The lights are turned on the mats this week for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Tradional Championships. The pressure was real. And Savannah-area wrestlers answered the call.
Competing in the GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships for Classes A, 3A, and 5A on Feb. 11–12 at the Clayton County Convocation Center in Marrow, Georgia, local athletes turned sectional momentum into state medals.
With multiple podium finishes and one dramatic state championship, South Effingham (Class 5A) led the charge.
GHSA Class 5A
South Effingham County High School
The Mustangs showed depth and toughness across the lineup.
At 285 pounds, Kevin Steptoe delivered the moment of the tournament.
Down 6–1 in the championship match, Steptoe battled back, took an 8–6 lead — and with 31 seconds left in the second period, he pinned Javonte Bowen of Habersham Central to win the GHSA Class 5A state title.
It was a comeback. It was a belief. It was finished.
At 113 pounds, Andreo Manlove battled his way to the championship match and finished as a State Runner-Up, wrestling with confidence and control throughout the tournament.
At 138 pounds, Brayden Bringer made a powerful run to the finals, competing with relentless pace and toughness before securing his own State Runner-Up finish.
South Effingham stacked the podium behind them:
- Christopher Hardeman (106) — 3rd place
- Tahrik Bailey (120) — 3rd place
- Mason Young (126) — 3rd place
- Maddox Vasquez (144) — 3rd place
- Zachary Utnehmer (175) — 4th place
- Noah Knowlton (132) — 5th place
Nine state placers. One champion. Two runner-ups. A first-place team finish.
A statement for the program was made. South Effingham didn’t just bring home medals; the Mustangs brought home the team title also in GHSA Class 5A.
Effingham County High School
Ethan Braswell (106) 6th Place
GHSA Class 3A
Calvary Day School
Calvary Day’s Brexton Bell (175) battled his way to the state finals and finished as the GHSA Class 3A State Runner-Up.
In the championship bout, Bell fell 3–0 to Badesire Lubela of Stephenson High School. Lubela scored a takedown in the first period, and that proved to be the difference in a tight defensive match.
Controlling his side of the bracket, Bell put himself in position to win it all before finishing second in a hard-fought title match.
Classes 2A, 4A, 6A, and Girls wrestling are scheduled for Feb. 13–14.
The podium is never reached easily. Survival is required. Advancement is earned. Six minutes on the mat feels like sixty.
This week in Morrow, Savannah-area wrestlers didn’t just compete—they proved they’re contenders on Georgia’s biggest stage.
Photo courtesy South Effingham High School Wrestling Program
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