Richmond Hill High School will have home mat advantage today when the Wildcats play host to the Region 3-AAAAA wrestling tournament.
It’s a big deal for a program looking to make its mark at the state level, coach Robert Parker said.
“We are excited about hosting the Area 3 tournament this year,” he said. “We are hoping to have more going to Sectionals than our 10 from last year”
Among the top candidates to make it to sectionals and go on to state are seniors Zach Perez (23-0) and Zach Bringer (21-4). Both were state finalists last season.
But state finalist Grant Foy (8-0) also returns at 126, and also in the mix to advance are 160-pounder Gary Tompkins (22-8), 120-pounder Yhsaac Bringer (22-7) 285-pounder Caleb Branahm, 220-pounder Bryce Mayfield (18-8) and 182-pounder Derrick Tucker (17-8). William Benson (15-8 at 170 pounds), Alex Hill (14-7 at 195) and Akira Bechtel (18-7 at 132) have also fared well this season. Heavyweight Alex Martinez (7-2) could also make a run, and there are other wrestlers who could find themselves vying for 3-AAAAA titles and a trip to the sectional tournament.
“If my kids will compete, that should happen,” Parker said. “We are very thankful for the support and help we are getting from our youth program and the Richmond Hill faculty to make this a success.”

Redskins down SEB
Kajana Dixon tossed in 23 points and Jeremy McLendon added 12 to lead Bryan County High School to a 54-53 win over Southeast Bulloch in a Jan. 25 Region 2-AA game.
Al Simmons and Tre Smith combined for 15 rebounds for the Redskins, who improved to 8-13.
Bryan County plays at Metter tonight. The Redskins’ next home game is Feb. 7 against Long County.

Wilder scores 33 in win
Richmond Hill High School senior Daniel Wilder poured in 33 points in the Wildcats’ 85-70 win over South Effingham on Jan. 25. Montrell Washington added 17 for RHHS, which improved to 6-15 overall.
The Wildcats played at Bradwell on Friday night and play host to Windsor Forest on Tuesday.