Holly pins down Avondale for district championship
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
ORCHARD LAKE — Shawn Scott was in an unfamiliar situation Wednesday. The Holly senior was wrestling in a different weight class to help.
As it turned out, Scott won both of his matches and the sixth-ranked Bronchos had little resistance in winning their third straight Division 3 district wrestling title and fourth in five years.
Holly defeated Auburn Hills Avondale, 57-12, in the finals at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.
“I didn’t mind doing this this. It was different wresting guys that have 40 pounds on you,” said Scott. “This was good, because I might be bumping up for individuals. I just need to get that experience with bigger guys. But this is for the team. We really want to make it back to Batle Creek and this is the first step.”
Holly has enjoyed plenty of success in the past decade.
TAKING IT DOWN: Holly's Tyler Gibson records this takedown of Auburn Hills Avondale's Baldwin Liu during Wednesday's district finals. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt in a 125-pound match in the d
“We’ve won four in the past five years and I think seven overall (in the past decade),” smiled Holy coach Don Pluta.
For Holly (27-5), which advanced to the regional semifinals next Wednesday at Warren Fitzgerald, the goal of making it to Battle Creek is now only two wins way. Holly reached the state quarterfinals in 2005 and again in 2011, and the Bronchos are trying to win back-back regional titles.
“Really the last two weeks we’ve seemed to have stepped up our game,” noted Pluta. “We wrestle with a lot more energy, a lot more fire, a lot more purpose. I think that has to do with (winning) the Flint Metro League (meet) and the districts and regionals (are coming up). We want to get back to Battle Creek.”
Avondale opened up with a pin from Matt Wilson (189) for a 6-0 lead. Holly responded to winning 11 straight weight classes to take a 57-6 lead. Six of the Bronchos’ 11 wins came via pin.
Joey Schuermann (215), Adam Diagard (112), Steve Buttrey (3:56), Tyler Gibson (3:02), Mason Cleaver (2:56), Anthony Gonzales (135) and Kyle Pepper (145) all recorded pins.
Scott (285) Jesse Torres (140) and Andrew Scott (152) won by decision, while Trevor Hatfield (103) won by void for Holly.
“No wrestling team from Holly has been to the (state quarterfinals) in two straight years. These guys want to be the first,” added Pluta. We have been wrestling with a bunch of confidence.”
Dylan Brancheu (160) and Jacob Blomberg (171) won the final two matches for Avondale.
Both semifinals last under 40 minutes, as Holly thumped Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 75-6, while Avondale downed Bloomfield Hills Lahser (75-6).
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Category: Auburn Hills Avondale, Featured Articles, High School, High School (M-Z), Holly, Prep Wraps
