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By Brian Pitts
Enterprise Record

When South Davie’s wrestling team visited Ellis, the Tigers picked up where they left off against Watauga 11 days earlier. They overpowered the Jaguars 72-36 on Jan. 25.
Getting pins for South were Leighton Reavis (83), Aidan Szewczyk (106), TJ Douglas (113), Memphis Nunn (120), Laz Smith (126), Jamarious Pelote (145) and Jakob Alexander (220). South’s other five wins were forfeits.
The winners for Ellis (4-4) were Jacob Steelman (pin at 90), Allen Moxley (pin at 132), Elijah Chaffin (pin at 152), Dylan Miller (pin at 160), Nathan Barr (pin at 195) and Elliott Gould (forfeit).
Even though he wound up getting stuck, South coach Russell Hilton was proud of David Hicks, who succumbed to the unbeaten Miller.
“That was probably the best match,” Hilton said. “Dylan is a tough kid. David caught him in a cradle in the first period and had a chance to pin him – but (Miller) got out of it. The score was 7-2 when David got pinned. David is starting to get better.”
•••
One day later, the Tigers drilled Thomasville, 98-17, on the road to close the regular season 11-4.
The pinners were Szewczyk, Pelote and Alexander. Thomasville handed over 12 forfeits.
The Tigers are red hot as they enter Saturday’s Davie County Invitational at South. They won their final eight matches and 10 of 11.
“I love coaching this group, and we’re really young, too,” Hilton said. “We’re only losing six (eighth graders).”
Alexander is 13-0 with seven pins and six forfeits. Szewczyk is 12-0 with 11 pins and a forfeit. Smith is 11-1. Injured Maddox Creason went 11-2. Pelote is 10-3, Leonard 10-4 and Douglas 8-1.
“Jakob is a big kid,” Hilton said. “He started the year at 245 and he’s down to 215. He’s lost 30 pounds, but he’s done it the right way. He’s eating healthier. He’s still the same size. He’s still a big, strong kid. He hasn’t lost any strength. He’s like a heavyweight wrestling 220. He overpowers people.
“Laz is tough. He’s 126 and he’s as strong as can be. He’s quick and is really good on his feet. This is his first year wrestling, but he learns quick. Laz and Aidan are going to be two hammers next year.
“Aidan could wrestle 106 in high school right now. He’s the real deal. He’s so technical. While the kids are drilling, he’s like another assistant coach. He’s hands-on with the kids, showing them what they’re doing wrong and teaching them. He beats up on everybody. He’s aggressive, he’s physical and he makes it to where you don’t want to wrestle him again.”
ND 70, NCLA 10
North Davie beat up on North Carolina Leadership Academy on the road on Jan. 26, the Wildcats closing the regular season at 7-2. (Their only two losses were to South.)
Riley Kennedy (85), Hayden Potts (92) and Tanner Steinour (122) had the pins. Andy Davis (115) won by major decision. The other eight wins were forfeits.