INDIANAPOLIS — Two Columbus North wrestlers assured themselves of a spot on the medals podium after winning their first-round matches Friday at the Wrestling State Finals.
Justice Thornton
Senior Justice Thornton, ranked sixth at 138 pounds, was dominant in his 18-2 tech fall against 22nd-ranked Henry Faurote of Bellmont. Thornton took a 5-0 lead with a takedown and nearfall in the first minute and added an escape and takedown in the second period for a 9-0 lead. A third-period takedown put him up 12-0 before he gave up an escape, scored a takedown, gave up another escape and scored the clinching takedown at the 5:43 mark.
Cohen Long
Sophomore Cohen Long, ranked 25th-at 144 pounds, upset seventh-ranked Wyatt Hoppes of Yorktown 4-2. Long scored a takedown 36 seconds into the match and gave up an escape later in the first period. He still led 3-1 before being assessed a penalty for a second stalling violation with 25 seconds remaining, but then managed an escape and held on for the win.
North’s other state qualifier, junior Asher Ratliff (34-7), ranked 11th at 157 pounds, was pinned by No. 1-ranked Matthew Staples of New Prairie (42-0) in 4:37.
Columbus East’s lone state qualifier, sophomore Colin McMahon (35-8), ranked 10th at 190 pounds, lost a 16-7 major decision to fifth-ranked Kyle Harden of Cathedral (38-2).
Thornton (29-5) will wrestle top-ranked Evan Stanley of Lowell (40-0), and Long (30-7) will face third-ranked Bryce Doss of New Palestine (34-1) in Saturday’s quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal round begins at 9 a.m., followed by semifinals and consolation matches. Third-, fifth- and seventh-place matches start at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by championship matches at 7:30 p.m.
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