Prep Wrestling: Lopez Brothers Cruise to Within One Match of State Finals

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

(Photo Courtesy: @CKramerPhoto)

Des Moines — How much fun must it be to be New London head wrestling coach Mark Chiri.

Within minutes Friday morning, he saw his two stars Marcel and Dominic Lopez punch tickets to the state semifinals — Marcel at 120, Dominic at 145 — and it’s just par for the course for the Super Lopez Bros.

Marcel, wrestling at an undefeated 58-0, picked up a tech. fall win yesterday before being pushed more than he has all year in his quarterfinal win over Kellen Smith (West Hancock).

Lopez held a 6-2 lead before Smith shot a single leg on Lopez and brought the score to 6-4.

A couple of escape points later, Lopez was walking off a winner, earning his 60th win the process.

The two-time defending state champion will now bring his attention to Garrett Funk, Don Bosco junior, who enters the semifinal round with a record of 38-1.

Funk beat Ryan Duckett (Fort Dodge St. Edmond) and Elliot Cooney (Nodaway Valley) to set up the matchup with Marcel Lopez.

In an ironic twist, Dominic Lopez will also wrestle a Don this afternoon, when he meets up with UNI recruit Cael Rahnavardi.

Rahnavardi was a state runner-up last season and will meet Lopez in the semifinals.

The Don Bosco senior (26-2) has earned two falls on his way to the semis — in the first round over Sam Aitchison (Regina) and in the quarters over Garrett Sarringar (Sibley-Ocheyden).

Dominic Lopez has been equally impressive earning a tech. fall and a major decision this morning over Ben Hageman (Beckman Catholic).

They’re now just one win away from the State Finals.

Both of their semifinal matches can be heard on FM 105.5 this afternoon.

That session will begin at 2:30 p.m. with the Lopez brothers wrestling shortly after 3:30 p.m.

State Wrestling: Day 2 Updates

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Des Moines — Follow along here and on FM 105.5 for updates from the 2021 Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships.

Action begins today in Class 1A.

Here’s the full schedule of events:

Class 1A and Class 3A, Quarterfinals | 9:00 a.m.

Class 2A Quarterfinals, Class 1A Semifinals | 2:30 p.m.

Class 2A and Class 3A, Semifinals | 7:30 p.m.

1A: 

120 – Marcel Lopez (New London) wins via dec. (7-5) over Kellen Smith (West Hancock). Lopez advances to the 1A-120 semifinals.

  • 120 Semis: Lopez (New London) wins by decision (3-0) over Garrett Funk (Don Bosco, Gilbertville). Lopez to the 1A-120 Finals!

132 – Quinten Aney (Mediapolis) loses via dec. (1-0) to Gable Porter (Underwood). Aney to 132-pound consolations.

  • Aney wins via decision (3-1) over Bryce Shaha (Mount Ayr) in the consolation second round. Aney guarantees himself a spot on the podium and can finish as high as third.
  • Aney defeats Trey Nelson (Nashua-Plainfield) in consolation third round by decision (9-5). Aney will wrestle in the consolation semifinals tomorrow and can finish as high as 3rd and no worse than 6th.

145 – Dominic Lopez (New London) wins via major dec. (18-5) over Nick Hageman (Beckman Catholic). Lopez to the 145-pound semis.

  • 145 Semis: Lopez (New London) loses in TB-1 to Cael Rahnavardi (Don Bosco, Gilbertville). Lopez will wrestle in the consolation semifinals tomorrow for New London and can finish as high as third.

152 – Josh Glendening (New London) loses via fall (1:42) to Maximus Magayna (Columbus Catholic). Glendening to the 152-pound consolations.

  • Glendening (New London) wins via fall (1:00) over Ben Hanson (Missouri Valley) in the consolation second round. He guarantees himself a medal and can finish as high as third.
  • Glendening loses by decision (9-3) Ben Foelske (Denver) in consolation third round. He can wrestle for 7th.

195 Consolations – Currey Jacobs (New London) loses via fall (3:42) to Matthew Francis (West Hancock). Jacobs has been eliminated.

2A: 

113 – Lane Scorpil (Columbus-WMU) loses by fall (3:31) to Tucker Stangel (Osage). Scorpil to the blood round.

  • Scorpil wins via fall (2:33) over Caelen Oakes (Southeast Valley, Gowrie) in the consolation second round. He will wrestle again tonight.

120 – Blaine Frazier (NDWB-Danville) wins via major dec. (10-2) over Kayden Gryp (Williamsburg). Frazier advances to the 2A-120 semifinals.

