North Central defeats CV for 2nd Place GSL Finish

A strategic decision paid dividends late in the Greater Spokane League wrestling showdown when once-beaten North Central traveled to unbeaten Central Valley Thursday night.

But one early win in particular proved huge as NC’s Indians share second place with the Bears (both 7-1) following their 35-29 victory.

Junior Jace Clary, on his back for nearly the entire second period of his 145-pound contest with Jake Hollenbeck – the night’s second contest – forced a tie with fewer than 30 seconds left in the third round and won by pin in overtime to get NC going.

“That was a huge point swing,” NC coach Luke Leifer said.

It was part of the Indians’ decisive six wins in seven matches – between 145 and 285 – for a 26-10 lead that proved difficult for CV to overcome.

“This was our most important match of the year,” Clary said. “All the coaches said we needed to come out with our ‘A’ game.”

Clary said his favorite takedown move, a heel pick that forces opponents to their back, works best late when a wrestler is tired and on their heels. It gave him an earlier OT win over a two-time state champion and in this pivotal match against the Bears.

Clary’s victory was followed by another key win, by transfer Jeremiah Yates in his second varsity appearance. He scored four late points for the 12-5 victory at 152.

Both wins were part of a pattern. As matches progressed, NC became stronger at the end.

“That’s what we’re trying to push in the practice room,” Leifer said. “We’re perfecting what we’re good at and outworking everybody.”

The decision to bump Jared Berlinger up to 125 – and hope that CV’s Jarod Maynes would follow for another meeting of state placers – also made a huge difference. Although Maynes rallied for a 3-2 win on a takedown with 41 seconds remaining, it created opportunity at 119 for NC’s Ryan Allison.

Allison responded with a 7-4 upset of GSL unbeaten Logan Ames that shocked Leifer.

“I was attacking a lot more,” Allison said. “When I attack, I’m better off.”