NEWS REPORT

The Bell County wrestling team had its home opener Wednesday against Barbourville; Claiborne (Tennessee) and Lee (Virginia). The boys went 3-0 in their duals defeating Barbourville 83-0 and Claiborne 84-0. They also squeezed by a solid Lee team 42-39.  The girls went 2-0 in duals. They beat Barbourville 60-6 and Claiborne 54-6.

The boys were led by senior Hayden Canady, who is currently ranked 12th in the state. He picked up three wins on the night. He beat Mason Cima of Barbourville 30-14, earning a technical fall. He then pinned Claiborne’s Tobias Simpson in the first period. Canady earned his third victory of the evening against Lee.

Payton Burnett, McKenzie Webb, Braydon Pace and Matthew Dowlin picked up three wins on the night as well. Shelby Collins earned two victories, one of which helped seal the dual win against Lee. Connor Hurst, Isaiah Troutman, and Matthew Howard all earned two victories each.

Hunter Goodin was able to pick up two wins with one coming by pin against Claiborne. Eighth grader Tyler Hoskins pinned an opponent from Lee giving him two victories for the night. Heavyweight Johnathan Tapp pinned Payton Baker on his way to a two-victory night. Aden England, Keira Good, and Chase Raissley all picked up one win each. Alexis Holman had two wins with one pin coming in her two matches against the boys’ teams.

On the girls’ side, Alexis Holman led the way. She had two wins including a pin against Barbourville’s Lindsey Thompson. Kylee Elliot racked up two wins including a pin against Aven Wagner from Barbourville. Webb stayed perfect on the night by adding two more wins. Good was perfect on the night as well. Collins won twice. Grace Helton, Ireland Stegal, Alivia Reed and Jojo Inman all won twice. Hannah Fetters and Zoey Boatright each added one victory.

The Bobcats are now 5-0 and will resume action at Letcher Central on Tuesday. The girls’ team is now 4-0. They will also dual with Letcher and Belfry on Tuesday night.