Wrestlers From Valley At Tri-State

Valley wrestlers are competing this weekend in the prestigious Tri State Tournament at North Idaho College, a week after successes at Central Valley’s Inland Empire Classic.

East Valley had two titlists and finished second to team champion Moses Lake for the team title.

Justin Moody won three of four matches by pin and 11-6 in the semifinals over third-place Adam Aldendorf of West Valley to win at 215 pounds.

Courtney Howard pinned all four of his opponents, including state veteran Mike Schneider of Mead and Idaho state champion Sky Pruitt from Lakeland to win at 275.

University’s Todd Slatter won at 119 pounds, including a 5-3 semifinal decision over state veteran Mike Zinkgraf from Rogers.

Anthony Hernandez from West Valley easily won his way to the 152-pound title, his closest match 11-4 against fourth-placer Jimmy Richardson of East Valley.

CV’s Andy Brownson pinned his way to the semifinals at 160 pounds where he won a 2-1 decision en route to a major decision title victory.

EV’s Matt Croskrey reached the finals at 125 as did CV’s Josh Heuett at 130, John Daschbach at 135 and Ryan Bishop at 152 and U-Hi’s Andrew Smith at 140.

Other top-four placers from EV were Kelhan Corn at 130, Richardson, Mike Jolley, 171, Tony Michalski, 189.

Top-four CV finishers were Brad Balcom, 103, Brian Black, 119 and Ken Stewart, 140.

U-Hi’s Jacob Bouge was fourth at 275.