Featured Dual: Baker County wins thriller against Union County
BY BRANT PARSONS — Baker County (4-0) used a team effort to win an in-school dual 42-40 against 1A-4 rival Union County (0-1).
In a battle that saw each team win seven bouts and a roller coaster of lead changes, it came down to what each individual was able to do for the Wildcats.
“There wasn’t just one difference maker for us,” Baker County coach Corey Cantrell said. “Just like I tell our kids, you’re an individual on the mat but you’re wrestling for your team. Wrestling is a team sport, we win as a team and we lose as a team - thankfully this time we were on the winning side.”
The Wildcats got off to a fast start in the dual with Brayden Martin and 18th-ranked Jareb Laurramore scoring two straight pins to give Baker County a 12-0 lead.
Union County quickly bounced back, winning three of the next four to take a 24-18 lead.
Ethan Hancock (120), Ian Halfacre (132), and Rodney Barrett (145) all scored wins by fall while Jonathan Walker (126) picked up six points for Baker County.
Momentum quickly changed as the Wildcats then went on their own run led by two ranked wrestlers as Baker County won three straight bouts.
No. 15 Keith Ratliff (152), No. 20 Rasean Rayam (160), and Cannon Wimpey (170) each scored wins to push the score to 36-24.
In a back-and-forth dual, it was Union County’s turn with Alexander Cortese scoring a win by fall at 182 pounds and then Danny Thornton pulling the Tigers within two points with two bouts to go with a major decision that ended up being the difference in points between the two teams.
“Kristian Chancey is a first-year wrestler and he stepped in for our injured starter and he worked hard and didn’t get pinned,” Cantrell said. “That gave us the two point difference to win the match.”
Baker County’s Joseph Stronko battles with Union County’s Dylan Lane. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Upright/The Baker County Press)
Baker County then clinched the dual with a win by Joseph Stronko at 220 pounds before the final margin was settled with a pin for Union County’s Ephriam Frometa in the heavyweight battle to end the night.
“Stronko is another first-year wrestler and he came up big with the last pin to put us over the top for the win,” Cantrell said.
The battle between two of the top teams in 1A-4 could be a preview of the district duals final on January 3 at Union County.
"Our team is developing way past my pre-season expectations," Baker County coach Corey Cantrell said. "They have done a great job listening to the coaching during practice and implementing it during the match. The sophomore group I have this year has a good understanding of what it takes to be a good team. Placing second in districts last year let us catch a glimpse of success that Baker County Wrestling hasn't seen in years."
“If we keep working the way we are at the moment, then this team has a good chance to be special and win its first team district championship and make it to regions.”
Baker County’s Jonathan Walker battles at 126 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Upright/The Baker County Press)
Baker County 42, Union County 40
106: Brayden Martin (BC) p. Aidan Hancock (UC); 113: #18-Jareb Lauramore (BC) p. Kale Waters (UC); 120: Ethan Hancock (UC) p. Taz Kinghorn (BC); 126: Jonathon Walker (BC) p. Braden Adams (UC); 132: Ian Halfacre (UC) p. Jagger Pless (BC); 138: Ethan Shea (UC) p. Gavin Sparkman (BC); 145: Rodney Barnett (UC) p. Sabastian Overland (BC); 152: #15-Keith Ratliff (BC) p. Dante Johnson (UC); 160: #20-Rasean Rayam (BC) p. Colin Hadlock (UC); 170: Cannon Wimpey (BC) p. Trenton Klein (UC); 182: Alexander Cortese (UC) p. Kelan Hendricks (BC); 195: Danny Thornton (UC) maj. Kristian Chancey (BC) 14-6); 220: Joseph Stronko (BC) p. Dylan Lane (UC); 285: Ephriam Frometa (UC) p. Jordan Allaart (BC).
