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3A State Championship Preview: South Dade’s Reign Faces Stern Tests, Especially from Miami Southridge

 

As we head into the 2025 FHSAA Class 3A State Wrestling Championships, one thing is clear: South Dade is still the team to beat, but Miami Southridge and Southwest Miami aren’t just aiming to participate—they’re aiming to compete.

 

Even though South Dade continues to boast a legacy of dominance in Class 3A, the gap is narrowing. In the 2024 dual-team standings, Miami Southridge finished a solid 2nd behind South Dade (which scored 274.5), while Southwest Miami grabbed 3rd with 102.0 points. The 2025 team rankings further highlight this rivalry—South Dade tallied 199.0, with Miami Southridge in a distant but clear runner-up position. These results underscore that while South Dade remains the favorite, Miami Southridge is making a strong case that the title won't be theirs without putting up a fight. Southwest Miami, too, looms as a potential spoiler, rounding out a competitive top tier.

 

What truly sets Miami Southridge apart is its cadre of standout individual wrestlers who captured state placements in 2024 and 2025?  Let’s spotlight a few:

 

From the 2025 Championships (Boys):

Stefano Garcia (3A, 132 lbs) — Made the state finals but fell to Guillermo Jaramillo (South Dade) via fall. A fierce competitor in his bracket.

Christian Soto (3A, 215 lbs) — Captured a state medal (Soto had a strong showing, including victories in placement matches).

Ryan Miret (3A, 285 lbs) — Went all the way to the championship match and won by fall—making him a state champion in the heavyweight bracket.

 

From the 2024 Championships:

Fredrick Mitchum — Took the 3A state title, defeating Luis Acevedo of South Dade in dramatic fashion (Sudden Victory). A huge moment for the program. 

Damel Martinez — Secured a state placement, showcasing depth and consistency across weight classes. 

 

Across multiple weight divisions and tournament years, these athletes have demonstrated that Miami Southridge isn't just present—they’re powerful, proven contenders.

 

Incoming Firepower

Beyond their proven placers, the Spartans are rumored to be adding new talent this season—perhaps enough to swing the balance of power in 3A. One big name is Ericson “EJ” Coney, a rising star who made waves as a freshman at Everglades High School, placing at the state tournament in 2024. Now, with Coney expected to don the Spartan singlet, Southridge gains both firepower and depth in the middle weights. Coney’s ability to perform on big stages and push past ranked competition gives Southridge an immediate boost. If the rumors of additional incoming transfers hold true, the Spartans could have one of the most stacked lineups in years—a true threat to South Dade’s dynasty.

 

One major move shaking up the 3A landscape this season is Tyree Graham’s transfer from powerhouse South Dade to Miami Southridge. Graham, a Class of 2026 standout who’s already proven himself against some of Florida’s best, brings a dynamic presence to the Spartans’ lineup. Known for his explosiveness and ability to control matches from neutral, Graham adds both depth and firepower to Southridge, instantly making them a more serious contender in the 2A team race. His shift not only changes the balance of talent in Miami-Dade County but also adds another layer of intrigue to the chase for the state title.

 

Prediction Roundup

 

Team Title: South Dade remains the favorite, but Miami Southridge, backed by their depth and placement history, looks ready to challenge. Southwest Miami also has the power to disrupt.

 

Key Rivalries: Expect South Dade vs. Miami Southridge to be a marquee dual, with every weight class potentially pivotal.

 

Watch Wrestlers:

Focus on Ryan Miret (285 lbs), Stefano Garcia (132 lbs), and Christian Soto (215 lbs) for Southridge and Ericson “EJ” Coney (new transfer) stand out as the names to watch.Their past runs hint at big performances in 2025.

 

Don’t let South Dade’s dynasty overshadow the rising thunder from Miami Southridge. With returning medalists like Miret, Garcia, Soto, and Mitchum—and the incoming spark of new talent like EJ Coney—the Spartans aren’t just chasing the crown, they’re positioning to take it. Add in Southwest Miami’s potential, and this year’s Class 3A championship is shaping up to be one of the fiercest, most exciting showdowns yet.