The SPSL North is stacked top to bottom on an annual basis.

The deepest of weight classes?

While it’s a tough call, the early season nod goes to the 103-pound weight class. The bracket includes returning state champion Ruben Navejas of Kentwood along with state placer Jesus Valdez of Kent-Meridian and up-and-comer Steven Tompkins of Tahoma.

The three standouts are currently ranked 1-2-3 in Class 4A according to washingtonwrestlingreporter.com. In addition, Kentlake’s Colton Marlowe, a standout in his own right, simply adds more top-tier talent to the weight class.

“Our league is nails at 103 (pounds),” said Kentwood coach Ken Sroka. “With the top three (Navejas, Valdez and Tompkins), they could go 1-2-3 in the state.”

Indeed. Of the three, however, Navejas remains the heavy favorite. The junior posted a 38-2 record en route to last winter’s state crown.

As a freshman, Navejas took fifth at state. He didn’t take the summer off, either.

Instead the Kentwood junior competed in the USA Wrestling freestyle and Greco-Roman national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota, where he brought home a national title.

The only wrestler to beat Navejas last year was Bryce Evans of Rogers (Puyallup).

Evans, who lost to Navejas in the state championship, will be competing at 112 pounds this winter.

“(Ruben) worked really hard this summer,” Sroka said. “He didn’t sit on a state title. He’s going to be a handful for anyone who steps in his way at 103.”