3 North Jersey Girls Reach State Wrestling Finals

2 returning champions and a 10-seed make it to the big stage

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Three female wrestlers from North Jersey have advanced to the state finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. River Dell junior Jocelyn Danbe, a returning state champion, won her semifinal match 12-0 to reach the finals for the second straight year. She will be joined by two other North Jersey wrestlers, including a 10-seed, who also won their semifinal bouts to earn a spot in the championship round.

Why it matters

Girls' high school wrestling has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with more female athletes competing at the varsity level. The strong performance of these three North Jersey wrestlers at the state finals highlights the growth of the sport and the talent emerging from the region.

The details

Jocelyn Danbe, a junior at River Dell High School, won her 114-pound semifinal match 12-0 over Ellie Kisselbach of Phillipsburg to advance to the state finals for the second consecutive year. She will be joined by two other North Jersey wrestlers - a returning state champion and a 10-seed - who also won their semifinal bouts to reach the championship round at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

  • The semifinals took place on March 13, 2026 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
  • The state finals will be held on March 14, 2026.

The players

Jocelyn Danbe

A junior wrestler at River Dell High School who is returning to the state finals for the second straight year.

Ellie Kisselbach

A wrestler from Phillipsburg High School who lost to Danbe in the 114-pound semifinal match.

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What they’re saying

“I have thought about it a little bit,”

— Jocelyn Danbe, Junior wrestler

What’s next

The state finals will take place on March 14, 2026 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, where the three North Jersey wrestlers will compete for state championships.

The takeaway

The strong performance of these three North Jersey female wrestlers at the state finals is a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of girls' high school wrestling in the region. Their success highlights the talent and dedication of these young athletes as they compete on the biggest stage.