NC highlights strong day for GSL at 3A wrestling

TACOMA – It was as close to a perfect day as possible for North Central at Mat Classic XXVI.

The Indians, who sent six to state, went 5 for 5 in the quarterfinals Friday at the Tacoma Dome.

Defending state champ Izaec Quintanilla won by a technical fall at 160 pounds and cruised in a 10-1 major decision in the quarterfinals.

His freshman brother, Clai, opened with a pin at 106 and prevailed 12-9 to advance to this morning’s semifinals.

Another freshman, Bryson Wais (138), used a 12-0 major decision and pin to move through.

Bryson Pierce (170) won twice by pin. Cody Kiourkas (152) had the closest call after opening with a pin in 47 seconds. Kiourkas prevailed 9-8 in the quarterfinals.

“I told the kids all week that we have the ability to win this thing, but we have to have a perfect tournament,” NC coach Luke Leifer said. “I think we can push all five into the finals.”

Leifer shared how close it came to a perfect day. Junior Vallaro (170) was tied at 3 in his first match with 10 seconds to go when he was caught in a head-and-arm move.

Vallaro came back to win two consolation matches, guaranteeing a place today.

It was a solid day for the Greater Spokane League.

NC’s total of five wrestlers in the semifinals topped all 3A teams, but the Indians (50.5 points), Mt. Spokane (48.5) and defending champ University (43) are all chasing Decatur (62).

Decatur advanced four into the semifinals, U-Hi three and Mt. Spokane two after seven of its nine qualifiers won opening matches.

NC’s Izaec Quintanilla wasn’t satisfied after his quarterfinal.

“He was really slippery,” Quintanilla said of his opponent, and he wasn’t alluding to his ability. “I couldn’t get a grip on him. I didn’t get a (technical fall) or a pin, so I’m not satisfied.”

NC’s Amanda Gilliam (112) got into the girls semifinals. She won by pin and technical fall.

Christian Nibarger (145) and Tom Harvey (220) were Mt. Spokane’s semifinal qualifiers.

Nibarger used 7-3 and 6-1 decisions to advance while Harvey, runner-up last year, posted pins.

Ranked second in the state, Nibarger pulled away in the quarterfinal, securing the win with a takedown.

“I got a cheap tilt in the first round,” Nibarger said. “I had a rough first match. I knew the guy was dangerous. I had to wrestle solid and safe. I’m definitely going to have to wrestle better (today).”

The Wildcats were 1-3 in quarterfinals against Decatur.

U-Hi’s Tate Orndorff (heavyweight), Cam Sorensen (125) and Austin Stannard (170) were impressive.

Orndorff spent just 19 seconds on the match in his opener and recorded a pin in 2:18 in the quarterfinals.

Stannard and Sorensen also won by pins. Sorensen put away his opponent in the quarterfinals in 53 seconds.