TACOMA — To think Kingston High School sophomore Peyton Reece considered not wrestling this season.

The sister of four-time state champion Bobby Reece has wrestled her whole life and always enjoyed it. But this year?

“I really don’t know — just not into it,” she said of her consideration of not competing.

Peyton’s mother, DeAnna, said Peyton went through a lot of “mental maturity” this season. Peyton believes in herself.

“It’s amazing that she didn’t want to wrestle,” DeAnna said.

It is amazing, because Peyton went from not wanting to wrestle with the Kingston Buccaneers this season, to taking second in the 2A 118-pound bracket during the 26th Mat Classic Feb. 22. Peyton lost in the finals to Puyallup’s Jordyn Bartelson.

She had the support of Kingston coach Chris Gilbreth, DeAnna, and brother Bobby in her corner.

“I told her earlier — when she made it to the finals — that I didn’t have words to explain to her how proud I am of her,” DeAnna said.

The loss in the finals was rough. Bartelson, who controlled the match, was able to pin Peyton just before it ended.

Though the loss was difficult to stomach at first, Peyton reflected on her season as a positive experience just before she stepped into the awards area under the lights of the Tacoma Dome.

“I wouldn’t know what I could have done,” Peyton said.

“I’m definitely glad I stuck it out for sure,” she added.