Mat Classic XXVIII preview
At the Tacoma Dome, Friday and Saturday:
4A: If Central Valley hopes to contend for state championship, it will need lots of help. If teams like defending state champ Moses Lake, Lake Stevens, Chiawana and Sunnyside knock each other off, that may open a door for CV. Most likely, the Bears have a good shot at bringing home a trophy. The top four teams earn trophies. For that to happen, the Bears must do their part. CV qualified six and all have a chance at placing, if not winning titles. Bryson Beard (126 pounds) will be out to defend a title. Beard, 36-0, has wrestled like a champ all year. So has Braedon Orrino (145). Cam Sorensen (132) and Beard’s younger brother, Bridger, also at 132, will contend for titles.
3A: Mt. Spokane qualified nine and will challenge for a state title. The Wildcats’ four regional champs – Blake Haney (106), Jake Howerton (120), Morgan Ruesegger (160) and Jake Sander (182) – will contend for titles as will the Hoover brothers, Alec (126), a defending state champ, and Andrew (132). Rogers is sending its biggest contingent since winning the team title in 2001. Pirates’ Edward Smith (132), Marcus Phillips (138), Reed Johnson (195), Timo Harter-Lupesoliai (220) and heavyweight Markus Robinson will challenge for high placings if not titles. Shadle Park’s Bryden Uyehara (152) and TJ Trout (170) will be in the medal mix. Clai Quintanilla (126) of North Central is heavily favored to win a third straight title.
2A: Clarkston is the defending state champ and the Bantams’ qualifiers should make another run. Spencer Clegg (120) and Dylan Beeler (195) will be out to defend titles. East Valley’s Trey Meyer (170), 40-1, a runner-up last year, is favored.
1A: The Northeast A will dominate. Period. Freeman is the defending champ, but Deer Park and Colville will likely duel for the title. And Freeman could place as high as third. TJ Baun (120) of Colville, Dalton Young (132) of Lakeside, Trevor Eicher (220) of Deer Park and Garrett Brown (160) of Lakeside are defending state champs. NEA wrestlers won 13 of 14 weights at regional, and those winners will be high placers if not title winners.
B: Justin Chantry (120) of Selkirk is going for a third straight state title and Blake Phillips (170) of Republic will be out to defend a title.