  • 120 Semis: Frazier vs. Jaiden Moore (Benton Community)

152 – Grifen Molle (NDWB-Danville) wins by dec. (12-5) over Chance Bockenstedt (North Polk). Molle to the 2A-152 semifinals.

  • 152 Semis: Molle vs. Tyler Brown (Winterset)

160 Consolations – River Belger (NDWB-Danville) loses via dec. (4-1) to Gabriel Christensen (Ballard). Belger’s season comes to a close.

170 – C.J. Walrath (NDWB-Danville) wins by decision (3-1) over Kalen Meyer (Central Lyon/George-Little Rock). Walrath to the 2A-170 semifinals.

  • 170 Semis: Walrath vs. Carson Babcock (New Hampton-Turkey Valley)

285 – Chance Malone (Columbus-WMU) loses by decision (6-2) to Jordan Ver Meer (West Lyon). Malone to the consolation second round.

  • Malone loses via decision (3-0) to Keean Kammerling (Mount Vernon) in the consolation second round. Malone’s season comes to a close.

 

Sports, Friday, February 19th

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

Prep Wrestling: Busy, Productive First Day for Area Matmen in Des Moines:

It was a productive first day for our area wrestlers in Class 1A and 2A at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

11 area wrestlers are still alive in their respective brackets.

Here’s a look at Thursday’s results in full:

1A:

120 – Marcel Lopez (New London) wins via tech. fall (20-4) over Kaden Abbas (AGWSR). Lopez to the second round today.

132 – Quinten Aney (Mediapolis) wins via decision (11-4) over Cael Bridgewater (North Linn). Aney will wrestle next in today’s second round.

145 – Dominic Lopez (New London) wins via tech. fall (18-2) over Treynor’s Duncan Clark. Lopez to the second round this morning.

152 – Josh Glendening (New London) wins via decision (6-4) over Brett Peterson (Lake Mills). Glendening advances to this morning’s second round.

170 – Boden Pickle (New London) loses via fall to Don Bosco’s Cade Tenold.

  • Pickle loses via fall to Central Springs’ Kaden Jacobson in his consolation matchup. Pickle sees his tournament come to a close.

195 – Currey Jacobs (New London) loses via fall (5:49) to Ronan Poynton (Regina).

  • Jacobs wins via fall over Cade Striegle (Sigourney-Keota) in the first round consolations. Jacobs keeps his season alive and will wrestle today.

285 – Landon Provino (WACO) loses via fall (0:38) to Chet Buss (North Butler-Clarksville)

  • Provino loses via fall (1:13) to Cody Fox (East Buchanan) in the first round consolations. Provino sees his tournament come to a close.

2A:

113 – Lane Scorpil (Columbus-WMU) wins major dec. (16-5) over Tytan Guerrero (Williamsburg). Scorpil advances to today’s second round.

120 – Blaine Frazier (NDWB-Danville) wins via major dec. (8-0) over Jack Showalter (Hampton-Dumont). Frazier will move on to Day 2 today.

145 – Sam West (NDWB-Danville) loses via decision (6-2) to Jackson Rolfs (Decorah). West to the consolation first round.

  • West loses via fall (1:33) to Landon Fenton (Prairie City-Monroe). West sees his season come to a close.

152 – Grifen Molle (NDWB-Danville) wins via tech. fall (16-0) over Joey Potter (Osage). Molle advances to the Elite Eight today.

160 – River Belger (NDWB-Danville) loses via tech. fall (20-5) to Hayden Taylor (Solon). Belger will wrestle his first round consolation later this evening.

  • Belger wins via decision (4-3) over Hunter Bye (Cresco/Crestwood) to advance to today’s second day.

170 – C.J. Walrath (NDWB-Danville) wins via major dec. (9-1) over Garret Paulson (Estherville Lincoln Central). Walrath to the second round today.

285 – Chance Malone (Columbus-WMU) wins via dec. (5-0) over Nick Bronstad (Okoboji). Malone advances to the round of eight today.

Today’s tournament schedule is as follows:

  • Class 1A and Class 3A, Quarterfinals | 9:00 a.m.
  • Class 2A Quarterfinals, Class 1A Semifinals | 2:30 p.m.
  • Class 2A and Class 3A, Semifinals | 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ Basketball: New London Pulls Away, Advances to District Final:

New London received 17 points from Camden Kasel, as the Tigers pulled out a gutsy 60-49 win over Burlington Notre Dame in a Class 1A, District 8 semifinal last night at Father Minnett Gymnasium in Burlington.

The win advanced New London to the district final, where the Tigers will meet up with top-seeded Springville.

