By BUTCH HARMON
The pinnacle of high school team wrestling is reached this weekend in Battle Creek with the team state finals at Kellogg Arena. Sports Scene breaks down each division and gives its take on what to expect this weekend in Division 1.
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, 7:45 p.m.
#1 St. Johns (22-1) vs #8 Mason (35-4)
The Redwings have been on a roll all season and match up with some of the finest high school wrestling teams in the state of Michigan of all time. Mason will not be intimidated by the Redwings but don’t have the overall pool of talent to pull the upset. With wrestlers like Nick Starzec and Adam Robinson the Bulldogs will be able to score some points, just not nearly enough to make this close.
Prediction: St. Johns 48, Mason 16
#4 Tecumseh (29-4) vs #5 Greenville (26-7)
Expect a back and forth match between these long-time Division 2 powers. Greenville has plenty of star power with two-time state champion Jordan Thomas anchoring the lineup at 189 pounds and Luke Gilmore at 160. Tecumseh counters with plenty of quality depth and talent. Tecumseh has seven wrestlers qualified for the individual state meet and a total of nine starters have 30 or more wins this season. That depth will make the difference.
Prediction: Tecumseh 28, Greenville 24
#3 Allegan (32-3) vs #6 Stevensville-Lakeshore (22-9)
It will be a battle of Southwest Michigan’s best coached by a pair of legendary coaches. Allegan, led by the Simaz’s and Kelley’s, have plenty of firepower. Lakeshore has a total of six state qualifiers throughout the lineup. Look for a close match right to the end.
Prediction: Allegan 33, Lakeshore 27
#2 Lowell (24-1) vs #7 Holly (29-5)
The Broncos are in the midst of one of their greatest stretches in school history when it comes to wrestling. The Bronchos have plenty of talent led by Shawn Scott who comes in with a 47-0 mark at 215 pounds. And Mason Cleaver (125 pounds) who is 47-1. Lowell, however, is way too deep and talented for any other team in Division 2 other then St. Johns. The Red Arrows have three undefeated wrestlers and a total of 12 state qualifiers.
Prediction: Lowell 42, Holly 18
SEMIFINALS
Saturday, 11:45 a.m.
St. Johns vs. Tecumseh
Tecumseh is deep and has quality wrestlers. St. Johns is even deeper with more quality. That combination does not play out well for an upset. With undefeated wrestlers like Taylor Massa and Ben Whitford and once-beaten wrestlers like Zac Hall, Logan Massa, Brant Schafer and Jordan Wohlfert, the Redwings are just too deep for Tecumseh.
Prediction: St. Johns 51, Tecumseh 12
Allegan vs. Lowell
Plenty of talent will be on display in this semifinal and some interesting matchups might take place. This dual will be a family affair like no other with the Simaz’s and Kelley’s of Allegan going up against the Dean’s and Morse’s of Lowell. Let the fun begin.
Prediction: Lowell 39, Allegan 23 .
FINALS
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
St. Johns vs. Lowell
The matchup everyone wants to see again. The two teams met earlier this season with St. Johns winning by 23 points. Will it be closer this time? Very likely, but the Red Arrows just don’t have enough firepower to close the gap enough.
Prediction: St. Johns 35, Lowell 24