By BUTCH HARMON
DIVISION 3
Projected champion: Dundee
Final eight in state: Dundee, Richmond, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Chippewa Hills, Birch Run, Swan Valley, Allegan, Mason County Central
Outlook:
The Division 3 state finals have the potential to be the closest and most wide-open of all the finals in Battle Creek. Perennial power Dundee should come in as the top-ranked squad and may have the inside track. In juniors Zack Blevins (135 pounds) and Donny Mandell (160) and sophomore Sean Sterling (145), Dundee has a trio of standouts that can supply major points. Add state-ranked seniors Ken Reinhart (130) and Ty Thompson (189) and talented freshmen Zach Bellaire (119) and Tylor Orrison (125), and Dundee may have just enough to pull out another state title.
After falling short to Dundee in the past two state finals, Richmond will again be the top challenger. Standout seniors Devin Skatzka (160) and Adam Boyd (285) lead the way for the Blue Devils along with fellow state-ranked seniors Connor Behem (112), Austin VanAtter (145), and Austin Pawlak (160).
Chippewa Hills has turned in a solid season. The Warriors are loaded with talent and capable of reaching the title match. They are solid in the lower weights, with the likes of sophomore Kaden Ellis (112), senior Mike Felix (125), and sophomore Austin Spedowski (130). The Warriors are also strong in the middle weights, led by senior standout Mason Dey at 152 pounds, talented freshman Jaycob Sharp (140), junior Slade Todd (135), and seniors Eric Russell (171) and Kevin Briscoe (160). In the upper weights, the Warriors have senior Jon Spedowski at 189 pounds and junior Brendan Barry at 215, both of whom were regional qualifiers a year ago.
Chippewa Hills will be at the Grant regional, where it will likely be joined by Tri-County, Whitehall, and either Alma, Central Montcalm, or Lakeview from the Alma district.
Tri-County has had a rebound season this year. Freshman Dakota Greer (103) is one of the top in his weight class in Division 3, as is junior Nick McGhan at 112 pounds. Senior Jesse Britton (135) and juniors Dustin Prins (125) and Jarrod Tague (189) have also been ranked this season.
If healthy, Alma could reach the regionals. Seniors Damian Castillo (135) and Boyd Hubbard (171) give the Panthers a strong one-two combination and are supported by talented wrestlers like Alex Rosas 119, Jaden Jerome 125, Gilbert Rosas 130 and Senior Nick Moeggenbord at 215.
The Clare regional title should be fought for by top-10 teams Swan Valley and Caro. Swan Valley has a power-packed lineup, led by the talented trio of senior Collin Dole (140) and juniors KJ Suitor (119) and Matt Santos (130). Other state-ranked wrestlers in its lineup include seniors Sam McClean (152) and Jose Hernandez (119) and junior Edwin Hernandez (112).
Bullock Creek looks to join Swan Valley and Caro at the Clare regional. The Lancers host a district that includes Freeland, Hemlock, and Meridian. Senior Ben McCann (189) and junior Adam McCann (160) are state-ranked wrestlers who pace Bullock Creek.
Birch Run is the heavy favorite to come out of the Durand regional. It has been ranked among the top five in Division 3 for most of the season. The Panthers have a dynamic one-two punch in seniors Jerry Fenner (125) and George Lahar (215), both of whom are ranked No. 1 in the state. Senior heavyweight Colin Slavik is a powerful wrestler in the upper weights. Birch Run has a talented group of state-ranked juniors in Justin Elliott (145), Ean Taylor (140), and Tyler Childs (145) and a breakthrough freshman in Mason Breece (119).
Chesaning will push Birch Run at the Chesaning district. The host Indians have wrestled strong all season and are led by senior Justin Sloan (171).
Williamston and Leslie will be competing at the Leslie district for the right to advance to the Durand regional. Williamston defeated Leslie 45-25 earlier this season and is the favorite at the district.
Perry, Durand, and Corunna will battle it out at the Perry district to also advance to the Durand district. Corunna has a talented core of wrestlers in the lower weights leading the way. The Cavaliers have the top-ranked wrestlers at both 103 pounds (junior Emilio Campos) and at 112 pounds (freshman Jarrett Trombley) along with second-ranked Tristan Serbus at 112. Corunna is solid in the middle weights, with senior Dylan Wibert (135), sophomore David Dumond (140), sophomore Dylan Briggs (145), and sophomore Jerry Yelinek (152). It also boasts a solid heavyweight in sophomore Luke Cortez.