lake Gibson’s Veterans — Upperclassmen with state experience; poised to upset seeds and collect crucial points.
Prediction Roundup
Tampa Jesuit: The deepest, most consistent squad. Strong duals showing makes them the frontrunner.
Somerset: Young talent and burst offense pose a real threat if they carry momentum.
Lake Gibson: Legacy program with experienced wrestlers; always dangerous.
Mater Academy: Under-the-radar with emerging stars like Mendez, Maisonet, and Barrios. Rising fast.
Expect a title showdown between Jesuit and Somerset, with Lake Gibson ready if either stumbles—and Mater Academy quietly tightening the gap with top-tier performances across multiple weight classes.
Final Thoughts
The 2A bracket is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Jesuit has the edge, but Somerset’s spark and Mater Academy's rising firepower — led by Gary Mendez's consistent excellence and offensive standouts like Barrios and Maisonet — could ignite an upset storm.
