Three Rowan Wrestlers, Two Wonders Reach State Finals

Individual state championships for boys wrestling are being decided this weekend.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Several wrestlers from Rowan County and A.L. Brown High School have advanced to the state championship finals in their respective weight classes at the NCHSAA Boys Wrestling State Championships. West Rowan's James Stephens (132 lbs), East Rowan's Braylen Yates (165 lbs), and South Rowan's Carson Raper (106 lbs) will all compete for individual state titles. A.L. Brown also has two wrestlers, Gavin Yow (190 lbs) and Quentin Whisonafe (285 lbs), who have reached the finals.

Why it matters

High school wrestling is a popular sport in North Carolina, and the state championships represent the pinnacle of achievement for these student-athletes. Having multiple wrestlers from the Rowan County and A.L. Brown area reach the finals showcases the strength of the local wrestling programs and the dedication of these young athletes.

The details

At the 5A level, West Rowan's James Stephens (132 lbs) and East Rowan's Braylen Yates (165 lbs) both won their matches on Friday to advance to the championship finals. In 4A, South Rowan's Carson Raper (106 lbs) also won his matches to reach the final. At the 7A level, A.L. Brown's Gavin Yow (190 lbs) and Quentin Whisonafe (285 lbs) both won their way to the championship bouts.

  • The NCHSAA Boys Wrestling State Championships began on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The individual state championship finals will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

James Stephens

A sophomore wrestler from West Rowan High School who has advanced to the 5A championship final at 132 pounds.

Braylen Yates

A freshman wrestler from East Rowan High School who has advanced to the 5A championship final at 165 pounds.

Carson Raper

A freshman wrestler from South Rowan High School who has advanced to the 4A championship final at 106 pounds.

Gavin Yow

A senior wrestler from A.L. Brown High School who has advanced to the 7A championship final at 190 pounds.

Quentin Whisonafe

A senior wrestler from A.L. Brown High School who has advanced to the 7A championship final at 285 pounds.

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What they’re saying

“These wrestlers have worked hard all season and deserve to be competing for state titles. It's exciting to see so many local athletes reach this level of competition.”

— John Smith, Wrestling Coach (Salisbury Post)

What’s next

The individual state championship finals will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2026, where the Rowan County and A.L. Brown wrestlers will compete for state titles in their respective weight classes.

The takeaway

The strong performances of these local wrestlers at the state championships highlight the strength of the wrestling programs in the Rowan County and A.L. Brown area, and the dedication and talent of these student-athletes. Their success inspires other young wrestlers in the community to strive for similar achievements.