Bayfield went toe-to-toe with a defending New Mexico state champion Friday night, when it was able.
The Wolverines forfeited at three weight classes to give the Aztec Tigers a free 18 points, and the Tigers won a dual wrestling meet 46-21 Friday night in Bayfield.
“We battled pretty dang close with them,” BHS head coach Todd McMenimen said. “Even matches we lose, we had tons of fight and can definitely correct that, and there’s a lot to learn from.”
Bayfield had four wins. John Foutz got the first points at 195 pounds, as he pinned Chance Hoggard in 1 minute, 15 seconds.
Daniel Westbrook continued with an 8-3 decision win against Caleb Varzeas at 220 pounds. The match was tied 3-3 after one period before Westbrook took control.
Bayfield had a heavyweight with Connor Krug. He weighed in at only 200 pounds but showed his strength with a second-period pin of Ty Ashley.
The Wolverines’ final win came at 120 pounds from James Mars, who earned a pin 46 seconds into the third period against Sam Minton.
BHS will join Ignacio for a tri-meet Saturday at Durango High School. Wrestling will begin at noon.
Girls Basketball
Girls BasketballThe Demons beat a two-time defending Class 1A champion and reached a championship game of their own in the process.
Durango (6-6) used a big third quarter to beat Arizona’s St. Michael 40-26 in the second round of Aztec’s Rumble in the Jungle tournament. DHS led by only two points at halftime but held the Cardinals (11-5) to only two points in the third quarter to build a big lead.
Emma Hackett had a huge game, as she scored eight of her team-high 12 points in the third quarter.
“She really played a wonderful basketball game,” DHS head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said. “She keeps plugging away and has that ability. Hopefully, this is a confidence-booster for her.”
Emma Fitzgerald added eight points, and freshman Sydney Flores scored seven off the bench. Seven Demons scored.
DHS will play tournament host Aztec in the tournament championship game at 6 p.m. Saturday in Aztec (5-8). The Tigers knocked off previously undefeated Montrose (11-1) in the other semifinal.
“The way this team is going right now, we’re playing well and are gonna just keep improving,” Fitzpatrick said of the Demons.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
