Both Bryan County and Richmond Hill’s wrestling teams continue to make their presence felt on the big stage. 

In last weekend’s Class A area traditional (individual) tournament with the top four finishers advancing, the Redskins qualified 11 of 11 wrestlers—they did not have entrants in three weight classes--for this week’s sectional tournament. Bryan County had four individual champions and two others finished second while finishing third in team scoring.

Richmond Hill’s boys did not have any individual champions in the tournament held at Lowndes County but the Wildcats, who also were third in team scoring, had 11 of 14 boys move on in Class 7A including four runner-up finishes. The girls team had six wrestlers advance with two individual champs and three others taking second.  

Winning individual titles for Bryan County at Screven County were Charlie Hinely at 106, William Patrick at 132, Carlos Aria at 215 and Jett Lewis at 285. Raul Parrish (175) and Jorge Jimenez (138) had second-place finishes.

Other qualifiers were Riley Shuman (120), Jayden Lee (126), Maysen Lee (150) and Trevor Wills (190) all took third and Gaige Javis (165) earned the right to move on with a fourth-place finish.

Bryan County also had one girl advance as Asia Bentley (145) took third in the tournament held at Greenbriar High School.

“This is the best we’ve done in sectional qualifying,” said Bryan County coach Zach Ledbetter who started the program four years ago. “With the top six in the sectional advancing to the state tournament it’s hard to say how we’ll do.

“We’re in a really tough sectional,” Ledbetter said. “Six of the top 10 teams in the state are in our sectional. Social Circle might be the best team in the state in any class.”

Social Circle recently won the state duals championship and is the defending traditional champion.

 The Redskins have had four wrestlers advance to the state in the brief history of the program. Lee and Colton Gunter qualified last year while Tarrell Singleton advanced two years ago and John Wanzer three years ago.

Richmond Hill boys advancing to sectionals were:  Brenden Fair (120), Miller Osteen (144), DarVante Menzie (165) and Trey Bowkett (190) with seconds, Carter Anderson (106), Cody Willoughby (138), Noah Hampton (175) and Blake Whittaker (215) had thirds and taking fourths were Mat Josefik (132) and Raymond Luna (157).

Izzy West (110) and Kaitlyn Platt (140) posted firsts for the Wildcats girls while Liliana Flacksenburg (105), Amelia Wickline (130) and Rymonea Rivers (155) had second-place finishes. Coralys Lopez (100) also will be wrestling at the sectional which will be held at Harris County High School as will Bentley.

“We had a good tournament,” Wildcats girls coach Tony Dragon said. “Izzy West continues to be dominant and Kaitlyn Platt had a great tournament.”