While New London fell behind 8-2 in the first quarter, the Tigers continually kept answer the bell and closed the game on a 12-6 run to pull away for the 11-point win.

Sophomore guard Blaise Porter added 16 points for the Tigers, while Kade Benjamin chipped in with 14.

Devin Swanson was also in double figures for New London, as the Tigers only had four players score.

Josh Smith paced Notre Dame with 13 points, he being one of seven seniors the Nikes will lose to graduation.

Notre Dame finishes their season with a record of 14-7.

New London improved to 18-4.

The district final against Springville will be played at a site yet to be determined.

You’ll able to listen on FM 105.5.

Tip is set for 7:00 p.m.

Other finals from last night:

Springville 56, Danville 51

Danville held a three-point lead over the top-seed Orioles in the fourth quarter, but Springville rallied for a 20-12 fourth quarter run defeating Danville 56-51 last night in a Class 1A, District 8 semifinal.

No. 8 (1A) Springville got 18 points from Alex Koppes to complete the comeback, as they improved to 22-2.

Caiden Gourley led Danville with 18, as well, as the Bears closed their season with a record of 13-8.

West Burlington 78, Central Lee 61

  • The Falcons advance to the Class 2A, District 10 finals.

Pekin 57, Mediapolis 36

  • Pekin will take on West Burlington in the Class 2A, District 10 finals on Tuesday.

Wapello 71, Cal-Wheatland 38

  • Wapello improved to 16-3 as they advance to the Class 1A, District 7 finals where they will meet up with undefeated Easton Valley.

Girls’ Basketball: W-MU, ND Set for Clash of the Titans:

Powers will collide tonight in Winfield, when the No. 9 (1A) Lady Wolves (18-0) meet up with No. 10 Notre Dame (18-1) in a Class 1A, Region 5 semifinal at Winfield-Mount Union High School.

The Lady Wolves are coming off a decisive 55-31 win on Tuesday night over Calamus-Wheatland, while Notre Dame cruised by WACO 72-30.

Junior Megan Harrell leads Notre Dame with 15.5 points per game, while connecting on north of 48% of her field goals.

Karli Artman and Katy Stephens are both in double figures for the Nikes, while Stephens leads Notre Dame with 7.3 rebounds per game.

Winfield-Mount Union is led by sophomore Bradie Buffington and her 9.1 points per game. Farrah Nelson scores 8.5 per game, while Kyndal Townsley sits at 7.4 points per night.

The balanced attack is the strength of the Wolves.

Notre Dame has won four of the last five tilts between the clubs, including a 71-25 win last year in the postseason.

Tonight’s game will tip at 7:00 p.m.

You can listen on FM 105.5.

John Kuhens and Kent Bennett will have the action.

Live: 2021 Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships Day 1

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Des Moines — Follow along here for updates from throughout Day 1 of the Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships.

Here’s a look at first round results and updates:

1A:

120 – Marcel Lopez (New London) wins via tech. fall (20-4) over Kaden Abbas (AGWSR). Lopez to the second round Friday.

132 – Quinten Aney (Mediapolis) wins via decision (11-4) over Cael Bridgewater (North Linn). Aney will wrestle next on Friday in the second round.

145 – Dominic Lopez (New London) wins via tech. fall (18-2) over Treynor’s Duncan Clark. Lopez to the second round Friday morning.

152 – Josh Glendening (New London) wins via decision (6-4) over Brett Peterson (Lake Mills). Glendening advances to Friday morning’s second round.

170 – Boden Pickle (New London) loses via fall to Don Bosco’s Cade Tenold.

  • Pickle loses via fall to Central Springs’ Kaden Jacobson in his consolation matchup. Pickle sees his tournament come to a close.

195 – Currey Jacobs (New London) loses via fall (5:49) to Ronan Poynton (Regina).

  • Jacobs wins via fall over Cade Striegle (Sigourney-Keota) in the first round consolations. Jacobs keeps his season alive and will wrestle on Friday.

285 – Landon Provino (WACO) loses via fall (0:38) to Chet Buss (North Butler-Clarksville)

  • Provino loses via fall (1:13) to Cody Fox (East Buchanan) in the first round consolations. Provino sees his tournament come to a close.

2A:

113 – Lane Scorpil (Columbus-WMU) wins major dec. (16-5) over Tytan Guerrero (Williamsburg). Scorpil advances to Friday’s second round.

120 – Blaine Frazier (NDWB-Danville) wins via major dec. (8-0) over Jack Showalter (Hampton-Dumont). Frazier will move on to Day 2 on Friday.

