POLSON – Butte Central scored 17 points and sent one wrestler into the boys’ semfinals Friday, the first day of the Western A Divisional high school wrestling tournament.
Columbia Falls took the team lead in the tourney that continues on Saturday and qualifies the top eight place-winners in each weight class for the state Class A tournament next weekend at The Metra in Billings.
The Wildcats had 138 ½ points for a seven-point lead over Frenchtown. Ronan was third with 120.
James Holmes of Butte Central wrestled his way into the semifinals at 132 pounds with a pin and a major decision on Friday. He pinned Tucker Crowe of Dillon in 5 minutes, 27 seconds and then scored a 12-4 major decision over Seth Allen of Corvallis. Holmes will meet Jesse Anson of Hamilton in the semifinals.
Two 103-pounders for the Maroons – Connor Holmes and Jack Holmes – all brothers, and sons of BC assistant coach Andrew Holmes, remained in contention. Connor Holmes drew two byes Friday while his twin brother posted pins over Colton Morgan of Hamilton and Chase Davis of Corvallis before incurring a loss in the quarterfinals.
Butte Central 114-pounder Aaliyah Northey wrestled one bout in the girls’ competition Friday, got caught in a pin and will continue Saturday in the consolation bracket.

compiled by Bruce Sayler for buttesports.com