Area Wrestlers Advance During Divisional Meet In Wolf Point

Wolf Point and Poplar each qualified wrestlers for the state meet during the divisional tournament held in Wolf Point on Friday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. 3.

Poplar’s two-time state champion Angelina Escarcega was in great form again throughout the weekend as she won the divisional title at 107 pounds.

Escarcega opened the tournament by pinning Big Sandy’s Randi Hardman in 2:27. The senior then pinned Baker’s Natalie Noftsker in 1:15 during the semi-final round.

In the championship match, Escarcega won by a 16-1 technical fall against Chinook’s Grace Buck.

Wolf Point’s Jesse Reed and Michael Bell each earned second-place honors at the divisional meet. Reed pinned Roundup’s Aurelien Seyler in 1:36 to open action at 145-pounds. He then pinned Colstrip’s Dylan Grant in 3:20 and won a 13-8 decision over Huntley Project’s Derek Lachenmeier. In the title match, Reed lost by a 17-1 technical fall against Shepherd’s Tyler Niles. Bell pinned Malta’s Skylar Gilkerson in 32 seconds during the quarter-final round at 205 pounds. Bell edged Baker’s Christopher Brawley, 5-4, in the semi-final round. Bell led early in the title match but was pinned by Broadus’ Reuben Kinzer in 5:55.

Poplar’s Navarjo Escarcega came away with a second- place medal at 138 pounds from the divisional meet. He defeated Broadus’ Raiden Aurand 16-0 and pinned Huntley Project’s Eli Broadbrooks in 5:36 during his first two matches. Navarjo Escarcega then won a 4-1 decision over Red Lodge’s Stran Lytton in the semi-final round. A controversial officials’ call in the title match resulted in Malta’s Kohner Schipman defeating Escarcega, 3-1, in overtime for the title.

“I’m proud of Nina and Navarjo. They put the work in and support each other along the way,” Poplar Coach Jason Frederick said. “For the rest of the crew, we know what we have to work on for next year.”

Wolf Point’s Joli Beston placed third at 145 pounds. After losing a tough 3-2 decision in four overtimes against Glasgow’s Riley Clampitt, Beston pinned Columbus’ Rebekah Wombie in 2:24 and Baker’s Ryann Gorder in 1:26.

Wolf Point’s Jeina Reum earned third place at 100 pounds. She won two matches on pins during the meet. Reum defeated Huntley Project’s Gracie Murray, 6-0, in the third-place match.

Wolf Point Coach Scott Vandall was pleased with the performances of the Wolves who qualified for the state meet. He thanks the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce for its support to help make the divisional tournament in Wolf Point successful.

Also placing for Poplar’s girls was Alara Parshall with a fifth-place showing at 114 pounds. After suffering a loss in the quarter-final round, Parshall won her next matches on pins. She defeated Red Lodge’s Emma McKittrick, 9-7, in overtime for fifth place.

Wolf Point’s Kailalla Villoviz took sixth at 100 pounds.

Wolf Point’s Tavian Bell earned two victories by pins at 132 pounds. Poplar’s Mickey Failing won two matches on pins at 120 pounds during the tournament.

Baker’s girls won the divisional title with 217 points followed by Fort Benton with 107 and Harlem with 97 points. Wolf Point took 11th with 37 points and Poplar was 12th with 35.5 points.

Huntley Project’s boys topped the standings with 300.5 points. Baker took second with 176 points and Glasgow was third with 131 points. Wolf Point placed 15th with 48 points and Poplar took 17th with 36 points.