Battle Mountain wrestlers shine in Idaho tournaments

Oakes wins in Buhl, Powell at Canyon Ridge

The Battle Mountain High School wrestling team returned to action after taking the New Year’s weekend off.

Making the trip to Twin Falls, Idaho, the Longhorns took on the best the eastern part of Idaho had to offer.

“We took a short break last week and were excited to get back on the mats,” said BMHS coach Mitch Domagala. “We really like to come to these tournaments, they offer us a chance to wrestle some tough competition and begin getting ready for our end of the season push.”

In Buhl, the Longhorns finished in 10th place out of 30 teams. Leading the way was Jeff Oakes, as he cruised to the 182-pound title recording falls in all four of his matches. Cameron Thompson joined Oakes in the championship finals but came up just short as he dropped a 4-2 decision in the 106-pound bout.

Zach Heese wrestled the most matches of the weekend as he posted a 4-1 record en route to a third-place finish. Bobby Kester competed in a loaded weight class and just missed stepping on the medals stand after falling in overtime in his final match of the weekend.

At the Canyon Ridge tournament, Battle Mountain finished seventh out of 28 teams. Leading the way was DeAndre Powell as he gutted out two overtime victories among his four wins as he claimed first place in his weight class.

Mason Chopp posted a 4-1 record while bringing home third-place honors. Jake Legarza, Fernando Carrillo and Tristin Cordingley also finished in the hardware with fourth-place medals. Also winning some matches and scoring points for the team, were Brandon Stallard, Daegen McClary and Christian Nevarez.

The Longhorns travel to Spring Creek this weekend to compete in the annual Kiwanis Invitational. The tournament will feature 27 teams from Idaho, Utah and Nevada. The Longhorn wrestlers will host a pair of home meets with the first on Friday, Jan. 29, with action starting at 4 p.m.