Flathead wrestlers take 2nd twice in Bozeman
BOZEMAN — The Flathead wrestling teams got a sweep of sorts Saturday, placing second in the boys and girls versions of the Tom LeProwse Invitational.
Bella Downing was the only tournament champion for Flathead, finishing first at 115 pounds to help the Bravettes score 208 points. Billings Senior won the girls title with 269.5; Billings Skyview was third at 172.
“This was hands down the toughest tournament this year for our teams,” Flathead girls coach Amber Downing said. “We lost some razor-thin matches that stung, but it is what we need to get better for the state tournament.”
Behind Bella Downing, who pinned Senior’s Piper Gershmel in 2 minutes, 24 seconds to win her bracket, six more Bravettes placed.
Julia Kay lost in the finals at 125 while Bridget Smith (155) was third, Kiera Lackey (135), Paulina Holland (115) and Kyra McMahon (120) were fifth; and Alisha Cook (160) was sixth.
Last year just two Bravettes reached the podium.
“Bridget Smith had her best performance for this season and her career, finishing third and making huge gains in technique,” Amber Downing said. She added that Holland, a sophomore in her first year of wrestling, “Outperformed her previous accomplishments by placing fifth against experienced athletes at the toughest tournament for the girls so far.”
Flathead took 18 girls and 14 wrestled deep into the second day of the tournament. That includes a handful that stayed on the mats for the “Second Chance” bracket of the tournament. Those were: Ella Counts (fourth, 100), Eloise Smith (third, 125); Kylie Amundson (145, first) and Aspen Smart (170, third)
Billings West cruised to the boys team title with 269 points; Flathead had 219.5 and Great Falls 181.5 Laurel was next at 174, followed by Class B power Huntley Project at 165.
“We have some work to do before the state tournament in February,” Brave Brawlers coach Jeff Thompson said. “This tournament really brought some of those ‘work-on areas’ to the surface.”
Eight Brave Brawlers placed, led by Kellen Downing at 118 and Lance Chivers at 155. Both took third.
Aiden Lake (103), Caleb Poe-Hatten (110) and Conor LeDuc (215) finished fourth; Hunter Arriaga (132), Daniel Evet (138) and Cliff Nance (175) were fifth.
“Conor LeDuc was wrestling his best this season with a strong showing,” Thompson said. “Cliff Nance is really figuring out his style and finding wins.
Caleb Poe Hatten and Aiden Lake are wrestling like they are veterans for only being freshmen. Lane Chivers, also at 165 is really showing that he is a threat for state.”
Thompson noted another freshman, Colton Conover, lost a tough match in the blood rounds at 165. Results can be found at trackwrestling.com.
Flathead returns home for duals Tuesday against Missoula Sentinel, and then Thursday hosts the Crosstown Duals with Glacier. On Tuesday the girls wrestle at 4 p.m. and the boys at 4:30; on Thursday the boys varsity gets going at 5:30 p.m. and the girls at 6:30.
“We are excited for this week to wrestle at home in front of the Flathead crowd,” Thompson said.