Bainbridge High School wrestlers Tyler and Tre Storey qualified for the state tournament after placing in Sectional over the weekend. Tyler finished fourth in the 170-pound division and Tre advances after finishing sixth in the 195-pound division. The top eight wrestlers in each weight class advance to state.

Overall, six Bearcats participated in Sectionals. Peyton Register, at 126-pounds, was the first Bearcats to take to the mat. He won his first match in only 57 seconds when he pinned his opponent. Register was eliminated after losing his next two matches to wrestlers that qualified for the state tournament.

“The next two rounds for Peyton were much harder,” Head Coach Chad Smith said. “He lost to Robby Earick of Cartersville and Lucas Riberio of Pike County. Both ended up placing at sectionals and both were returning state contenders.”

Sophomore Tristian Manley, at 132-pounds, lost a tough first round match after going all three rounds Lucas Patterson a senior from Gilmer High School who won a state championship at 126-pounds last year. He was eliminated after losing in three rounds in the consolation round to a wrestler from Baldwin High School.

Senior 152-pound wrestler DeAndre Lewis saw his career come to an end as he lost both of his sectional matches.

The final Bearcat to see his season end at sectionals was junior Ryan Adams in the 220-pound weight class. He won his first match in only 27 seconds, but he lost in close matches in the next two rounds losing by one point both times. ‘

“I have no doubt that next years returners Ryan Adams, Peyton Register and Tre Story will return to sectionals and advance to state,” Smith said.

Tyler Storey began his sectionals campaign by pinning his first opponent in a minute and 27 seconds. He then won his second round match on points to set up a rematch with his old nemesis Daniel Wornstaff of Pike County.

“Daniel wrestled Tyler in last years sectionals and then again in the state tournament beating him both times by points,” Smith said. “This go-around Tyler lost on a controversial illegal slam.”

Tyler would come back to defeat Kelton Gibert of Pickens County in the consolation semifinals in only 30 seconds to advance to the consolation finals that decided the third and fourth place finishers. Tyler faced Jake Parker of Gilmer in the consolation finals and lost on points to finish fourth.

“Tyler lost by points in a very close and controversial match with Gilmer receiving points on a alleged illegal slamming and out of bounds take down,” Smith said. “Tyler advances to state in Gwinnett Thursday.”

Tre lost his first round match to Ryan Crump from Gilmer, but responded by defeating his next two opponents to advance to 5-6th place match when he lost to Crump for the second time. He finished sixth in tournament and will join his brother in the state tournament on Thursday.

“I was very impressed by the competition at sectionals this year,” Smith said. “We had some good wins and a few upsets we could have won but all in all I was proud to coach these 6 boys. They grew and gained experience they couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Tyler will open the state tournament against Ty Knight who finished sixth last year. If he wins he could set up a rematch with Wornstaff from Pike County. Tre will face Jack Ness from Buford who placed fourth at 180-pounds last year.