KINGSPORT — For the fourth consecutive year, the Dobyns-Bennett boys bowling team is state bound.
The Indians whipped Karns in Saturday’s sectional match at Warpath Lanes, winning 25-2.
D-B has lost only once on the season — on the road at Chuckey-Doak — and is looking to improve upon its runner-up showing at last year’s state tournament.
Senior Blake McReynolds had two strong games for the Tribe, knocking down 259 pins in his first match and following with a 246 in the second.
Seth Mullins also had a solid day, putting up scores of 212 and 202.
Alex Nelson put up back-to-back 200-pin games as well, getting 202 and 223. The Tribe also won both Baker games.
"The seniors are McReynolds, Mullins, Nelson and Peyton Keesee," D-B bowling coach Debbie Knott said. "My seniors showed true leadership today and showed up when needed. When we include our underclassmen, Dobyns-Bennett's future looks pretty good right now.
"They also know the prize and they know what they want. I could not be more proud of they and can't wait to get to Smyrna. We had great support today at Warpath Lanes backing up our guys today. I have been blessed with great players, parents, their families and friends who show up for these teams each and every day."
Next week’s state tournament in Smyrna begins Wednesday. Preseason favorite Stewarts Creek was knocked out in the first round of regionals.
The D-B senior class hasn’t lost a district, regional or sectional tournament match. Last year was D-B’s best showing at the state tournament.
Fellow District 1 team Chuckey-Doak will also be at the state tournament after upending Walker Valley on the road 20-7 in another sectional match.
WRESTLING
Ed Cressel Classic
BRISTOL, Va. — First Colonial of Virginia Beach laid claim to the Ed Cressel Classic team title at the Bearcat Den, racking up 195 points to beat runner-up Louisa County by 9.5.
Wise Central edged county rival Union 184.5-167 in the team standings.
Central’s Brayden Owsley took home the 120-pound title with a 6-5 decision over Connor Roark of Louisa County.
Union’s Canaan Spears nabbed the 126 title with a pin of Zachary Rasnake, the Abingdon wrestler's first loss of the season.
Abingdon’s Michael Maxfield took the 144 title with a 9-1 major decision over First Colonial’s Cecil Miller.
In his first action back on the mat, Union senior Thomas Potter reached the finals at 165 but forfeited the title to First Colonial’s Leonard Ashley as a coach’s decision.
Central’s Noah Burnham also made the 190 finals and pulled out before the match started.
In the girls' division, Wise Central’s Kylie Sturgill won the 120 title, and Sullivan East teammates Makayla Roberts (132) and Brynlee Cosby (138) also took gold.
Union’s Kyndal Satterfield fell to Radford’s Margaret Page by pin (2:42) in the 152 title match.
Chris Vandergriff Duals
KNOXVILLE — Dobyns-Bennett made a big showing on Saturday at Knox Halls’ Vandergriff Duals, taking home the team title and upending the defending Class AA champs on their home floor.
D-B’s Garrett Crowder also broke the school record for career pins with 101. The mark had stood for 23 years.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Altavista 83, Wise Central 61
FLOYD — As part of the delayed second day of the annual Chance Harman Classic at Floyd County, Wise Central fell to perennial Class 1 power Altavista.
Ethan Collins had his usual standout day for the Warriors, putting up 22 points, eight rebounds and dishing out six assists, and freshman Londen Horne fired in 21 points.
Jenkins (Ky.) 71, Rye Cove 56
JENKINS, Ky. — Luke Jessee’s 21 points were not enough for Rye Cove to get out of the Bluegrass State with a win.
The Cavaliers outscored the Eagles 24-9 in the second quarter and never looked back.
Carter Roach-Hodge pitched in 10 for Rye Cove.
Thomas Walker 74, Washburn 52
WASHBURN — Nick Kimberlin cut loose for 36 points to lead Thomas Walker to an interstate win. Blake Will chipped in 10 in the win.
West Greene 67, Cherokee 58
ROGERSVILLE — The Buffaloes, led by Conner Campbell’s 14 points, escaped with a hard-fought win.Â
Colton McLain finished with a game-high 20 to lead Cherokee.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
West Greene 50, Cherokee 43
ROGERSVILLE — The Lady Buffaloes outscored Cherokee 18-10 in the fourth quarter to pull out a road victory.
Morgan Brown led West Greene with 14 points, Emily Justis made three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, and Alissa Lawson scored 10.
Ava Morgan hit from deep three times for Cherokee. She and Ariel Ferrell shared team-high honors with 14 points apiece.
Washburn 61, Thomas Walker 42
WASHBURN — Patricia Bigge was the only Lady Pioneers player to net double figures, finishing with 12.
Ebany Hill led Washburn with 26.
Castlewood 48, Council 39
CASTLEWOOD — Charleigh Hall led a strong offensive attack for the Lady Blue Devils, posting 24 points to go along with five rebounds. Ella Rasnake led the Lady Cobras with 15 points in the loss.
