BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — At the Hatfield & McCoy 32, Martin County High School wrestlers showed their grit in the Hatfield & McCoy 32 Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Appalachian Wireless Arena. The Cardinals finished fourth out of 16 teams.
In the 106 weight class, Ayden Warren’s journey was a tough one, receiving byes but also forfeiting against formidable opponents Noah Davis (John S. Battle) and Jacob Newcomb (Ashland Blazer), ending the tournament without placing.
The 113 division saw mixed results for Martin County. Nick Harless, with a record of 16-9, fought to secure seventh place. After receiving a bye, Harless was initially defeated by Blaine Smith (David Crockett) but rebounded with wins over Bo Smith (Harlan County) and Hunter Flannery (West Carter). He faced a setback against Mikey Clark (Union) but clinched the seventh place with a win over Trevor Cooper (Greenup County).
In the same division, John Cline, holding an i18-5 record, secured third place and contributed 22.0 team points. Cline won against Trevor Cooper, Mikey Clark and Jace Bowling (Boyd County), with his only loss coming against Blaine Smith.
The 120-weight class competitor, Gavin Stepp (6-11), although he did not place, scored 4.0 team points with a win over Deagen Bolling (Central (Wise)).
In the 126 division, Jeremy Begley achieved a sixth-place finish, scoring 9.0 team points. Begley demonstrated skill in a victory over Michael Kilgore (Central (Wise)).
The 132 category saw an outstanding performance from Brock Messer, who placed second and amassed 24.0 team points. Messer showed his prowess with victories over Christian Watkins (Phelps), Drayden Hall (Eastside) and Eli Penix (Lee) before being narrowly defeated by Canaan Spears (Union) in the championship match.
James Begley, competing in the 138 weight class, finished fourth with a solid contribution of 18.0 team points. He earned victories against Dylan Brugger (Union), Tristan Faidley (John S. Battle) and his teammate Easton Slone, only to be bested by Derrick Day (Greeneville) and Nick Ward (Eastside).
Easton Slone, also in the 138 division, clinched fifth place, overcoming competitors like Derrick Day, Caydon Kelsey (Johnson Central) and Kaiden Nottingham (Boyd County).
Jake Stafford, another 138 competitor, showed resilience but did not place in the tournament.
Competing in the 144 division, Parker Maynard faced a challenging tournament with an undefeated 21-0 record before the event. He won his initial matches but had to withdraw due to a medical forfeit, resulting in a sixth-place finish.
In the 150 weight class, Bailey Crum did not place but earned victories over Aaron Aldrich (Floyd Central) and Cameron Berner (Boyd County).
In the same 150 division, Rafe Price delivered an outstanding performance, clinching first place with a dominant 32.0 team points. Price won all his matches by fall.
Chase Stacy, competing in the 157 weight class, achieved fifth place, scoring 16.0 team points through a series of wins and a narrow sudden victory loss.
George Lemaster in the 165 category showed promise but did not place, scoring 8.0 team points through victories over opponents like Lucas Peck (John S. Battle) and Ellis Kidwell (West Carter).
In the 175 division, Cayden Young faced a tough tournament, unable to secure a win in his bouts.
While competing in the 190 weight class, Ryan Smith secured a win over Antonio Taylor (Union) but did not place.
The heavyweight division saw Bryston Wells achieve a fourth-place finish, contributing 24.0 team points. Wells secured wins over opponents like Will Cassim (Harlan County) and Skiler Ray (Pike County Central).
Peyton Massie, another heavyweight contender, faced challenges and did not place, securing a win by forfeit over Isaac Adkins (Johnson Central).