North DeSoto, Evangel, Airline, Parkway win LHSAA wrestling championships
Airline’s Ernie Perry III became the first North Louisiana wrestler to win four LHSAA state titles and North DeSoto’s Dalton Compton became the first freshman in school history to win a state title.
But those were just two of the storylines that appeared Saturday night in the 2023 LHSAA state wrestling championships in Bossier City’s Brookshire Arena. There was plenty of bloodshed on the mats during the centerstage of the two-day affair.
Even Perry (126 pounds), who won state titles at four different weights during his storied career, had a timeout due to a bloodied nose.
“I’m super excited to make history and represent Airline High School,” said Perry, who will wrestle next year for Cornell. “I hope this inspires other people to come out and participate in the sport of wrestling.”
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And then there were longtime friends Isaac Dees of Caddo Magnet versus North DeSoto’s Lake Bates battling in the 160-pound class, the only match of the night with two Shreveport-area competitors facing off. Bates won a 5-3 decision, the second of the night for the Griffins, and the two friends shook hands as they left the mat.
Compton wasn’t expected to win after losing twice this season to Teurlings’ Brandt Babineaux. But the youngster was in control from the outset and won 3-1 in an extra session.
“I’m not believing this. I just went out there with nothing to lose,” Compton said.
Evangel’s 126-pound wrestler Michael Brame II became the first area wrestler of the night to win when he picked up Archbishop Shaw’s Hayden Tassin and slammed him to the ground. It took several moments for Tassin to regain his breath, but Brame walked off a winner.
The Eagles also managed a state title from Michael Gilreath at 160 pounds when he dominated Jerome Bridges of John Curtis, winning by fall. Parkway’s only wrestler in the finals, senior Kristofer Mesloh, won an 11-7 decision over Teurlings’ Kendra James at 220 pounds.
“It just feels amazing,” said Mesloh, who will play football for Centenary this fall. “I’ve been waiting four years for this.”
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
2023 LHSAA Wrestling Championships finalists
Division I finalist
Ernie Perry (126), Airline – won
Division II semifinalists
Jacob Kershaw (106), North DeSoto – runner-up
Collin Bell (132), North DeSoto – runner-up
Dalton Compton (145), North DeSoto – won
Lake Bates (160), North DeSoto – won
Isaac Dees, (160) Caddo Magnet – runner-up
Hunter Addison (170), North DeSoto – runner-up
Caden Robison (182), North DeSoto – runner-up
Kristofer Mesloh (220), Parkway – won
Dom Smith (285), North DeSoto—runner up
Division III Finalists
Michael Brame II (126) Evangel – won
Joseph Gilreath (132), Evangel – runner-up
Jamir Wilson (152), Evangel – runner-up
Michael Gilreath (160), Evangel – won
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA wrestling: Ernie Perry III wins fourth state title to lead area
