Area teams excited for B-C state tourney

A host of Hi-Line grapplers are heading to Billings this weekend for the annual All-Class State Tournament. 

The state tournament runs Friday and Saturday at the Billings Metra, where the likes of Chinook, Big Sandy, Fort Benton, Harlem and Chester-Joplin-Inverness will all have wrestlers battling for state supremacy.

Fort Benton looks to be a favorite in the Class C boys field as the Longhorns are led by Cade Ball at 170 pounds, Layne Wallace at 182, Damien Out at 205, as well as Tayler Benhardt, Melodie Starman, Braylee Lehman and Josie Manning on the girls side. Mica Judeman is also a strong wrestler for the Fort Benton girls.

The Pioneers bring a strong contingent into the meet, including Quinn Rodewald at 120 pounds, as well as Darrell Sunchild at heavyweight. On the girls team, Randi Hardeman and Daijalin Sunchild are tough contenders as well.Harley LaBuda will be one to watch for the Pioneers, too.

Chinook’s wrestling team always has a strong presence in Billings, and this year will be no different. Hayden Berreth, Walter Schoen and Julian Powell qualified on the boys side, while Bailey Billmayer, and Emma Klingaman are top contenders for the girls team.

The Harlem girls have an outstanding team this season, with Cyla Adams a top contender at 114 pounds. Kaitlyn Johnson, Desiree Smith, Ihte Stiffarm and Jarah Wilson round out a really good Harlem girls team. CJI will also be well represented with Savannah Riggin a top contender at 132 pounds.

The Class B-C state tournament runs Friday and Saturday at the Metra in Billings.