All-state picks Ruthie Mein, Kara Nixon and McKenna Wise led Mustangs to second consecutive state championship, eighth since 2006.
Martin's Mill (Ben Wheeler) beat
Farwell 43-41 in overtime of the Texas Class 2A Division 2 state championship game in late February, capturing its eighth title since 2006. With just two seniors on the roster this season and tournament MVP
McKenna Wise – just a sophomore – leading the way, expect the Mustangs to stay in the hunt for more hardware in the near future.
With a 35-2 record and wins over three other Texas state champions, Martin's Mill finished the year ranked No. 1 in the Small Town Top 25. The Mustangs edge out
Centralia, which went 22-0 in winning the Class 1A-Division 1 state championship in Kanss, and
Nashville, which won the Illinois Class 2A state title.
The Small Town Top 25 is based on overall record, the MaxPreps computer ratings, strength of schedule and state championship finish. To be considered for the rankings, schools must have an enrollment under 1,000 students in a town with a population of under 10,000.
Ruthie Mein (13) celebrates with MVP McKenna Wise on her shoulders following an overtime win for Martin's Mill in the Texas Class 2A Division 2 title game. (PHOTO: Alex Garza)
1. Martin's Mill (Ben Wheeler, Texas), 35-2
Class 2A Division 2 state champion.
2. Centralia (Kan.), 22-0
Class 1A Division 1 state champion.
3. Nashville (Ill.), 34-3
Class 2A state champion.
4. Sugar-Salem (Sugar City, Idaho), 26-0
Class 4A state champion.
5. Waterford (Ohio), 27-1
Division VII state champion.
6. Spring Garden (Ala.), 36-1
Class 1A state champion.
7. Hanover (Kan.), 22-2
Class 1A Division 2 state champion.
8. Mt. Vernon (Iowa), 26-1
Class 3A state champion.
9. Caruthers (Calif.), 26-6
Division 2 state champion.
10. Berlin Brothersvalley (Berlin, Pa.), 28-2
Class 2A state champion.
11. Saco/Whitewater/Hinsdale (Saco, Mont.), 20-1
Class C state champion.
12. Washington (Okla.), 27-1
Class 3A state champion.
13. Pisgah (Ala.), 22-8
Class 2A state champion.
14. Lauderdale County (Rogersville, Ala.), 32-1
Class 3A state champion.
15. Fairfield (Texas), 33-6
Class 3A Division 1 state champion.
16. Fairview (Grant, La.), 38-5
Class B state champion.
17. Hammon (Okla.), 27-5
Class B state champion.
18. Huntley Project (Worden, Mont.), 23-2
Class B state champion.
19. Moundridge (Kan.), 24-2
Class 2A state champion.
20. Merino (Colo.), 26-1
Class 2A state champion.
21. Caribou (Maine), 20-1
Class B state champion.
22. Farwell (Texas), 35-4Conference 2A Division 2 runner-up.
23. Cherokee (N.C.), 28-2
Class 1A state champion.
24. Columbus Grove (Ohio), 27-2
Division VI state champion.
25. Booneville (Miss.), 25-5
Class 3A state champion.
