SUNSET REGION: Centennial’s Karst wins heavyweight battle, Spartans take title

Most of the gymnasium at Centennial had cleared out by the time the heavyweights took the mat Saturday night at the Sunset Region wrestling tournament.

Those who stayed were treated to a potential preview of the state final.

Centennial’s Jordan Karst scored two late takedowns and knocked off Austin Sinyard of Cimarron-Memorial 5-1 in the latest chapter of their long-running rivalry. Sinyard, the two-time defending region champion, was the runner-up at state a year ago. Karst finished third at state in 2012.

“This is huge,” Karst said before sprinting off to the award ceremony. “He’s really strong, and he’s good in the tie-up. Strategically, this was one of my best matches.”

Karst (51-3) and Sinyard (49-6) were scoreless after the first two periods, but Karst started the third period in the bottom position and scored a quick escape. He then took down Sinyard twice in the final 30 seconds to secure the win.

“They’re probably the two best heavyweights in the state,” Cimarron coach Mike Garcia said. “(Karst) has beaten us three times this year. They’ve always had great matches.”

Even with Sinyard’s second-place finish, the Spartans scored 193½ points to clinch their second region title in three years. Shadow Ridge was second with 176 points, with Centennial (173½) and Arbor View (170) close behind.

The top three finishers in each weight class advance to the Division I state tournament, which starts Friday at Reno’s Livestock Events Center.

Seven of the top seeds were eliminated in the semifinal round. Cimarron, which led after the first day, put six wrestlers in the finals and had two champions.

Omeed Chamanazad (106 pounds) rode a first-period takedown to a 3-1 win over Michael Salinas of Legacy, while Arram Price beat top-seeded William Bigelow II of Palo Verde 5-1 at 145 pounds.

“I’m real proud of the kids,” Garcia said. “Every single kid we brought scored, and that’s what it’s all about. They all did their job and contributed to the team.”

Shadow Ridge also had two champions as Dustin VanRiel dominated Robby Cobler of Centennial 18-3 at 132 pounds, and John Scarpati used a third-period takedown to beat Palo Verde’s Kayden Pierson 7-4 at 152 pounds.

“We came here not expecting to bring seven with us to state,” Mustangs coach Gus Gledhill said. “We had a lot of kids come back on the back end to finish third, and that’s what did it for us.”

Arbor View produced three champions: Tyler Ramos (113), John Vigil (120) and Matthew King (182).

King was involved in the match of the day, gaining control after a prolonged scramble to pin Hunter Brown of Centennial with 1.6 seconds left.

Palo Verde’s Kyle Leet successfully defended his title at 138 pounds, topping London Thomas of Cimarron. Leet scored a takedown and three-point near fall late in the second period, and stuffed several late shots to notch a 7-2 victory.

“He took a bad shot and I capitalized off it,” said Leet, the defending state champion. “Last year it was more I need to do it for my team so we could win the title. This year it’s about keeping it going. I don’t want last year to seem like a fluke.”