October 17, 2026 | IC Catholic Prep | Elmhurst, Illinois
Two reigning state champions will meet at 120 pounds. Two returning state runners-up will face each other at 115. A freshman with a Fargo medal will challenge a sophomore who nearly won an IHSA championship. Four more state medalists complete a girls lineup that gives Illinois wrestling fans plenty to anticipate at the sixth Test of the Best.
The October 17 showcase at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst brings together ten wrestlers whose accomplishments span high school state championships, national tournaments and the youth circuit. Nine have already earned IHSA medals. The tenth, St. Laurence freshman Kennedy Hogan, arrives with a fourth-place finish in the 2026 Fargo 16U girls freestyle tournament.
Kaneland senior Angelina Gochis returns after winning her Test of the Best appearance last year. Her opponent, Chicago Hope Academy sophomore Demetria Griffin, finished her first high school season undefeated. Their meeting has an additional connection: Gochis defeated Griffin at the 2024 Illinois Freestyle State Championships. More than two years later, they meet again with both now holding reigning IHSA champion credentials.
That bout leads a program with strong competition throughout. Hampshire’s Stella Piazza and Leyden’s Zoey Dodgers enter as the top two wrestlers in the Illinois preseason rankings at 115. Saint Viator’s Charlotte Nold and Hogan bring Fargo All-American credentials to their 110-pound meeting. Andrew’s Jade Hardee faces Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth at 120, while York’s Charlie Dolan and Geneseo’s Lydia King meet at 125.
Every wrestler holds a top-five position in her respective weight class in the Illinois preseason rankings. Five are seniors, three are sophomores, one is a junior and one is a freshman. That range of experience gives the event several distinct storylines, from a final high school season taking shape to a newcomer’s first opportunity in a featured high school matchup.
THE GIRLS MATCHUPS
120 pounds: Angelina Gochis, Kaneland, vs. Demetria Griffin, Chicago Hope Academy
115 pounds: Stella Piazza, Hampshire, vs. Zoey Dodgers, Leyden
110 pounds: Charlotte Nold, Saint Viator, vs. Kennedy Hogan, St. Laurence
120 pounds: Jade Hardee, Andrew, vs. Annalee Aarseth, Crystal Lake South
125 pounds: Charlie Dolan, York, vs. Lydia King, Geneseo
These pairings are presented for the preview and do not indicate the event’s running order. National rankings referenced below are from High School On SI’s 2026-27 preseason rankings, Version 3.