145 – Sam West (NDWB-Danville) loses via decision (6-2) to Jackson Rolfs (Decorah). West to the consolation first round.

  • West loses via fall (1:33) to Landon Fenton (Prairie City-Monroe). West sees his season come to a close.

152 – Grifen Molle (NDWB-Danville) wins via tech. fall (16-0) over Joey Potter (Osage). Molle advances to the Elite Eight tomorrow.

160 – River Belger (NDWB-Danville) loses via tech. fall (20-5) to Hayden Taylor (Solon). Belger will wrestle his first round consolation later this evening.

  • Belger wins via decision (4-3) over Hunter Bye (Cresco/Crestwood) to advance to Friday’s second day.

170 – C.J. Walrath (NDWB-Danville) wins via major dec. (9-1) over Garret Paulson (Estherville Lincoln Central). Walrath to the second round on Friday.

285 – Chance Malone (Columbus-WMU) wins via dec. (5-0) over Nick Bronstad (Okoboji). Malone advances to the round of eight tomorrow.

Sports, Thursday, February 18th

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Girls’ Basketball: Mount Pleasant Bows Out in First Round

Andrea Lopreato had 17 points but it was not enough as the Mount Pleasant girls’ basketball team was beaten by Keokuk, 50-39 in a Class 4A Region 4 Quarterfinal at Keokuk High School.

The Chiefs advance to Saturday’s semifinal matchup, where they will meet up with top-seeded North Scott (13-2).

Keokuk had a 34-29 lead into the fourth quarter after Mount Pleasant played tight with the Chiefs for the first three quarters, but used a 16-10 run in the games final stanza to earn the win.

Abby Wolter led Keokuk with a game-high 18 points while Lindsay Campbell added 14.

Emma Huckabone aided Lopreato’s 17 with nine of her own, while Tristian Shull chipped in with six.

The Panthers close their season with a record of 11-10.

Other girls’ finals last night:

  • Fairfield 57, Burlington 38
  • No. 5 (3A) West Burlington 49, Central Lee 38

Boys’ Basketball: New London, Notre Dame Set for Second Round Firecracker

After narrowly advancing in their first round matchups, both Notre Dame and New London have a new lease on life as they head into tonight’s Class 1A District 8 Semifinal at Father Minnett Gymnasium in Burlington.

For the third time this season both Notre Dame and New London will scrap, with both clubs taking a game each.

Consider this the rubber match.

For Notre Dame, a strong second half pushed the Nikes past Winfield-Mount Union for a 57-46 win.

New London, who was facing Lisbon, survived a 24-point performance from Kole Becker and dug out of a late fourth quarter deficit for the 44-40 win.

Tonight the winner will move within two games of the State Tournament and await the winner of top-seeded Springville and Danville.

New London is of course led by terrific sophomore guard Blaise Porter.

Porter had 24 in the team’s win over Lisbon on Monday night and is averaging nearly 23 points per game coupled with five assists and four boards.

Josh Smith leads Notre Dame.

The Nike senior averages 16.8 points and eight rebounds per game.

Tonight’s game will tip at 7:00 p.m. at Father Minnett Gymnasium.

John Kuhens and Kent Bennett will have the call beginning at the top of hour.

Nathan Bloechl will have State Wrestling coverage leading you into tip on FM 105.5.

Other boys’ playoff action tonight:

  • Danville (13-7) at Springville (21-2)
  • Mediapolis (7-13) at Pekin (16-2)
  • Central Lee (7-14) at West Burlington (14-6)

Prep Wrestling: State Wrestling Begins Today!

State Wrestling begins today at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines and FM 105.5 is your home for all the action.

Nathan Bloechl will have live hold-by-hold coverage of all of our area wrestlers competing today.

Here’s a full rundown of opening round matchups for area competitors:

1A:

(120) – Marcel Lopez (New London) vs. Kaden Abbas (AGWSR)

(132) – Quinten Aney (Mediapolis) vs. Cael Bridgewater (North Linn)

(145) – Dominic Lopez (New London) vs. Duncan Clark (Treynor)

(152) – Josh Glendening (New London) vs. Brett Peterson (Lake Mills)

(170) – Boden Pickle (New London) vs. Cade Tenold (Don Bosco)

(195) – Currey Jacobs (New London) vs. Ronan Poynton (Regina)

(285) – Landon Provino (WACO) vs. Chet Buss (North Butler-Clarksville)

2A:

(113) – Lane Scorpil (Columbus-WMU) vs. Tytan Guerrero (Williamsburg)

(120) – Blaine Frazier (NDWB-Danville) vs. Jack Showalter (Hampton-Dumont)

