Messallam won 26 matches last year and placed fourth in the county, but after devoting himself to a serious offseason training regiment, he took the next step this year. He won his first county title in dominant fashion, avenging a 2011 loss to Glenelg's Glenn Lucas in the finals, then looked just as strong in winning a regional title. He won twice at the state tournament, just one win shy of placing. A strong finisher, Messallam tallied 26 pins and 83 takedowns this season.

195: Logan Kirby (34-4), River Hill sophomore

County: 1st. Region: 3rd. State: 2nd.

Kirby showed signs of greatness last year when he won 20 matches and placed third in the county as a freshman at 170. This year he grew physically and proved that last year was no fluke. After winning the county title, his only losses were to North County senior Brandon Ballard, in the regional semifinals and the state finals. He finished the season with 18 pins and placed fourth at sophomore nationals this spring.

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220: Jacob Benedict (42-4), River Hill senior

County: 1st. Region: 1st. State: 4th.

Benedict, who has been wrestling varsity since his freshman year, took his lumps as an underclassmen. But as a junior and senior, Benedict has been the one getting his hand raised. After winning a county title, his 3-2 double overtime win against North County's Pat Hyde in the regional finals was one of the most exciting moments of the postseason. He lost a close decision to the eventual state champion in the state semifinals before placing fourth. Benedict finishes his career as a Hawk with 108 wins.

285: Jason Johnson (46-2), River Hill senior

County: 1st. Region: 2nd. State: 1st.

Johnson trained relentlessly since placing fifth in the county last year and enjoyed the kind of senior season that most high school athletes only dream about. First, he led River Hill to a state football championship this fall. Then he helped the Hawks set a new record for points scored at the county wrestling tournament. Finally, his 3-2 win over LaPlata's Jon Boarman in the state finals punctuated River Hill's first state tournament title. Johnson, whose father, John, won a county title for Oakland Mills in 1990, also helped Maryland defeat Western Pennsylvania in the Dapper Dan Classic. He led the county with 30 pins, and finishes his varsity career with a record of 88-13.

285: Sean Twigg (37-5), Glenelg junior

County: 2nd. Region: 1st. State: 1st.

Twigg, a 2011 JV county champion, was blocked from a county title by Johnson, but once the Class 1A/2A postseason began, he showed what he was capable of. The Franklin Invitational champion and War on the Shore finalist cruised to a regional championship, then convincingly won the state tournament in his first attempt. And Twigg, who scored 18 pins this year, will be back next year.