ROUNDUP
2 top wrestling teams to compete
BY MELISSA ARTEAGA
Herald Writer
The South Dade and Brandon High wrestling teams couldn't be any more similar on paper.
Both are tradition-rich programs with multiple team and individual state championships in their respective classifications of 2A and 3A.
On Saturday night, both teams will put all that aside and step onto the same mat at South Dade's gym in the District 16 Duals.
''We are really looking forward to this match and the tournament overall,'' Brandon coach Russ Cozart said. ``It's almost like the super bowl of high school wrestling in Florida.''
South Dade owns nine state championships and defeated Brandon last January in the finals of the Jim Graves ''Beat the Streak'' Tournament.
The Bucs sealed their 32-28 history-making victory and snapped the Brandon High wrestling program's national record of 459 consecutive dual match victories -- the longest for any high school sport.
''The Streak,'' as it's known in the wrestling community, was started nearly 34 years ago. Brandon won its eighth state title in a row and 19th overall last season.
''What we did was something my kids will always remember and will be apart of them,'' South Dade coach Victor Balmaceda said. ``But I've told them already, if we can come out and beat them again, then no one can doubt us or doubt the achievement. Beating them again would solidify the first win.''
The Eagles are currently ranked No. 1 overall in the state -- regardless of classification -- and second in the Southeast by TheMat.com, behind South Dade.
They boast one of the most balanced teams Cozart claims to have ever coached, with seven starters in the top 10 rankings of their respective weight classes.
''I'm really excited for all the matchups, and my son [Joey] is certainly looking forward to wrestling Shakendrick [Sanders],'' Cozart added.
Brandon's top wrestlers: Ryan Renkey (112), state champion from Arizona; Eric Grajales (135), three-time state champion; Nick Hutchinson (130),state runner-up; Kevin Timothy (140), state champ; Joey Cozart (145), two-time state champion; Zaq Berridge (189), three-time state placer; Rob Hoelzer (215), state qualifier; Rossi Bruno (119); Tyler Liberatore (125);and Clark Glass (130).
South Dade's top wrestlers: Earl Hall (103), state champion; Quintavian McPherson (112), 3rd at state; Mauricio Villanueva (119), state runner-up; Robert Rojas (130), state qualifier; Wilson Metellus (135), state runner-up; Shakendrick Sanders (145), two-time state champion; Luis Montalvo (160), 3rd at state; Travus Webster (189), state qualifier; and Willie Wiggins (215), 4th at state.
Teams involved: South Dade, Southridge, Homestead, Varela, Coral Reef, Killian, American, Braddock, Brandon, Clay, Jupiter Christian, St. Thomas and Western.
BOYS' BASKETBALL
King of the Blue Grass Tournament (Kentucky) Coral Reef 75, Doresy (Calif) 49: - CR (6-0): Lopez 11, Hankerson 15, Palmer 16, Vickers 18, Strawder 7, Tameze 2, Carithers 4, Roth 4. Dor: Stewart 12, Mackie 10, Lark 15, Biggs 4, Simmons 8, Landrum 7, Dees 4. Halftime: CR 45-27. Fouled out: Lopez, Biggs. Three-pointers: Lopez 2, Vickers 1, Strawder 1, Lark 1. Rebounds: Palmer 8. Assists: Lopez 6, Hankerson 6. Steals: Vicker 5.
Miami Christian 65, Bay Point 29: - BP: Clark 6, Greer 12, Bennett 5, Isidor 6. MC (5-4): Ramirez 7, Dimitrjevitch 15, Odio 21, Rizo 2, Fortry 12, Machado 2, Marrero 6. Halftime: MC 45-8. Three-pointers: Ramirez 1, Dimitrjevitch 3, Odio 4, Fortey 4, Bennett 1. Rebounds: Marrero 13. Assists: Rizo 7. Steals: Ramirez 5.
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