Prep Preview Wrestling

Great Northern League

The two toughest teams in the league, 2013-14 state champ Deer Park and Colville, have dropped to 1A. Still, things could be competitive between East Valley, Clarkston and West Valley. … WV brings back Cameron Conner (120), Drake Ferguson (152), Aleksy Dyfort (hwt) and Jace Malek (hwt), a three-time state finalist at 220. “We will struggle early due to some injuries and eligibility issues, but we have the two best heavyweights in 2A Region IV,” WV coach Mike Bundy said. … Clarkston returns Spencer Clegg (106, 5th), Tanner Benton (126) and Dylan Beeler, defending state champ at 220. “We have solid lightweights, but we’re pretty green in the upper weights with the exception of Beeler,” Clarkston coach Duane Benton said. … EV brings back Randy McDonald (120), Gabe Meyer (145), Trey Meyer (152) and Kenny Martinez (195). “This team is a much more seasoned team than the last couple of years,” Knights coach Craig Hanson said. “We have lots of youth, but overall the starting lineup should be dominated by juniors and seniors. That translates to experience, which should pay off late in the year.”

Northeast A League

This league got tougher in a hurry with the addition of State 2A champ Deer Park and Colville, which could challenge for a state title. Throw in ever-improving Freeman and always-tough Lakeside and the stage is set for a good battle for league supremacy.

Defending champ Freeman is ranked No. 1 in the preseason state poll and Colville is third. … The Scotties bring back Markus Goldbach (182, 2nd), Teigan Glidewell (220, 5th/hwt), Sebastian Hyta (195, 6th), Jesse Schmidlkofer (145, 8th/152) and Konner Forshag (152, 8th/160). “We are hoping to bring home the first wrestling trophy from the state tournament in Freeman history,” Freeman coach Chad Ripke said. The Scotties finished fifth last year, one place out of capturing a trophy. “The boys are hungry and eager to get the season going,” Ripke said. … Deer Park, the class of 2A, now begins a new era in 1A. The Stags return Jason Aebischer (6th, 182) and Trevor Eicher (195), a state champ last year. “We’ll have a young, tough squad that should compete for the league title,” DP coach Matt Jorgensen said. … Medical Lake brings back Nick Reed (112), Ian O’Brien (hwt), Seth Rojas (138), Tristian Keith (145) and Jackson Tappero (182). “We’ll be a young team in a tough league,” Medical Lake coach Sam Petersen said. … Colville returns TJ Baun (106, 3rd/113), Tyler Ward (145, 4th/152), Ian Cox (160, 5th/170) and Ryley Smith (160, 3rd). The Indians also feature Riverside transfer Tyler Jack (138, 5th/145). “We’re looking to finish first in league, district and regionals and top three at state,” Colville coach Randy Cloke said. … Lakeside returns Dalton Young, a state champ last year, Cole Ahrendt and Garrett Brown.

Inland Empire League

In 5A, the league has been nothing short of a meat grinder in recent years – competitive battles top to bottom for a few state berths. It should be no different this winter.

Coeur d’Alene returns Kaleb Maciosek (106), Mike Bingham (113), Drew Gorringe (145) and Anthony Reimer (170). “Our middle weights are strong and our lightweights are a little thin,” CdA coach Jeff Moffat said. “Our junior class needs to step up and make improvements. By the end of the season, we could be a real competitive team.” … Post Falls returns the most with five returning state finalists. Back for the Trojans are: Cierra Foster (106, 3rd/120), Casey Benton (113, 3rd/120), Alius DeLaRosa (120/138), a defending state champ, David Booth, (126, 6th), Drake Foster (126, 2nd), TJ Wolf (138, 2nd), Seth McLeod (170, 2nd/182), Eli Bennett (220, 6th) and Justin Farnsworth (285, 2nd). “We have a solid lineup with some great depth in the middle weights,” PF coach Pete Reardon said. “We have a great chance to compete for a state title.” … Lake City continues to improve. The Timberwolves bring back Dylan Woodworth (113, 6th), Corey Cook (170, 5th) and Zion Dixon (hwt, 4th), an offensive lineman in football who has given the University of Idaho an oral commitment. “It should be a very good season,” LC coach Corey Owen said. “We have good leadership in the room and our young guys are improving rapidly.” … Lewiston brings back state champ Ryan Klemp (152), Bryce Parson (145) and Drake Randall (152). … In 3A, Lakeland returns Killian Estes (182), state runner-up last year, Bryan Edelblute (113/120), Tyler Siegford (126/132), Justin Wright (120/126), Shane Willette (132/148), Austin Garitone (145/152), Tuekota Tate-Vandever (152/160), Tanner Read (160/170), Chris Washburn (182/195) and Conor Shephard (220). Coach Rob Edelblute reports the best freshman class in some time. … Sandpoint brings back Casey Randles, third at 160 last year as a freshman, and Jake Williams (182, 5th/195). Coach Mike Randles said he has only two seniors and despite youth he likes the makeup of his roster.

Intermountain League

After taking eight years off, Kelly Amos returns as coach at Timberlake. He was coach seven years the first time around. The Tigers bring back Daylin Johnson (103/126) and Tyler Badertcher (152). “We have a good mix of experienced seniors and a strong sophomore and freshman class,” Amos said. … State champion Blake Ivie (132) returns for the Kellogg Wildcats.