The B-CC Varsity Wrestling team had an eventful week in the playoffs, finishing as the state finals runners-up after competing in five duals over three days.
The Barons started their run on Thursday, February 13, by defeating Montgomery Blair in the regional quarter-finals. The following day, they continued their success by winning against Wise and Eleanor Roosevelt, which earned them the regional championship. On Saturday, they started the day by beating Perry Hall, whose junior wrestler had previously defeated Seth Weaver in the state championship last year to put them in the state championship against Whitman. The Barons lost the dual by a score of 50-29. Seniors Dajorn Smith and Nizhoni Deschene, along with freshman Kanik Deschene, all won their matches by pinning their opponent. Senior Caden Glass secured a victory with a tech fall, and freshman Nick MacWilliams gained six points for B-CC after his opponent forfeited.
The Barons entered the playoff stretch facing a number of injuries among their starting wrestlers. Seniors Zach Cannistra, Michael Mandell and captain Ben Carter missed the dual playoffs and are out for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, brothers Nizhoni and Kanik Deschene both competed while dealing with injuries.
“Losing is not the best of feelings, but it is an opportunity to learn and improve,” Nana Blankson said. “Making it that far was a great improvement from last year so I am proud of us as a team even though we came up short.”
The Barons will compete in the county round of the individual state playoffs this Friday.
