Brian Hobson
Sports@mitchellnews.com
Mitchell High School’s wrestling team made a significant impact at the Western Highlands Conference Tournament, with several athletes earning podium finishes.
Brett McLean at 106 pounds secured a second-place finish, contributing 14 team points with a semifinal victory by fall over Rosman’s Michael Scott. Despite a strong performance, McLean fell in the championship match to Avery County’s Alexandero Ical Tuil.
In the 120-pound category, Jose Reyes placed fourth, adding four points to Mitchell’s tally. Reyes faced a tough challenge, losing in the semifinals to Avery County’s undefeated Cooper Foster but managed to battle through the consolation rounds.
Bryson McFalls was the standout performer for Mitchell, clinching the gold at 126 pounds with a total of 21.5 team points. His victories included a technical fall in the semifinals and a decisive win over Madison High School’s Corbin Young in the final match.
At 132 pounds, Noah Burke finished second, earning 16 team points. Burke fought his way to the final but was edged out by Owen High School’s John Bryson Perkins in a closely contested match.
Erris Crone at 138 pounds took home third place, contributing 9 points after a series of competitive matches, including a hard-fought win in the third-place match against Mountain Heritage’s Max Frazier.
The 157-pound class saw Jaysin Erwin finish as the runner-up, scoring 16 points for Mitchell. Erwin’s journey included a semifinal win by fall, but he was pinned in the final by Madison’s Colton Jessup.
Yeshua Guardian added to Mitchell’s success by securing third at 190 pounds, with 12 team points. His path included a crucial consolation semifinal win by fall.
Deren Hise placed fourth at 215 pounds, contributing 8.5 points. Hise showed resilience, winning a dramatic sudden victory match in the consolation semifinals.
Finally, at 285 pounds, Clayton Geouge earned a silver medal and 16 points for the team. His run included a semifinal win by fall, though he was bested in the championship by Madison’s Grayson Denton-Mostyn.
In girls’ wrestling, the Lady Mountaineers crowned four conference champions and two runners-up, finishing a close 2nd to Madison in the team race.
Champions for Mitchell included freshman Katie Stowe, Peyton Buchanan, and seniors Joslynn Cook and Madison Morales.
On the middle school side of the Western Highlands Conference Tournament, multiple Mitchell Miners took home top placements across various weight classes.
Cullen Sparks at 92 pounds earned a commendable second place, falling only to Avery Middle School’s Robert Ammerman in the championship match. Meanwhile, at 108 pounds, Isaac Crone dominated his weight class, securing the gold with a quick fall over Yancey County’s Grayson Carpenter.
In the 122-pound category, Ashton Fraiser took third place, leveraging a bye to earn his spot on the podium. At 128 pounds, Oscar Burleson captured bronze, showcasing his prowess with a decisive victory over Madison’s Cheyenne Talton.
Easton Trivett at 140 pounds and Evan Payne at 152 pounds both clinched first place titles for Mitchell. Trivett defeated Madison’s Rylan Lisenbee, while Payne bested Yancey County’s Cameron McIntosh, both with impressive falls.
The 159-pound class saw Mitchell securing two spots on the podium with Julian Reed taking third and Jackson Jenkins finishing fourth in a closely contested match between teammates.
At 167 pounds, Lawson Ayers placed third, demonstrating resilience after a series of tough matches. Madon Davis at 177 pounds and Jeremy Holtsclaw at 192 pounds both took home first place, with Davis dominating Madison’s Shana Moss and Holtsclaw pinning Rosman’s Adison Gurgainous in record time.
Kevin Hernandez at 217 pounds secured second place against Madison’s Hunter Martin. In the heavyweight divisions, David Arvizu finished third at 252 pounds, and Caleb Hansen remained undefeated in the 252-plus pound class, earning first place by default.
In the girls’ division, the Lady Miners also made their mark. Rebecca Smith at Girls B took second, while Jayceemae Erwin at Girls C was unbeatable, earning the gold. Kylie Geouge at Girls D also claimed first place with two victories over Rosman’s Olivia Sheffield.