Byron Nelson wrestler wins state title, four others finish on podium

Student-athletes from all three Northwest ISD comprehensive high schools traveled to the UIL Wrestling State Championships last weekend with Byron Nelson High School junior Aaliyah Finlayson earning an individual state championship. 

Aaliyah triumphed in the 6A girls 165-pound weight class by winning all four of her matches on Friday and Saturday at the Berry Center in Cypress on her way to earning a gold medal and state title.

Four additional NISD wrestlers placed on the podium, highlighted by a runner-up finish and silver medal from senior Mackenzie Blue of Northwest High School who wrestled in the finals of the 6A girls 145-pound weight class.

Nate Jean, also a senior at Northwest High School, placed fourth in the 6A 175-pound weight class and was the lone NISD boy to stand on the podium.

Marli Denmark, a junior at Byron Nelson High School, placed third in the girls 6A 138-pound weight class. She lost her second round match, then wrestled all the way through four additional matches to earn a bronze medal.

Eaton High School senior Ashlyn Lewis was NISD’s final podium finisher as she finished in fifth place in the 6A 107-pound weight class.

A total of 14 Northwest ISD wrestlers traveled to Cypress. Below is a full list of NISD’s state wrestling podium finishers:

Byron Nelson High School - Girls
Marli Denmark (Junior, 138 pounds) - 3rd place
Aaliyah Finlayson (Junior, 165 pounds) - State Champion

Eaton High School - Girls
Ashlyn Lewis (Senior, 107 pounds) - 5th place

Northwest High School - Girls
Mackenzie Blue  (Senior, 145 pounds) - 2nd place

Northwest High School - Boys
Nate Jean (Senior, 175 pounds) - 4th place