THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS WRESTLING TEAM

2023 was a banner year for Key West boys wrestling, as the team secured its 14th district title and every athlete advanced to regional competition. Adding to the Conchs’ successes this season was the inaugural year of the Lady Conch program which, in its first year, sent three athletes to the state tournament. With his arsenal of seasoned wrestlers, head coach Chaz Jimenez will have a solid chance to make it 15 straight district titles in 2024. At the other end of the Keys, Coral Shores wrestling has a very promising future. Their top five regional-qualifying athletes are all freshmen who, according to coach Dante Jiovenetta, steadily improved throughout the season.

From all of our staff at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the All-Keys Wrestling Team!

MVP

Andre Otto Senior, Key West

With 23 wins and just three losses on the season, district and regional champion Andre Otto helped solidify the Conch stronghold in South Florida wrestling. Otto finished third in the state, making him a two-time state medalist who often made short work of his opponents. Coach Chaz Jimenez explained that Otto “will go down as one the all-time greats in Key West wrestling history. Besides his 1-0 state semifinal loss, he was dominant this season, with most of his matches ending with a firstperiod pin.”

Abram Canet Sophomore, Key West

Abram Canet racked up a 32-22 record, including the district championship. The state-qualifying sophomore has his best wrestling yet to come, according to Jimenez. “Abram really turned it on at the end of the season. He has potential to be an amazing wrestler.”

Dost Bakhtiyorov Junior, Key West

The district champion boasts a record of 47-12 and led the Conchs for the most pins, with 36 falls to his name this season. Bakhtiyorov’s success is no secret; Jimenez called him, “The most consistent and hardest-working guy in the room.”

Ralph Riche

Junior, Key West

Riche brought home a district championship along with a solid 47-13 record. After qualifying for states, he finished fifth in his weight class. Riche’s strong work ethic and drive impressed Jimenez, who said, “Ralph really came into his own this year and we expect great things from his next season as he looks to win a state title. He is a leader in the classroom, on the football field and on the wrestling mat.”

McCoy Freshman, Coral Shores

McCoy’s first year on the varsity roster showed him steadily improving throughout the season, ending with a winning 18-16 record and a trip to regionals after placing third at districts. Coach Dante Jiovenetta described him as “a first-year wrestler who really bought in to our mentality. With hard work, adversity and perseverance, (he) found a way to dial in and became a top competitor for the ’Canes.”

Finn McDonough Freshman, Coral Shores

Finn McDonough ended his successful season with a 34-12 record, making it to the district final and bringing home a second place medal. A regional qualifier, McDonough set the tempo for his next three seasons on the mat for the ’Canes. “One thing I love about Finn is his ability to bring accountability into our wrestling program,” said Jiovenetta. “When Finn stayed after practice, others stayed after practice. He has a natural leadership quality about him.”

MVP Shannon Briggs Senior, Key West

Shannon Briggs made school history for Key West, earning the first district championship for Lady Conchs wrestling. The state runner-up athlete racked up a 13-5 record on the season, laying the foundation for Key West girls wrestling. “Shannon was one of our most talented wrestlers,” said Jimenez. “She is a straight-A student who is a natural leader. She leads without realizing; people just gravitate towards Shannon. She was such a huge asset to our whole program.”

Sophomore, Key West

Figuiera was a state qualifier for the Conchs, amassing a 25-13 record. Jimenez has high expectations for the next two seasons with her, explaining, “Sheyla just continues to improve; her work ethic and determination is amazing. I’m really excited about what the future holds for her.”

Ailee Briggs

Freshman, Key West

Ailee Briggs made school history when she brought home a state medal as a freshman. Her 20-6 record makes her a force to be reckoned with in the next few years for the Conchs. “Ailee is super talented, but what makes her really special is her heart and will to win,” said Jimenez. “She never gives up and finds a way to win. The sky's the limit for what Ailee can accomplish in her high school career.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Seen here in an April 22 game against South Dade, Anthony Lariz went 3-4 at the plate on April 28 to lead the Conchs’ hitting against the Miami Stingarees.

ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly