Chinook hosts Northern B-C

The 2016 high school wrestling postseason is here. And the Havre High gymnasium isn't the only place on the Hi-Line where a chance to get to next week's All-Class State Tournament hangs in the balance.

On Saturday, the Chinook High gymnasium will host the 2016 Northern B-C Divisional Tournament, where the road to state tournament glory begins for so many grapplers.

Locally, the Northern B-C features the host Chinook Sugarbeeters, the top-ranked team in Class C, as well as Class B stalwart Harlem. Class C's Chester/J-I and Fort Benton/Big Sandy will also be on the mats Saturday in Chinook.

But, on their home mats, the Beeters are hoping to do something special, and that's claim the divisional title. Chinook has a talented roster, led by defending state champion Tate Niederegger, as well as seniors Kenny Pruttis, Derek Bell, Jake Norby, Kevin Young and Jesse Dannels. All are state tournament veterans, and that group, along with Chinook's depth, which is unusual for a Class C wrestling program, gives the Beeters hope that they can claim the trophy in their own gym on Saturday.

However, the tournament is also full of traditional Class B powers, including defending champion Conrad, as well Malta, Cut Bank and the Harlem Wildcats. A year ago, the Beeters scored 128 points at the divisional tourney in Big Sandy, but that only landed them in third due to the depth Conrad has.

However, this season, only Cut Bank is ranked in the Class B Top 10 coming into the divisional tournament, so there's no doubt that Chinook has the firepower to win the team title.

For others, the tournament isn't so much about the team title as it is getting as many wrestlers through to the state tournament as they can. And that's what the likes of Harlem, C/J-I and Fort Benton/Big Sandy will be trying to do this weekend.

Harlem is paced by veteran T'Jay Allen, as well as Kolten Bishop and Reece Hutton, while the Hawks are led by standouts Sam Deffinbaugh and Cory Kelly. Fort Benton/Big Sandy's Connor DeBruckyer should also do well this weekend.

Other standouts to watch in Chinook on Saturday include, Cut Bank's Jace Berkram and Justin Pfeifer, Conrad's Ben Rauscher, Valier's Matt Connelly and Malta's Trey Simonton and Antonio Lopez.

The 2016 Northern B-C Divisional starts at 9 a.m. Saturday in Chinook. All placers will advance to next week's Class B-C state tournament in Billings.