(145) – Sam West (NDWB-Danville) vs. Jackson Rolfs (Decorah)

(152) – Grifen Molle (NDWB-Danville) vs. Joey Potter (Osage)

(160) – River Belger (NDWB-Danville) vs. Hayden Taylor (Solon)

(170) – C.J. Walrath (NDWB-Danville) vs. Garrett Paulson (Estherville Lincoln Central)

(285) – Chance Malone (Columbus-WMU) vs. Nick Bronstad (Okoboji)

3A:

(126) – Owen Kruse (Fort Madison) vs. Thurman Christensen (Waukee)

(138) – Gavin Wiseman (Fort Madison) vs. Dylan Whitt (Cedar Falls)

(160) – Trestin Sales (Burlington) vs. Caelen Shanna (Cedar Rapids Xavier)

(182) – Nolan Simpson (Burlington) vs. McCrae Hagarty (Waverly-Shell Rock)

(285) – Julius Harris (Burlington) vs. Ben Reiland (Waukee)

An Old Friend Returns for the Tournament Trail, Rest of Week Schedule

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

KILJ — With me at the 2021 State Wrestling Tournament, the KILJ Tournament Trail blazes on — and an old friend is being dusted off the top shelf for a return to the play-by-play airwaves.

John Kuhens will join Kent Bennett on the basketball trail while I, Nathan Bloechl, will provide hold-by-play coverage of the 2021 State Wrestling Tounrament from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Here’s a look at the remainder of the week on KILJ-FM:

Wednesday, February 17th: 

7:00 p.m. — Class 4A Girls’ First Round Tournament Basketball, Mount Pleasant at Keokuk (John Kuhens, Kent Bennett)

Thursday, February 18th: 

9:00 a.m. — Class 1A First Round State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

6:00 p.m. — Class 2A First Round State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

7:00 p.m. — Class 1A Boys’ Second Round Tournament Basketball, New London at Notre Dame (John Kuhens, Kent Bennett)

9:00 p.m. — Class 2A First Round State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

Friday, February 19th: 

9:00 a.m. — Class 1A Quarterfinal State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

2:30 p.m. — Class 2A Quarterfinal and Class 1A Semifinal State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

7:00 p.m. — Class 1A Girls’ Third Round Tournament Basketball, Notre Dame at Winfield-Mount Union (John Kuhens, Kent Bennett)

9:00 p.m. — Class 2A Semifinal State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

Saturday, February 20th: 

10:00 a.m. — Class 1A, 2A Consolation Semifinals and Finals State Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

6:00 p.m. — Class 1A and 2A State Championship Wrestling (Nathan Bloechl)

Make sure to follow along on our Facebook page here.

 

Girls’ Basketball: Lopreato, Panthers, Ready for Revenge on Keokuk in 4A First Rounder

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

KILJ — The Mount Pleasant girls’ basketball team (11-9)  is set for their playoff opener tonight when Curt Watson’s group heads to Keokuk (10-7) for a Class 4A, Region 4 quarterfinal.

The winner will take on top-seeded North Scott (13-2) Saturday night in the Quad Cities.

The Chiefs swept the season series over Mount Pleasant, earning a 38-37 road win on December 11th, while taking their most recent matchup 49-31 in a game played at Keokuk High School.

Keokuk is led by junior forward Abby Wolter, who averages 20.1 points per game and 7.4 rebounds while shooting over 41% from three point land.

Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant’s terrific sophomore tandem of Andrea Lopreato and Tristian Shull lead the Panthers.

Lopreato is averaging a double-double, pouring in just south of 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Shull is tops in the conference in assists and averages 10 points per night.

Tonight’s game will tip at 7:00 p.m. from Keokuk High School.

You can listen on FM 105.5 with the KILJ Tournament Trail Tip-Off Show beginning at 6:45 p.m.

John Kuhens and Kent Bennett will have the call.

Girls’ Basketball: Van Buren’s Manning Saves Day, Guides Warriors to Semis

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

KILJ — Isabel Manning hit a go-ahead jumper with just over :30 seconds remaining as Van Buren County rallied for a 46-45 win over Louisa-Muscatine last night in a Class 2A quarterfinal.

Manning, who is the state’s top scorer regardless of class, poured in a game-high 30 points to go along with 13 rebounds.

There’s almost no doubt she’s the state’s most valuable player.

Louisa-Muscatine was led by Kylee Sanders’ 20 points.

Van Buren advances to the Class 2A semis, where they will take on Iowa City Regina in Keosauqua.

Regina knocked off Mediapolis 54-49 yesterday evening.

Tip is set for 7:00 p.m.