Courtesy photo
SCOTTSBURG – Bedford North Lawrence’s Jorj Filler swept through his weight class with an unblemished record during the two-day Warrior Classic high school wrestling tournament at Scottsburg.
Filler went 9-0 at 126 pounds while the Stars won four of their nine matches, and Ethan Stancombe posted an impressive 8-1 mark during his battles at 152.
BNL posted wins over Brown County (54-21), Eastern Pekin (54-21), North Harrison (54-30) and Southwestern (45-30) in the event that concluded on Wednesday. The Stars dropped decisions to Columbus East (39-36), Floyd Central (48-28), Milan (54-25), Scottsburg (48-36) and West Washington (48-30).
Filler (now 22-2 this season) had wins on the mat over East’s Dominic Baker (pin in 49 seconds), Floyd Central’s Graham Ehringer (12-3 decision), Scottsburg’s Sammy Craig (pin in 53 seconds) and Southwestern’s Keagan Gross (5-3 decision).
“Jorj looked dominant,” BNL coach Chris Branam said. “On Day 2, he faced a tough Southwestern opponent, a fellow 2022 regional qualifier, but Jorj wrestled a very smart match and came out on top. He has been striving for perfection this season, and it is great to see it come together for him.”
Stancombe recorded victories over East’s Braden Isbell (pin in 3:50), Pekin’s Dupin Ryland (pin in 53 seconds), Floyd’s Nolan Meland (pin in 1:56), North Harrison’s Ayden Childers (pin in 1:13), Scottsburg’s Nathan Byrd (pin in 1:40) and Southwestern’s Tommy Brinkley (pin in 2:51).
“Ethan had a good couple days,” Branam said. “He lost to a very tough opponent from West Washington, but knowing Ethan, he’ll ask me tomorrow what he can do to get better and then he’ll do just that.
“There were also some personal highlights for me that might not stand out to others. Austin Clark recorded his first varsity win (not by forfeit) against Eastern Pekin. Seeing his reaction, the joy in his face, reminded me of my first win as a 7th grade wrestler. That feeling is why wrestlers love this sport. Additionally, Alex Johnson stepped in and got his first varsity win at 113 against Brown County.”
BNL will return to action against Mitchell on Jan. 5.
