The Bryant Hornet varsity and junior varsity wrestling teams participated in the Little Rock Central tournament on Saturday, Dec. 4.The varsity squad finished ninth among 19 teams, a respectable showing considering[more] many of the top wrestling programs in the state attended the tournament.
Individually, Brandon Powell placed second in the 112-pound weight class, losing a close match 5-4 to defending state champion Justin Arnall of Little Rock Central. At 119, Zack Simmons placed fourth losing a tightly contested match 6-5 to Doug Pherson of Russellville. At 189, O’Dell Lee III beat Kylan Larson of Bentonville, 6-5, in OT to claim first place.
The junior varsity squad finished seventh among 18 teams. Individually, Matt Mears claimed 1st place at 140, defeating Jeremy Hill of Rogers Heritage by pin at 4:16 of the 3rd period. At 189, Chance Phillips finished in 2nd place losing by pin to Adam Watts of CAC.
Members of the varsity squad are Brandon Powell (112), Zack Simmons (119), Brett Blend (140), Conner Goshien (145), Harley Burks (152), Austin May (160), Levi Brady (171), O’Dell Lee III (189), Scott Mead (215), Michael Smith Jr. (285).
Members of the junior varsity squad are Matt Mears (140), Chris Baldwin (145), Tanner Rich (152), Toby Cox (160), Colton Caviness (171), Chance Phillips (189), Michael Kifer (215).
The Hornet wrestlers will be in action again Thursday, Dec. 14, in a three-team dual meet against rival Benton and Bismarck. Each team will participate in a dual against the other. Wrestling begins at 5:45 p.m., at the Bryant Middle School gym. This will be the first wrestling ever event hosted at the Bryant campus.
Little Rock Central Tournament
Team Standings – Varsity
1. Little Rock Central – 211.5
2. Rogers Heritage – 178
3. Bentonville 141
4. LR Catholic – 137
5. LR Christian – 115.5
6. Conway – 113
7. CAC – 112
8. Russellville – 97.5
9. Bryant – 84.5
10. Cabot – 82
11. Des Arc – 58
12. Jonesboro – 52
13. Bismarck – 45
14. North Pulaski – 38
15. Academics Plus – 28
16. Mountain View – 24
17. Arkansas School for the Blind – 23
18. Oak Grove – 19
19. Glen Rose – 5
